Teri Parris Ford's Blog

Cleaning Up

Yesterday I came home to homemade minestrone soup. Monika made a spectacular vegan soup with old green beans from Stater Brothers which came from my mother's house. It made me think about the fact there are quite a few items I have not had to buy since my mom passed-- mainly cleaning supplies and plastic bags. Apparently there are quite a few can goods we are still working thru, like green beans. I do miss my mom and think about her often but I do not think she's watching over me or anything like that. I know she'd be very pleased that I've been able to forgo buying plastic sandwich bags and dish soap for so long.

I started the new semester at school with painting 1 and animation, both classes I've taught many times. I purchased a new lumen device which I'm hoping will revolutionize my diet. I'm surprised how much time and energy in my life is just about taking care of myself. As I watch Balt age at a quicker pace, I see him struggle with stairs and incontinence, I realize he's just showing me what's to come in my own life. My vet told me I needed to look into putting him down and I'm struggling with that process. I know losing him will be a hard transition and I'm not ready for that, but I have to start wrapping my head around it.

New Semester, New Projects

The first day of the 2nd semester is Monday. The school year is half way done and the second half always goes faster. I have a great schedule to look forward to but a move in the middle of the semester due to construction. I'm not sure how it will all play out, but I'm ready for the change. Everything changes and life feels so different sometimes. 

I spent this morning painting a wall white in the living room.  I have big plans for re-tiling the fireplace which I hope to do this spring as well as finish painting the ceiling and trim. I'm chipping away at re-doing everything. There are so many projects to choose from every week to work on, but there also seems to be plenty of time for tv too! It's hard to make sure things stay in balance.

Mid January 2023

When I see 2023 written down, it seems so futurist. I realized that several movies have depicted 2023 in the past and the majority of them take place in dystopian, war-torn societies. Luckily that's not my experience. So far 2023 has started off with a bang, enjoying a wonderful vacation with Jim in Germany and having all three girls settled in jobs they love. While dramas play out in our world, I haven't got much in my life. Balt is dealing with some discomfort, but is on pain meds to make his life easier. I have to make a big decision soon on when or whether to let him go. I know my mom would be eager to put him down (she actually told me to put him down back when she was alive), but for the past 11 years he's been such a big part of my life and that change will be difficult. Although the idea of not having to pick up poop constantly is very appealing. 

Last weekend I was able to upload my 1 Second a Day video for 2022. I had to speed it up to fit under 5 minutes so it's actually more like 1 Second for 2 Days and I picked one of my top 5 songs for the year to accompany. It's a pretty accurate depiction of my year-- nothing too exciting, lots of driving and a bit of fun here and there. I can only hop 2023 is just as exciting. 

I'm on vacation

Vacation this year is a little weird. Our 16th week of school only had 2 days with vacation starting on a Wednesday. I had so much work to do, I actually went into work anyway to finish up a bunch of things mostly with the yearbook. I also took Balt to the vet to discuss incontinence issues he's having. We ended up talking about end of life options instead of treatment options as I had hoped. It's not an easy decision but I can hear my mom telling me to put him down. We decided on doubling up his pain medication to see if that helps-- 2 types, twice a day. 

Thursday ended up bringing a winter storm with frigid temperatures and blustery winds and was a snow day for many school districts still in school. I spent the whole day in comfy clothes and never left home. For me, it was my first day feeling like I was on vacation. Monika and I made vegan tamales with poblano chilies, soy chorizo, vegan cheese and homemade pinto refried beans. I let them steam all day while I did some organizing of files and bit of cleaning. I'm trying to get the garage cleared out enough so when Jim comes he can park in there. It won't be easy. Because of the weather he delayed coming to Madison until Xmas eve which just gives us both more time to get things done before being able to really enjoy vacation. He's grading papers which I'm happy to have him stay in Rochester to finish so he won't bring it here. 

Happy Holidays!

The back of the card says, "2022 kept everyone healthy & safe. Teri & Erika continued their work at Vel Phillips Memorial High School. Jessi was sent out to see on the USS Kearsarge, visiting many countries on the Baltic Sea. Monika finished her programming certification and got a job in Madison. Jim continues to work at the University of Minnesota Rochester. Love & peace for all for a happy 2023. 

