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.

Bowling at the Lucky Strike

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.

Our taste test: the cookies on the left in the long box took home the gold

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.

Here is another one

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