Old School Girls Dinner

January 26, 2026

We were well past due for a get together, and right now we're a collective mess- me with my eye, Mo with gallstones, and Kelly to sick and hoarse to even attend (thankfully Fran is healthy)-but even reconnecting for a couple of hours sitting on the couch is good for the soul.

Souper Bowl Playoff Watch Party

January 25, 2026

It's playoffs weekend, so we had a Souper bowl kick off- a soup potluck/tasting party. Everyone got to sample several kinds of soup while yelling at the little men on the TV.

Double Date Night

January 24, 2026

Jim and Christy were in town this weekend, so we planned a whole evening. We met up for dinner at Kocky's Bar and Grill in downtown Fresno. A little loud, but they had good food and good service. Then we headed to The Grand 1401 (a beautiful venue in the 10th floor ballroom of an old downtown building) to see a Candlelight Concert. The theme was Queen vs. Abba, presented by a string quartet. The music was of course familiar, but the setting made it magical. Once it was over, we took Jim and Christy to the new speakeasy in downtown Clovis-the place we spent our New Year's Eve. Such a cool vibe! It was a relaxing, effortless evening, and already we can't wait for them to come back to town so that we can plan another outing.

The Show Must Go On

January 23, 2026

I didn't go to school on Friday because of my CAT scan appointment, but our school's production of Mamma Mia was in its run, and several of my students had principal roles in it. I had committed to going, and I really didn't want to go back on my word. Both Lisa and Bree were supposed to go with me, and both ended up feeling under the weather and bowed out. Rafe was a good sport and didn't want me to go on my own, so he (somewhat reluctantly) went with me. It was a really well-done production, and I loved getting to see the talent of my students being showcased. I don't think it was great for my concussion, but still worth it! Also, thank goodness for makeup-I did not look like I had just been in a bar brawl!

Ouch!

January 22, 2026

Very late Wednesday night, just before bed, I found myself in the bathroom getting ready to turn in for the night. Suddenly, I felt dizzy, and before I could even process the thought, 'I think I'm going to pass out," I did indeed, pass out. I fainted and didn't know I had slammed by face on the counter, knocking my glasses against my face and opening up a nasty cut above my eye. Fortunately I didn't feel it though-I came to after Rafe heard the commotion and called out to check on me. I came to and opened my eyes, only to find myself staring at the bathroom baseboards. I must have been a sight for Rafe! I slowly got up and looked in the mirror to see my face covered in blood-I couldn't tell where it was coming from at first. With his help I got myself cleaned up and tried to stop the blood. Should I have had stitches? Probably. But it was late and I wanted to go to bed. I had no idea until the next day that Rafe slept so poorly because he was worried about me. The next day I went to work and headed straight to the nurse, since I had 1st period prep. I was hoping she had some steri-strips, since the cut was definitely deep and open. She didn't, but said I really needed to get in to a doctor to assess it. I was able to get an afternoon appointment. By that time, it was determined that we had passed the window for stitches so I did get steri-strips, but I also got an appointment for blood work, a CAT scan, and a cardiologist to figure out why I fainted out of the blue.  Stay tuned...

Cute New Mug

January 21, 2026

I found this mug while Christmas shopping in December and decided I needed to gift it to myself. Drinking out of this gives me joy.

Backyard Social House

January 20, 2026

I believe we have found our new home for pub quiz. Backyard Social is a great atmosphere with good food and a great game format. Bonus -we won our first time out! Rafe, Karen, Will, Jonah, and I make a very solid team. I'm hoping Bree can join us in the future as well!

Getting the Hang of It

January 19, 2026

Another knitting picture? Yep! I'm really enjoying this hobby, and it makes me feel productive when Rafe and I are sitting and watching our TV shows. (Right now, Russian Doll is our binge.) Plus, I was able to make some real progress on the drive back from Palm Springs.

Palm Springs Day Two

January 18, 2026

Day Two at the tournament was a much stronger showing. It was perfect weather. They shook off the cobwebs and made some great plays. Unfortunately it wasn't enough to put them in finals contention, but we wrapped up our day on the field and headed to the team Airbnb (we stayed at a different hotel for the trip) and had a barbeque. Great evening team bonding!

Palm Springs Baseball

January 17, 2026

Baseball kicked off the season with a tournament in Palm Springs. This is a fun group of guys who typically play with a handful of different teams during regular season, but form a separate tourney team for pre- and post-season. It was a bit of a rocky start, but still a fun day one.