Just two days left in February.

On Wednesday, we welcome in March and all it brings. Promises of green, spring, and the anticipation of a new season. Who’s ready? I’m definitely ready. Time to lighten up and move forward from the dark winter. (I’d say cold, dark winter but really we’ve had such a weird one that it’s hardly been cold or dark really.) 

However, for today, let’s just stick with planning the week ahead. Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for the fabulous link up.

The Weather

Yesterday was cloudy and misty, just a blah sleepy day. Today is kind of the same except it’s windy. We’re under a wind advisory until noon though I don’t think it’s that windy out there. We had some storms overnight so everything is still wet outside. It’s 51 which is pretty warm but doesn’t feel like it with the wind. I probably should’ve worn a coat to the store.

It’s supposed to be in the 60’s most of the week before going back to the mid 40’s on Thursday and Friday. I see a slight chance of rain/snow on Thursday when the cold front moves through. Does that mean March is coming in like a lamb or a lion? Hmmm….

As I Look Outside My Window

Cloudy skies, birds at the bird feeders.

Right Now

I’ve just returned from the grocery store and sat down to work on this post.

Thinking And Pondering

Quite a bit, some school changes for J. They’re for the better and mean he’ll graduate (thank you, God!) but it’s yet another transition. New things I want to do personally in March. Mainly some lifestyle changes I want to make. Time to get back in shape or at least be healthier.

On My Bedside Table

The usual, lamp and phone charger. It does hold my glasses and phone at night. Here’s something that is currently beside it by the window. My amaryllis about to bloom! This plant/flower is three years old.  Look how big it’s become.

And yes, it started as just one of those bulbs you pick up at the garden centers around Christmas.

It goes outside every summer. And I’ve actually divided it twice though I’ve yet to see blooms from those plants.

On My TV Tonight

Probably not much. Today, I’ll watch a Dr. Who episode but probably not much else unless I decide to fold a bunch of laundry. Then, I’ll watch some episodes of You. 

Listening To

I can hear G moving around upstairs getting ready to go to class. Otherwise, it’s quiet in here.

On The Lunch Plate

Currently leaning toward a grilled hummus sandwich and chips

On The Dinner Plate

Korean Meatballs, rice, maybe green onion pancakes if I get ambitious.

On The Menu For This Week

MONDAY: Korean Meatballs, Green Onion Pancakes maybe *J has a lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Taco Salads

WEDNESDAY: Chicken and spinach skillet dinner

THURSDAY: Hawaiian BBQ pork sandwiches, french fries

FRIDAY: Maybe waffles? Peanut butter pancakes?

SAT/SUN: OUT on Saturday, Roast in the Crock Pot on Sunday

On My Reading Pile

Over the weekend, I couldn’t put down a book called The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides. I did have some suspicions about how it would turn out and disliked the ambiguous ending a bit but overall, pretty intriguing. The other book I read last week was called The Personal Assistant by Kimberly Belle. I enjoyed it enough to check out another book by the same author called My Darling Husband to read this week.

I’m also finally reading through My Hygge Home by Meik Wiking. It’s a “real” library book so I’m enjoying the pictures as much as the text. Thinking I’m going to need my own personal copy of it.

On My To Do List

1. Grocery store *DONE*
2. Target for cat food
3. Clean the house
4. Laundry
5. Sort out one shelf each in pantry/upstairs freezer
6. Figure out J’s new school plan, it’s at a different school and I’m not sure of the times

Plans This Week

*whispers* This seems to be a slower week so no big plans. Maybe I’ll start some seeds as I didn’t do it over the weekend. We do have our once a month dinner/game night with friends on Saturday.

What I’m Creating

I shared this last week but look I did a diamond painting project! I’ll be looking for more of these in the future.

Simple Pleasure

Soft, warm blankets on cold, cloudy days.

Looking Around The House

Looks like a Monday after we were home all weekend.

From The Camera

More plants and flowers, of course.

Quote For The Week

Be a goldfish (Ted Lasso)

Explanation for those of you not familiar with the show:

**************

Day 57/365

Happy Monday! It’s almost Spring, 27 days away according the my Farmer’s Almanac daily email.

