Life Right Now #27

On my bedside table: Um… I have a ton of library checkouts, but not sure what I want to read next. I’m deep into a historical fiction right now.

On my tv this week: J and I mostly caught up on a ton of the Dropout shows.

Listening to: I’ve gotten back into a ton of my podcasts including Magic Tavern, 99PI, Nerdette, Nothing is Real, and You’re Wrong About.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Peanut Sauce Chicken Bowls

• Tuesday - Shrimp Lo Mein

• Wednesday - Chicken and Noodles

• Thursday - Smoked Sausage and Potatoes

• Friday - Thai Red Curry

• Saturday - Quentin Pick

• Sunday - Pot Roast

On my to do list: I’m certain many things, but the only thing I can think of right now is making a meal plan and grocery list.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Home day

• Tuesday - Home day

• Wednesday - Joslyn Art Explorers

• Thursday - Academic Co-op

• Friday - Platte River Hike

• Saturday - Arthur at a Friend’s Birthday Sleepover

• Sunday - Home day

What I am creating: Yesterday I finished my September Memory Planner. Today, I’m hoping to work on my October Memory Planner pages. Crafting a bit is really helping me be calm.

My simple pleasures: Pumpkin pie syrup in my creamer for an extra special coffee

Looking around the house: Meh. I’m in the middle of a big kitchen cleanout, so there are piles everywhere in there. The island is full of half eaten snacks and everyone has been instructed to not open anything new…

From the camera: Fascinating gypsum sand crystals from Morrill Hall

Life Right Now #26

On my bedside table: The last spooky season reads and the beginnings of the holiday romances.

On my tv this week: We’re close to catching up on all the Dropout shows (well, not all, but many of them). That’s about it.

Listening to: Mostly just all of the random music on my Apple Music

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Ham and Potato Soup

• Tuesday - Buffalo Chicken Nachos

• Wednesday -Tacos and Black Bean Soup

• Thursday - Apple Bacon Sweet Potatoes

• Friday - Leftovers

• Saturday - Peanut Sauce Chicken

• Sunday - BLT Grilled Cheese

On my to do list: I have a list of random little things that I need to do, but my big projects are done for the season.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Home Day

• Tuesday - Zoo Day

• Wednesday - Park Day

• Thursday - Academic Co-op

• Friday - Field Trip to Morrill Hall

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: Nothing much. I need to make a list of creative projects to tackle.

My simple pleasures: Iced tea, checking off to-dos, a quiet moment

Looking around the house: After a whirlwind clean for book club yesterday, things are looking decent around here. I do need to take my Halloween decor down and leave the autumn decor up.

From the camera: Loving our Halloween season!

Life Right Now #25

As I look outside my window: It’s bright and sunny but chilly. Perfect fall day!

Right now I am: Relaxing before brunch. My body decided to absolutely breakdown this week. After the birthday party last weekend, I could hardly move. And it struck again on Friday. All day yesterday I could hardly move and the room was spinning. It was terrible. I feel better now, but still very weak and unstable feeling. I definitely need to take it easy.

Thinking and pondering: Do I want to go to Vala’s tomorrow morning? We are going on Tuesday, but I also had us scheduled for tomorrow. That may be too much for me to handle…

On my bedside table: All the leftover spooky season books… I’m keeping it going in November before I switch to all the holiday romances.

On my tv this week: Not a ton. We did start the new seasons of What We Do in the Shadows and Lower Decks. But then the past few nights, I’ve gone to bed fairly early and just read.

Listening to: I finally downloaded the new Dead Poet Society album. Not sure how I missed that one, but have been enjoying the tracks this week.

On the menu for this week: Frankly, I have no idea. This week is going to be very weird. I do know that we are doing dinner at Vala’s on Tuesday, I have dinner out for book club on Wednesday, and Friday is pizza night. But we also have Halloween in there which usually means snack dinner. So no real cooking this week?

On my to do list: So much. My most pressing tasks are to print pages for Thursday’s co-op, go over my lesson notes, and print/create lessons for Friday’s Rock and Fossil Exploration.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Vala’s (maybe)

• Tuesday -Vala’s Campfire Night

• Wednesday - Book Club

• Thursday - Co-op; Halloween!

• Friday - Rock and Fossil Exploration

• Saturday - Co-op Kid Book Club

• Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: Mostly just lesson plans.