I ordered very few printed cards this year knowing I would post an electronic version for friends on line. I also wanted to fill in a bit more information for the year. Erika and I were offered the opportunity to team teach an art class for students with disabilities. It has been an amazing experience for me to see Erika upclose professionally. She is a really great teacher. Jessika spent most of the year abroad visiting a lot of wonderful places on the Baltic Sea and although she is back home, she is still at sea flying a helicopter on the USS Kearsarge on the Atlantic. Monika spent the year living with me cooking a lot of amazing vegan food which was wonderful. I felt like I had my own personal chef most days. After finishing her programming program, she spent a lot of time putting together a showcase resume which helped her land a great job here in Madison. She is a Digital Marketing Coordinator for the Overture Center and I'm so excited about the prospect of getting more opportunities to get out to the theater. Jim is still doing the history professor thing in Minnesota as well as being a Major in the Army (serving at Fort Snelling) and a homeowner so he's too busy. We are both really looking forward to retirement in a few years which will give us more time to ourselves. Yes, I'm on countdown. Balt was left out of this year's card but I included him here for you. He's losing a lot of mobility but still a happy part of our family!

I love hearing from my friends, seeing posts on social media, texts, messages and especially xmas cards. From our family, wishing love and peace to you all and a very happy 2023!

Holidays are here.

Last weekend I wanted to set up a xmas tree but Jim reminded me that all of our holiday stuff was in Rochester. Oh well. On Saturday I went into school to help set up for the sale and clean up some stuff in the back of the old gallery. I found an small plastic tree that had been used for display. I brought it home and set it up. Even Monika liked it as it was fake and only had lights- no ornaments. I also made chocolate covered pretzels for the sale but it is a holiday tradition for me now. 

The fridge went out again, so I got myself a new one for christmas. It doesn't get delivered until Thursday so in the meantime we have our frozen food out in the garden box outside. I need to transfer the fridge stuff into the garage soon since it's losing cold more. I've been feeling kind of blue lately and am guessing I just need a break. I'm on countdown for the semester with my students-- 15 days-- but only 6 days until vacation.

It's December!

We found out this week that our department will be moving out of our classroom spaces and into our new space this February. We had planned not to have to move for another year and suddenly that plan has changed. It will certainly make for a very interesting 2nd semester.  It also means I will have a couple years in the new spaces before retiring now which I have mixed feelings about. I have always loved the unique space I work in -- an open concept classroom which was popular in the early 70's. The idea that all classrooms are connected and open seemed cool at one time but is pretty unpractical. It means you have to really like the people you work with because they are often passing thru your room and you can hear the music they are listening to. It always drove me crazy when Geof listened to old 70's stuff (Neil Young was the worst). Now I am usually stuck listening to Grace's music which isn't too bad but every so often, I'm hating it. I think that will be the one thing I am most looking forward to -- being able to play my own music without feeling like I'm imposing that music on other teachers. 

Over thanksgiving my heater started having issues so I had to call in someone to fix it. I was asked to clear out the space around the heater which made a huge mess in my basement. I spent today finally cleaning it all up. I vacuumed piles of dust and cobwebs as well. I got my treadmill going again. Also, Monika and I got up early to get to the Hoofer's sale. She wanted snowboard boots and I wanted cross country skiis. I got my skis but she did not find any boots. I am looking forward to a big snow fall hopefully soon to test out my new skis!

Happy Thanksgiving

The year Jim and I got married (1988) we started celebrating Thanksgiving a part from extended family. As educators, November is just a busy time and we always needed the break to catch up and traveling made it complicated. Every year circumstances change but staying home is always the most relaxing way to do Thanksgiving. Erika had a lot of homework as she's working on her masters and was glad we were not traveling this year. As much as I love visiting Jessi, she prefered to make the trip to Madison this year.

