All weather is perfect for reading

Yesterday was Wednesday which means library day for some of our classes. They come in renew their books, find new ones, I usually do some book talks, and then we all sit down and read for awhile. So, believe it or not, it is usually bustling in the library with kids coming from all different places to do their library business, work on group projects, work on computers, and print but on Wednesdays everyone seems to respect the quiet reading of the large groups. At one point most were reading and it was super quiet and I was walking a student around to find a new book. The thunder rumbled and the rain was pouring and I said, "Isn't this the best weather for reading?" and she replied, "I think all weather is perfect for reading," with a sly smile and tons of sincerity. God bless these adorable kids. Seriously. Best job in the world talking about great reading adventures with fellow literature lovers. 

I don't

I don't see how I can have spent the last 18 years raising this child and spending all my energy feeding him, spending time with him, guiding him and then be expected to drop him off 6 hours from home in a few months and not see him for a few months. I don't.

Last week

The last week of summer....
This summer has been amazing. Truly. It has had very high highs and some very low lows.
I've stayed home often and just learned to be.
I reclined on the beach, seaside for a week and had the most amazing weather.
I've read many books.
I lounged by the pool almost once a week.
I floated on our boat and read while John fished.
I took the dogs swimming in the lake or the pool often.
The dogs and I have walked, meandered really, often.
I sipped coffee and tea and wine on my porch everyday I was home and listened to the crickets, birds, dog,s and not many people.
I took an online class while the pups napped on the porch.
We visited some farmers' markets and local craft markets.
We sat lake side and river side waiting for Harbor to fish numerous tournaments.
I've had friends over for crafting and I've gone to friends' homes for crafting.
We've harvested from our garden and from friends' gardens.
We've canned beans upon beans.
We put up freezer corn.
We've watched the olympics.

To sum it up I have relaxed and rejuvenated my soul.

Yesterday my parents came up and me put up freezer corn. When we took the corn outside to shuck someone was playing the harmonica and a breeze was flowing. 

Necessity

I feel so grateful to work at Blanchester. Today I was driving into work a different route and I drove by so many houses thinking, oh so and so lived there- what a great kid, oh the such and such family lived there- good people, and I realized that I didn't feel the heaviness of dread driving into work that I'm sure many people do. It was a tough year last school year, that's not a great revelation. I was afraid after the break that I would feel my chest tighten when I came back to work. Not so. I found myself accessing my program last year and making plans for this year. I started that inner dialogue of how I can promote the library better, educate our administration about what we do, and create a camaraderie among the students and teachers around literacy. And then I counted my blessings that so far the community, staff, students, and administration have supported this great resource in our community as a necessity and not a luxury.

Balm to the Soul

What a great day Monday. Found a new Smoothie Cafe. Did a little pool reading. Headed home to meet up for sushi Monday with the best group of friends. Then swung in Holtman's for some late night doughnuts.

Great conversation, friends, reminiscing, John just basks in the memories of these boys. He mentioned the Friday Night Tailgates again. So I guess that's gonna be a thing.

Tuesday
Morning routine- Dogs out, feed, coffee on, water, watered porch plants, porch time, Sun Salutation, mantra, prayer, daily verse, planner, 5/3, Instagram, FB, bed, bath, laundry, pick up out of place
noon: kitchen, laundry, lunch
1: kitchen, laundry, mirrors, counters
2: kitchen, laundry, mirrors, counters
3: kitchen, laundry, toilets, fabreeze
4: kitchen, laundry, checklist
5: microwave, laundry, rugs
6: laundry, meal plan
7: laundry, checklist
8: read
9: fish tournament
10: supper

It always balm to the soul to stay home all day. Even if it does include cleaning.

Plan it

Ahh July... Halfway through 2016. Where has the time gone? I have not lost the weight.. but I have gained perspective. Gonna work on the weight a lot harder starting today.
My Planner has evolved that's for sure.