My simple pleasures: Sleep…. that’s it

Looking around the house: Most of the birthday party stuff has been taken down and put away. I have a few random things to get taken care of today.

From the camera: Creepy rabbit at Vala’s. Clearly they redid part of the display, but somehow decided that the rabbit could stay. We always have to go say hi.

Life Right Now #24

As I look outside my window: It’s bright and sunny, but thankfully cooler than yesterday. It reached 96 degrees yesterday and I could feel it at Junkstock. Today the high is 72 degrees and I’m so excited.

Right now I am: Going to put the computer down and pick up my book. I’m very invested in my current read.

Thinking and pondering: What am I forgetting when it comes to running the Academic Co-op? I feel like I don’t have all my ducks in a row, but I don’t even know now which ducks I need to get in a row. It’ll come to me, probably in the shower or at 2am.

On my bedside table: All the fall spooky books!

On my tv this week: J and I started S4 of Slow Horses and my goodness, it is intense. Just how we like it. He and I also continued our regular Dropout shows and watched the second episode of Dimension 20. I also continued Cafe Minamdang.

Listening to: Really not much at all this week. I caught an episode of Conspiracy She Wrote along with NPR’s UpFirst (daily). For music, I hit shuffle a few times while making dinner, but that’s it.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Buffalo Chicken Sliders

• Tuesday - Potato Leek Soup

• Wednesday - Mongolian Beef

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Teriyaki Shrimp and Rice

• Saturday - Green Chili and Pepper Jack Enchiladas

• Sunday - Kielbasa Skillet

On my to do list: So much to do, but the biggest thing today is packing our Academic Co-op bag for Thursday. In addition to my teaching materials for math and civics, I need to pack Arthur’s basic supplies and all of Quentin’s school stuff to keep him occupied. On Wednesday night, I’ll have to pack our lunch.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Nat Geo Volcanoes event at the Holland

• Tuesday - Home Day

• Wednesday - Vala’s

• Thursday - Academic Co-op Starts

• Friday - Heron Haven Hike; Luminarium Visit

• Saturday - Arthur art class at The Joslyn

• Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: I’m very slowly working on my Memory Planner for August and September. I should have time after brunch today to get back to it.

My simple pleasures: Rambling with a friend, having a plan, good books

Looking around the house: It’s a mess. I did put all the enrichment co-op supplies away for the winter which helped the random piles. But… I’ve still got to sort through the Academic Co-op piles and the random stuff next to my chair (mostly school related stuff).

From the camera: Another fun Junkstock with a friend.

Life Right Now #23

As I look outside my window: Bright and fairly warm. Our proper fall weather has warmed up again.

Right now I am: Sipping my fancy coffee, prepping to read a bit before making brunch.

Thinking and pondering: How can I compel other adults to actually adult? The eternal question.

On my bedside table: Lots of spooky reads sitting there, but also some fun romance. Not sure what I will be picking up next.

On my tv this week: J and I have continued our ridiculous Dropout game shows. We also finally started Dimension 20.

Listening to: I got back into some podcasts this week, binging If Books Could Kill and You’re Wrong About. Basically I spent my Saturday listening to Michael Hobbs.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Me out at book club

• Tuesday - BBQ Chicken

• Wednesday - Jerk Fish Chowder

• Thursday - Teriyaki Shrimp and Rice

• Friday - Pizza Night

• Saturday - Buffalo Chicken Sliders

• Sunday - BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf

On my to do list: So many things, but up first are the Academic Co-op tasks. I want to get everything set for our first meeting on October 10th.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Vala’s! Potentially book club

• Tuesday - Zoo Day; Meeting with a friend

• Wednesday - Vala’s!

• Thursday - Last Enrichment Co-op of 2024

• Friday - Home Day

• Saturday - Arthur art class at Joslyn; Junkstock with a friend

• Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: I did some work on my Memory Planner yesterday. I might be able to sneak up for awhile this morning…

My simple pleasures: I bought myself pumpkin pie sauce and have been making myself fancy coffees. Really loving the fall flavors without the $9 price tag.

Looking around the house: Things are decent. I’ll be excited to put away the big co-op supply bags after this Thursday. They take up a lot of real estate next to my chair. (I can’t leave them in the garage and it gets too hot in there.)