The countdown is upon us. Winter is starting to pack his bags. Although I’m not so naive as to think he might not do some last minute sightseeing.

It’s also a holiday around here (President’s Day) so a bit of a later start today. Time to plan this shorter week with Sandra and her link up over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather 

It’s a beautiful sunny day. Currently 58 degrees. It’s supposed to hit the 60’s a couple of times this week. Also, rain on Wednesday. And cold for the end of the week. Then, we yo-yo back up to the 50’s for Saturday and Sunday.

As I Look Outside My Window

Sunny blue skies, saw this bird (I think it’s a hawk of some sort though at first, I debated if it was an owl) across the street early this morning. 

Right Now

I just got back from dropping off some donations. We went through a tub this morning. Or rather I did, an emotional one of things from my parents’ home. Kept very little of it. Time to let it go.

Thinking And Pondering 

Quite a few things. Main thing on my mind is the meeting I have on Wednesday with J’s school counselor. Hoping and praying it goes well.

On My Bedside Table

Nothing but the lamp and phone charger but here’s a glimpse of my dresser. I don’t do as well at keeping it cleared of stuff. (Clothes, coupon book from store, framed photos that do belong there)

On My TV Tonight

Nothing tonight but I might watch an episode or 2 of the second season of You later today.

Listening To

I can hear G playing some online video game with his friends.

On The Lunch Plate

Nothing, wasn’t really hungry

On The Dinner Plate

Probably rotisserie chicken and salad.

On The Menu For This Week

I had this all worked out in my head at the store and now I’m drawing a blank!

MONDAY: Rotisserie chicken, asparagus, and  salad *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: It’s pancake Tuesday so what else would we have? Pancakes! Probably with either bacon or sausage as well.

WEDNESDAY: Chicken sausage, broccoli, and orzo skillet*I have a meeting with J’s high school counselor at 8:30*

THURSDAY: Steak sandwiches (stuff I bought at store, we’ll see…), potatoes

FRIDAY: Taco salads

On My Reading Pile

I’m between books but I’ll find one by tonight to read during J’s lesson. I did finally finish Kurashi at Home by Marie Kondo.  Enjoyed it enough I’m pondering buying my own copy, it’s a pretty book.

Might look for another one from Loreth Anne White for tonight. Read The Patient’s Secret last week and it was pretty good.

On My To Do List 

1. Grocery store *DONE*
2. Drop off donations at thrift store *DONE*
3. Spend some time outside
4. Finish paying bills
5. Get bird seed at Menards
6. Take back embarrassingly late library book (on Tuesday)

Plans This Week

Not sure, meeting at the high school, give the house a bit more of a cleaning, work outside on the nicer days clearing off the porch.

What I’m Creating

Really need to get started on that diamond art kit.

Simple Pleasure

Sunshine!

Looking Around The House

I did clean a bit over the weekend but it’s kind of hard to tell. Need to do it again. Trying to make our tiny entry area more welcoming. Time to lighten things up for spring as well.

From The Camera

Mostly took pictures of my flowers this week.

Quote For The Week

I stumbled across this a couple of weeks back and I keep thinking on it. Seems a pretty powerful sentiment:

Let go or be dragged. (Zen Proverb)

*****************

Day 50/365

CHIEFS!!!!!

You knew I had to do that, right? And it was a good game as well.

Okay, now it’s time to quickly join in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for the Happy Homemaker Monday link up. I’ve only got about 35 minutes before I need to leave for work so this is going to be a quick one. (Let me apologize in advance for the lack of pictures in this post.)

The Weather

Nice today, highs in the upper 50’s. WooHoo, preschool kids get to go OUTSIDE. Rain all day tomorrow. High 40’s for Chiefs Victory parade day and then, I think it turns a bit cooler for the rest of the week.

As I Look Outside My Window

Blue skies and sunshine, going to be a beautiful day.

Right Now

This post, then work, followed by J’s baritone lesson. Grocery store afterward.

