Life, Lately

When I say my life is a Groundhog Day of Suck, I'm not actually kidding. I get up at around five every weekday morning, head into the hardware store to do the daily receipts, then head to Not So New Job, where I spend the day dealing with whatever fresh Hell the universe sees fit to throw at me (currently: two staff members leaving their positions, which means I have been interviewing applicants to replace them, which is going...not well), then home in the evening to decompress as well as I possibly can.

Wash. Rinse. Repeat.

The weekends haven't been any more exciting, either. So, while I live for the weekend during the week, I don't really live it up on the weekend.

It's not how I like to live, but there isn't much I can do about it at this point. I am hopeful, however, that change is on the horizon.

Speaking of change, Hugh has been living his very best life; he was recently promoted to lieutenant at the fire station, finally passed the test that makes him an EMT, officially, appointed Head Official at the biggest wrestling tournament that he officiates at, and was chosen to be inducted into the Colorado Wrestling Official Hall of Fame-all within the space of a week. We will head to Colorado Springs for his coronation in May (I keep referring to the induction ceremony as a coronation because it's funny. To me. Hugh is less amused).

In other things that are changing, Erin and Kristi have made the hard and sad decision to divorce, so The Lesbians are no more. We are all sad but doing our best to support both of them as they navigate this huge transition. Erin was in town last week to go over the details of the separation, and I got to spend some time with her before she returned to Wales. I hope to visit her sometime this year, once things stabilize at Not So New Job.

So, that's a little catch-up on what's been going on around here. I have been reading a lot lately, which is how I choose to decompress.

I managed to put together a care package for Queen B as well as an Easter basket for Shanti and the Man-Cub. Queen B got more of her favorite faux tulips (in a smaller size, this time), as well as a new tumbler, among other goodies, including an Easter Bunny Leggo set (adult Leggo sets are replacing puzzles for this generation of young people, in my opinion).

Shanti and the Man-Cub also got a Bunny Leggo set and a replica of their wedding invitation that I embroidered recently.

Lastly, for today, Guinness recently had a mystery illness that landed him in the vet's office. The vet ran every test possible, and the best she could come up with was that he possibly ate something he shouldn't have, most likely a spider. She put him on some medication, and he was better fairly quickly. 

Thank goodness, because if I take one more pet to the vet just to come away with an expensive bill and a death sentence, I'm going to lose my ever-loving mind.

And, that's it for life around here lately.

Also, my second post this month. Go, me.

Hello Strangers

Happy day after Easter! I hope you and your family had a wonderful day celebrating, if that is your thing. If it isn't, I hope you had a lovely Sunday.

Hugh and I joined Shanti and the Man-Cub at Mom's house, where she prepared a traditional feast; I had only to contribute the creamed corn, which made for a relaxing holiday. Oscar, Emily, and Shanti's parents joined us, so we were in great company.

I've taken this month off from blogging and will probably regret it at some point in the future (I do like having posts to look back on as the years go by). Life has been pretty humdrum, and I don't know about you, but constant repeats of boring content aren't exactly why I tune in to read people's blogs. I'm sparing you from the torture of what has become the Groundhog Day of my life.

You are most welcome.

However, I will share some pictures of my Easter decor before it heads back into the attic later this week. Spring decor is one of my favorite themes, and this year was no exception.

Once everything is stored in its proper place, I will redecorate with my usual decor pieces. The next holiday I decorate for isn't until Halloween, so I'll have plenty of time to enjoy the new (old) pieces I have thrifted lately.

I am also really jonesing to get outside and clean out my flower beds. The weather is still a bit dicey to even think about planting, but that doesn't mean I can't prep the beds and start dreaming.

And that wraps up this first (hopefully not only) post of April 2025.

I really do need to get a life.

Weekend Wrap-up

My weekend started on Thursday night (no on-call for me this weekend, whoo-hoo!), when Kristi and I attended a 70s-themed murder mystery at the community theater. I had seen the event advertised in the playbill of the production that Mom and I attended in February and had snagged tickets as soon as they became available.

Guests were encouraged to dress in 70's apparel, so I busted out my most bell-bottomed flare jeans, a peasant top, and finished off my look with a macrame headband, "mellow-yellow" glasses, and a pair of wedges. Kristi found a tie-dyed shirt and called it good.

The event started with appetizers and drinks in the lobby, where the actors mingled with guests, dropping hints about the situation that ultimately ended in the murder of one of the cast. We were encouraged to chat with the characters, gathering as much information as we could before entering the theater to watch the murder play out.

It was a lot of fun, and something that the community theater does for non-profits as a fundraising tool. I might suggest it to the Board at our next meeting for the Not So New Job.

Saturday afternoon, Kristi and I went to afternoon tea at one of Hooterville's nicer restaurants. It was interesting to see their take, as Kristi has obviously attended numerous authentic tea experiences in the UK.

Our rating of the event was low on the authenticity side, and only minimally adequate on the flavor and presentation side. The sweet and savory bites were fairly well done, but sharing one pot of hot water for our tea was not something that impressed us, nor was the fact that all of the food was served on one platter, rather than separately, on a tiered serving tray.

All in all, we were happy we tried it, but wouldn't necessarily do it again.

I spent Sunday making sourdough discard recipes, including crackers that have become a staple in the kitchen. They are super flavorful, easy to make, and pair really well with the flavored goat cheeses I purchased at the farmer's market last fall (the containers had been in my freezer, and I was happy to get them out).

It has also become clear to me that, while I am no great sourdough bread baker, I excel at discard recipes. My Everything bagels are proof.