From the camera: Flower (weed?) along our hike on Friday.

Life Right Now #22

On my bedside table: All the spooky books! I have The Hacienda by Isabel Canas and Book of Night by Holly Black on the short stack.

On my tv this week: It’s been all funny shows all week.

Listening to: I caught up on a new-to-me podcast that J suggested, Conspiracy She Wrote. I really found the episodes about Beyonce and Meghan Thee Stallion to be fascinating.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Chili and Cornbread

• Tuesday - Snack Dinner

• Wednesday - Chicken Ranch Tacos

• Thursday - Apple Cheddar Grilled Cheese

• Friday - Ranch Cheddar Chicken

• Saturday - Beef Stew

• Sunday - Caprese and Avocado Toast

Happening this week:

• Monday - Home Day

• Tuesday - First Vala’s Visit of the Season! Co-op Happy Hour

• Wednesday - First Joslyn Art Museum Visit since they reopened (after being closed for two years!)

• Thursday - Co-op

• Friday - Ditmar’s Apple Orchard Day

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Co-op Steering Committee Meeting; Nerdy Bookish Friends Book Club meeting

What I am creating: Nothing much this week, although I really want to get back to my Memory Planner.

My simple pleasures: Cucumber Melon Sparkling Water, Fall Flavors

Looking around the house: Meh. It’s fine. I do need to pick up some things for Happy Hour on Tuesday.

From the camera: We had a hitchhiker on the way back from the OPPD Arboretum on Friday morning. I didn’t notice this little guy until halfway home. He made it all the way back to our house and eventually leapt off into our yard.

Life Right Now #21

As I look outside my window: Bright and sunny. It’s looking to be a warmer day than yesterday. I yearn for fall over here…

Right now I am: Deciding what to focus on for the day. I have a to-do list a mile long, but need to just pick one or two things to focus on.

On my bedside table: All the spooky season reads! I’ve got some great ones lined up for this season. Here’s hoping that they are some winners.

On my tv this week: We’ve watched more Star Trek: Discovery and lots and lots of Breaking News, Game Changer, Um Actually, and Make Some Noise.

Listening to: I downloaded the new Linkin Park single. A different sound, but I’m digging it.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Apple Cheddar Grilled Cheese

• Tuesday - Coffee Rubbed Pork Loin

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Chicken Tangine

• Friday - Sloppy Joes

• Saturday - Seafood Stew

• Sunday - Honey and Lime Jalapeño Chicken

On my to do list: So much! I know that the laundry needs to be put away and I should wipe down the kitchen. Meal-planning and grocery list making are a must. I could work on my Memory Planner and/or WITL album. I need to switch the excess ink catcher cartridge on the printer. So many other things I am sure!

Happening this week:

• Monday - School Picture Day

• Tuesday - Luminarium

• Wednesday - Car Appointment

• Thursday - Coop

• Friday - Nature Hike

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Breakfast Club

What I am creating: Nothing much at the moment. Maybe I can dip into my Memory Planner this afternoon.

My simple pleasures: A cool breeze, spooky books

Looking around the house: Meh. I put out my fall (not Halloween, just fall) decor yesterday. Makes everything just a bit festive. I do need to clean off the breakfast room table as it’s become a catch-all this week. I also should bag the rest of the Goodwill bound toys and such.

From the camera: A very odd request from a co-op member…

Life Right Now #20

Right now I am: Heading out to the last academic co-op working meeting before we start in October. We still need to make a decision on location and some smaller items. Beyond that, every needs to submit their lesson plans by Labor Day. This meeting is all about getting those done.

On my bedside table: I don’t quite know. I have.a stack of library books that I need to decide on. Which ones do I really want to read? I might start with The Succubus’s Prize by Katee Robert. I’m also really looking forward to spooky reading season and trying to not jump the gun, but I really want to lean into the spooky.

On my tv this week: We’ve continued with Star Trek: Discovery as well as Game Changer, Breaking News, and Um Actually. I also managed to watch The Bachelorette and Below Deck in between all the activities.

Listening to: Just a huge music mix at the moment

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Out at book club

• Tuesday - Out at book club

• Wednesday - Loaded sweet potato nachos

• Thursday - Spring green spaghetti carbonara

• Friday - Out?