Jim and I were talking about the days from our youth, and how that seemed like a different life. It does seem so weird to think about going to my grandma's house for holidays and thinking that memories I have of my grandma are of her being about my age now. I'm not sure I'll ever get to be a grandma, but I know that will change life again big time. There are clear stages that I can see now in hindsight; childhood, young adulthood, parenthood with young children, parenthood with teens and young adults. This "empty nest" stage I'm in now is complicated with having two homes, in two states, so there is a lot of back and forth for Jim and I, but in general it a very simplified life, compared to past stages. There is a lot of freedom. I shared with a friend getting close to 50, I definitely have felt that the 50's have been the best times of my life. 

We went around the thanksgiving table to share what each of us were thankful for. It was a funny practice for us because we used to force the girls to do this in the past and now they were leading it. Good health,life, homes, and jobs were all mentioned. We are quite the blessed bunch.

Failure

I set out to write every day in the month of November but I failed after 2 weeks. Life got busy and felt too mundane to write about and then I got sick with a cold (not COVID). November always gets busy at school as basketball season starts, kids move all activities indoors, parent teacher conferences hit, and yearbook deadlines loom. I was a bit surprised how adding department chair duties added to the stress with extra meetings and the need to keep things organized. I have prioritized swimming at lunch on Tuesdays and Thursday but got really lax on exercise for the rest of the week. I've given up hot yoga to save funds and Balt no longer will walk in the morning or afterschool with me.

I left work this evening connecting with Joe and feeling so thankful for friendships I have. I feel supported and connected. I love team teaching with Erika. Knowing I can leave at the end of the year if I want without any negative repercussion offers a lot of freedom. I headed out for my thanksgiving holiday feeling so thankful for the special people in my life, my healthy children, and my comfortable homes.

Winter is Coming...

We had significant temperature drops this weekend. Jim and I walked to Starbucks for coffee and boy, was it cold (27). I pulled out my fleece crazy quilt for my bed which is a lot more cozy to sleep with. We made big fires in the morning and in the late afternoon/evening-- it's fire season. Balt still likes to go out in the cold but the cats not as much. Lewy always seems kind of upset, like he wants to go out in nice weather but that's not what I'm giving him. I spent some time cleaning, some time prepping stuff for a holiday sale and a bunch of time watching House of the Dragon on HBO. Monika made soup for dinner and we had a grand evening.

More Celebrations

I have taught my children to celebrate themselves, not for one day but always more! I'm always happy to see my girls taking several days to celebrate their birthdays. I try to take a week to a month to celebrate my birthday now. Jim came down for the weekend to take Erika out for Mexican. We went to a place we had not been for at least 5 years. We had a great meal together. Jim and I went home to enjoy some tv and treats. Monika got home from work and we made a big fire and watched 2 episodes of the new Emily Blunt show (The English). It is always fun having Jim visit but it is a bit more comfortable at his place. 

Erika's Day

We both had to work and she had a bunch of meetings but we still managed to make time to go out to lunch. We popped into the AT&T store first to have them switch over her phone. I got the new 14 pro for my birthday so I gave her my 12 to replace her old 10. I get a new phone about every other year and then pass on my old phone to one of the kids or Jim typically. Monika and Jessika have given up waiting for me and now just get the phones they want when they want them. I recall giving my original iPhone to Monika when she was in middle school. It was her first phone and her friends were all pretty impressed she had an iphone even if it was kind of old at the time. 

Monika had to work, and Erika had errands to run after work so we waited a until after 6pm to meet up at Nitty Gritty for a birthday celebration dinner. Erika's boyfriend paid and it was lots of fun. I have to admit, I so very much enjoy spending time with Erika even after working with her during the day. Monika often has to tell us to stop talking about work though. While at dinner Monika read us an email offering her a job. She has been on the job market since summer but very picky about applying, wanting a specific field and culture. We are hoping her new adventure will be a good one.

