Mrs Reynolds

The vet called us at noon today with the results from Mrs Reynolds' blood work.  Everything was just a little off, with no clear indication of what is wrong or causing her pain besides old age. When I told the vet that the pain medication didn't seem to be making much difference (she's still laying down almost all the time and limping when she walks) and that she's pooped in her bed and then still layed there, the vet recommended it was time to say goodbye. We called an at-home service and scheduled an appointment for Friday morning. Then we packed up and headed home. I'm glad we had a little time with Nate's family, but we really feel like being here with Mrs is best for all of us. We're having extra snuggles and staying on top of her pain meds. It's been (and will continue to be) really, really hard for all 3 of us. She's been here through most of our marriage, through all of Korra's life, through 3 homes, 3 foster kids, and more job changes than we can count. She's been fiesty and ornery, stubborn and adorable, and now she's just so tired. Saying goodbye is going to be so hard. 

Oral Surgery Update

After repeatedly calling the oral surgeon and leaving messages regarding getting reimbursed, I finally decided to give them a terrible review on Google. Surprise, surprise, they called me the next day to see what they can do to "improve my experience." They asked me to come to their office to get my reimbursement put back on my credit card (one more inconvenience for me) but agreed to ask the doctor if they could write me a check. She promised she'd call me later that day. She didn't. I called this morning and had to leave a message with the rude receptionist. Thankfully the lady I talked to yesterday called me back immediately and said the check would be on the mail today. At no point did anyone apologize for all the inconvenience, delay, and frustration. Now I just need to wait to see if the check actually arrives. 

110 Books

Even though I technically still have all of today to finish one of the 5 books I started (but am nowhere near finishing), I'm going to call it and give my official total of books read in 2025: 110. Yep, that's my new high score which I attribute to a handful of those books being YA or upper elementary (preparing for the 4th and 5th grade Reading Bowl). It does not include all the picture books I've read, however. Here are some of my favorites:

The Dungeon Crawler Carl series. The audiobooks are masterpieces. They are hilarious and I can't recommend them enough.

The Change by Kirsten Miller. Perimenopausal women get super powers and use it to solve murders and kick ass. 

Yours Truly and Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez. These are technically part 2 and 3 of the Part of Your World series. I read the first one last year and while I liked it, I LOVED these two. Fantastic contemporary romance. 

A Sorceress Comes to Call by T Kingfisher.  I've been kind of meh about fantasy lately (all the lore feels overwhelming and boring) so I was surprised by how much I loved this one. 

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins. The two Hunger Games prequels reignited my love for this series. As good as the first book. 

Margot's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thrope. A pregnant teen reunites with her professional wrestler dad and starts using Only Fans to support herself. It's funny and insightful. 

Scythe by Neal Schusterman. I love a good futuristic dystopia and this delivers. Even better than Unwind, which I loved years ago. 

Allergic Reaction

This morning I went to get my allergy injections and after my 30 minute wait, I told the nurse my palms were itchy. They immediately gave me an antihistamine and rushed me to a room in the back where they listened to my breathing and hooked me up to a pulse ox monitor. After 15 more minutes, the itching had subsided and they let me go, but on the way home, I got the worst heartburn of my life. And then I remembered that I had really bad heartburn last week after my injections. I called the allergist's office and let them know. The nurse said she didn't know of heartburn being a symptom of allergic reactions, but she said she'd let the doctor know. It lasted for about an hour. Here's hoping it was a one time thing because now I'm dreading next week's injections. 

Korra the Cat Sitter

Over the past week, Korra took care of 5 cats in total for 3 of our neighbors. She made $200 (she was given some nice bonuses since she worked on Christmas). 

75 degree December

Yesterday Korra and I volunteered at the food pantry in the morning. We restocked and also filled bags. Afterwards, we met friends who were in town from Boston for lunch and a walk on the Beltline. The weather has been crazy- the high was 75 degrees!- but it made for a very enjoyable stroll. 

It was a good thing it was warm enough to have all the windows open because I thought Jiffy Pop popcorn would be a fun Christmas treat... The pan repeatedly dripped oil that caught on fire on the stove eye. Definitely not the Christmas activity I was expecting when I bought it. 

Garden Lights

We went to the Botanical Gardens holiday lights display this evening with Todd and Sarah. It was 65 degrees, even after the sun set, so it was really pleasant to be outside. We avoided the nightmare that is their parking deck by parking in the neighborhood across the street, which immediately made the experience much more enjoyable. The lights were as spectacular as ever. 

Christmas Dinner

Using butter that won "Butter of the Year" we made steak with sauteed mushrooms and onions, green beans, and mashed potatoes for our Christmas dinner. Delicious!

Muppets and Cookies

We're watching Muppets Christmas Carol and baking gingerdoodle cookies. Merry Christmas Eve!