• Saturday - Mexican street corn totchos

• Sunday - Ginger glazed pork chops with Brussels sprout

On my to do list: I need to finish my Civics lesson plans for academic co-op. I also want to start planning my October rock, minerals, and fossils exploration day. I need to finish prepping discussion questions for Tuesday’s book club. And I need to work on enrichment co-op lesson plans for September.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Home Day

• Tuesday - Lewis and Clark Landing; Luminarium

• Wednesday - Pokemon Club

• Thursday - Co-op

• Friday - Hike at Schramm; Luminarium evening with J

• Saturday - Home

• Sunday - Home

What I am creating: Um…. I guess some to-do lists. Not feeling very creative right now.

My simple pleasures: Cooler weather (not happening this weekend but last weekdays), girls’ night on a friend’s deck, students engaged in the lesson being presented

Looking around the house: I put away all the pond exploration tools and supplies, but I still need to do a general sweep of the main floor. We have random things laying around that need to be put in their homes.

From the camera: Absolutely love this picture of the boys a friend snapped at pond exploration on Friday.

Life Right Now #19

As I look outside my window: The sky is cloudy, but it’s still super humid. Not the best weather today.

Right now I am: Deciding on what to make for brunch today. We have eggs and bacon, but I haven’t chosen the baked good. Maybe some blueberry scones?

Thinking and pondering: Oh I do not feel ready for school to star ton Monday. I realize that we homeschool and technically I can start whenever, but I did have us scheduled for Monday. I think that we will still start on Monday, but I need to spend some time prepping today.

On my bedside table: Dark Restraint by Katee Robert; The Nice House on the Lake Vol. 2

On my tv this week: I’ve been traveling, so not a lot of television viewing. I did catch up with The Bachelorette and Below Deck. And we discovered that Plebs had a capstone movie special.

Listening to: After finishing an audiobook on the drive home, I got back into S10 of Revolutions. I will finish it at some point, hopefully soon.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Apple Cheddar Stuffed Chicken

• Tuesday - Sesame Chicken

• Wednesday - Prosciutto Provolone Fig Grilled Cheese

• Thursday - Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp

• Friday - Leftover

• Saturday - Honey and Lime Jalapeño Chicken

• Sunday - Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos

On my to do list: I need to finish putting away all the travel stuff. The laundry is half done, but needs to be sorted and put away. Beyond that, I have a kitchen to get sorted and curriculum to organize.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Arthur Dentist Appointment; First Day of School

• Tuesday - Home Day

• Wednesday - Splashed Party; Pokemon Club

• Thursday - Coop

• Friday - Fontenelle Forest Hike

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Pool Party

What I am creating: Mostly lists…

My simple pleasures: My own bed. Really it’s so nice to be home and sleeping in my own bed.

Looking around the house: Obviously things are very cluttered right away after arriving home on Friday. I need to do a big pickup.

From the camera: Checking out our 4th SR-71. This one was a training plane.

Life Right Now #18

Right now I am: Prepping for the Homeschool Seminar I’m hosting today. Lots of people are planning on coming (like 25), we’ll see who actually shows up.

Thinking and pondering: Do I have everything for my trip to Indiana? Packing lists are such a pain sometimes.

On my bedside table: The Six by Loren Grush; Beautiful Vengeance by Katee Robert; Gargantis by Thomas Taylor

On my tv this week: Not a whole lot. We did jump back into A Gentleman in Moscow (we’re almost done). We also finished S2 of The Big Door Prize, S1 of Twisted Metal, S4 of The Boys, and S2 of Hit Monkey.

Listening to: I dove back into Revolutions S10 with my new AirPods. I’m about 60% of the way through that season.

On the menu for this week: We will be having leftovers on Monday night… and then we will be traveling, so no definite plans.

On my to do list: I have some random things I want to get down before leaving on Tuesday. Mostly they are little tasks and general clean-up items.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Pool afternoon (last one of the season for us)

• Tuesday - Travel Day; Pickup Alex from the airport

• Wednesday - Drive to Fort Wayne

• Thursday - Chill Day

• Friday - Coffee with a friend; Pool afternoon

• Saturday - Coffee with a friend

• Sunday - Hanging out with Grandpa

What I am creating: I made a little travel kit for my Memory Planner and regular planner. I should be able to finish July’s pages while in Indiana. And work on August-September’s planner pages.

