Family Photos

Cabin Time

As is our tradition, we're spending the week of Thanksgiving at the cabin with Nate's family. Lots of time relaxing in our favorite ways (that's reading, crocheting, and napping for me). Lots of cousin time for Korra (they spent the entire day at their fort by the creek yesterday). 

Knock on Wood

I haven't gotten sick yet this year despite having snotty kindergartners basically cough in my eyes. I don't feel sick, but I know illness this school year is inevitable.  I'd really like to not be sick over any breaks. 

Fire Alarm

A kindergartener pulled the fire alarm during the middle of the Thanksgiving lunch when we had lots of parents in the building.

Time for a Break

I love my job, but I am really, really looking forward to a week off. One more day and I can turn off my alarm. 

Cold Bike Rides

This morning's commute to work was the coldest yet (39 degrees). After work I biked to the new stretch of the Beltline with 2 coworkers (9 miles total). It was slightly less cold but worth it because I really enjoyed the time with new friends. 

Human Notice Board

There are a number of students who keep forgetting to bring their library books (or who have misplaced them).  Some of the smaller or more sensitive of these students get quite tearful about it on library days, so I decided to make some stickers to help. 

At first I was worried it would be like a scarlet letter, but the kids are actually so excited about stickers in general that even kids without overdue books are asking for one. 

I have no idea if making kids into walking notice boards will help get books back, but it can't hurt, right?

Rainy Morning

I bought a bunch of rain gear before the school year started and finally put it all to use this morning. 

Rain boots that go over my shoes, rain pants, rain coat with hood, and rain shell for my backpack. 

It wasn't pouring so the ride wasn't terrible- only my face got wet and the rain gear did it's job keeping everything else dry. 

The only thing I might need to invest in it's adding fenders to my bike- the butt of my rain pants were very muddy. 

No News

I usually read or listen to some NPR every few days to catch up on the news. I haven't done that since election day. I just can't handle any of the speculation about what's to come (appointment and such) or any more bad news. I wonder how long this feeling will last. 

Perfect Fall Weather

We had a lovely afternoon sitting outside at a brewery with some friends we haven't seen in a while, talking and playing board games. 70 degrees and sunny. Fantastic. 

Thoughts on Money

I just wanted to mention that until very recently, the thought of unexpectedly having to pay nearly $400 for something would have had me sick to my stomach. 

I remember a time when I felt despondent over misplacing $40. 

That's just to say, I don't take our financial stability for granted. 

New Trumpet

Korra broke her trumpet again. To be completely honest, it's not entirely her fault. The trumpet was purchased, used, nearly 30 years ago for Nate. It wasn't an especially high quality instrument even in 1996. Then we made the mistake of purchasing a soft case (a gig bag) so Korra could bike to school with it. The instrument repair shop called them "dent bags." Then there's the fact that she's 12 and accidents happen. 

So rather than dump more moment into an old instrument, we decided to buy her a new one. 

$390 later (and that's after a $100 credit for our old one)...

Friday after school

Right after school yesterday I went to my first meeting of a book club with my coworkers. It was absolutely lovely. I enjoy the ladies I work with so much, and learn more of just how amazing they are every time we hang out. 

For dinner we went over the the Snider's house for pizza, games, and the big boxing match. One of the greatest joys in life is having friends you don't feel like you need to clean your house for and who you can hang out with in your sweatpants/pajamas. 

Total Control?

I've been avoiding most news recently, but I just saw Republicans won a majority in the House and Senate. Add the newly elected president (who most of the party follows blindly for some reason) and a supreme court that was stacked by that president in his last term... It's even scarier than it was last week. 

They're checking almost every box of an authorization government before their tem even officially starts. 

https://protectdemocracy.org/work/the-authoritarian-playbook/

Intro Video

There's an information session for prospective families at the school this Saturday and admin has asked some of us to make 2 minute videos introducing ourselves and our roles/spaces.  My video will play in the library when parents come in and, of course, I'm overthinking it.  

