Gorgeous weather

Yesterday and today were 70 degrees and sunny with a light breeze. My favorite weather for my birthday. 

Terrible Traffic

On the drive home from Korra's appointment this afternoon, it took us over an hour rather than the usual 20 minutes. Thankfully, we don't usually have to drive far or drive often during the worst times of rush hour but today was a painful reminder of how awful Atlanta traffic is. 

Ria’s Bluebird

This morning's breakfast date was Ria's Bluebird. Very cool location and the pancakes are supposed to be world famous. They were good but not the most amazing I've ever had. 

Too Full

I was too full from movie theater snacks to eat much dinner (amazing loaded fries and Detroit style pizza) and then too full from dinner to eat ANY birthday cake. Even though Baskin Robbins accidentally made me TWO ice cream cakes and Korra pouted, I just could not eat it. Good thing it will still be there tomorrow. 

Princess Bride

At 2:00, several coworkers and I took the bus to the theater. We had about 20 staff join us by the time the movie started at 3. Everyone got some concessions (popcorn, sour punch straws, and a Long Drink for me!) and seemed impressed with the theater. Princess Bride was a fun choice and I think everyone had a really good time. I felt like it was a no success. I especially enjoyed seeing our name on the marquee!

39

Today is my 39th birthday.  Korra surprised me by getting herself out of bed and dressed before I even got up.  Looking forward to our movie event at work this afternoon and then pizza and ice cream cake with my two favorite people this evening.

It's All Pretend

I answer the phone at work.  Most of the time it's spam or cold calls trying to sell something.  Especially when the caller asks for "the owner" or someone who hasn't worked here in more than a year, I pretend to take a message but don't actually write anything down.  I even repeat their name and phone number back.  I don't know why I put such a show into pretending like they're going to get a call back, but I do it every time.  

Kitty Puzzle

Korra built this 1000 piece puzzle all by herself. 

(Yes, Alex is biting her arm in this photo)

Duolingo Update

I have a 581 day streak on Duolingo. I've finally reached past everything I learned in high school and college Spanish and now I have to actually learn instead of just remembering what I learned 20 years ago. 

Mini Date

Korra had an evening playdate with a friend so Nate and I made the most of the beautiful weather and living in the city. We walked on the Beltline to Krog Street market for drinks and then Jeni's ice cream. 

My New BFF

Yesterday I talked with Casey from Microsoft Support for 30 minutes.  Today, another 60.  We laughed, we commiserated, we chatted, we did not solve the problem.  I actually didn't mind because Casey kept saying things like "son of a biscuit!" and he told me about how he used to work on Broadway.  Casey and I have another call scheduled for Monday.  We're basically BFFs now.

Talent Show

Todd joined us in attending Korra's school talent show this evening. Korra played Fur Elise on the piano. She has been practicing for weeks, and we were really proud of her hard work and bravery.  

The talent show as a whole was fun but a little painful. The piano Korra played in was out of tune and some (most) of the acts were awkward as you would imagine a 4th-8th grade talent show would be. 

We celebrated with dinner at Torched Hop afterwards where Korra devoured a giant cookie a la mode. 

More Good Work Things

On the whole, work has been pretty boring lately, so here are some more good things about work to help keep my mood up for the day:

1) A coworker said he thought I'd been the office manager with CTE for 10+ years because of how good I am at it.

2) The office joined a composting program and our bin arrives today.

3) There is a lovely seating area out in front of the building where I'm going to have lunch today because the weather is gorgeous.  

March Movie Madness

For the last 3 weeks, I've been hosting a March Madness for favorite movies at our office.  Staff submitted 16 movies, I created a randomized bracket, and each day we've voted on 2 movies.  Yesterday was the final vote and I couldn't have been happier at the match-up: Hot Fuzz vs Princess Bride.  Princess Bride one by just one vote so that is the movie the staff will get to go see at a local independent theater... on my birthday!  The fact that it's on my birthday is just a coincidence, but a happy one.  Everyone has seemed to really enjoy the whole thing so far, and I think going to see a movie during the day will also be a big hit.  I feel like this might be my crowning achievement as an office manager.  