Warms my Soul

I am 44 years old but sometimes I still feel like a little kid when I get my feelings hurt. I talked with some good friends about a situation and they whole heartedly agree with me that my feelings are justified and all but want to take out the people who hurt me.... I'm blessed. I truly, truly am.
Several times they alluded to the fact that it was a pleasure and a privilege to be out to dinner with me and spend time with me. It warms my soul.
Before leaving I reminded myself that these people love me and I need to ask them about their lives, their jobs, their kids. I want them to know I care about them and sometimes I'm so worn out and tired and distracted that I don't pay enough attention to other people. Summertime is here. I'm catching up on my sleep and my house and my paperwork and I have no excuse. 

Summer Day 5 and 6- sushi!!!

Day 5 Sunday
Continued pulling the house back together. Finished my May cards. An entire day of watching Hallmark Movie and Mysteries Garage Sale Mysteries original, All that Glitters, The Wedding Dress, The Deadly Room, Guilty Until Proven Innocent, Novel Murders... ahhhh

Day 6 Monday
Morning routine
Cleaning: daily, weekly, monthly
and the start of sushi Mondays!!

Day 2, 3 and now 4

Monday was spent party hopping.

Tuesday was spent attending a training on mental health first aide and suicide. Yikes

Day 1- Wednesday the pups and I headed to the pool for some rest, relaxation and to finish the book club book.

Day 2- Thursday I headed back to Blan for book club and then my boss had a heart attack.

Day 3- Friday I headed to a drs apt that my dr did not keep so I meet a new dr and he's better than my dr so I'm switching. Then I met up with coworkers to lunch and go visit the boss who was pitiful and scared. We visited with him and his family then split. Off to craft with the lady friends. Actually I stopped by Starbucks to check out the new 'Pink Drink' from Instagram. Delicious and worth every calorie. After crafting mom and I stopped by Jungle Jim's to grab some goodies and then we picked up sushi and food at Mint Bistro. Mom had the Thai Basil with chicken and I had a Mint Bistro Roll and an Avocado/Cucumber Roll. Then home to continue trying to find summer.

Day 4- Finally Saturday I'm staying in and pulling my house and life back together. I hope to continue this Sunday, and Monday and Tuesday before the boys return and we hustle again.
Today is John's and my wedding anniversary.

Spring Kelly Girls

Friends forever we will be,
here's to you and here's to me.
But if we ever disagree,
ahem to you and here's to me!

Little miss
Little miss curvy
Aunt
Cousin

Gator Pee
Village Idiot

Jenny whistling

Older women mentors who have gone through the trenches and lived to tell about it.

what i love about a saturday

when periscope chirps i can actually watch it
the french press is in full swing
the big chair calls

School of Promise

Being recognized as a School of Promise is amazing. Having a substitute who is in our building on a fairly regular basis come in an rave about how much she loves working here is ..... priceless. We talked about why that is...  the way our staff, from principals to teachers, spend time walking and talking with our students. And how our students are pleasant to spend time with in the classroom. They are polite and funny. 

Day 1 Summer

Yesterday after leaving school I met the Bunch family at the farm to buy plants. Mom and dad then came to the house to help me get it all planted and set up the porch. Beautiful. Today I got up, watered everything and packed up the dogs for the pool. There was a deer on the 28 bypass that scared me to death but I slowed and beeped and she turned around.
After a nice pool day catching up on the book club book, The Nightingale, and some Facebook, Instagram, and such, we headed to Hanover Winery for a small farmers' market and mom and I did a wine tasting. Beautiful little place. Then we headed over to Northside to pick up some stuff from Tina's salon and had dinner a few doors down at Melts. Yum. Artichoke flatbread and salad with Blue Sky Creamy Root Beer. Then a few doors down to Sidewinders for a cappuccino nightcap. Back to the Smiths for some porch time and crafting before bed. 

Spring Break contin. contin.

I begged to go get my chocolate croissant at La Gourmadise Bakery and I got an espresso. Ahhh so worth it. I tried a few other goodies too of course. We finally made it to the Halifax Humane Society Thrift Store- not horrible and then True Love resale. Miss Priss told us to go to True Love Resale and insisted it 'is not a sex store'. Ha!! So glad we made it because the owner was delightful. We talked dogs, and kids and fishing and gut feelings. Really enjoyed it! I bought the dog sitter saviors cute pinterest looking bags.