High Cat

We took Mrs Reynolds to the vet today because she's been limping. They gave her some strong pain medicine for arthritis which has resulted in her staring at her food bowl for the last 6 hours. We keep moving her to her bed but she goes right back. 

She "declined" blood work today (she hissed at and attempted to bite the vet tech) but we'll try again on Monday with some meds in her system. We're checking on her kidneys- it's possible she has a UTI or kidney failure.  We just want her to be as comfortable as possible in her advanced age. 

Family Time

 Even though we couldn't all be there together the whole time due to work schedules and illnesses, we did have a wonderful time at a beautiful house. We played games and watched movies, cooked and ate and ordered way too much pizza.  We exchanged ridiculous mugs and gifts. We laughed and we cried. It was unbelievably hard to say goodbye to my sister and her family today because they're moving to New Zealand in 3 weeks. I'm so excited for them (and more than a little jealous) but I'm going to miss her so much.

Change of Plans

Nate's feeling sick (as he unfortunately has been for the past 3 Christmases) so we're delaying going up to see my family until tomorrow morning to give him a little time to feel better (and a little less time for him to possibly spread germs). 

Half Day

The last day of each semester is a half day, so after arriving to work late due to my doctor's appointment, I only had 2 hours to get some work done before dismissal.  Headed home in a few minutes to do some final packing before getting Korra and hitting the road.

Doctor's Appointment

This morning I went back to my GP to look over my lab results.  I nearly had a heart attack when the scale showed that I'd gained 21 pounds in the last 2 months.  Thankfully, a second try had me back at my normal weight.  

She prescribed me thyroid medication with a follow up in a few weeks to check on how it's going.  Fingers crossed the prescription will be ready today before we leave for time with my family.  

Insomnia

Several nights in a row, I've woken up repeatedly, sometimes for long stretches, and then been unable to go back to sleep way too early in the morning. Thankfully, I haven't been TOO tired, but I'm getting really frustrated. Tomorrow is my doctor's appointment about my hypothyroidism and I hope medication (and relief from this insomnia) is on the horizon. 

Please Don't Get Sick

The flu is going through our school.  So many teachers and kids are out (and plenty are still here and spreading germs).  I haven't felt this panicky about gettings since COVID-times.  I need to see my family this weekend.  Masking, washing my hands, getting extra vitamin C and zinc, and using my netipot.  I hope it's enough.

Kindergarten Meltdowns

There were 3 simultaneous meltdowns during my kindergarten class today.  One was breaking crayons and throwing them.  One was growling, crawling on the floor, and pulling books off the shelf.  One was screaming bloody murder and sobbing.  It was an intense and unpleasant 30 minutes.  I don't know how those teachers do it day after day.

Handmade School Gifts

I cross stitched bookmarks for a few of the teachers I work most closely with and Korra made friendship bracelets and melty beads for her friends. We both delivered our handmade gifts today and loved the reaction we received. Totally worth all the time we put into making them.  

One Step Closer

I've been fighting with our dental insurance and the oral surgery since the beginning of September.  Our insurance FINALLY paid the oral surgeon (honestly, it was more the oral surgeon's fault for submitting incomplete billing) but that means the last step is getting a reimbursement from the oral surgeon.  It would be the most wonderful Christmas present if we were able to get that soon.

Holiday Preparations

I made some Christmas cookies, went shopping for groceries to bring to our family gathering, wrapped presents, and finished cross stitching the bookmarks for my coworkers. 

I also had time for 2 naps, one book club brunch, a lunch with friends, and a movie. 

Korra and I are both healthy again and ready for this final week of school of 2026. 

Sick Day

I woke up with a terrible sore throat and an achey body. Spent most of the day in bed, but I was feeling much better by late afternoon. Well enough to do a bit of cooking- some oatmeal peanut butter cookies and I tried a new recipe for dinner that ended up being a flop. Planning to go to bed early tonight in the hopes that I've nipped this illness in the bud. 

Winter Wonderland

Last night was my school's holiday music performance.  It's exhausting that it was the day after Korra's school's holiday musical performance again this year.  While the end result is magical and beautiful (they cover the field in lights, every kid in the school comes and sings, all the parents sit on blankets and drink cocoa), it's super stressful to keep 400 kids calm, quiet, and safe in the dark when it's cold and they are both tired and amped up.  I love this event in theory, but in practice, I really hated it.

Poop in the Sink

Alex locked himself in the bathroom during the night. In the absence of his litter box, he pooped in the sink. Good morning to me. 

Kindergarten Cage Match

All of kindergarten (66 kids) were on the field for practice for tonight's school music performance. After they practiced, we let them run around for 20 minutes. It quickly started to have the feeling of a WWE cage match. There was so much wrestling and tackling, I almost expected someone to pull out a ladder or a folding chair. 