Thinking And Pondering

J’s still struggling a bit with getting to school and I’m at the point where I’m just done. I know that sounds awful but I’m so tired of not knowing every morning what’s going to happen. And it just seems like every time I get my hopes up that things are going better, we have a slip. Can I please cut in line to have my breakdown now?

On My Bedside Table

Just the lamp and a phone charger but you don’t want to see my dresser!

On My TV

Chiefs coverage mostly. Earlier yesterday, I did watch the first episode of You. I’m hooked.

Listening To

I started the dishwasher before running down here so I can hear it running upstairs.

On The Lunch Plate

No idea what’s for lunch at work but I’m taking a PBJ with me today.

On The Dinner Plate

I need to go to the store and I work until 5. They’re going to have to fend for themselves. Honestly, I’m thinking about getting an “87” concrete (special ice cream flavor from a local place) and calling it dinner

On The Menu This Week

This category is such a mess after we’ve been eating out so much and all having different things.

MONDAY: On Their Own *I work 8:30-5* *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Maybe roast in the crockpot? *I work 8:30-4:15* OH, I just remembered it’s Valentine’s Day. Maybe OUT. Chocolate pie for dessert. I don’t know.

WEDNESDAY: Roast in the crockpot? *I might work 8:30-5 depending on whether or not school closes for the Chiefs parade, I imagine I’ll be working*

THURSDAY: A day to breathe! Maybe pepper steak that I keep putting on the menu and then, not making.

FRIDAY: No school for J (officially)…maybe spicy potato soup and homemade bread?

All of the above is subject to change and probably will change.

On My Reading Pile

Between books again. Probably going to share about a couple I read in a different post. Yesterday I finished up All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers. It was ok, not the best. Of course, in fairness, the two books I read prior were excellent so it made the mediocracy a bit more apparent.

On My To Do List

1. Work
2. Figure out Valentine’s Day
3. Grocery Store
4. Probably other stuff

Plans This Week

Work, Valentine’s Day, Watch the Chiefs parade if I’m home, maybe relax at some point?

Simple Pleasure

Hanging out with friends

Looking Around The House

Looks like we had a Super Bowl party here instead of going to one.

From The Camera

Hoping I do better with this category next week. Here’s a phone pic I snapped this morning of my holiday cactus. Looks like more blooms in the future!

On My Prayer List

Friends, family, strangers. The people of Turkey and Syria.

Thought For The Week

I’m not even going to apologize for this one 😉

*****************

day 43/365

Happy Monday! Pretty typical type Monday start over here. Woke up to find out we were out of milk. Ahh! My coffee without milk? Ugh. Tried it with some whipped cream and then some coffee ice cream but neither was really doing it for me. Sometimes I just want my regular coffee especially on a Monday.

However, I ran to the store right after dropping J at school. And now I feel much better thanks to my “regular” caramel macchiato from Starbucks. And a croissant for breakfast.

Time to join in with Sandra for Happy Homemaker Monday. Let’s just get right to the categories.

The Weather

Right now it’s beautiful, almost 50 degrees and partly cloudy. A bit blustery, glad I grabbed a light jacket to wear to the store. I did hear rumblings of a cold front moving into the area tonight or maybe tomorrow. I know it’s supposed to get chilly and rain on Wednesday. And maybe again on Friday. I see temps in the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s listed throughout this week.

As I Look Outside My Window

I saw a cardinal on the regular bird feeder and several sparrows protesting still. Who knew they were such foodies? Changed back to safflower seed and added a new bird feeder. They apparently don’t like it. That’s a good thing. The sparrows were emptying my feeders on a daily basis and I couldn’t keep up (too expensive). Now maybe my favorite little chickadees and cardinals might get to eat again. 

Right Now

Working on this post while enjoying the coffee swirling through my system.

Thinking And Pondering  

Nothing too serious at the moment, the timing of some baking I need to do this week (husband’s birthday on Wednesday), what plans to make (or not make) for the Super bowl.

On My Bedside Table

I keep it clear but should I confess my dresser is always a mess? And currently covered with sweaters that don’t quite fit in the drawers at the moment? Need to get that cleaned off soon.

