Duolingo

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New Bike!

I picked up my new bike today!!

Fire Ants

On my morning walk, I accidentally stepped in a fire ant hill. I had to take my sock and shoe off right there on the sidewalk to shake off dozens of ants but didn't manage before I got a handful of bites on my ankle and hand. 

Five Iron Frenzy!

Yesterday we spent some time catching up with the Sniders and then sent to see Nate's favorite band, Five Iron Frenzy. They put on a fantastic show, which I'm sure we enjoyed even more as it was the first time we've been able to see them perform in 20 years. 

eBike!

I didn't get the ebike credit, but I went ahead and ordered my new bike anyway!  I'm so excited!!

Baby Shower!

The baby shower was great. Ponko chicken tacos, brownies and ice cream, baby themed trivia and everyone seemed to have a nice time. 

Crisis Averted

I went to check on the catered meal I ordered for the baby shower at work this afternoon only to discover it was still in my cart, I had never checked out, and I couldn't order for today.  Thankfully, I called as soon as they opened and they were still able to put my order in for this afternoon!  The only downside is that we'll have to go pick it up- yet more tricky logistics with only one car.  

One car logistics

Usually, it's no big deal to only have one car.  Nate and I both work within 2 miles of home and Korra's school is less than half a mile away.  Today is not one of those days.  We all got in the car together at 7:50.  I dropped Nate off at work, then took Korra to the high school for camp.  Then I went to my office to drop off the brownies I made for the work baby shower this afternoon.  I got back in the car and went back to the high school to see Korra's end-of-camp art show.  Then I drove back to Nate's work so he could have the car (I have the baby shower so I can't pick Korra up).  Then I took the bus from Nate's work to mine.  I'm thankful for flexible schedules, short commutes, and a decent public transportation system (at least if you want to go down Ponce).  

So hot

It's been in the upper 90s every day for more than 2 weeks. It barely gets below 80 at night and the humidity stays above 70%. It's supposed to rain tonight and then *only* get up to 85 tomorrow. 

Work Puzzle

Ever since I started at my job, I've made it a kind of tradition to have a puzzle on the coffee table that anyone can work on. We realized there was a missing piece in this latest puzzle and contacted the maker. They sent us a the missing piece!  

I also bought a new puzzle for them to build after I go - it's of a library. 

The Last...

Yesterday I ran my last PTO report.  This morning I did my last big Costco Instacart order.  This afternoon I'm doing my last exit interview (besides my own).  Wrapping up all the loose ends.

RJ and Korra Collage

I made a collage of pictures of Korra with the fat orange cat.  I'm going to print it and put it in their mailbox.

My Favorite Sandwich

My boss asked to take me out to lunch today.  Unlike when I got my HR certification, I actually got to pick the place.  Also, since I don't really love spending time with just my boss, I asked one of my favorite coworkers to join us.  We all got my favorite meatloaf sandwich and had a lovely time.  One more week at this job!

Breakfast Club

10 of my coworkers and I are eating breakfast and working and chatting and it's lovely.  There are definitely parts of this job I have loved and will miss.

More Visitors!

Last night Nate's brother and his family stopped here on their way from Pensacola to the cabin. We walked to Torched Hop for dinner and had a little time to hang out before bed. Thankfully we'll see them again at the cabin in a week!

Korra's new bedroom set-up is certainly getting a lot of use this summer. 

Highlands Days 3 & 4

 We spent the past two days talking, watching cult documentaries, eating, shopping, enjoying the beautiful weather, resting, and taking lots of pictures. It’s been wonderful, but I’m ready to go home. 

Glen Falls

This morning we went to brunch and then for a hike to Glen Falls. It was gorgeous!

Highlands Day 2

Yesterday we had a leisurely morning at the house before heading into town to wander and shop. We stopped for lunch and to take a picture by a waterfall before heading back to the house for naps. We ordered pizza for dinner and had cake that Margaret baked. Once again, we were all in bed by 10ish. The weather has been lovely- partly cloudy and about 75 degrees. 

NA!!!!

14 years ago, Nate and I fostered NA (New Addition), a 12 year old who's name was actually Austin. Austin lived with us for about 9 months until he was adopted and he went to 6th grade at West Side where I was the librarian.  We kept it touch through his adoptive mother when he was a teen and then we were Facebook friends. When I deleted Facebook about 7 years ago, I made sure he had my email address and phone number, but he didn't give me his. Last night, I got a text from him, updating me on his life (he's married, has a 2 year old, lives in Illinois) and asking if we can get together when he's in the area next month. It was so surprising! 

Highlands Day 1

Jane Marie and Blair met at out house at 11 and the 3 of us set out for Highlands. It was about a two and a half hour drive, plus our stop for lunch. We were the first to arrive so we walked around the downtown and got ice cream. 

Next we headed to the house we've rented. It's absolutely beautiful, especially the back porch and its view of the mountains. Once the other 6 arrived, we had dinner (Laura's husband made lasagna) before we did a big catch up on everyone's families.  One of the best parts? We were all in bed by 10pm. 

Girls’ Trip!

I had two busy-ish days at work (if I'm being totally honest, I'm only working about 6 hour days in part due to dropping off and picking up Korra from camp). I had a couple of meetings to train other people how to do what I do and am trying to wrap up any unfinished tasks. 

Today I'm getting picked up by some of my friends from college and we're driving to Highlands, NC for 5 days and 4 nights of relaxing and catching up together to celebrate our collective 40th birthdays. I am looking forward to it immensely. 

