I only seem to be able to blog once a week these days… Life has been so busy lately.
Last weekend we had three days off!
Last Friday night we all collapsed in a heap. I think we watched a movie?…
Saturday morning was gymnastics and gym lifting workout for me. It was also beautiful out, neighborhood kids stopped by, played, did the trampoline. My husband decorated for Halloween. I caught up on laundry and reading.
Sunday: me to the gym. Kids- swim lessons. Then T and the kids went bowling with neighbors while I stayed back and had some alone time. I took a nap and finished my book.

On Monday, T was working from home so for the kids and I it was library, Trader Joe’s for fall snacks taste test, and a playground.

Weekly review
1. Off and Away phone school policy update. NJ students are not allowed to have phones out, from the first bell to the last bell. I have to say that… it’s been good. The students talk among themselves more, but some are hiding in bathroom stalls with their phones.
My own phone usage went WAY down – and that’s a major advantage. I now spent maybe 1 hour on my phone?… Faculty and staff are allowed to use their phones but not in front of students, i.e. a faculty lounge or our own classrooms with the door closed.
2. Last week was a Back-to-School night at my kids’ new school (new to them, the school itself is really old). They have two main teachers (1 and 3 grade) plus a few specials teachers like music, gym, art, and maker space. I really loved their teachers. L’s math/science teacher is fun, just yesterday they flew a kite as a class! We have a nor’easter coming in so high winds- that was a perfect kind of lesson IMO.
L’s language arts/social studies teacher means business – I also really liked her. She reminded me a little of L’s kindergarten teacher who was stern but kind yet as high expectations.
3. Exercise this week: lifted on Tuesday and swam laps today (Friday). Both after work. Wednesday and Thursday, I could have gone to the gym but decided to go home instead.
4. Kids’ activities this week: BJJ for my son three times; and gymnastics for my daughter: twice (Friday and Sunday).
5. An update on HRT. It’s going on six weeks that I’m wearing an estrogen patch and taking progesterone capsules by mouth. I feel less tired (but I also exercise pretty regularly so maybe it’s that). Mood-wise I am not feeling any difference when I’m in my very late luteal phase. I still feel frustrated and angry a week before my cycle starts. Sleep is fine. Although September has been crazy busy I managed to hold my shit together pretty well in terms of habits and responsibilities.
6. Speaking of habits… I mentioned trimming the fat off my days and zeroing in on the essentials: work, self care, kids, and not procrastinating: prepping stuff at night as much as I can. Especially when my husband is traveling. All that worked well.
This weekend we have a nor’easter coming in. Very high winds, tons of rain, some flooding.. Regardless, T and I are seeing Beetlejuice musical in a theater! My husband even has a blazer that resembles Beetlejuice. That’s a definite highlight!
Gymnastics class, gym session, swim lessons. And of course, some reading.
How was your week? Wishing you a great weekend!
Pic on the front: crazy + insane sky last night- before the storm.