On My TV Today

Local morning news earlier, not sure maybe my weekly episode of Dr. Who unless I save that until tomorrow. Mondays aren’t big tv days for me.

Listening To

The wind blowing outside, another noise I can’t quite identify..someone outside doing some sort of work. This morning I heard the call of an owl in the backyard.

On The Lunch Plate

Not sure yet. Perhaps scrambled eggs?

On The Dinner Plate

Leaning toward a very basic dinner of ham steaks and fried potatoes

On The Menu This Week

This is an oddly busy week where we’re going in different directions that makes menu planning a bit of a challenge.

MONDAY: ham steaks, fried potatoes, something green (maybe salads or some fruit) *I work 2-3:45ish* *J has a lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Out for me, Out for G, husband and J on their own. I might make some taco meat during the day so they can just have tacos.

WEDNESDAY: OUT to a local steakhouse for husband’s birthday.

THURSDAY: Something in the crock pot, either a crock pot version of chicken and noodles or maybe white chicken chili *I work 12-6*

FRIDAY: Pizza, maybe, frozen, homemade, or out. *I work 8:30-5*

On My Reading Pile

Over the weekend, I read my Amazon First Reads choice of The Maid’s Diary by Loreth Anne White. Very well-written and intriguing. Always appreciate a mystery that I haven’t predicted 50% into the book. This one kept me guessing right up to the end. Plan to look for more books by the author.

Oh, and somewhere in there I read a memoir by Katy Tur called Rough Draft. It was okay, I didn’t really know who she was as we don’t have cable. Appreciated the insight into the world of journalism/tv. Her difficult relationship with her father/parents was compelling. Ended up skimming some of her recounting of covering the former president though.

Now, I’ve started on one of my library books that came up off my hold list: I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy. So far, this one is heartbreaking.

On My To Do List

1. The usual (bills, laundry, clean the house)
2. Get birthday presents for my husband’s birthday
3. Invite brother-in-law/sister-in-law to have dinner and cake with us for husband’s birthday
4. Bake cookies/cake for Galentine’s dinner/husbands birthday (not sure how these two things ended up back to back, sigh)
5. Give entry way a GOOD cleaning (and remove season’s greeting mat from under new mat)
6. Finish/renew physical library books about home stuff

Plans For This Week

Work, Dinner out with friends on Tuesday evening, Dinner out with family to celebrate husband’s birthday on Wednesday evening, Watch the Super Bowl (Go Chiefs!)

What I Am Creating

Haven’t yet started my diamond art kit. This week I’ll be creating chocolate chip cookies and homemade chocolate cake with white frosting.

My Simple Pleasure

Turning the calendar page over to a new month

Looking Around The House

I should be able to get it in decent shape by Wednesday. It’s really not even too bad this morning.

From The Camera

The full “snow” moon last night

Quote For The Week

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. (Exodus 14:14)

P.S.

I know the headings in red are super bright, I can see it. However, I can’t change it until the Chiefs win the Super Bowl. Not that I’m superstitious or anything….

*************

day 37/365

This is either going to be the quick edition or the all day edition (more likely). I have about 2o minutes until I leave for work so trying to get this post done in that time.

Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom. Go check out the fun link up! And join in, it’s such an encouraging way to start the week.

The Weather  

Not sure what happened but it actually seems like winter lately. 25 and cloudy right now, chance of snow Wednesday. Supposed to be in the 30s to low 40’s most of the week with one cold day right after the day they call for snow. We’re getting to enjoy the pretty snow but mostly not worry about the roads. I’ll take it.

As I Look Outside My Window

It’s cloudy. Saw a few birds at the bird feeders out the back door.

Right Now

I’m seeing how far I can get on this post before my “go to work” timer rings.

Thinking And Pondering

Monday’s off to a pretty good start here so I’m hoping it’s the sign of a good week. And that the week doesn’t slide downhill from here. Optimistic this morning, huh?

On My Bedside Table

This morning I actually have the TV remote and a hair tie on it.

