Around Here

Last week in my 52 Lifts Newsletter I invited readers to play along with a journaling prompt about "Currently," "Around Here," or "Right Now" and post on a blog or create a layout to share today. You are invited to link to your own post/project below. Here are my words:

Watching Anna. She's a little sparkler.

Packing for Ireland. Figuring out what to take and what to leave behind. Currently creating some custom journal cards for the people coming along on the adventure.

Paying attention to Simon and how he's adapting to the new school schedule. Looking for that balance between jumping in to "fix things" immediately and letting him adapt to things on his own. Finding that his recovery time after major frustrations seems to be a little less than when he was younger - celebrating those steps.

Listening to talk radio again and the new Mumford & Sons.

Cooking comfort food. This week it's crock pot lasagna (decent but still not really as great as baked) and pork verde (super simple 2 ingredient: (1) pork tenderloin and (2) jar of Trader Joes Salsa Verde) for tacos.

Celebrating Katie & Peter returning home from their European adventure and beyond excited that they got engaged along the way. The kids are ready for them to have their wedding right now. Also celebrating her first week of work here as my assistant. #changingmylife

Waiting for December when I can get the new iphone (waiting for my contract to be up). I'm pretty happy with the iphone4 camera so I'm pretty much beyond excited to see what the iphone5 camera can do. I find it takes so many of my photos these days because of the size and simplicity.

Savoring some time on my own, including my drives up the freeway to visit Greg (where I can often be found listening to music in my car really, really loud). In the beginning that time away from my kids was tremendously hard and heart-wrenching. I felt like I couldn't breathe and it was all I could do to just make it through those weekends in one piece. Eventually I grew to appreciate that time (even before dating), especially knowing it was important for them to spend time with Chris.

Planning for and even dreaming about December Daily. So much to do when I get home from my October travels. Planning to post foundation pages in late October.

Working on relaxing, chilling out, not getting too far ahead of myself and not always taking things so seriously.

Loving updates from my parents as they transition to a dream-come-true, new-to-them house on the coast. I told my Mom she should start a blog about their adventures of fixing up and moving in.

Reading The Reinvention of Edison Thomas which was recommended by Simon's developmental pediatrician.

Bundling up as the weather begins to change around here. Hello fall. Looking in my closet and knowing I need some updates, including some new jeans, but having zero desire to actually go shopping.

SHARE A LINK TO YOUR WORDS (OR LAYOUT)

You're invited to include a link to your writing or layout here. Please link directly to your post vs. your general blog link.

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I also wanted to share a cool craft project that Therm O Web is supporting that is currently underway: American Patchwork & Quiltings 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge. "American Patchwork & Quilting is challenging you to help us reach our goal of donating one million pillowcases to local charities. Many charities can benefit from the donation of a pillowcase and the challenge gives you the opportunity to donate and make a difference in your community." Check out Them O Web's blog today for examples and more information on participating.