Band Concert

Tonight was Korra's band concert. It was also the orchestra concert and dance recital. Thankfully, it did not include chorus this year. It was long but this kid is worth it. 

Wood chips

Every day, the kindergartners come into the library after recess. During story time, they take off their shoes and dump wood chips out onto the carpet. 

Delicious Dinner Mash-Up

I made chicken pot pie but instead of biscuits or pie crust, I used mashed potatoes on top (like a shepherd's pie). It was very yummy and perfect for a cold, kind of dreary day. 

13 Year Physical

Korra had her annual physical on Friday. She's still in the 5th percentile for height- even with that growth spurt she's had. Apparently all the other 13 year old girls had the same growth spurt. She's just shy of 4 foot 10 inches. 

All State Band Tryouts

Bleh

And just like that my energy has left me.  It might be the cold, rainy weather.  It might be fluctuating hormones (I just learned I probably have hypothyroidism which would explain SO MUCH).  Here's hoping it's a temporary slump as I still have some Christmas presents I want to finish making.

Mae

Korra and Nate (along with Todd and Ryan) are at a Mae concert tonight. I love that Korra enjoys going to live music with Nate, especially because I'm too tired and it's too loud for me. 

62 degrees

The heat in the library is broken.  Yesterday we started at 55 degrees and moved up to 64.  This morning it's at 62.  It's less than pleasant.  The repair people are supposed to be here today.  I hope it's soon.

Relaxing Thanksgiving

I did my best to make my physical therapist proud by doing absolutely no exercise for all of Thanksgiving break. Reading, naps, puzzles, board games, cross stitching, movies, delicious food, and lots of time with family. We spent today getting ready for the week- grocery shopping, meal prep, and laundry. I still found time for some sewing and crocheting, but I'm on a creativity kick and am rather annoyed that work tomorrow will interrupt my crafting. Thankfully, it's only 15 days of work before Christmas break!

Thanksgiving Break

A full 9 days off of work is finally here!  We've already spent time with several friends (dinner and board games on Friday, lunch with my best friend from high school and a birthday dinner celebration yesterday, and we're attending a baptism this morning)- all before heading to the cabin this afternoon for a week of relaxation and family time. 

Chicken Pox

There is a confirmed case of chicken pox at my school and it makes me so very angry that people can be so selfish about vaccinations.  We have pregnant teachers who are worried about their unborn babies.  Honestly, I guess I should be thankful it's not measles, but it feels like that could come along, too. 

99th percentile

My kid is so smart. She just got her PSAT results and her scores are in the 99th percentile nationally. 

Book Fair is OVER

The book fair is packed up.  The library is mostly back to normal.  The cash (including all the damp, crumpled dollars) has been given to the book keeper.  I'm almost ready to finish the financial forms (we did REALLY well).  It was exhausting and I'm so glad it's over... and I'll probably do it again next year.

Blanket and Chair

There's a teacher at my school who, during her lunch break every day, comes to the library with a book, a huge blanket, and her own CHAIR.

GS Camping

 On Saturday afternoon Korra and I picked up our friends (mother and daughter) to meet her Girl Scout troop at Stone Mountain. We set up the tent and then they all went hiking up the mountain (I stayed behind and read in the hammock thanks to my hip issues). 

The weather was absolutely gorgeous. We had dinner and s'mores. The girls played games and talked. We were in bed by 9:00, which I was very thankful for. It was our friends' first camping trip (and we might have accidentally tricked them into coming) but everyone survived and even if they aren't convinced to go camping often, they had a pretty good time. 

Bookmarks

I finished cross stitching some bookmarks!

The Book Fair is like...

-working a retail job where all the customers are 6 years old. 

-childbirth. It's pretty much the worst thing ever while it's happening but afterwards you're like, "totally worth it."

Craft Club

I took Korra to climbing tonight (Nate went to a concert) and then went over to the brewery next door to the gym just because they have comfy couches I could sit on while waiting and the staff knows us well enough to not care that I didn't order anything. The couches were nearly full and I was bummed until I realized all the women on the couches were all crocheting and knitting! I ended up inadvertently joining a crafting club (because of course I had my cross stitching with me). One of the ladies is a teacher and another grew up just a few miles from where I was born in Wisconsin. They were so nice and it was so fun to talk with them about different projects we've made. They even invited me to join them next time too!

For the second time today, it was exactly what I needed, even when I didn't know I needed it.

Moody

I've been feeling really emotional lately. I'm blaming hormones (or maybe the fall of our democracy?). It feels an awful lot like when I was pregnant. Sad and teary for no particular reason. 

This morning a really kind parent came to check on me, offered me some help (she worked in visual marketing for years and gave me excellent tips on staging the fair for Family Night) and offered to bring me dinner on Thursday when I'm working late. It was exactly what I needed, exactly when I need it and I am extremely grateful. 