Father’s Day

We drove down to LaGrange this afternoon to spend some time with friends- a cookout, some games, and a Mountain Dew taste test (12 flavors!)

Afterwards, we stopped at Torched Hop for their Father's Day tradition- an Old Fashioned flight. 

Baby Blanket

Just finished a baby blanket for a coworker. I thought it was fitting that the majority of it was crocheted while watching 3 seasons of Call the Midwife. 

Swimming!

 It was 95, sunny, and humid yesterday (with the same forecast for the next week) so we were happy to spend some time at the pool yesterday with friends.  Add pizza for dinner and we had quite a fun Friday evening!

Peas in a Pod

Last night we had some friends from Arkansas spend the night on their way to Savannah. The last time we saw them was on our road trip 7 years ago. At that time, their eldest child and Korra were immediately best friends. Korra doesn't remember them at all and was a little wary of their visit but within 5 minutes, she and Lee were in a deep discussion about Warrior Cats and drawing styles.  Korra is already looking forward to their visit in their way and to a new pen pal. 

Bagels and Veggies and Puzzles

Highlights of my work day:

• Free bagel sandwich from Einstein's for breakfast
• Coworker with a huge garden brought in veggies to share
• Finished the office puzzle

A Little Get-Away

I have a couple of days off in July (before my new job starts) while Korra will be in Pensacola, so Nate took two days off work and I've booked us a mini-vacation!  First we'll be staying at a nice hotel in Atlanta after we go to the Joe Pera show, and then we'll drive to Athens- just to check out some breweries, restaurants, wander around their downtown, and spend the night.  Yay for credit card points that can cover things like this!

Fat Cat

Korra and I have a little time between when we drop Nate off at work and when she can get dropped off at camp.  We've been taking walks around the neighborhood surrounding the high school (where camp is located) and admiring the houses and gardens.  Today, we saw a fat orange cat across the street.  When he saw us he sloooooooowly crossed the street (stopping traffic) to get some pets from Korra.  

Pictures from Camping

 

Cousins!

Not Korra and her niblings but MY cousin Julie has been able to join is this whole weekend and my cousin Lauren and her wife were able to join us yesterday!  We thoroughly enjoyed the water balloon launcher, a cookout, and smores around the campfire. 

Family Camp Day 2

Yesterday my brothers and their families arrived. We went to the pool twice, the kids played in the woods and on the playgrounds, my siblings and I and the 4 oldest kids jumped on the bounce pillow, and we went into downtown Gaffney for pizza and ice cream. 

Spacious Skies Campground

It was about a 3 hour drive to Gaffney, SC this afternoon. Our family has rented out all 5 of their cabins, though my brothers won't arrive until tomorrow. We got settled into the cabin (I think they're pretty great- comfortable and small but with everything we need), had some tacos for dinner, and caught up while the cousins played. Looking forward to checking out the pool, mini golf, and hiking trail tomorrow. 

Half Day

Korra's decided to go to her camp for the morning. I'm going to wrap things up at work, bake a batch of muffins and a loaf of coffee cake, and get us packed and ready for our family trip!

Camp Update

Korra's camp is finally open tomorrow… and we're going on a family trip tomorrow through Sunday. 

Water Woes: DAY SIX

We are on our 6th day of a boil water advisory both at home and at my office.  I'm thankful we've never lost water entirely, but this is getting old.  It also means that Korra has now had her 3rd day of summer camp cancelled.

Bacchanalia

Dinner was fancy without being too fancy and delicious and left us both feeling special and celebrated. 

This makes TWO Michelin star restaurants we've gotten to eat at in the last year! (Plus, 3 Bib Gourmand restaurants!)  Yum!

Rainy Ride

My bike ride home from work was terrible. It was barely sprinkling when I left but before I made it 2 blocks, it was a downpour with strong winds. I was absolutely soaked by the time I got home. 

19 Years

 Today is our 19th wedding anniversary!  

I was only 18 years old when I met Nate and barely 21 when we got married.  We've grown up together and I am so thankful for the partnership and life we've built.

Looking forward to celebrating at Baccanalia tonight!

Atlanta Water Saga

On Friday evening, we learned about 3 water main breaks in the city. Lots of people lost water, though we only had low water pressure. Water pressure was back to normal for us by Saturday night, but we were (and still are) under a boil advisory. Last night, there were 2 more breaks. Korra's first day of camp was canceled for today because of the water issues. Fingers crossed they are finally able to fix all the breakages and lift the boil advisory today. 

Dinner with Lindsay (and Family)

 Last night we met up with my middle/high school best friend and her family for dinner.  It was so nice to catch up and I am so thankful for her long-time friendship.

Quick Visit from My Parents

 My parents stopped by last night on their way home from a festival in Todd's town and spent the night with us.  It was a short visit, but we managed to squeeze in a few rounds of Speed Scrabble and our new favorite game Dro Polter as well as a walk and biscuits and eggs for breakfast. Plus, they brought me my boxes of teaching supplies they had been kind enough to store for me for the past two years.

Cereal Eating Contest

 This afternoon we went to Pontoon Brewery where they hosted a cereal eating contest.  We were thoroughly entertained by the 7 year old who wolfed down the entire box with his bare hands and then began chugging the half gallon of milk before any of the other contestants (including several adults) had even made it half-way through their cereal.