On My TV Tonight

Probably nothing for me, too much to do tonight. Tomorrow I’ll finish watching Wednesday and see what else. And of course, I watched football over the weekend. How ’bout those Chiefs!!!???

Listening To

The dryer and a minute ago, the heating unit but it stopped.

On The Lunch Plate

No idea, I lost my lunch calendar from preschool. They seldom follow it anymore (annoyance on my part). However, I’m taking a Luna bar and an apple so I’m good.

On The Dinner Plate

Freezer frenzy night! And grocery store chicken

On The Menu For This Week

MONDAY: grocery store chicken, brisket, who knows what other odds and ends from freezer *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30* *I work 8:15-4:30*

TUESDAY: Spaghetti, breadsticks, maybe salad

WEDNESDAY: Not sure, maybe chicken chili? Or maybe just chicken strips?

THURSDAY: Roast in the crock pot

FRIDAY: Ribs in the crock pot, corn

On My Reading Pile

Finished Us Against You (finally, it’s well-written and I know I’d have enjoyed it more if I read the books in order). Also read a quick one, Five Winters by Kitty Wilson. A bit predictable but I still enjoyed it. And I’ve just started one of my library holds that came up, Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. I’m not far enough into it to have an opinion.

On My To Do List

1. Grocery Store (DONE yesterday)
2. Clean up house a bit
3. Laundry (ALWAYS)
4. Pay bills
5. ??Something else but I can’t remember
6. All the other stuff I can’t think of right now

Plans For This Week

Other than working today, I have no plans and I can’t say I’m sad about it.

What I Am Sewing, Knitting, or Creating  

A cozy home I hope

My Simple Pleasure

Watching the birds at the feeders (and yelling at the squirrels?)

****This is where my timer went off****

Looking Around The House

Looks like we were home all weekend and I worked all day today.

From The Camera

Prayer List

Friends, family, strangers. Neighbor to stay healthy. My boss and her husband to be able to go home from the hospital soon. Some sick preschool kids and teachers. J’s last semester of school to go well. A peaceful and healthy year for all.

Quote For The Week

Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do… but how much love we put in that action. (Mother Teresa)

************

day 23/365

Happy Monday! MLK= Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

It’s a federal holiday here. Banks, post offices closed, kids off school. However, my husband still went to work. Grocery store is still open, thankful for that one.

Still have to plan the week ahead. Joining in with always with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom. (Always glad for this link up but especially now as it’s at least one day I don’t have to think about what I’m going to post during the Blog 365 challenge).

The Weather

I went to the grocery store this morning without wearing a coat in January. Pretty unusual for here. It’s currently 58 degrees and sunny. Though I should confess, it’s very windy and I probably should’ve taken a jacket this morning. However, how often can you go coat free and in January?! Soaking it in and trying not to think what this might mean for February, usually our harshest winter month.

This week: stays nice for the rest of today and tomorrow. Back to normal with some rain on Wednesday and high temperatures back in the upper 30’s/low 40’s. (And looking ahead, I see snowflakes predicted for next Tuesday but who knows).

As I Look Outside My Window

Blue skies and sunshine!!

Right Now I Am

Working on this post, listening to the washer and dryer (wouldn’t be Monday if I wasn’t!), and breathing a sigh of relief that our elderly neighbor is okay. He’s been falling as he goes to his vehicle and is supposed to trigger his auto alarm if he does. It went off this morning. However, he wasn’t outside so I had to go to the door to make sure he hadn’t fallen indoors. Thankfully, I think the wind probably triggered it and he’s fine.

Thinking And Pondering

Well, I had something I was thinking about earlier. However, with all the excitement of the auto alarm, I can’t remember what thoughts were in my head.

On My Bedside Table

Lamp, phone charger. This category might get a bit boring. Maybe I’ll have to share what’s on my husband’s bedside table: two kinds of hand cream (from his Christmas stocking), the tv remotes  (one’s the firestick), his tablet, multiple receipts to who only knows what, a lamp, earbuds case,…you get the idea. Funny thing is that I’m typically the messy one.