Warm Weather Ends Today

It was so warm today-- over 70, I was sweating at work. Our classroom had the heat on but because it was so warm outside, it just felt like a sauna. This evening a cold front is coming in and we should drop to 30 degrees tomorrow. I think our mild weather might be done for the year but with global warming, who knows? Last winter was not so snowy or all that cold, so perhaps that is how it will be from now on? We had a fire drill during 3rd hour and it was glorious outside. Joe had the garage door open and sent his kids out to take photos. I left for lunch after a swim, to get a burrito and enjoyed the mild weather-- humid, breezy and so comfortable.  I love swimming at lunch on Tuesdays and Thursday. I always think about Jessi when I swim. I miss the days of waiting for her practice to be done or watching her compete in the pool. 

 

Jessi's Day

Jessi turned 28 today. I called her but she didn't pick up. She mentioned being busy on her birthday with a flight and Navy duties. I am really looking forward to hopefully seeing her on Thanksgiving. Plans are still up in the air. We originally planned to see her in Virginia but she said she preferred coming to us after all. Plans may change again, we'll see.

I'm half way thru a busy week. I left work after 5pm and the weather was just amazing. It made me wish I had more time to spend outside. I've worked thru lunch today in order to chip away at the long list of things I need to do. I had an afterschool meeting and then chipped away at more work. I've been getting into work early as well. Just so I can get to a place where I feel like I've got it all under control within the work day without a lot of extra time. It's funny how the load ebbs and flows. 

On the bright side, other than great weather, that big red wave that was supposed to happen yesterday did not materialize and the bad news I was dredging this morning was not so bad afterall. Beto lost in Texas and Barnes lost here in Wisconsin-- those were my biggest disappointments

Birthday week ahead!

Balt's birthday really kicks of the birthday week; Balt's on the 5th (along with my nephew), Jessi's on the 9th, Erika's on the 11th (Veterans Day) and then Joe's on the 12th. Back when the girls were in school, working and/or doing sports, busy with friends, it all made for a crazy week. I was thinking about how much I used to accomplish back then (10 years ago) in any given day, with all the picking up and errands on top of school work and general clean up. Now I can't seem to get anything other than work done on most days and just that is exhausting most days. My work day seems to go so quickly and I never get enough done. Birthday week is when life starts to get busier for the holidays and with work as well BUT now things are so different. The girls are all on their own, pretty much. I certainly don't do any picking up or dropping off anymore. Balt no longer needs walks in the morning or afternoons, although I still should be walking. Life is so much easier and yet I seem to have less energy?

Breakfast with Monika

Monika has been living with me for well over a year now. I enjoy having her home. She's a great cook but not so great at cleaning up. I see it as my payment for having a personal vegan chef and it's not a bad set up. She cooks, I clean and I don't mind. We rarely go out to eat but this morning we went downtown to a hot pancake place with a long line. It was good but not that much better than Hyvee's breakfast in Rochester with Jim... but Hyvee doesn't offer a vegan option and this hot spot does. 

For the past few years, I have enjoyed living with Erika and then Monika at different times, allowing each of them time to save money, go to school, work without bills. Monika is on the job market and looking for something locally, hoping to spend her first year working and living at home to save up for her first home. It's a great plan and I'm eager to see how it pans out.

Erika spent the night last week and Monika said that if she moved back home, we'd go crazy. Luckily there's no need to have more than one kid home at a time. I think back to the times when all three of them lived at home as teenagers and it's amazing we all survived.

Living for the Weekend

The work weeks are busy but go by quickly. Friday is everyone's favorite day at school, although Mondays aren't bad only because they are always short. But the reality is I love Saturdays and Sundays best. I'm so eager for the weekend with "nothing to do", especially after a couple of busy travel weekends. I had nothing but cleaning to do this weekend; change bedding, vacuum, laundry, clean out the fridge, pick up veggies, and grocery shop. I wanted to clean the basement and garage, but I just didn't have it in me. I did a little bit of this and that but not the overhaul I planned. I ended up making more soap, a sugar scrub and body oil. I'm hoping to sell some at the art sale as well as give some away for xmas. I made a big fire, watched the news and a movie, made roasted roots for dinner and just enjoyed a relaxing Saturday. Every since we stopped going to church, Sundays became wonderful. They are a day that is totally stress free now, a total gift.