Spring Break 2016 continued

Sunday night we went to the grocery, liquor store, and dropped everything off and then went back to Hull's for dinner. The fish dip was spicy but the amberjack and tuna was exceptional.
The key lime pie was deliciously homemade. We popped in Walgreens for pictures and creamer.

Monday we got another slow start because it was a bit windy and chilly. Caught the sunrise at 7:25 and then just lounged until we decided to run to Starbucks. Yo really thought we'd get to the beach but it was just too windy so we came back ate lunch then went back out.
Starbucks
Resale

Popped in the local thrift store- I picked up a lovely cashmere Barney's robe and balked at the $60. But since I looked it up and it retails for $500. I carried it around. I decided I'd kick myself if I didn't buy it so up to the counter. The lady said that's 50% off today so $3..... Uh I don't think that makes it $3. It has a special white tag. Ok well I'll still give you 50% off-$30- score!!

Treasure Cove
Living Waters
I checked out their oils then ordered a green drink.
Miss Priss

We headed down to New Smyrna a little too late so only hit a few shops and picked up a Beachside Deli cappuccino.
About 6 we headed to dinner at Bev, Dav and Zivas in Mim's Florida. They moved here a year ago. Nice dinner with conversation. Dave and I took Ziva for 'a walk'. He held her leash while we rode on the golf cart.

Tuesday we made it down to the beach earlier because we didn't go out at all that morning. Georgette came out and sat by us for awhile. It was windy, a little chilly but got too much sun. About 3 Veronica and her kids and kids' friends came and visited. Dad and I took a walk down the beach and then we all went to dinner at Ocean Deck.  It was ok. Overpriced and average food and drink but a new place. At 11 pm mom woke me up to go out on the deck and see the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket successfully launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station carrying Orbital ATK's Cygnus spacecraft at 11:05 p.m. Eastern time.

Spring Break 2016

The Bunch clan met at mom's at 3 and left at 3:45 headed on the spring break 2016 trip. Because mom packed up sack lunches to eat on the way, we waited until Lexington, Ky for Starbucks (Cherry Blossom Frap). She had pimento cheese and turkey croissants, cheese sticks and a drink for each of us. I alway preplan how I'm going to spend the commute catching up on stuff. Reading magazines, scrolling social media etc. I forget how much everyone talks and how little I'm going to get done. It's all good though.

Taking the first Williamsburg, Ky exit we pulled into the Teagues at about 7. Dennis was in the kitchen making grilled cheese to go with the deer chili, bread and butter pickles, and corn chips. So nice to sit and talk about politics, education, RETIREMENT,  and relatives. It has become our annual stop on the way to spring break in Florida.

Dad has already started his trivia stories and advice.
Well that's life.
That's how the cookie crumbles.

After falling asleep several times in the car we made it to Asheville, NC Red Roof Inn exit 44 by 11pm to check in. Great room. We stay here a lot on the way to Hilton Head or Florida.

Saturday morning we had a slow start. Dad gave up on us and walked to get breakfast sandwiches from Hardees and Dunkin Donuts. After we all got our act together, and dad set off the alarm, we headed to Krispy Kreme for a hot and ready doughnut. I have been waiting to return to the Double D Coffee and Desserts bus since my first visit in the summer. I knew dad would think it was cool and he did. We posed for pictures just like he wanted and he even talked another family into posing for the same picture.
Just down the street is the Mast General Store where I gave dad a tad of cologne then turned around to shop. When I looked back he had the whole bottle putting it behind his ears.... I did buy a mini mason jar oil lamp that is adorable. I found John a pair of Einstein socks for his little gift at another cute store Blue Ridge Interactive- Pura Vida Gallery.
From there we drove to The Herbiary. I saw it on a map I picked up at the hotel. LOVE. I bought sinus smelling salts, Vitamin E oil, Tummy Tea, Serenity aromatherapy mist, a burning sage bundle, and a large roller bottle. Love this place.
We went to the Lobster Trap to eat lunch but it was closed so we walked down to Farm Burger but the line was crazy so we walked around the corner and found The Rhu a cafe. I had an open faced pork collar sandwich and a Hearty Greens Panzanella with pickled red onions, dates, and tomatoes salad and tasted everyone else's food too. I had a blueberry basil soda. Mom and dad ordered a rabbit rillette.
We walked to the Battery Park Champagne Bar for cocktails- I had the Jane Austen- then the Grove Arcade for Serenity Scott, Bathe- a new favorite, coffee and such.
I walked past Bathe and tested their sample then went to the restroom and got a coffee. After my hands were still smelling so great I went back to Bathe and asked questions. Cool place where you choose your scents and type of lotion and then mix it. How very cool. A, D,E lotion with Tobacco vanilla and lime grass cypress.
We made a quick run into Urban Outfitters where I picked up some Hair Beach Wave thai coconut spray, Tru Fragrance roll on oil, and a flamingo bag. Cuteness.