My simple pleasures: Conchitas, returning library books (that I’ve finished), time alone to just think

Looking around the house: Things are pretty picked up prior to our trip. I like coming home to a decently clean house.

From the camera: The boys experienced Sushi Train for the first time. They loved it!

Life Right Now #17

As I look outside my window: It’s a bit overcast this morning. Definitely rained last night. I would be fine with it as the temps are a bit cooler, but the humidity is a killer right now.

Right now I am: I’m not, but I should be making a meal plan and grocery list. Why does everyone have to constantly be eating?

On my bedside table: I have the rest of Katee Robert’s The O’Malley’s series on tap for my lighter reads. I also have The Six by Laura Grush on my nightstand.

On my tv this week: We finished S2 of Hit Monkey and S4 of The Boys. We also continued with A Gentleman in Moscow. Otherwise, it’s been a quiet week television-wise.

Listening to: I have continued with S10 of the Revolutions podcast. We finally got to World War I. only forty-some odd episodes to go.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Gone at book club

• Tuesday - Snack dinner

• Wednesday - Salsa Chicken

• Thursday - Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken

• Friday - Chickpea Curry

• Saturday - Parmesan Tilapia

• Sunday - Honey Lime Chicken with Asparagus

On my to do list: I have a list of errands for the week (before our trip to Indiana), plus I have to teach on Thursday. I want to prep a good example of the project for the kids and troubleshoot any problem areas.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Pool Afternoon; Book Club

• Tuesday - Coffee and Park Playdate; Coop Happy Hour

• Wednesday - Pool Afternoon

• Thursday - Coop

• Friday - Kids’ Video Game Playdate

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Homeschool Seminar; Nerdy Bookish Friends Book Club

What I am creating: I was working on my June MP pages and finished them yesterday. I think that I’m going to print July’s photos and make a little project case to take to Indiana with me…

My simple pleasures: A walk in the woods, checking to-dos off my list

Looking around the house: We need a serious pickup, sweep, and vacuum today. Added pressure as Tuesday is coop happy hour here. I am getting a little annoyed by all the random things laying around everywhere.

From the camera: Loving all the plants at Heron Haven this week.

Life Right Now #16

As I look outside my window: Very blue skies with no clouds. It’s going to be another scorching hot day.

Right now I am: Making a Target list. We leave for a mini road trip tomorrow and there’s always a few last minute things I need. Right now my list has beach towel, sleep mask, and iced coffee cup (mine got destroyed).

On my bedside table: The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods

On my tv this week: We mostly watched our currently airing shows (The Boys, Loot).

Listening to: I jumped back into S9 of the Revolutions podcast. We’re about halfway through the Mexican Revolutions, or should I say revolutions.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Gone

• Tuesday - Gone

• Wednesday - Gone

• Thursday - Crab Curry

• Friday - Tater Tot Casserole

• Saturday - Chickpea Curry

• Sunday - Sweet Potato Nachoes

On my to do list: I started to do another brain dump list. So many random projects that have multiple steps to complete! We’ll see how the list shapes out this week.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Des Moines Road Trip

• Tuesday - Waterloo Road Trip

• Wednesday - Waterloo Road Trip

• Thursday - Coop and Ice Cream Meetup

• Friday - Home Day

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: Nothing much although I did fix my photos for my May and June memory planner. I don’t think I’ll have time to actually print and do anything with them this week.

My simple pleasures: AC, unshelving books that I will never read, reconnecting with friends

Looking around the house: I did a whirlwind clean yesterday so I could come home to a decently clean house. Feeling much better.

From the camera: Very steamy walk on Friday morning, but we did it!

Life Right Now #15

As I look outside my window: Clear and bright. Thankfully the temperatures have decreased slightly…

Right now I am: Deciding what to make for brunch. I think this is my weekly line.

Thinking and pondering: How do I efficiently pack the van? The retreat boxes number 8, plus all the cold groceries, my two personal bags, and various small bits. And then I need to fit in my three passengers’ stuff.

On my bedside table: Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez, Isaac’s Storm by Erik Larson, Rules of Civility by Amor Towles, Annie Bot by Sierra Greer - Except for the ebook (Annie Bot), I’m taking books from my Unread Shelf to the retreat.