Halloween Fun

The month of October was an amazing month of grand weather and good times for me. Jim and the girls have had bits of drama in their lives for various reasons, that I have tried to stay out of for the most part. No one wants a bud-in-ski, just someone who listens. I made several trips to Rochester to visit Jim this month, more than usual but with the weather as amazing as it's been, often better up north than in Madison, it's been worth every trip. This past weekend I made my way up to escort Jim to a halloween work party that is an annual event. I got to remeet quite a few of his colleagues, which was nice. On Halloween, Monday, I pulled out the Frida Kahlo outfit I made ages ago. It will be my last time wearing it at school most likely, since I try not to wear it more than every 4 years. Monika had a work party, Jessi is home partying with her friends and Erika went to a party but I didn't get a photo!

Pearl Gala and a Hot Cider Hustle

Monika and I made our way up to Rochester Friday morning to spend the weekend with JIm. He had a big fundraiser gala to attend and bought tickets for us all to go. Monika had to go to work early but was able to leave by mid morning. I'm used to the 3 hour drive and it was absolutely stunning with fall colors. The gala was a very nice event and I think Monika got to learn a bit about one of the organizations Jim is involved in. Saturday morning we woke up early to get to the Hot Cider Hustle. Jim and Monika ran a 10K while I circled the parking lot waiting for them. I got a couple of miles in at a much more leisure pace without paying a fee. After quick showers, we drove up to Minneapolis to visit the REI store there so Monika could check it out. We went to Jim's favorite Mexican restaurant and enjoyed a gorgeous autumn day drive to and from the city. I passed out early while Jim and Monika stayed up late watching a movie.

I'm getting used to the drive up to Jim's for the weekend and am glad gas is a little more reasonable. As much as I love my Yukon, I am thinking if I'm going to be doing this drive for a few more years, I should probably buy something with better gas mileage, but a new car is a lot more expensive than bad gas mileage.

3X Boosted!

Yesterday I got a flu shot and COVID booster at the same time-- one shot in each arm. I wish I could remember which arm got which because my left arm hurts way more than my right. I felt fine all Saturday morning (my appointment was at 9am) but by afternoon I was starting to feel some nausea and congestion. It was a productive day even after I started feeling woozy. I had a meeting at school after my shots, I went to Menards for more paint, got gas and went to Costco for new pots and pans. Monika and I re-organized the kitchen cabinets to make room for our pots and to get rid of the old stuff. There are quite a few items we keep just because it was my moms but those are getting less and less. I have no idea how I'm supposed to combine two households once I retire? But that is a future Teri problem. 

Wonderful Minnesota Weekend

I decided to head up to Rochester for the weekend so I left right after school on Friday. Jim has his plate full with work and army, so the house projects sometimes feel overwhelming but they are fun to do as projects together. His garbage disposal exploded I'm sure from old age or overuse. I had a but of credit and coupons from Menards so after breakfast out and a beautiful walk thru Quarry Hill, we made our way to the store to pick up not only the disposal but a new shower head (my want) and some tools. We tackled all of the jobs as a team and felt quite accomplished at the end of the day sitting our porch with the heat of the sun warming our bones. The Autumn in the midwest has been amazing, brisk (freezing) mornings with comfortable afternoons (60's). I miss the summer heat, but wearing warm sweatshirts and socks is nice. Jim bought me a very warm poncho in New Mexico a few years back that I broke out for our walks and it is perfect for this weather! 

I am increasingly enjoying my weekends in MN. We have a long list of projects to do here (new floors, a new sink, a hot tub and sauna) so the plan is chip away at those so that by the time I retire and move in, there won't be too many of those projects left. We'll see how that goes!

October and Autumn in the House

After a month of being focused totally on school and getting well, I started feeling like I needed to get something accomplished. The busyness of Homecoming did not really affect me but I did need to stay in town to supervise the dance, so I spent my Saturday painting a wall and ceiling in the dining room. Monika wants to re-do the floors as well but that will have to wait. The new color is crisped white and I know changing the dark colors to bright white will be better for when it is time to sell. 

