The Couch is on the way out #SOLC18

It's been the hangout at our house for years.  I have lots some a little guilt about sending this iconic piece of furniture out of the basement and on to greener pastures.

It's the family room couch.

I wrote about the couch back in 2015.  The teenagers heard me talk about replacing the couch, and they really wanted me to reconsider.

This year we are updating our family room upstairs, so we will be moving that furniture downstairs to the family room and moving the couch out of the house.

There are plans for the couch to live at a new home.  It's fulfilled it's purpose here at our house.  I gave fair warning to the young adults who have spent many an hour sleeping, gossiping, lounging and laughing on this couch.  They are wistful, but they understand that the removal of the couch gets us closer to media chairs.

This month we will be soaking up the emotional and physical comfort of the couch.
Next month we will be sinking into the living room furniture here in the basement.
It's softer, more manageably sized and still comfortable.

Thank you, Couch, for giving my family a place to relax.

Toast #SOL16 10/31

It's the annual Slice of Life Story Challenge!

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Two Writing Teachers

I'm thankful it's Thursday.

At 12:00 a.m. took a call from the oldest (she's feeling overwhelmed)

At 5:00 a.m. the birds were happily chirping.  Woke up.  Draggggggged out of bed.

Arrived at school, taught, ran around, read, wrote, updated Google docs

DRANK 3 CUPS OF COFFEE!

Hosted afterschool club - couldn't find snack, one crying child, nine excited newbies

Dinner, groceries, Twitter chat, laundry.

Time to SLICE!

I will catch up on comments tomorrow... I promise!

(Thanks for letting me vent.)

Hello Kids.com

I'm TOAST!

What to do first? - SOLC #24

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Two Writing Teachers

It's the first Saturday of spring break, and I have a few hours of downtime this afternoon.

We survived a Friday night sleepover (zzzz?) and a morning showing of "The Hunger Games."  Now I have to decide what to do.  My options are endless!

Let's see..

• Continue knitting mittens for my friend 
• Clean out my office 
• Read 2 overdue library books 
• Fill the birdfeeder and watch the woodpeckers and cardinals feast 
• Paint my toes 
• Pack for our mini road trip to Iowa 
• Surf the 'net 
• Practice my violin 

I think I've decided to.... take a nap!  It's not on the list, but I think I need one.  It's cloudy and cool, and I'm tired.

Have a great Saturday!

Heat Wave - SOLC #19

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Two Writing Teachers

I had a terrible time sleeping last night.  It was 80 degrees here in Illinois.  I really hate to turn on the AC when the air outside starts to cool, so I had the whole house fan going instead.  I tried desperately to find ways to bring the cooler air into our house, but I had no luck.

My husband tried to explain that the best way to get the air into the house was to create a vacuum - only open the windows a tiny bit in a few rooms.  I couldn't believe this would work, so of course I had a few windows wide open and even opened a few doors.

The house was still hot.

"Give up.  Turn on the AC," he said.
"It's March,"  I replied.  "Besides, it's cool outside.  It will cool off inside soon!"

It never did.

2:34 a.m.
I'm lying on top of the sheets, blankets thrown off.  I'm really crabby when I'm hot.  I opened the door to the backyard.  Cool air outside, but nothing coming in.  I still don't turn the AC on.  I think about sleeping outside, but I roll over and manage to fall asleep.

6:30 a.m.
I crawl out of bed.  The air is thick with humidity.

"Turn on the AC,"  my husband says.  (I'm surprised he doesn't add, "I told you so!")

I switch the AC on.  The condenser roars to life.  The house starts to cool.  Maybe I'll sleep tonight!

Good Night's Sleep? SOLC #3

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11:12 p.m.

I crawl into bed

with my copy of Wonder.

Eyes so heavy, I read only 5 pages

Before my soft pillowcase encases my drowsy head.

I fall into a dreamless, heavy sleep.

2:17 a.m.

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnngggggggg!

My husband's cell rings.

After I peel myself off the ceiling,

I demand to talk to the caller.

"Nuh-uh," he grunts.  "It's work."

The phone is turned off.

I roll over.

Crazy dreams ensue:

Trucks, bugs, laughing kids, 

Friends, driving, bathtubs.

6:34 a.m.

I crack one eye open and look at the clock.

I roll over.

I fall into a

Heavy, dreamless sleep.

9:23 a.m.

Huh?  What time is it?

I should get up, I'm hungry.

Lesson learned:  don't eat brownies at bedtime!