We left Asheville about 4 and tried to not make many stops on the way to Florida. Of course we hit a Starbucks somewhere along the way. I got a peach green tea. We listened to Yo's playlist and then some The Cat Who Dropped a Bombshell but mostly just music.

We made it to Atlantic Cove about midnight and unpacked. I sat out the Illume Plumeria Jasmine citronella outdoor candle. We crashed.

Sunday morning Yo and dad got up early to go to Orlando to see Abby, Veronica's daughter, play volleyball. Yo worked with Veronica for years in Florida and they try to see each other when we come to town. Mom and I unpacked everything and got situated then I caught up my journaling!
It took until 11:00 to see dolphins.. ha! Reading on the beach, met up with Georgette and read and talked. Mom and I ordered sushi and chinese delivered from Pacific- it was just ok. I got a Tropical roll and an Out of Control roll both just ok. They were covered in caviar and that was super good.

Listened to:
Brene Brown talk about empathy and compassion and boundaries. Be genuine and generous. Believe people are doing the best they can. Good stuff.
Eliminate a Town and Country magazine and a Real Simple magazine and some Asheville brochures.

An example and an inspiration

What I want Harbor to remember about me....
This will shape how I live my life from this day forward. I want him to see me at my best self and that starts now as he is only under my roof for a little over a year.

I want him to see me make plans, schedule responsibly, set goals, and achieve them.
I want him to see me reading my Bible, praying, and talking about Christ.
I want him to see me being graceful, grateful, polite, and caring.
I want him to see me make my family a priority. Getting my house in order and fixing daily meals               that we enjoy together around the table. Participating and fostering a healthy marriage. Honoring         my parents and in-laws.
I want him to see me preparing, choosing, and eating healthy foods. I want him to see me celebrate             responsibly. I want him to realize drinking an alcoholic beverage does not make one an                       alcoholic. Choosing to hydrate with water, tea, and coffee throughout the day instead of soda or           sugary drinks.
        Choosing to stretch, do yoga, walk the dogs, take the stairs, spend time on the water SUPaddling         and kayaking. Spending time in nature. Being a healthy weight and moving with ease.
I want him to see me make a budget, follow a budget, say no to what I can't afford or don't need.
I want him to see me take time for myself creating, reading, watching shows I enjoy and also                      exposing him to these things.
I want him to see me getting my house in order and operating it on a schedule and with ease.

Compliments

I overhead a new worker in our building complimenting us today to her outside supervisor on how friendly and helpful the staff is here.  She was so genuine in her gratitude for being placed in such a great place :) He is in our building from time to time too and is not employed by us. He added that his experience here has been exceptional and it is not like this everywhere. We are unique. It was so uplifting and nice to hear. Nice job everyone!

Snow days 4 and 5

Thank God for the last 2 days- snow days. The 3 of us sat in the same room for the 1st time in a long time.

Put up clean laundry
Did all the dishes
Cleaned all 3 bathrooms
Updated bub's website
Fixed a real dinner- tilapia, green beans, sweet potatoes, hashbrowns
Cleaned the kitchen
Took down the Christmas tree
Vacuumed the upstairs
Watched  all our taped shows, Prometheus, The People vs. O. J. Simpson, and Meet the Patels
Wash all bedclothes

Everyone should watch Meet the Patels on Netflicks. We should be so very thankful for our freedom to love who we want but also really appreciate the value of family. The older couple is adorable. I want to go to dinner at their house.

Raising a child is hard. Hindsight especially makes me thank God for His guidance. What could have been... geesh, scary. 