The weather has been perfect since Fall began on my birthday. The perfect walking weather. I went for a Sunday drive today out to see Winker and we went for an afternoon hike with her kids. She order pizza and it made for a perfect Sunday.

 

57 and no big deal

I turned 57 on Friday. It was great day spent with students, lunch with Erika, a quick Costco trip for cake and lots of treats at the end of the day. My colleagues helped me eat cake after school. I came home to an empty house, built a fire and watched some tv. Jim got home super early Saturday and we spent the day together enjoying the Fall weather with coffee, a long walk and lunch out. It's been a fabulous weekend!

I certainly don't feel 57. I recall my mom explaining how she never felt as old as she was, I think it gets harder the older I get to deal with how my body is starting to fail me. I am afraid of falling because I fall more often. I go slow and hang on for balance to keep myself from falling. I think I'm being obnoxious sometimes, but I saw my fall many times and she was obnoxiously careful so I realize, you can't be careful enough. I see subs at school in their 70's still going strong and I certainly hope I can make past my parents (who died way too young in their mid 70's). I'm shooting for 90's, so I still have a lot of life in me to live!

Weekend Project

I went up to Rochester for the weekend to help Jim with the house. He was gone the whole month of August and then got back just before school started and did not have time to work on the yard. I was eager to visit after spending the first two weekends of September at home recuperating and relaxing. While Jim worked on the lawns (weeding and mowing) I tackled the mailbox area. Last fall I planted daffodils which did not bloom. Instead the area was overgrown with weeds and some plant with thick roots that would not pull. Jim had decided he wanted brick. I still wanted daffodils but since I cannot keep the area up, I gave in to the red bricks. I was unable to get it all straight since the roots were too thick. I will need to re-do it all next summer with a saw. We'd like to replace the mailbox in the future as well. Anyway, it looks way better but boy, was I exhausted afterward!

Jim took me out for a very nice dinner and I must say the yard looked so nice. It was a fun Saturday working on the house together. I suppose the whole idea of working on the house together is still kind of new and still feels fun. We ended the evening on the patio watching the stars. On Sunday we went out to breakfast. We buy one meal, he gets an omelette and I get all the sides. It's perfect. We spent a little more time on the yard; I applied weeder and watered, while he finished up a few problem areas. It was a great weekend together in Minnesota.

I finally got COVID

I'll be honest, I got too cocky. I really thought after over 2 years, I was immune. I stopped wearing masks and fearlessly entering crowded spaces. Well, I have no idea at what point I got it but I started getting a sore throat a couple of days ago which I thought was from talking more and I had a deep tissue massage on Wednesday so when I felt body achs on Thursday, I assumed it was from my massage. But by Friday after school, the onset of head congestion, cough and fever was overwelming. I took an at home test and it was positive. The worst part for me is the sore throat-- so painful, especially with the cough.

My schedule this semester is great. The best part of my day is sharing a class with Erika during 4th hour.  I love my classes. I hate that I will miss much of next week due to having COVID but my impression from the first day is that my classes a very easy going. Of course I only had one day with my kids. I will spend my Labor Day weekend, coughing and prepping sub instruction. I had planned to travel to Rochester for the weekend but will stay home and rest instead.

The only other thing to report is that Monika finally got her car back from the shop with a new catalytic converter. She has a road trip planned. Jessi got a return date for home (mid October)- finally. We are all excited to visit her for Thanksgiving.

 

34 years ago today...

Jim drove down today to take me out to dinner to celebrate our 34th wedding anniversary. It had been a busy week for both of us, so it was really nice to connect. Erika and Monika joined us for a rented movie from Amazon-- Nope, which was really fun. We spent some time looking at our calendars for the rest of the year to schedule weekends to connect, trying to connect at least once a month. 

On Wednesday, I went back to work, but not in our building due to construction. It was great to connect with our art team and socialize. I got to organize my first dept meeting as dept head which went well. After all the meetings, I went home and continued to work on fine tuning issues upstairs. I finished the hallway trim and problem solved some electrical issues (all but one, that I still can't get). Not being able to get into the building really kept me from getting too much work done. It will mean a pretty busy week next week. 