On My TV Tonight

Probably not much tonight. Later, I’m going to watch the last episode of The Chosen, season 2, and another David Tennant Doctor Who episode while folding laundry. Might watch the last of the playoff games later, doesn’t matter to us who wins tonight though. Wasn’t too happy with the outcomes of yesterday’s games.

Listening To

Guess I already covered this. More specific: the spin cycle of the washer along with the dryer.

On The Lunch Plate

I struggle with lunch. Not sure. Maybe Mac and cheese?

On The Dinner Plate

Tonight’s plan is for grilled pork chops and baked potatoes, maybe salad as well.

On The Menu This Week

Nothing overly exciting but I am planning on us ordering “million dollar” Chinese food on Saturday in honor of the Chinese New Year. (I just call our favorite restaurant that as if we all get exactly what we want it gets pricey. We don’t order it too often though).

MONDAY: grilled pork chops, baked potatoes, salad *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: grilled marinated chicken (just marinating in balsamic vinegar/Italian dressing and doing today), pasta, fresh green beans sauteed in butter *I work 8-4:30*

WEDNESDAY: spicy potato soup

THURSDAY: Maybe leftovers? I’m struggling with this day for some reason.

FRIDAY: Homemade pizza perhaps.

SATURDAY: Take-out Chinese food. I’ll likely get General’s chicken, G will get sesame chicken, my husband gets moo goo gai pan, and J likes just vegetable lo mein with chicken on a stick. Egg rolls, and maybe my favorite a crab rangoon or two (G likes these as well). Very different tastes for all of us.

On My Reading Pile

Struggling my way through Us Against You by Fredrik Backman. I usually love his writing and his books. This one is just hard to read because I’m reading it out of order. It’s the second book in a series and I have already read the first and last ones. Read the last one (The Winners) by mistake before realizing there was another book. First book is Beartown for anyone interested. Good series but intense.

A bit more excited my “real” book hold of Meik Wikig’s My Hygge Home: How to Make Home Your Happy Place is ready at the library. Can’t get it today though, closed for the holiday.

On My To Do List

1. Grocery store *DONE*
2. Laundry *in progress*
3. Go get library book
4. Pay a few bills
5. Sort out our linen closet (It’s at an avalanche level)
6. Call/text a few friends
7. Other stuff I can’t remember at the moment

Plans For The Week

Work tomorrow, go to the library, maybe take blankets back to Kohls, try to get the house somewhat clean for Chinese New Year (I think of it as my 2nd chance New Year since I never seem to manage to get the house clean the first time)

What I Am Sewing, Knitting, Or Creating

I’m going to need to be more intentional with this category. Currently, nothing.

My Simple Pleasure

I know many see it as a chore but I love going to the grocery store. Especially if I can go in the mornings when it’s not too busy. If I lived somewhere where walking to the market was a thing, I’d be so happy. However, here, I drive to Hy-vee and look at all the things inside as I pick up items on (and usually also not on) my list. Look longingly at the floral area as I leave (I have enough plants) and once a week, stop at the Starbucks inside for a coffee and sometimes a small treat (chocolate croissant today).

Lesson Learned The Past Week

Perhaps that I need to pay better attention. I’m sure I learned a few things last week. Don’t want to think I’m getting dumber each week though that is a possibility.

Looking Around The House

Pretend the rest of the house looks as nice as my bedside table. (Spoiler: It does not.)

From The Camera

Thought I was going to catch a good sunrise but the early morning clouds were just as nice (missed the sunrise)

And just for fun, playing with a filter on the “wild” cat who got in the way of the camera.

On My Prayer List

Next door neighbor, he’s elderly, recently lost his wife and is now falling a lot, his daughter who lives closest has her hands full with her own family and is encouraging him to move to assisted living, for J’s last semester of high school to go well, new and old blogging friends who’ve endured hard losses in their families last week, friends, family, and strangers. Peace in the world. Less judgement and more understanding in hardened hearts.

Quote For The Week

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. (Martin Luther King, Jr. )

**********

day 16/365

I debated if I was going to go ahead with a HHM post tonight. It’s Monday evening now and I’m a bit tired. However, since it’s still Monday, why not?