Bouldering Competition

Korra had another bouldering competition on Saturday.

Book Fair, Day 1

My volunteers all showed up and were helpful.  The kids were VERY impressed by the Scholastic set-up and selection.  The parents are feeling nostalgic.  

As is my usual book fair habit, I didn't put out any of the toys.  Don't get me wrong, there are still books that include toys (think: a book about sharks that includes a shark tooth necklace), but most of the junk... I just keep it in the boxes. The big change this year is that I'm going to put out ALL of the toys PLUS the young adult titles I requested at our "Family Event" on Thursday.  I'll let the parents buy all the posters of sports cars and calculators that smell/look like chocolate bars they want.

Cooking Korra

Korra made dinner tonight (quesadillas and corn) and cookie bars for dessert. She's also committed to making dinner on Wednesday. I love that her interest in cooking is coinciding with a really busy week for me as Nate and I could use the help. 

No-Show

My book fair set-up volunteer didn't show up yesterday afternoon so I spent 2 hours setting up alone and still didn't finish. So much for taking it easy on my hip. 

Circles Around You

I've been on hold with the oral surgeon for over 20 minutes.  This is at least the fourth time since September that I've called them and been put on hold while trying to talk to their billing department about Korra's tooth extraction.  Every time I'm placed on hold, I have to listen to the same country song on loop, which adds insult to injury.  Circles Around You by Cody Robbins.  3 minutes and 10 seconds that gets worse every time you listen to it.  It's like they're trying to wear down my will to fight for the $600 I overpaid for Korra's procedure.... and it's working.

Book Fair Delivery

The book fair was supposed to be delivered yesterday afternoon.  When the truck showed up, the handle broke off the back so the driver couldn't open it and give us our cases.  The delivery was rescheduled for this morning and thankfully arrived 15 minutes before my first class- giving me time to get the cases inside and pushed up against the wall before the kids came in!

Physical Therapy

I went to my physical therapy appointment today. It was hard to realize just how long I've been in pain. The doctor said that I need to stop biking to school and walk as little as possible in order to allow my hips to heal and "calm down." I'm happy to be on the road to feeling better, but really sad to lose out on the daily exercise that helps me feel good physically and emotionally. she's hopeful that my pain will be reduced within a few weeks, but isn't sure when I'll be able to resume my normal exercise.

Things thrown in the library this week by temper-tantrum-throwing kindergartners

A box of Legos

An Elephant and Piggy book

A box of crayons

A shoe

Parent Volunteers

For the book fair next week, I've asked for some parent volunteers- specifically, one volunteer per 2 hour shift. Not only is there really only enough work for one volunteer at a time but more to the point- if there's more than one parent volunteer, they often end up talking to each other instead of actually helping me. 

Two BFF parents came up to me at dismissal today to ask if they could sign up for the same shift. I started by explaining I don't really need more than one helper at a time but then ended with, "You can only work with a partner if you'll get your work done" in my best teacher-talking-to-students voice. They laughed and now all I can do is hope their joint volunteer shift goes smoothly. 

Cat in the Cabinet

The entire time I was on my only meeting today, Alex repeatedly opened and then slammed closed the kitchen cabinets.  He didn't even want to get in them.  He just wanted to paw them open and then close them again.  

Election Day

As today is an election day and many schools in our area are used as polling locations, Korra and I have a "remote learning day."  Besides going to vote (done!) I've got one meeting and a few things to get done for next week's book fair.  Then I've got some housework (like mopping) and adulting (like making a physical therapy appointment and calling our dental insurance about a claim) to get done with the hopes that I also have enough time to do something creative (sewing or cross stitching).  It's a nice change of pace to be at home and be able to multitask. 

Thrift Store Find

I saw this hat. I have so many questions. 

I didn't buy it. Maybe I should have?

Halloween

We went to our friends' Parents' neighborhood and Korra had a whole group of kids to trick-or-treat with. 

We had pizza before going out and then we wandered around checking out the insane decorations and themed family costumes on the closed off streets. Halloween has become so much bigger than when I was a kid. Korra hasn't had to knock on a door in years- most people are out on their porches or driveways. 

Chicken and Friend Rice Dream

Last night I dreamed that Mrs Reynolds ate a whole roasted chicken and then was throwing up everywhere and when I went to ask Nate to help me clean it up, he was eating fried rice IN OUR BED.  It was a very upsetting dream.

No Vasovagal Response!

Thanks to planning on my part (drank lots of water, brought an ice pack for my neck, and asked to do my blood draw while laying down) and a good nurse who only stuck me once with no digging, I had NO queasiness, dizziness, etc during my annual exam today!  Also, my doctor asked for my steel cut oats recipe and was impressed by my use of melatonin to get off my reflux meds, so it was a pretty good visit. 

