From Fall 2021: "Just do the next right thing, just the things that need to get done today," I often tell myself as we are muddling through the first back to school weeks. Getting back to our routines and schedules of the fall and adjusting to the ever-decreasing daylight in the Pacific Northwest propel me… Continue reading Messy Middle
Hair on Fire
"Well, at least the washer is new so there won't be that deployment gremlin," I chuckled two days ago as we folded clothes together, getting him all packed up for what will be our LAST separation. Letting the kids finish up the school year, we are staying behind for a few months while he goes… Continue reading Hair on Fire
Coarse
I felt irritable and crotchety. This is an excerpt from a piece I wrote last spring... No specific reason, but generally I'm irritatble. I have been consistently exercising, and eating well for the most part. I'm getting enough sleep. The kids are doing as well as can be expected despite the pandemic and limited social… Continue reading Coarse
When Dad Buys You Lemons…
"Can I go with you to the grocery store? I have a list." "Uhhh, okay," I responded from the shower. "What did you need to buy?" I asked. "Lemons, sugar, a pitcher, cups, and straws. PLEASE Mom! Please! I have always wanted to do this. It's summer...." She'd been asking to do a lemonade stand… Continue reading When Dad Buys You Lemons…
Plot Twist!
Riding down the road with the family towing our new (to us)-going-to-be-the-best-summer-ever-camper, I gripped the "oh $h1#!" handle on my side as the vehicle miles in front of us tapped his brakes. My husband laughed as I told him, "I love how the dumb handle in the car gives me the illusion that I could… Continue reading Plot Twist!
All the Time
Walking through the grocery store, I have thoughts and opinions all the time; 'Don't buy that - you don't need it,' or 'Ooh! that lettuce looks fresh, I think I will make a salad later,' or even 'I'm tired, I know I'm going to order takeout tonight, but my kitchen will be stocked tomorrow when… Continue reading All the Time
A Year
Things keep popping up on the social media feeds I'm marveling at how on one hand, while scary, there was a thread of positivity in the beginning. The "we're in this together!" tagline attached to every commercial. It's hard not to scoff at those sentiments, looking through the lens of hindsight. Between politics and the… Continue reading A Year
I Know What You’re Thinking…
I don't miss much about eating animals, but one thing I have missed is a really tasty BLT. Or a BLAT (bacon, lettuce, avocado and tomato) on toasted sourdough. There is something about the way the crunchy bread, complete with mayo all up in the nooks and crannies blends with the savory bacon, the creaminess… Continue reading I Know What You’re Thinking…
Teach
"Tell me which of his classes to take! Make me love him," the message read. "Huh?" I thought, slightly taken aback. How do you make someone love a particular instructor? I don't think you can. I've taken classes all my life. Most of us have. Formal schooling as a kid, college, and even on the… Continue reading Teach
Obsession
Since last August when she arrived, I have rarely spent a day without getting in her saddle. I pedaled and huffed and puffed. I got a professional fitting, I joined the cult, ahem, the Power Zone Pack. New shoes came, as well as a more powerful fan. I have cycled my legs off for about… Continue reading Obsession
Lori's Life and Other Stuff 