Rising Sixth Grader Night

Tonight we went to the Rising Rams night for Korra's middle school. The time in the auditorium was… overwhelming. So many people and so many feelings. Even just being back in a school was a lot. I felt really out of the loop since Korra isn't attending one of the feeder elementary schools. 

Just when I felt like I couldn't take another minute, we had a real win. We went to join a tour group and ended up with a private tour from two current 6th graders. It was perfect- low stress and helpful. 

The most nerdy/adorable part was that Korra decided to bring one of her Warrior Cats books. She said it was to read during the assembly but also to carry around in the hopes that someone else who loves the same book series would come talk to her. And it worked! Both our tour guides commented on the book and enjoyed showing Korra around the school library. 

More European Bookings

I booked our hotels in Belgium (2 nights in Brussels, 1 night in Antwerp, and one night at the St Bernardus guest house) and our train from London to Brussels. Last thing left to book is our car rental for visiting the monastery breweries in Belgium.  Less than 6 months until we go!

Miss Katie

One of my 22 year old coworkers (I have a couple), keeps calling me Miss Katie.  Like I'm her Sunday School teacher.  I keep asking her to stop.  We are peers.  She needs to see herself as a professional equal.  Also it makes me feel old as hell.  

Quiet Office

About half our staff are hosting a big event this week so it's extra quiet in the office today.  I'm enjoying it this morning, but I have a feeling that by the afternoon, it's going to feel quite boring.  I'll spend the time daydreaming about listening to my audiobook and finishing the sewing projects I started yesterday.  

Rice Balls and Booze-Free Cocktails

Last night Korra and I made onigiri with an adorable panda shaper. 

Today we went out to lunch at Battle and Brew (a board and video game restaurant) with K&R and Korra got a ridiculously sweet mocktail. 

Aquarium

We bought resident passes to the aquarium a few weeks ago so we decided to go this evening. I thought that it might be less busy in the evening (at 6:00) but it was still slammed. We only stayed for about 40 minutes before walking back home. Thankful we can just go back another day because none of us enjoyed the crowd. 

Lock In

Korra went to a Girl Scouts lock-in last night and not only did she have a great time, but she stayed the whole night without calling us or really having any anxiety!  Yay!

Rainy Day at Home

All 3 of us worked from home today (Korra had a virtual learning day) which was pretty perfect for such a rainy day. 

Last Pottery Class

Today I glazed my last 6 pieces- 2 mugs, 2 bowls, a votive holder, and a vase. There wasn't much more I could do since every piece of pottery takes several visits to complete (1 to throw, 1 to trim and bisque, 1 to glaze, and then 1 to pick up). I really enjoyed the class and the time with my friend.  I think I'll do it again in the future. 

Pie Day

I need to do an InstaCart order for work today so I added 3 pies and a can of whipped cream because it's PI DAY!  Everyone loves pie.

Great Wolf Lodge

Korra spent the last 2 nights at Great Wolf Lodge with her grandparents and cousins.  She hasn't called or texted us once.  According to the picture and texts from Nate's parents, she's had an amazing time and is likely very exhausted.  She did the ropes course and went bowling and did MagiQuest and lost a tooth and of course went down all the slides at the waterpark.  She cried when they left today because she had so much fun and loves her cousins so much.  I'm looking forward to hearing all about it this afternoon before I make her go to bed early.  

Weekend Update

On Friday night we had dinner and played board games with friends. 

On Saturday afternoon/evening we went out for Mexican to celebrate Dani's birthday. 

On Sunday morning we went out to brunch with friends and then we drove down to LaGrange. We spent a little time with family there (Nate's parents, brother, sister, brother in law, and our niblings) before leaving Korra there. She's enjoying 2 days at Great Wolf Lodge with her cousins.