Now to use the PT referral she gave me to get my hip issue sorted. 

Walk with a Neighbor

A neighbor who moved in over the summer (and only met once at the pool) put a note on our door last week to ask if I wanted to exchange contact information. I, of course, went a step further and asked her to go on a walk with me. Despite the cool and dreary weather, we had a nice time walking and getting know each other and I hope we get to do it again soon. 

Climbing Competition and Horseback Riding

Korra had her first climbing competition yesterday. Her coach said she did really well and has been improving a lot this year. 

Nate took her to that while my mom and I went to my book club. Only my two closest friends were able to come so it was actually perfect for Mom to get to know them a bit. 

In the afternoon, Korra went horseback riding with her Girl Scout troop. Korra said her favorite part were the barn cats. 

Grandparents and Special Friends Day

Today we hosted 400+ adults at the school for Grandparents and Special Friends Day.  The chorus sings, the kids show off projects in the classroom, and I chat with visitors and collect book dedication plate donations.  It's a fun, but busy morning.  I also got the opportunity to be a "special friend" for one of my favorite 5th graders who didn't have someone coming to visit her today.  We did a cool activity together, she showed me her work, and then her teachers let her come help me in the library for half an hour.  It was a really good morning.

Today is EXTRA special because my mommy is on the way!  She's going to come to my school first so I can show her around where I work.  Yay!

8th grade expenses

8th grade is turning out to be a very expensive year.  

$110 to register with the USA Climbing Competition league.  

$60 per climbing competition.  

$50 to register for All State Band try-outs.  

$790 for her Orlando band trip.  

$150 for end of year 8th grade celebrations (including a dance and a 6 Flags trip).  

$70 for a yearbook.  

And it's only October...

Kids' Quotes

"I'm smarter than you so I don't have to do what you say."

"I'm going to engage in some rebellion now."

"The way you say 'bye' is so cringe."

Biking Weather

With absolutely no in-between, I went from having to bring a change of clothes to school because I get all sweaty on my bike ride to school to having to wear an extra layer because it's too cold on my ride to school (it was 47 degrees yesterday and today!).  I would have liked just one day that was neither sweaty or cold.

Gnats

I could not figure out why there have been so many gnats in our kitchen since we got back from Disney and then I discovered a bag of rotting potatoes in a cabinet... ewww.

Korra’s Kitty Care

Korra's neighborhood cat sitting business is booming lately. She's got 2 jobs this weekend for new clients and has another new job next weekend. 

AND her science fair project is about how cats react to native and nonnative birds, so she's also spending time with 2 other neighbors' cats in order to do her experiments. 

No Kings

Korra and I went to another No Kings protest today. It started less than a block from our house and went the mile and a half to the capitol.

Resting and Recovering

I had to go to school for a few hours yesterday (teacher work day) and Korra had some make-up work to complete but otherwise, yesterday was a day to relax, watch TV, and fold laundry. 

Universal

 We spent the last 2 days at Universal Studios. The Harry Potter areas were really cool and the while the wand a student gave me 9 years ago didn’t work anymore, they let me exchange it at Olivander’s for free. 

Nate also really loved the Simpsons, Jurassic Park, and Nintendo worlds. Nate and Korra stayed from opening until closing, but I went back to the hotel in the afternoon because my cold was making me feel really awful. We had so much fun but I’m exhausted, sick, and very ready to be home. 

Epcot

 The adults really enjoyed eating and drinking our way around the world today. The kids were really, really tired and were therefore struggling with waiting for the adults toto try all the foods.  The Guardians ride was a favorite for everyone.

Headed back earlier today to let the kids swim a bit and get to bed earlier tonight. 

Hollywood Studios

 The Star Wars part of today’s park was really neat, especially for Nate.

Waiting in Lines

It's really busy at the Magic Kingdom today. Almost every line has been over 45 minutes. 

Animal Kingdom

After a bit of confusion about which park we were going to (went to Magic Kingdom first but there was an issue with park hoppers), we started the day with Expedition Everest (twice for most of our group, but Nate and I opted for a second cup of coffee instead). I powered through until about 3:30 but when I saw the next wait was 50+ minutes AND I didn't even really care about the ride, I opted to go back to the hotel alone. I laid in bed eating goldfish crackers and reading for 2 hours and it was exactly what I needed. Korra has so much fun with her cousins including a drawing class and a quick swim before bed. 

Delays

Delays were inevitable. We sat in until plane at the gate for 45 minutes because we didn't have a pilot, then we waited for 30 minutes when we landed because we didn't have a gate. Arrived at the hotel at 11:30. I'm dreading waking Korra and Nate up in a minute but we have to catch the shuttle at 7 with the rest of the family. 

Orlando Bound

We made it through a long security line (which was especially frustrating since our TSA pre-check wouldn't show up on our boarding passes) and are on the plane.