 

Summer Vacation's Week #10

The week kicked off with a couple of days in MN with Erika and Monika. With Jim gone all month, I went up to check on the house and mow the lawn. We celebrated Erika finishing grad school for the summer and enjoyed a nice break from the work in the condo. The weather was quite mild, which made our time so nice. 

The floors finallys got finished upstairs. Of course there is still a lot details to attend to like trim and baseboards but the hardest part is over and I'm thrilled to finally be completely carpet free in the condo. Eventually we will need to pull the carpet out of the MN house but that won't happen until after I retire most likely. My plans for next week got sidelined as we still won't have access to the school building. It actually gives me a bit more time at home so not a bad thing at all. Although this was my last full week of summer, I still have a few days off before we kick off the school year on Wednesday at the Allient Energy Center. 

Summer Vacation Week #9

Finally! Progress was made upstairs and a push to take my very last week of summer to finish all the flooring upstairs. I really dilly dallied through the first 2 weeks of August especially on the flooring. Once Monika jumped in to help, we got it done. I have to admit, she did all the really hard work of pounding in the floors. I did all the cutting in the garage and would bring up the pieces to her. We got the room done (see photos below) and I was eager to keep going but we definitely needed a break. We have trim and detail work to do in the middle room and I have to empty out and pull out carpets from my bedroom before moving on. We picked out a very thick, water resistant laminate that was not easy to work with. Hindsight, I really wish we had picked out a flexible vinyl, but oh well. I want a seemless look for whole upstairs and that was why really held things back-- trying to get around the corners of the doorways since the planks were so darned stiff and not easy to work with, but we figured out a way to get done. I finished painting the hallway by buying a long ladder to reach the high ceiling. 

I managed to get in a coffee date with Melissa and Joe this past week which made it a fun week. I am getting excited for school to start. I contacted Josh to make a schedule which we have not had on display for a few years. I also started working on our budget and some department goals. Looking at my schedule for the next year-- I can see it is going to be a good school year. Note: Jim is still up north doing army things, Erika is finishing up her grad classes this weekend, Jessi is still in Finland and Monika is working at REI part time, looking for a full time job and at home helping me with flooring.

Summer Vacation Week #8

August kicked off this week with Jim out on the field with the Army (photo of tent), Monika celebrating the end of her program (photo of her at Charlie concert), Jessi's ship is in Finland (photo with group) and Erika done teaching elementry summer school but still working on her UW coursework. I decided to take the week to fast since I offered my truck to Monika to leave for the week on a mini vacation she kicked off with Charlie XCX concert in Indianapolis. My 5-7 day fast was shortened to only 3 days because I felt so sick. Rather than spend a whole week getting nothing done, I decided to change it up after 3 days of misery. I kept my diet light but with enough to allow to get a bit of exercise in (a walk or yoga) and some housework in. I still lost 3 lbs. While the goal was not to loose weight-- I had read an annual fast could keep cancer and other diseases away-- I'm still trying to get rid of my winter weight and am almost there.

A week without a car means not having a lot of choices on what to do but I've found a bunch of things around the condo. I've cleaned out the junk drawer, cleaned a big corner out in the basement, stained the stairs, started painting the hallway, continue to work on the school newspaper website, met with Melissa for coffee, gave Balt a "bath" out on the front lawn, changed and washed bedding, and made both french onion soup and potato soup, not to mention watching a coupld of movies and a couple of seasons of a tv show. I've got 2 weeks left and I'm starting to get eager to start working on school prep but I'm trying to hold off and keep working on home projects.

Summer Vacation Week #7

Well, July is just about over. I spent my week chipping away at painting our extra bedroom with goal to create a comfortable office space for Jim when he visits, or Monika if she ends up getting a job that offers her the flexibility to work from home. I have to be honest, I did not work more than a few hours a day, so work was slow going. I went to the pool and spent a lot of time just relaxing or hanging out with the girls. I had coffee with a retired teacher friend one morning. Next week I start floors and have my first meeting with students. Summer school is over, so I will start prepping for my fall classess but just a bit. I certainly don't want to work to hard all at once so starting early working a bit at a time.