That pretty much covers the weekend. Today, I am playing hooky from work. I don't have a great reason; I just didn't feel like going to work. Burnout is real, y'all, and I am crispy-fried.

Like chicken, but less delicious.

What's Up Wednesday, March 2025 Edition

 

Welcome Spring!! While March has flown by, I can't complain because it brings us that much closer to the day when I can get out in the garden and start planting!

What I've Been Eating

This may come as a shock, but I laid off the bread products this month. My waistline thanks me for it.

In the meantime, I had a fantastic spaghetti Bolognese at a local restaurant; I'm counting that as my favorite meal of the month. 

What I'm Loving

The weather has taken a turn for the warmer and I have been loving the sunshine and good vibes.

What I'm Reminiscing About

The other night, I had a very vivid dream about The Girls. That prompted a long text conversation in our group chat, which resulted in us booking this year's Girls Weekend. Now, I'm reminiscing about the other trips we've taken together and about all of the years that we've spent as friends. These ladies are my lifeline.

What I've Been Up To

I attended a baby shower for Second Son Mikey and his wife. I got to catch up with Mikey's mom, as well as with the family of one of the other members of what we used to call The Fearsome Foursome. The boys were missing one member of the group at the shower, but it's awesome that the boys are all still friends, who get together whenever they have the chance.

Mom and I attended the latest play at the community theater. That's always a good time.

What I'm Working On

At Not So New Job, I'm working on a new hire, this summer's golf tournament, and the application for our reaccreditation with our national chapter. I'm busy, but hanging in there.

What I'm Dreading

I'm sort of dreading not finding a new hire that will be nearly as good as my current employee, who is leaving us for a part-time job that will allow her more time with her five-year-old twins.

What I'm Excited About

I'm really excited about the Girl's Weekend I mentioned earlier. I'm also excited for garden season! 

What I'm Watching

Mom and I saw You Can't Take It With You at the community theater. It was a great production, as always.

I watched the latest season of School Spirits and now I'm anxiously awaiting the next season.

I binged The Artful Dodger and loved it.

What I'm Reading

Y'all, I'm actually reading this month! Like, really, really reading! I burned through all three Fourth Wing books and am now fully immersed in the Throne of Glass series. It feels good to be in a headspace where I can get lost in fiction again; it's been too long.

What I'm Listening To

I'm listening to the news, and have just heard that we will hit eight degrees today. That's unheard of for late March, but I'll enjoy it while I can. It's Colorado; it'll be snowing by the weekend, no doubt.

What I'm Wearing

Nothing of interest. I have come to loathe my wardrobe and am considering a complete overhaul and replacement. My wallet is cowering in fear.

What I'm Doing This Weekend

I have no major plans. I may get busy on the closet cleanout that I just mentioned. Or, if it doesn't happen to be snowing, maybe I will start cleaning out my flowerbeds. Could go either way.

What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month

I'm excited for Easter; I always enjoy the time spent with family.

I don't have a favorite purchase for this month, so I'll end this here. 

Friday Favorites, Mid-March Edition

Because who am I kidding? A weekly post is clearly beyond my capacity, so it will be hit-or-miss on Fridays going forward. I'd be disappointed in myself, but who has time for that negativity?

One: Do you remember last May, when Mom and I attended the first White Barn Sale, and I purchased this amazing antique mirror?

Well, Hugh finally got around to hanging it for me!

I would have hung it myself, but she is heavy, and I didn't trust myself to get her anchored into the studs well enough to hold her weight.

I love how she looks hanging in our foyer, and I am now on the hunt for a pair of antique wall sconces to flank her on each side.

The thrill of the hunt is always a favorite.

Shanti and the Man-Cub recently flew to North Carolina, where they did some research on areas that they might want to relocate to. The thought of them being almost an entire continent away is not a favorite, but they are adults and I support whatever decision they make. 

In the meantime, I was on Princess Leia duty, and while she is often very standoffish, this time, she was quite affectionate.

Things at Not So New Job have been quite stressful lately, and I find myself seeking escape in literature. I burned through the first three books in the Fourth Wing series in under a week and am now devastated that I will have to wait two years for the fourth book.

Lastly, the orchid that Shanti and the Man-Cub gave me for Mother's Day a few years ago is at the height of its bloom cycle, and I continue to be amazed at both its beauty and the fact that I have kept it alive with virtually no care, at all.

Are We On a Break?

Oh, Blog, what's going on with us? You've been so quiet, and I've been distracted. We aren't connecting like we used to. Are we okay? Will we ever get back to our normal rhythm?

Le sigh.

This may be our new normal; after all, my life has grown stale, so why would that not be reflected in this space? It's not you, Blog, it's me. I'm the problem. It's me.

I'll soldier on, though. We've come too far together for me to abandon you now, although, it must feel like that sometimes. But, hey! If you can tolerate mediocrity, we'll be just fine.

So, what have I been up to while I've been away? Well, Mom, Kristi, and I joined thirteen other friends for Bunco last week. The theme was St. Paddy's day, so I had one of my coworkers whip up a cute sticker for my water bottle.

I should have a t-shirt made; that's how much I like it.

The signature drink this night was a lime and coconut margarita, which while tasty, didn't exactly scream St Paddy's to me. Don't let the rainbow fool you.

Of course, Kristi was in heaven; Bunco and small dogs? Sign her up!

And Mom was a good sport, as always. She and I have signed up for our hosting months (June for me and August for her) and are working on our themes. Next month's theme is Rolling With My Peeps, which is such a cute nod to Easter! 

I don't have much else to report, dear Blog. I promise to be better about visiting. We may not be as close as we once were, but I'll never quit you.