Preemptively Tired

I didn't sleep well last night and even though I'm not tired now, I keep thinking about how tired I will be when our flight doesn't land in Orlando until almost 10:00- and that's if there are no delays.  

Tuesday Book Clubs

Tuesday mornings are the best.  I have 3 back-to-back book clubs with a small group of kindergarteners, then first graders, then second graders.  Sitting on the floor in a circle, reading, and talking with kids who love to read- it's a really great way to spend an hour and a half.

No AC

There is no AC in the library.  It's currently 81 degrees in here and has been since I walked in at 7:20.  They're working on it but it's not looking hopeful.  I've got the back door propped open and while that helps it feel a little cooler, it's also making it super humid in here. 

Weekend Update

Friday evening we stayed at home, which is exactly what I wanted and needed after a busy week. 

On Saturday morning Korra and I went to buy her new shorts (she's outgrown all but 2 pairs and we're about to spend a week in Orlando). Thankfully Old Navy's summer clearance section had exactly what we needed. We met the Sniders at Wild Heaven around lunchtime to catch up and play some games (we haven't seen them since July) and then had some downtime at home. We walked to MARTA and took the train to Decatur, which turned out to be the best possible plan because we forgot about the Decatur Book Festival that was all over their downtown square. We picked up an order from Little Shop of Stories (for my school) and then had dinner at Brick Store. Unfortunately, the Book Festival was packing up when we left, though I wasn't too sad about it- even the idea of trying to convince Korra and Nate not to spend money is exhausting. The weather was lovely, so all the time outside and walking was perfect. 

On Sunday I went to the Quaker meeting in the morning and in the afternoon Nate and I went to see One Battle After Another.  I wasn't expecting much, but it was honestly an absolutely fantastic movie.  I highly recommend it.  We had homemade lasagna and freshly baked bread for dinner which I followed with a long bubble bath before being in bed by 9:00.  It was a pretty perfect weekend.

The B stands for Books

This morning I had a first grader yell, "Good morning, Ms Books!"

Overwhelmed by Disney

A week from today we'll be flying to Orlando to spend 4 days at Disney World (followed by 2 days at Universal Studios).  Today I started to feel really overwhelmed by it.  I'm tired and in need of this break from school.  I'm looking forward to time with Nate's family.  And also... Disney feels really overwhelming.  There are so many "tricks" and extras and strategies. I started to feel like my plan to go with the flow and see how we feel was "wrong" and that I was about to ruin the whole vacation before it even started (what if I SHOULD have bought the lightning lane passes and magic bands???) and all of Korra's childhood will be ruined and I'll have deathbed regrets and also that I'll be so tired I won't enjoy any of it at all.  

At the end of the day, I decided to stick with take it easy plan. I know my little family and I think that will be the best for us. 

Another Update about the Dresser

A guy was supposed to come get the dresser at 10:00 am on Sunday.  He messaged me at 11 and said he woke up late and was about to be on the way AND asked if it would fit in a small sedan.  I told him he could come with a bigger car at 7:00 pm.  He messaged me at 9 pm and said his dad was in the hospital and could his girlfriend come get it early Monday morning.  I told him if he paid me immediately, I would put it outside our front door and she could come get it whenever she wanted, but warned him that it's too big for one person to carry alone AND that it needs to go down a flight of stairs.  He paid.  I put it out and... miraculously, it was gone by the time I got home yesterday.  Moral of the story: have people pay up front so they actually come get the things.

Avondale Evening

We went out with friends to try Heaps New Zealand pies (delicious) and then to play arcade games at My Parents'Basement. A very fun evening!

Dresser vs Small Car

A guy came to pick up a dresser we're selling.  I included the dimensions of the dresser in the post, but dude still rolled up in a little 2 door car. I told him I don't think it would fit. He insisted it would. We carried it down the stairs and tried shoving it into the trunk and passenger seat of his car for 10 minutes before he admitted defeat and we carried it back up the stairs. I was so annoyed. 

Rainbow shawl

Over the summer I was gifted a skein of yarn. I finally finished the shawl that I decided to make with it. It's far from perfect but I've already unraveled and re-crocheted it so many times, I'm happy enough with it. 

Hispanic Heritage Lunch

Today for Hispanic Heritage Month, we had a super delicious school lunch- the yucca fritters stuffed with cheese were the best!

Old Books

I've put some very old, outdated, and torn up paperback books in the school recycling twice... and twice they've made it back to me.  I can't give them away or even recycle them.  I guess today I'll have to put them in a big black trash bag and throw them away.  Ugh.

F--- Flat Tires

I got a flat tire last week. Thankfully I was near a bike shop and it was a quick fix. Korra got a flat yesterday and today I got another flat. This is ridiculous. 

