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.

Crazy Fog

January 16, 2026

Today for the first time in 23 years, Clovis Unified called a Foggy Day Schedule. We ultimately ended up on a four hour delay, which made our classes, for the few students who came, about 15 minutes each. Something I've always been bothered by is that if it is so foggy that they believe it is unsafe for school busses to run, why on earth do they think it is safe for regular cars to be out on the road? The parents who drive their little ones? Young teen drivers navigating foggy roads for the first time? School employees? Y'all, none of us can see 10 feet ahead of us in those conditions. In fact, I found out that one of my students got into a horrific accident on her way to school this morning. She was transported to the hospital in critical condition. It breaks my heart for her and for her family! In addition, in the evening Rafe and I drove out of town to Palm Springs. We thought we'd drive out of the fog, but there were still huge patches of it all the way to Bakersfield. On the other side of the freeway near Tulare, we saw a big rig totally engulfed in flames after a wreck. I just hope the driver made it out. Stay safe on those roads, all!

Knitting Class #2

January 15, 2026

Since I have been making progress (really, just so I remember how to do it), I wanted to be able to keep working on my green project and not have to unravel it or change it to learn something new because I'm proud of it, flaws and all. (Yes, I did drop a couple of stitches here and there. It gives it a little character!) So tonight in class, I bought a second skein of yarn and knitting needles to practice casting on and perhaps to learn how to purl as well. Turns out we didn't get to purl, but that's okay. I love the variegated colors of this skein, and the different textures. We'll see how this one looks on a few weeks!

More Knitting Progress

January 14, 2026

I'm just practicing and not actually 'making' anything in particular yet, but I am feeling really good about my progress! I can see this being a hobby I stick with.

Pub Quiz, Round Two

January 13, 2026

We decided to check out a different pub quiz this week. We went to House of Pendragon, which is much closer to home and had great food. Unfortunately the acoustics weren't great, or maybe just our seats were not ideal, but it was nice that they had a screen to project the questions. I liked the variety of types/formats of questions. This particular night was themed, and it happened to be a theme I felt pretty strong in--culinary. I was definitely able to come with some answers not everyone in our group had! That being said, I don't know if every week is a theme night, but next week is all things Star Wars, for which I would be decidedly less useful. 

Book Club

January 12, 2026

We held book club to discuss Lisa Wingate's Book of Lost Friends. Most of us who read it enjoyed the concept but didn't love how long it took for the multiple storylines to converge. Nevertheless, it was a good time as always catching up with these women.

Self Care and Crafty Day

January 11, 2026

Lisa came over for a craft day and while we didn't do much crafting, we got all of our craft days on the books for the whole year. (Lisa and I both love a full calendar!) We also decided to go get a massage, and I did sneak in a little knitting in the evening while Rafe and I were watching TV.

Football Playoff Time

January 10, 2026

When I say football playoffs, you know I actually mean football Playoff snacks, right? Mo and Scott invited us to their new place, along with Chris and Sam and Doug and Di. It was actually a really good game, plus I got to use my new charcuterie tray that Rafe got me for Christmas. Such a fun night with friends!

First Week Back

January 9, 2026

End of the week me was so thankful for my beginning of the week meal planning me, because I knew how tired I'd be at the end of this first week back to school. My wholeeal plan for Friday was to have a date night and go out to dinner. (I like to be forward thinking like that.) Dinner, drinks, and no dirty dishes. Perfect.

New Year, New Skills

January 8, 2026

Lisa and I decided to take some knitting classes and a local studio! I have tried to teach myself a couple of times over the years, but it's a little tough to troubleshoot when you don't know what you're doing. Class was pretty good, and I think I got the hang of the basic motion. Now I have to practice A LOT to commit it to muscle memory. We'll see how my progress goes!

Trying Something New

January 7, 2026

I have always been a little bit intimidated by the thought of a Pub Quiz, because what if I don't know ANYTHING?? But tonight our friends invited us to a Pub Quiz, and we had a great time! Our team didn't win, but we made a respectable showing for our first time out, and it really was impressive how each person had their own specialized knowledge about some pretty obscure and random things. (It doesn't hurt that this particular group is definitely intelligent and well-read.) I'm excited to go give this kind of outing another try again soon!

Still Growing

January 6, 2026

It's apparently almost orchid season again. Those who know me know that not only is it miraculous that I have kept a plant alive, but it is absolutely astonishing that I have four of these orchid plants that are getting ready to bloom for the fourth year in a row! (Normally, plants in my presence give up within two weeks or so). I feel such a sense of accomplishment when I see these buds starting to form! 

Today, I Paid the Piper

 January 5, 2026

Today I made up for all that relaxation from yesterday--finalizing grades, putting away (some) of Christmas, chores around the house, and generally getting ready to head back to school tomorrow.  Am I ready?  Not really.  But I will be happy to see my friends and my students again after this break.  Semester Two, here we come!

Taking a Breath Before It's Time to Go Back

 January 4, 2026

Tuesday we go back to school.  Last week was really busy, but this week actually allowed me to rest, relax, and actually feel like I had a chance to breathe before the end of Christmas vacation.  Today was focused on not worrying about any obligations or chores in particular, though I did do some around the house.  It was nice to give myself permission to enjoy the quiet before the next whirlwind.

More Old Friends

 January 3, 2026

We went to dinner tonight with Jim and Christy, whom we haven't seen for quite some time--by my estimation nearly a year and a half.  They live out of town, but they still have family here and come to visit every now and again, but we are just one of the stops on their visits home.  I know how hectic it can be to try to get everything and everyone in during a quick weekend trip, so I understand.  But oh my goodness, how lovely it was to just sit and talk and catch up.  You know the friendship is solid when what I would guess would be a two hour lunch turns into more than four hours.  The secret, I've discovered, to not letting too much time go by between get-togethers is to make a specific plan for the future, rather than the usual "let's not make it so long next time...".  I'm so excited that we decided to make a date in another three weeks when they are back in town again--definitely something to look forward to!  (Reuniting with old friends and making plans a priority seems like a good refocus for the new year!)

Old Friends in the New Year

January 2, 2026

I received a text tonight from an old friend. This is someone I care about very much, but who has been somewhat missing in action for the past several months, likely for a variety of reasons. I have missed this person dearly, and am thrilled to know that they are still well, and wanting to walk back across that bridge that connects us. There are just some people who I will always feel drawn to, like there is a gentle line that tethers our hearts to one another no matter how far apart we may wander for a time. 

New Year, 2026

January 1, 2026

I have been very fortunate this past year. The family is healthy. I am healthy. We have enjoyed success and comfort, and those are not things I take for granted. For the year ahead, I humbly seek to continue the path of peace I'm on, to continue to grow in the relationships I am nurturing, and to continue to strive to release the past that no longer holds value or peace for my life today. I also continue to work to release myself from that which I have no control, and focus on what I can control. My word for 2026 is RELEASE. Cheers to 2026!