On my tv this week: J and I have just been working through our currently airing shows - Welcome to Wrexham and Clarkson’s Farm.

Listening to: After finishing my audiobook last week, I switched back to podcasts. Specifically I listened to S8 of the Revolutions podcast focused on the Second French Republic. That was a short season with only eight episodes. I might just start S9 today…

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Spinach Potato Sausage Soup

• Tuesday - Fish from Freezer

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Sunday - Gone on retreat

On my to do list: All the little (and not so little) tasks to prep for leaving town on Thursday. I have a few little errands (dropping library books, grabbing my beverage from the store) and the big task of grocery shopping. Beyond the actual retreat tasks, I do have some random house things I want to take care of.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Swimming Lessons for kids; Pool afternoon with friends

• Tuesday - Swimming Lessons for kids

• Wednesday - Swimming Lessons for kids; Retreat grocery shopping

• Thursday - Swimming Lessons for kids; Coop; Leaving for Retreat!

What I am creating: Mostly still piles.

My simple pleasures: A quiet moment, a walk in nature, finishing a book

Looking around the house: Meh. The big pile will be gone on Thursday. Otherwise things are decent around here.

From the camera: Pretty bit of purple on our nature walk

Life Right Now #14

As I look outside my window: The big storm has rolled through this morning. I think the sun is now trying to come back out and shine.

Right now I am: Prepping to make brunch, per usual.

On my bedside table: Ghost Station by SA Barnes; Cursed Cruise by Victoria Fulton and Faith McClaren - Guess I’m in a horror mood this week.

On my tv this week: Along with some news videos, we finished another season of Clarkson’s Farm. Now we’re ready to dive into the currently airing season.

Listening to: I am so close to finishing my epic audiobook. Hopefully I can slot in a few hours over the week to get it done.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Bacon Cheese Peach Paninis

• Tuesday - Leftovers

• Wednesday - Lemon Ginger Turmeric Chicken and Rice

• Thursday - Sausage, Spinach, and Potato Soup

• Friday - Pizza Night

• Saturday - Orecchiette with Sausage and Sun-dried Tomatoes

• Sunday - Swahili Fish with Coconut Broth

On my to do list: Prepping for coop (I’m teaching on Thursday), prepping for the retreat (just a few small tasks to finish up), prepping for summer activities, prepping for next year’s homeschool curriculum. I’m big into planning and organizing this coming week.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Zoo Day (It’s member appreciation week)

• Tuesday - Strawberry Picking

• Wednesday - Bounce U open session; Kid dentist appointments

• Thursday - Coop (starting summer session)

• Friday - Walk at Fontenelle Forest

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Breakfast Club

What I am creating: Mostly all the lists

My simple pleasures: Muffins (any flavor), checking off tasks (love to actually make that check mark), listening to the rain

Looking around the house: Things are getting cluttered and messy. Thankfully the huge pile in my breakfast nook will be gone in two weeks. Hoping that helps me feel calmer about the house.

From the camera: Okapi!

Life Right Now #13

Right now I am: I still need to decide what to make for brunch. Maybe coconut banana bread?

Thinking and pondering: My June is absolutely packed with starting coop summer session, the bookish retreat, a mini trip with the kids, and all the usual school and summer activities. I really need to sit for a bit and get my head all straight and ready.

On my bedside table: Blood by Jen Gunter; Bookshop Cinderella by Laura Lee Guhrke

On my tv this week: We watched some news shows and our current series. Almost made it though season 2 of Welcome to Wrexham.

Listening to: I started another audiobook that J wanted me to read. I’m about halfway through a 20 hour audiobook with unfrequent listening.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Chicken and Dumplings

• Tuesday - Fish

• Wednesday - Out

• Thursday - Vegetable Beef Soup

• Friday - Pork and Green Chile Stew

• Saturday - Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip

• Sunday - Pulled Pork Sandwiches

On my to do list: This is our light, break adjacent week. I’m going to use some time today making a bigger to-do list. A brain dump and some organizing for summer is needed today.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Home Day

• Tuesday - Board Game Playdate

• Wednesday - Book Club

• Thursday - Home Day

• Friday - Hike at Schramm

• Saturday - Coop Book Club

• Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: Working on April’s Memory Planner pages. Hoping to knock part of it out today.