Student Quotes of the Day

"That activity was actually fun." -4th grader

"What is that on your face? I don't think that IS a mole. It doesn't look right." -kindergartener

"it's giving college dorm" -5th grader while looking at Van Gogh's bedroom painting

And... we had TWO kindergarteners have bathroom accidents in the library in the past week- #1 AND #2

On Our Balcony

Our balcony was an interesting place this morning. I decided to hang our laundry on a line on the balcony- in part because it's such a bucolic task that makes me feel peaceful and happy and in part as a big middle finger to the HOA, who doesn't allow things like clotheslines. While I was out there, I heard a cat meowing. It didn't sound at all like Alex, but Nate came out to investment and there was our indoor cat on our downstairs neighbors' balcony. After 3 years he finally jumped or fell down. I went downstairs but he wouldn't come to me. Nate had to push through the wet grass and scratchy bushes to grab him. While he was scared, I feel no doubt he'll do it again. 

Stupid Shaky Knees

Last night, Nate and I had planned a date to the botanical gardens and the restaurant they have there. Unfortunately, we forgot about the huge music festival that's taking place this weekend in Piedmont Park- the same park that the botanical gardens is in. Even though there are different entrances and parking, the area around it (really ALL around our part of the city) was completely impassable. We were super bummed but consoled ourselves with Trader Joe's treats and a long walk. We'll try again another weekend. 

Lion Women of Tehran

I just finished the book Lion Women of Tehran- which follows 2 Iranian women in the 1960s to 1980s.  It was a really good book, but upsetting in large part because of the similarities between Iran and the US.  Iran in the 1970s was considered progressive and stable, but by the end of the decade, there was a revolution where religious extremists took over the government- a regime they are still under today.  Censorship of the media, punishment of journalists, arresting students, controlling what schools (particularly universities) teach and generally making people afraid to criticize the government, rolling back women's rights in the name of the "founding values" of the country, spreading misinformation in order to cause confusion.  Sound familiar?  It's terrifying.  

Cleaning with Korra

When she's in the mood, my kid enjoys cleaning out and organizing as much as I do. She was in the mood tonight so we cleaned out under her bed (I went through all my old report cards and student of the month certificates!) and her closet. She has a bunch of toys she's outgrown and is ready to let go of and now we're running the robovacuum under her bed to get all the cat fur tumbleweeds. 

Genius

Korra got her scores from the nationally normed test they take twice a year. She scored in the 99th percentile in math and science and the 97th percentile in reading. 

Korra's Smile

Korra (like her father) has a very forced smile in most photos, so when I finally get a picture of her real smile, I've got to share it. 

Escape Room

For her 13th birthday party, we took 5 of Korra's friends to an escape room. They had a great time and escaped with less than 5 seconds left!

Bad Mood

 I've been feeling really angry this week. Part of it is just the state of the world right now. Part of it is hormonal. Both are valid reasons to have bigger than usual feelings. After telling a coworker how I just couldn't shake this bad mood she invited me to a perimenopause affinity text group. While it doesn't fix things, it sure is nice to have a bunch of people say, "I get it."

20 Years Ago

20 years ago, September 11th was on a Sunday.  I know 2001 is the day most people have seared into their memories (and I do, too) but 9/11/2005 was a life-changing day for me.  I was at a church where I had just started working as a youth director as part of a scholarship for my senior year of college.  During the church service, the pastor asked everyone to stand and say the Pledge of Allegiance.  I stayed in my seat, with my head bowed, to pray for all the people who were grieving.  It wasn't meant to be rebellious.  I wasn't taking a stand.  I just genuinely felt moved to pray.  Little did I know that everyone around me noticed.  That night, the church had a meeting about me without my knowledge (very un-Methodist of them).  The pastor called me that night.  While I'm pretty sure she did ask me why I didn't say the Pledge, I don't think she really cared about my answer.  They were angry at my perceived disrespect and told me not to come back.  I contacted my scholarship advisor and he tried to mediate, but they wouldn't back down from their position that I was unfit to teach the children in their congregation.  The advisor informed me that a scholarship is a contract and since I hadn't broken any part of the contract I needed to keep going to the church twice a week if I wanted to keep the money.  The church didn't want me there but didn't want to be the one that broke the contract either, so every Sunday and Wednesday from September until December I went to that church where no one talked to me and where I was forbidden to speak to the children.  They didn't want me to spread my liberal, America-hating propaganda.  There was no opportunity to explain myself, no kindness or empathy.  I cried in my car on the way there and on the way home every time.  That church and experience did more to make me liberal (and question the church and America) than anything else I've ever experienced.  Their callousness made me into what they already believed and feared me to be.  In December, the church decided they would rather pay me the rest of my scholarship and never have to see me again.  I haven't said the Pledge in 20 years and never will again.

4:30 am

Overall I've made peace with waking up super early but some mornings, I feel so frustrated that I'm awake at 4:30 am. 