Joining in as always with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

Really nice. It was in the mid 50’s today. Still 50 degrees tonight. January 50 degrees is chilly but nice. Supposed to be in the 50’s all week until Thursday and Friday when it drops back into the mid 30’s. Chance of rain on Thursday. Back to the high 40’s/low 50’s for the weekend.

As I Look Outside My Window

This was my lunch time view out the front windshield of the car.

Right Now

Yawning. And working on this post.

Thinking And Pondering

Mostly about J’s school semester. Things went well today. Trying to be cautiously optimistic. I was feeling great in the fall and everything sort of bottomed out so I’m not wanting to get my hopes up too high. However, I also don’t want to be pessimistic about it all. Ugh, there’s that word of the year again, whispering to just wait and see.

On My Bedside Table

A lamp. Phone charger. That’s it. I’ll charge my phone there tonight and set my glasses on it.

On My TV Tonight

No time to really watch. Husband was watching Top Chef when I got home from work. And America’s Got Talent when we got home from J’s lesson.

Listening To

The washer and dryer. What else?

On The Lunch Plate

School lunch of macaroni and cheese. Wasn’t awful. Passed on the sides so the kids could have more, apples and green beans. Also, had a Luna bar (nuts over chocolate variety), my own apple, and 3 chocolate covered pretzels on my break.

On The Dinner Plate

Brisket, cool ranch Doritos, slice of 3 Kings cake. Not the best dinner though the brisket was good. (Came from freezer, cooked some time last July)

On The Menu This Week

MONDAY: everyone was on own, J had grocery store chicken, G went out with a friend, not sure what my husband ate, I had the leftover brisket *I worked 8-4:30* *J had a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Breakfast for dinner, either waffles or French toast, maybe a blueberry dutch baby pancake. Something in that variety *J has appt at 3*

WEDNESDAY: Pepper steak, rice

THURSDAY: Chicken and broccoli

FRIDAY: Maybe some sort of pasta dish? *No school for J*

On My Reading Pile

A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab. Second in a series. Planning a post to talk more about books and tv.

On My To Do List

1. Clean the house
2. Go to Sam’s Club
3. Take J to appt
4. Go to local music store to check out baritones with J on Friday
5. Drop off donations
6. Pay Bills
7. Take an Amazon return to Kohl’s
8. All the other stuff I can’t think of right now

Plans This Week

Mom’s night out on Thursday (need to make sure I have the week right), music store with J, Lots of laundry sorting,…take time to take a walk.

What I’m Creating

Nothing right now.

My Simple Pleasure

Looking at the moon.

Lesson Learned This Past Week

So many. One that caught me by surprise: You can be extremely happy for someone on their achievement while still being sad for yourself on missing an opportunity.

Looking Around The House

With Christmas put away, you can really see the dirt. Ugh.

From The Camera

How about an oops photo? I got this one when I was trying to get the moon photo above. These are all photos downloaded from my phone. I was taking it out the car window (note: car was parked!)

On My Prayer List

J to have a last successful semester of high school and graduate, friend’s son who was very sick around Thanksgiving and then, again after New Year’s Eve, that it’s nothing serious, the husband of my boss to continue to recover from his cancer treatment, one of my preschool kiddos who’s having some medical issues (and her family because how scary!), lots of other friends, family, and strangers.

Quote For The Week

Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be. (Sonia Ricotti)

*****************

Day 9/365

I know it’s silly but does it make anyone else happy that the new year started on a Sunday? The first four Saturdays of January make for perfect multiples of seven: 7, 14, 21, 28. Then, of course, it stops since there are 31 days in January.

Time to join in for the very first Happy Homemaker Monday of 2023. I was waiting to see if Sandra might’ve changed the categories for the new year but I need to go ahead and get my post up now. If they’ve changed, I’ll just change them next week. UPDATE: She did add a few new ones but like I said, I’ll catch up on that next week.