Dad Time

I need to ask my Facebook friends to recommend some reading to help me navigate the college search, career planning, and devotion time. I need to research how to prepare for a college visit, what to ask, who to see.

Hubs actually said, "Can we schedule some dad time?" to the Bubs.

It is absolutely painful to feel a heartbreak coming on. Sometimes I wish I didn't know and yet I am so thankful my position places me in the path of knowledge.

I like to just steal glances of him. While he's watching television, playing on his phone, eating his eggs. I do treasure these moments. I know they are fleeting.

I don't remember my dad being there to move me into college. I remember mom and upperclassmen carrying my bags but not my dad. Was he working? Probably. How hard it must have been for him to go to work as I moved 4 hours away.

Yet another thing about my job I love? My 'arguments' include how to number the Hatchet series books. Is Brian's Winter # 4 or should it now be numbered. It's complicated but my guys feel very strongly about it one way or the other. Some other 'arguments' I loved today- Is 'The Magicians' really a great read or is it just bizarre? Was Abraham Lincoln the Vampire Hunter done justice by the film? Will they do the same to Pride Prejudice and Zombies? Who's to say.... And if while reading this you said, 'I know!' in your head, hello library nerd- we welcome you...

Deer friends

Yesterday I went to Bub's youth group parent meeting and he said he would follow me home.
1- Do you know how hard it is to drive, listen to Moth radio hour on NPR and obey all traffic laws.
2-  A deer ran out in front of me and I slowed, blinked my lights and watched a 2nd deer almost run into the side of my car so I slammed on my breaks. How bad would it be to have to call in insurance because one of your insured drivers hit the other insured driver?

And on a different note-
This is why we can't be friends....
I know you're not that stupid and I refuse to allow you to talk to me as if it is my fault you say stupid things. 

Snow day #2

The first snow day is always a wash really. I mean I got a little done but not much really. Then day 2 and I'm ready to get down to business. Clean the kitchen, vacuum, clean off the table, fix breakfast, get the kid to clean out his bathroom.

Funny really. He pulled out bath toys and a Scooby shaving brush. Things we've not enjoyed for years.... Sad really.
The lottery is like a gagillion dollars... we entered at work and bought a few ourselves. 

It's interesting. I could - and do- watch movies over and over again. Harry Potter for instance. Bub watches the Fast and Furious movies over and over. 

We watched a documentary today. Cut. It was about boxing. Really good. And I finished Wallander. Apparently there is a 4th season but it isn't available here yet. 

Hubs drove me and the birthday cake he made to the Rogers today. We enjoyed cake and conversation. 

Lots of lottery talk. What we'd do with the money, how scary that much money would be, how it would change is and our relationships. 

Snow day #1

Monday back to work then... 

Tuesday Snow day #1 

 Sleeping late (9:30!), cancelled book club, Hubs making homemade chicken and dumplings and mashed potatoes, and watching movies. Captain Philips was great! Watched some NCIS, made my January card swap, cleaned up Pinterest board Winter. Finished reading Challenger Deep, posted about my last 4 books, cleaned out the dishwasher, cleaned toilets, ok I guess I did more than I thought! 

OOTDs

Outfits of the days... Thrifter gray silk dress and fuzzy heels. I haven't worn heels in awhile. We have a love hate relationship. 

The Rose and Remington look on the cheap

It's Monday please don't make me wear structured pants 

Quick church outfits 

Welcome to the New Year!!

2016 rolled in ...
John and I visited the Rise family and Charles Fant came by to visit. Couldn't have planned it better myself.

Best friends

Had breakfast with someone who has known me since at least the 3rd grade. The 3rd grade. Sometimes I feel like there is nothing left of me from back then. Today we laughed, got teary eyed, complained, championed our kids, asked for advice and gave some. We talked love, spirit, family and drama. And in the end I still see that little 3rd grade friend looking back at me and know she must see the same. We are soooo different than we were back then and we've traveled many miles and years and called or visited each other most of those years. She is still able to surprise me- she got a dog! I am so proud of the woman she has become and I am moved when she says the same of me. There is something about someone knowing you almost your whole life and knowing they still want to be your best friend.

2 favorite articles from 2015....
What you learn in your 40's .... FIND YOUR TRIBE
22 Habits to make your life more peaceful