My simple pleasures: Field day games, homeschool chats, a great creepy horror book

Looking around the house: There are piles everywhere… Retreat pile, coop pile, homeschool pile. Thankfully a few of those piles will be cleaned out in the next three weeks.

From the camera: Field Day Fun!

Life Right Now #12

Right now I am: heading out to lead a meeting for our new homeschool academic coop. Hoping the conversation goes well.

Thinking and pondering: What science mini summer unit should I put together for Arthur? I’m kicking around a few different ideas, but want to make sure that I don’t overdo the work for myself.

On my bedside table: A Letter to the Luminous Deep by Sylvie Cathrall; The City in the Middle of the Night by Charlie Jane Anders

On my tv this week: We finally finished the first season of Shogun and Dead Boy Detectives. J also convinced me to start S1 of Welcome to Wrexham.

Listening to: I finished an audiobook this week to my big surprise. I am not usually a fan of romance audiobooks, but the library only had this one on audio. So I tried it. Still don’t like romance in my ears, but I finished it and am moving on.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Blackberry Bacon Grilled Cheese

• Tuesday - Chicken Pad Thai Nachos

• Wednesday - Leftover

• Thursday - Lemon Chicken Thighs with Potatoes

• Friday - Crab Coconut Curry

• Saturday - Greek Pasta Salad

• Sunday - Spaghetti and Meatballs

On my to do list: I am certain that I have a ton of things to do, but I’m focusing on one day at a time.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Chemistry class (our last class of the year)

• Tuesday - Curriculum Share and Swap

• Wednesday - Sketchbook Hang; Book Club

• Thursday - Coop

• Friday - Robber’s Cave Field Trip

• Saturday - Junkstock!; Escape room for Arthur

• Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: I’ve been working on the bookish recommendations for the retreat. And I hope that I can get to the March Memory Planner pages.

My simple pleasures: Cookies… that’s all I got this week.

Looking around the house: My house is a bit of a disaster right now. I really need to do a big pick up and put away today before Tuesday’s event.

From the camera: Despite the face, Q loved being silly and posing in the French fry cut out.

Life Right Now #11

On my bedside table: Winterset Hollow by Jonathan Edward Durham; Unmasking Autism by Devon Price

On my tv this week: J and I started multiple new series for us. We have been loving Dinner with the Parents, Fallout, and Twisted Metal.

Listening to: Slowly, slowly working my way through the 6th book of the Dungeon Crawler Carl series. I still have like 6 hours left, but considering that it was 24 hours, I’ve made a ton of progress.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Mongolian Beef

• Tuesday - Chicken and Corn Soup

• Wednesday - Lemon Butter Shrimp and Asparagus

• Thursday - Honey and Lime Jalapeño Chicken

• Friday - Out

• Saturday - Out

• Sunday - Out

Happening this week:

• Monday - Chemistry Class

• Tuesday - Morrill Hall and Lincoln Day

• Wednesday - The Brave Learner Discussion

• Thursday - Coop

• Friday - Trip to Ashfall Fossil Beds

• Saturday - Niobrara State Park

• Sunday - Yankton and Sioux City; Travel to home

What I am creating: I’m hoping to finish my March Memory Planner today along with the rest of the retreat crafts.

From the camera: Lots of cleaning to do today.

Life Right Now #10

Right now I am: Prepping for brunch. I’m think about making Pecan Pie Pound Cake with eggs and bacon.

On my bedside table: The Tusks of Extinction by Ray Nayler; Die Vol. 1 by Kieron Gillen

On my tv this week: We started a few currently airing shows including Twisted Metal, Fallout, and A Gentleman in Moscow.

Listening to: I’ve been listening to the sixth Dungeon Crawler Carl book and various podcasts that I enjoy.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Honey Lime Jalapeño Chicken

• Tuesday - Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Grilled Cheese

• Wednesday - Blackened Salmon

• Thursday - Out at Chinese Buffet

• Friday - BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf

• Saturday - Avocado, Bruschetta Chicken

• Sunday - Mongolian Beef

On my to do list: I need to redo my big to-do list and get all the tasks out my head and on paper. My bees have been a bit agitated this week. I think a brain dump is really in order.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Home Day

• Tuesday - Park Playdate (if it doesn’t rain)

• Wednesday - Home Day

• Thursday - Coop; Durham Museum Visit

• Friday - Urban Farm Field Trip; Earth Day Celebration

• Saturday - Friends’ Birthday Party

• Sunday - Breakfast Club

What I am creating: I’m hoping to get my Memory Planner today… But first, I need to finish cleaning.