The Weather

Yesterday was beautiful, sunny *almost* no coat weather. Today, however, is foggy and chilly. Rain predicted for later this afternoon. Looking forward to the free carwash! Should’ve seen the lines with the nice weather over the weekend. Right now, it’s 42 degrees with a predicted high of 57 later today. Then, we start sliding back down into the reality of winter temperatures. After tomorrow, highs are in the 30’s for the rest of the week. More chances of rain (high of 38) again on Saturday.

As I Look Outside My Window

I don’t see too much, pretty foggy right now. Have an electric candle in the window and a vanilla candle burning on top of the bookcase. Semi-cozy around the mess I suppose.

Right Now

Waiting for the washing machine to finish as I work on this post. It’s laundry day!

Thinking And Pondering

About My word for the year and what to add to my list of 23 things I’d like to do in 2023. What the new year will bring.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

I work the rest of this week, J returns to school tomorrow (praying it goes well) so basically some standard Sunday night anxiety tripled into Monday day anxiety. SIGH. Otherwise, not too bad.

Listening To

Washer and dryer down here. If I were upstairs, I’d hear the background of the local morning news my husband is watching.

On The Breakfast Plate

Lower sugar maple brown sugar instant oatmeal and a cookie (balance, right?), vitamins, coffee

On The Lunch Plate

Probably leftover black-eyed peas and cornbread

On The Dinner Plate

I am not sure…need to ponder it as I work on this post

What I Am Wearing Today

long-sleeved black t-shirt, greenish color jeggings, tennis shoes

On My Reading Pile

Need to start a new book on my phone! Probably the first chapters of the Marie Kondo book, Kurashi at Home: How to Organize Your Space and another book I picked up at the library about being outdoors. Can’t recall the exact title but it’s about the concept of Friluftsliz, the Norwegian word for outdoor love. Something like that.

On My TV

Probably not much with my work schedule this week. Planning to watch one episode a week of the David Tennant Doctor Who episodes.

Over Christmas break, I finished watching  Litvinenko on AMC+, it was interesting. And also White Lotus, can’t quite decide how I felt about that show. First season was better than the second. It was on HBOmax. And I watched a couple Netflix movies, Slumberland (really enjoyed it!) and Troll (fun, think it was supposed to be scary but was a bit silly).

And of course, yesterday, how about them…Chiefs! Actually, they were aggravating me. At one point after they got the lead, my husband turned to me and asked if I knew they were winning. We’re very spoiled by such a good team. And though it is a bit painful, most of KC has to say Go Bengals! (Just for tonight)

On The Menu

And here we are at the category, I wanted to avoid. As usual, I really do need to go to the store but let’s see what I can manage from the fridge/freezer first.

MONDAY:  Roast in the crockpot *J has baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Chicken strips *I work 8-4:30*

WEDNESDAY: Pork chops, baked potatoes *I work 8-4:30*

THURSDAY: Pepper steak *I work 8-4:30*

FRIDAY: Turkey of some sort, sweet potatoes *I work 8-4:30*

Looking Around The House

Still a few touches of Christmas amid the mess. Trying to decide if I want to go ahead and take them down today or wait until after the Epiphany.

On My To Do List

So much. Why did I wait until the last minute for everything??

1. Grocery store
2. Target for household supplies: shampoo, cleaning, etc
3. Laundry
4. Find books/plan for school tomorrow
5. Pay a few bills/at least get them organized
6. Put away all Christmas sweaters/clothing until next year
7. Clean out cat box *SO overdue on this, oops
8. Hope it’s not cheating if I write and schedule a few blog posts for the blog365 challenge
9. Clear off kitchen table/either throw away or freeze Christmas goodies
10. Clean out email inbox. Say it with me: There will always be another sale.
11. Spend 23 minutes outside for another challenge I’m doing

From The Camera

Took advantage of the great weather after the game yesterday to go for a walk on a local trail. Excited to finally make it this bridge. (It’s a 5 mile loop trail and I usually don’t have time for the loop, still didn’t but got to the bridge at least)

What I’m Creating

I have a candle project I’d like to do but likely won’t have time to look at it until Saturday

Quote For The Week

May my heart be kind, my mind fierce, and my spirit brave. (Kate Forsyth)

***********

Day 2 of 365