Relax, restore #SOLC

 

Read more Slice of Life stories at

Two Writing Teachers

Spring Break Saturday

Freezing cold, blowing winds

Pajamas, warm socks, cozy sweatshirt

Coffee with fluffy milk

Paperwork, list making

Pause for lunch

Finish a book*

While lounging on the couch

Banana oatmeal bread in the oven

Write, post, read, comment

Today is for relaxing

* Fast Pitch by Nic Stone - really great read!

Too much time? #SOLC21

 

Thanks for hosting the Slice of Life challenge,
Two Writing Teachers

This weekend I have four days of no school.  Our school district organized a vaccination clinic for all the employees. I'm so grateful for the opportunity.  We had our second vaccine today, so I'm hoping for limited side effects.

Now I have to figure out how to balance a whole lotta time off.  How much do I work on lessons for school?  How do I get enough exercise and home projects done?  And when do I nap?

Ugh.

Is my lack of executive function showing?

Today I did manage to wash all the bedding and clean bathrooms.  My daughter and I walked two miles at the forest preserve.  I did get some reading and relaxing on the couch time this afternoon.

I think I will work schoolwork for a couple hours tomorrow and Monday.  I won't leave it for the night before (I made that mistake last week and it was awful!). 

I will make a goal to get to the bookstore and finish the book I'm reading.

Come Monday, I resolve to not regret any time choices I made this weekend.

Fish Fun #SOLC

Swim on over to
Two Writing Teachers
for more fish tales.

Two years ago I struggled to find Christmas gifts for my nephews.  The boys are in 6th and 4th grade, so they have numerous Lego sets, Nerf guns and other toys.  Clothes only fit so long, and my younger nephew is really picky.

We decided that experiences were the way to go.  

Last year we purchased a membership to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago (we live in the 'burbs).  It's my husband's favorite museum, so that was a no-brainer.  We spent New Year's Day 2018 on a WOW! tour of the museum behind the scenes.  It was a super cool experience.  The boys even went home and put sticky notes around the house, noting which rooms were "WOW! Tour only" and "Authorized Personnel."

This year I chose to get a membership to the Shedd Aquarium.  (I especially love the dolphins, belugas and penguins).  We purchased the Wild Reef experience for my nephews and my sister-in-law.  I thought I would go, too, but my youngest daughter got out of bed early enough to snag my ticket!

Overall they learned a bunch about sharks and other swimming animals (fish, stingrays, etc.) and they got to feed some shrimp to a tank full of big fish.

They said they enjoyed the experience, but they are boys of few words, especially my oldest nephew.  I know they like to go new places and explore, and I'm wondering where we will go in 2019.  

Lucky #SOLC

Read more stories of gratitude at
Two Writing Teachers

I'm lucky!

• We survived the vortex of state testing in the resource room.  
• We wrapped up my oldest daughter's spring break with a fun family meal.
• My parents drove my oldest daughter back to school.
• I spent Friday night with work friends, rocking the trivia contest (2nd place!)
• We won the 50/50 raffle (and donated it back)
• I slept in later than usual this morning.
• The sun is shining and I'm ready for a relaxing weekend!

Hanging with the Hawkeye #SOLC17

Join the Slice of Life Challenge
Write every day in March.
Try your best - I missed a day - it's OK.
Two Writing Teachers

On Friday night, we hopped in the car and headed to Iowa City, home of my oldest, Lindsey.  She's in her junior year as a Communications Studies/Political Science major at the U of Iowa.

It was really great to spend time with this kid.  We ate well, and we shopped.  We discussed the full gamut:  politics, her campus involvement, her classes, her possibilities for a summer internship, and her plans for the alternate spring break trip she's facilitating.

When we tried to get a word in edgewise or talk about other things, she pointedly changed the subject, "Let's get back to discussing me!"

Now some would think she was rude, but she wasn't. I get this kid.  I may be wrong, but it was her way of saying,

I am feeling a bit stressed, please let me vent and strategize.

I haven't seen you in person for awhile, and I need to get you all caught up.

I need you to validate (in a small way) all the things I am involved with as well as all my plans.

We did leave after lunch on Saturday because it is midterm week.  Lindsey had lots of papers due on Monday, and we didn't want to be in her way of completing anything.

There's nothing like seeing your kid at college, especially after their first two years are behind them.  My daughter has become an individual (see, Lindsey - I got the message!) who is capable, empowered, involved and insistent on making her mark on the world.  We parents get to ask questions and hear the details, but she makes all the decisions.  

Road trips! #SOL16 26/31

It's the annual Slice of Life Story Challenge!

Read other slices, join our community of writers at

Two Writing Teachers

The laundry is done, the bags are being packed.

We are heading out on a mini road trip!

This weekend we will visit Lindsey in Iowa City.

On Monday we will visit Bloomington to take an closer look at Illinois State U.

Can I limit what I pack?  

Nope.  

Games, computer (MUST SLICE), two pairs of shoes, comfy clothes, dress up clothes, tooooo much!

Gotta run and hit the road!

Slow Saturdays #SOL16 19/31

It's the annual Slice of Life Story Challenge!

Read other slices, join our community of writers at

Two Writing Teachers

Saturdays start when I wake up and decide to venture into the kitchen for breakfast.  I make a coffee and froth the milk so it's fluffy and scramble some eggs.

I open the blinds and read Friday & Saturday's newspapers as I listen to the birds chirping.

As I sip my coffee slowly, I take note of all the fun things to do in the paper, wondering what I should put on the calendar.  (We should get tickets for Aladdin the musical!  I must tell Allison about the Family Pet Expo!)

Laundry is started, sports scores are noted, and Twitter is checked.  Today I ran some errands and cleaned out my car.

Jeff likes to get lunch out on Saturday, and then we'll take a drive somewhere.  Today's adventure took us to the outlet mall (purses!!!) and then a side trip into Geneva.

Snack time!  I enjoyed a decadent mocha and a few bites of apple pie at the All Chocolate Kitchen.  We won't need dinner until much, much later tonight.

Now that the girls are grown and managing their own calendars, I relish my slow Saturdays!

Saturdays SOLC #9

Read more Slice of Life Stories at
Two Writing Teachers

I approach each Saturday with a little trepidation. It's a different-feeling day than Sunday.

Sundays are for staying in pajamas until noon, reading every page of two newspapers, making a big breakfast for my family, and avoiding my school bag until late in the day.

Saturdays feel like another working day for me.  I start the day with a quick inventory of the refrigerator.  Do I need to shop?  My mind empties on to a piece of notebook paper, creating a lengthy to-do list of chores and errands I haven't been able to accomplish during the week(s).

Guilt and confusion creeps into my mind... shouldn't I dust the china cabinet?  We really need to clean the windows in the family room.  It's supposed to rain, so I should check the downspouts.

Saturdays are not the best day with someone with prioritizing issues (like me!).  Most Saturdays I get LOTS done (stay out of my way - I might knock you over with a laundry basket), but some Saturdays I spend spinning.  Unable to decide what needs my attention first.

I'm happy to say that I've crossed 3 items off my to-do list already, and it's only 10:00 a.m.!  Maybe today will be different.  Maybe today I'll let myself do one thing at a time before I'll move to the next task.  Maybe today I'll give myself a chance to wander through the bookstore, take a few more minutes on the computer, forget that we lose an hour tonight (!), and have another cup of coffee.

I'll just pretend it's Sunday!