Part of me wants to make it really fun and creative.  Part of me just wants to get it over with.  Why is making a video somehow so much more embarrassing and stressful than getting in front of a crowd and saying the same thing?

My Library

 Pictures of my library

Note to Self: Bring Crochet Project

I'm on the leadership team at school.  The last 2 meetings (1.5 hours each) have been about grading and while I think it's fascinating to see how the school works and while I understand the importance of the topic... it doesn't apply to me at all as the librarian.  I wish I'd brought my crocheting.

New School Promo Video

Just in case you wanted to see more what my school is like:

https://youtu.be/Cbv4K0IHRGE

Mommy and Me

Baby Shower

Today I drove up to Greenville to meet my mom and go to my cousins' baby shower. 

We had such a nice time and the fun continues because Mom and I got a hotel room here to spend a little more time together. 

First Thought

For the last 3 mornings I've had a few seconds upon waking up before I remember that Trump winning is real and things are really shitty and scary.  I wonder how long it'll be before that reality isn't my first thought when I wake up.

Appropriate Reactions

I'm very unsure about what to do.  I don't want to overreact, but I also don't want to underract.  I'm thinking about countries who have come under authoritarian regimes, cultures that have been overtaken by religious extremism, empires that have fallen.  I don't want to be naive and think that it couldn't happen here and now.  Will I realize we need to move or flee before it's too late (the Handmaid's Tale doesn't feel that far off at the moment)?  What precautions should we be taking?  Should we have a lot of cash on hand, look for jobs in a friendlier state or overseas, stock up on supplies like birth control?  

I also don't want to overreact- planning like that takes time, effort, and money and could uproot our lives.  The future is uncertain and there could be guardrails that keep things from getting out of hand, even if Project 2025 is terrifying.  

I just don't know.  I'm scared for myself but even more so for the LGBTQ community, people of color, and immigrants.  I'm scared for women, too.  Knowing so many people in this country support racist, homophobic, xenophobic, and misogynistic ideals is terrifying.  I need love, hope, and light to win.  The darkness feels so dark.

Coping

Ate some of my feelings tonight. 

I can't believe it. 

Keeping Busy and Getting Things Done

This morning Korra and I drove 30 minutes north to a brass instrument repair shop to get her trumpet fixed (pretty sure it finally succumbed to the mild abuse of belonging to a middle schooler). We also went grocery shopping and to the craft store. 

I vacuumed under the couch cushions, did 2 loads of laundry, and completed 2 continuing education webinars. Korra made big progress on her science fair project and met with a neighbor about cat sitting. I made a batch of enchiladas and an apple crisp for dinner. 

Still in progress: renewing our passports, Korra's book report, and a new embroidery project. 

Hoping I can keep myself distracted since I doubt we'll know election results tonight. 

My school lunch is better than yours

Election Dread

Over the past few years, I've become more aware of my emotions and how they impact my body.  Today my body is feeling very heavy and tight.  Even though the things I'm currently thinking about and doing are good, there is this sense of dread, fear, and sadness hovering over me.  I'm really scared about tomorrow and the days to come, and I know a lot of people on both sides feel the same way.  I'm trying to take lots of deep, intentional breaths and think about things that make me feel happy and safe.  I have a feeling it's going to be a long week.

Silent Book Club

Yesterday afternoon Nate and I attended a silent book club meeting. The location changes every time, and people just come with their books and silently read.  It was actually pretty cool to be in a public place that was pretty much completely silent while everyone around you was reading.  I think we'll go again!

Social Saturday

I had my book club at Bomb Biscuit this morning, then Korra and I went to my school's fall festival and later this afternoon, we're going to a friend's book release party. 

Happy Hour

I went out for margaritas and chips and queso with about a dozen of my coworkers after work today. It was LOVELY. I especially loved that all the ladies were older than me and had been at the school for 15+ years. 

Tango

This week I read the kindergarteners and 2nd graders the picture book And Tango Makes Three.  When I think back to the last school I was a librarian at, I'm very thankful to have found a place that allows (encourages!) me to purchase and teach from diverse texts, especially in light of our national climate of censorship.