HOA and Bike Update

The HOA management continues to be petty and unhelpful.  After more back and forth, I asked to speak directly to the HOA board.  She said they can only be contacted via the homeowner portal, which she knows we don't have access to because we're renters.  I know this isn't a huge, serious issue, but my indignation and rage are irrationally strong about this.

Both cats

For over 2 years, Mrs Reynolds has been in our bedroom and Alex has had the rest of the house. He was exhausting her by chasing her every time she moved and trying to eat her food. This evening, he snuck into our room while the door wasn't properly closed and we discovered them both laying on the bed 30 minutes later. 

Hammock Weather

Enjoying reading in the hammock. One of my absolute favorite ways to spend an afternoon. 

First 6 Weeks DONE!

I've made it through the first six weeks of school which is really fantastic because starting on Monday, instead of teaching 5 classes a day, I'll only teach 2-3. That means I'll have time to process the new books that are piled up all over my office, I can prep for Reading Bowl, repair books, organize the shelves… I love seeing all the kids for the first few weeks of school but I am so ready for this next season in the library. 

FB Marketplace

This week I've sold $168 worth of stuff on Facebook after cleaning out our outdoor storage closet. Now I'm eyeing everything in the house. Do we really need that?

Pain and Swelling

Korra woke up in pain and with a good amount of swelling on her cheek, so we let her stay home again today. She's doing ok as long as we keep up with the pain medicine, but I'm hoping she'll be able to go to school tomorrow. 

Prescription woes

Adding more frustration to my day… I called Publix to check Korra's post-op prescriptions would be ready by 1:00. They said yes. I arrived at 1:00 for the pharmacy to tell me that they don't carry either of her prescriptions. I called the oral surgeon to ask if they could check if Walgreens actually had it. They said no. I called Walgreens to ask if they'd please call me if they don't have them.  I don't even know what the medications are so I can't call around and check. Two hours later I called Walgreens again and they said they hadn't received any prescriptions for Korra. I called the surgeon's office. They told me they'd check on it and call me back. I waited 45 minutes and then called them again. FINALLY, the doctor called Walgreens directly to both give the prescription AND check they have it in stock.  Now we just need to keep our fingers crossed they fill it before they close at 9 PM...

Thankfully, Korra's been ok with just Tylenol and Advil.  I'd really like to have the pain meds for tonight (just in case) and we should definitely start those antibiotics ASAP.  

HOA and the bike

HOA sent out an email yesterday that no one can leave anything in "public space" such as stairwells or outside front doors.  This includes Korra's bike, which is locked up under the stairs at the bottom floor of our unit.  I've emailed the HOA board multiple times about providing a safe, protected place for people to lock up bikes for MONTHS and have gotten lots of "we'll look into it" responses.  I emailed back that I'll move her bike when they give me some suggestions as to where we can put it.  They responded today with basically "not our problem."  I'm LIVID.  She uses her bike to get to school every day.  She can't carry it up the stairs.  The bike rack the condo has is right by the gate where a) bikes get stolen ALL THE TIME and b) totally unprotected from the elements.  Her bike isn't blocking anyone.  It's not in the fire escape.  I've even checked with all our neighbors about locking it there.  They're threatening fines.  I'm so mad.

Irritable, but Good

Korra's out of surgery and home.  The first thing she said was "I saw colors."  Then she tried to get out of the chair and complained, "this is boring."  She continued to be irritable about having to ride in the wheelchair back to the car.  The surgeon gave us the tooth.  The roots are HUGE and he had to cut it in half because they were wrapped around the adult tooth underneath.  She'll stay home from school today (she's already happily eating Jello and playing a new Pokemon game) and then is cleared to go back to school tomorrow.  Going to pick up antibiotics and pain meds when I pick Nate up from work in a bit.

Oral Surgery

Korra is having her last baby tooth surgically extracted. Her orthodontist said it need to come out. I got a second opinion from our dentist who agreed. I've taken off school so I can be with her all day.  They let me stay with her until they started but now I'm in the waiting room. 

Even with 3 expert medical opinions, our dental insurance only wants to cover the actual extraction ($120) and not any of the anesthesia ($690). So in addition to worrying about my kid, I'm fighting with the insurance company. 

Birthday Girl

 I can't believe she's 13

 

More Dragon Con/Katie Day

Korra and Nate spent most of the day at Dragon Con (lots more shopping and another McElroy panel). 

I went to the farmers market and the Quaker meeting, took a nap, got a massage, sat by the pool and caught up with some neighbors, and finished my audiobook while crocheting.

Dragon Con Parade

This morning we met up with 4 friends and walked to the Dragon Con parade.  Afterwards we had lunch and then Nate and Korra explored the merch hall and game room at the convention while I returned home for a quieter afternoon.