My simple pleasures: Gummy bears, clean floors, iced tea

Looking around the house: I wanted to start working on my March Memory Planner, but got very distracted by the state of my office. And so instead, I decided to completely clean out my office. It turned into a very large job, but I’m so glad that I at least started it yesterday. My angry bees have calmed.

From the camera: I spent some time crafting yesterday. Finished the retreat name tags. They are so pretty!

Life Right Now #9

As I look outside my window: It’s windy but at least the sun has come back out.

Right now I am: Organizing my side table so I can work on all my random projects. It’s a bit of a chore.

On my bedside table: Everyone Braves is Forgiven by Chris Cleave; Empty Smiles by Katherine Arden

On my tv this week: We started watched A Gentleman in Moscow and I’m already in love with it. So good!

Listening to: I finally started listening to the next Dungeon Crawler Carl book. 26 hours and I’m only about 4 hours into it. I can only listen in about one hour increments before it overloads my brain.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Chicken Pad Thai

• Tuesday - Chicken, Bacon, Broccoli Alfredo

• Wednesday - Italian Noodle Soup

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Chicken with Black Beans and Cream Cheese

• Saturday - Parmesan Tilapia

• Sunday - Honey and Lime Jalapeño Chicken

On my to do list: I need to carve out a few hours today to work on lesson plans for coop. I’m emergency teaching the oldest class on April 18th and then the middle class on April 25th and May 2nd.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Home Day

• Tuesday - Home Day

• Wednesday - Park; Children’s Museum

• Thursday - Coop; Possibly Zoo

• Friday - Nature Hike; Park

• Saturday - Drop Off Chicks

• Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: Nothing at the moment, although I have a few projects on tap. I need to clean off my desk and gather my ideas.

My simple pleasures: Throwing out my property list for my TBR to choose books I wanted to read.

Looking around the house: It’s definitely laundry day. I need to finish doing the loads and then putting it all away. J has begun working on the foyer and there’s drywall dust all over the place. I see vacuum and Swiffering in my future.

From the camera: We got ice cream after book club yesterday. I got Black Raspberry and Honeycomb. The Honeycomb was amazing.

Life Right Now #8

As I look outside my window: Sunny and bright but pretty cold. March’s weather is all over the place per usual.

Right now I am: Ready to pick up my current read for a little bit before making brunch. Later I have my Nerdy Bookish Friends zoom and then we’re off to see The Lion King at the Orpheum.

Thinking and pondering: What polls/questions do I need to posit to the coop? We’re making some changes this year (really we make changes every year) and these ones are pretty big. I’m debating about what to make a poll and what to just change through executive action.

On my bedside table: Dark Waters and Empty Smiles by Katherine Arden; The Murmur of Bees by Sofía Segovia

On my tv this week: We finished Wonderland this week! Another show completed. Otherwise, we’ve been keeping up with Shogun as well as a few random movies.

Listening to: Nothing too exciting. I have been on a Within Temptation kick, so their newest album has come up a lot.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Mississippi Pot Roast

• Tuesday - Honey and Lime Jalapeño Chicken

• Wednesday - J’s Birthday Dinner

• Thursday - Prawn and Sweet Potato Jamaican Curry

• Friday - Ham and Potato Soup

• Saturday - Sweet Potato and Quinoa Bowls

• Sunday - Ranch Cheddar Chicken

On my to do list: I need to order J’s cake for this week. I also need to find a tax document and hopefully make doctor’s appointments. I should probably do an admin check-in for the coop.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Chemistry Class

• Tuesday - Home day?

• Wednesday - Lauritzen Gardens Field Trip; J’s birthday!

• Thursday - Coop

• Friday - Home day? Park day? Not quite sure yet.

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Home Day

What I am creating: Nothing much. I wanted to get to my Memory Planner today, but it may not happen.

My simple pleasures: Singing along to music in the car, chats with friends, free play time for the kids

Looking around the house: Looking decent.

From the camera: We had another “fancy” ramen night this week. Kimchi flavored instant ramen with lots of toppings!