Phone woes

Yesterday my phone fell out of my back pocket and into the toilet. I got it out quickly and it seemed ok, but I decided to put it in rice overnight just to be safe. Turns out that was not the best idea since a single grain of rice got stuck horizontally in the charging port and I spent a frantic 20 minutes digging it out with a pin. 

I blame all of this on the patriarchy and the pockets on women's pants being insufficient. 

Birthday Margaritas

Today is my dear friend Danielle's birthday so we went out for dinner to celebrate. 

I am so thankful for 19 years of friendship. 

2023 Book Update

It's 10 weeks into 2023 and I've read 21 books. I just finished The Book of the Unnamed Midwife today and I could barely put out down. Highly recommend  

Snooze

 Nate and I tried out Snooze for our Friday Breakfast Date.  It was good, but not good enough for a repeat visit.  

Pottery Class #7

Before class, we met up with some friends at Wild Leap for a LaGrange College alumni event. It was nice but the only people we saw that we know were the ones we planned to meet (and see often). 

We got to class late and I was a little worried about being in the way of the later class but it was totally fine. It was so fine that we accidentally stayed until 9:45. Oops. I tried to throw a few pieces but only ended up with a tiny bowl. I made a handle for a mug and trimmed a bowl and a vase. These 3 pieces will be ready to glaze along with the 3 I got out of the bisque today. 

Here are the pieces I got out of the kiln today!

Sick Perks

One of the few perks of being sick: I finished 2 audiobooks in 3 days. I loved both The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches and Thank You for Listening. 

On the up-swing

Today I felt well enough to go into work for a few hours. I checked the mail, placed and received the grocery order, and did a few other things before heading back home at lunch. After a nap, I worked the rest of the day from home. I think I'll be able to do a full day tomorrow (but no pressure if I can't). 

Partial Sick Day

I worked from home today and took a couple of hours of sick leave for the rest. I'm feeling better. I hope I feel even better in the morning. 

Sick, sick, sick

I feel awful even with a steady supply of DayQuil. I've spent the entire day in bed.

Balcony Cat

Alex loves to walk along the rails of our second floor balcony. 

Schmigadoon

I binged all 6 episodes of Schmigadoon and (surprising no one), I really enjoyed it. 

Bridal Shower and GA Beer Day

This afternoon, I went to a bridal shower for my friend from college and Nate and Korra went to a couple of breweries with friends for Georgia Beer Day. 

Cookie Booth

At this afternoon's Girl Scout cookie booth, a man told Korra he couldn't buy cookies because he doesn't have any teeth. (That's maybe the best sales rejection I've heard). 

After about an hour, it started to sprinkle so we packed all the cookies into the car. A man followed us over to buy a few boxes and then spent 5 solid minutes while it POURED rain, decided which 4 boxes of cookies to buy. He didn't seem concerned at all by the fact that he, the 2 girls, the other leader, and I were all getting absolutely soaked. 

The upside is that we were able to grab dinner and still be home earlier than expected (and we could change out of our very wet clothes). 

Being Sick is Stupid

I have a headache.  I have a swollen, sore tonsil.  My nose is runny and stuffy.  I took a COVID test and it's negative but it still sucks to be sick.  

Pottery Class #6

Today I threw 2 mugs, a bowl, and a vase but one of the mugs got accidentally smashed by a classmate. I glazed a small bowl, 2 votive holders, a mug, and vase. I trimmed and set to bisque a mug, a bowl, and a votive holder. I picked up these 3 pieces. 

Advantages

One amazing advantage of my current job: I woke up at 5am with a headache and couldn't go back to sleep. If I was teaching, I would have be so mad and frustrated, knowing if was going to be miserable, exhausting day. But I'm not teaching so I just got up, did some work, told my manager I'd be working from home, and then took a nap. I felt better and I still got all my work done. Amazing. 

Family Dinner

Last night my parents stopped for the evening on their way home from the beach and Todd and Sarah came over to join us all for dinner of spaghetti and meatballs. Korra enjoyed having so many adults she loves to show off to.