the Wednesday hodgepodge

 

Happy Wednesday, friends! I'm linking up with Joyce for today's hodgepodge post. I'll jump right in!

1. Are you ready for some football? On a scale of 1-10, how much of a fan are you (ten is team never miss a game and 1 is here for the snacks)? Who is your team? Theoretically, I love the thought of football and love it being on in the background for noise. I don't follow it super closely or anything like that, but I do like to have it on and watch on occasion. I'm not a die hard fan or anything like that, but I live in the South, and these are the rules. I don't make them, but I follow them. I suppose on a scale of 1-10, I would fall around the 5 mark. I don't really have a "team" of my own; I like SEC teams, though. I'll always pull for one of those, or I'll choose my own hometown team of the U of M Tigers. I follow a lot of these teams on Instagram, so it's fun to watch them from a different perspective.

2. What's something you currently have a game plan for managing? I'll choose to talk about everyday life here. When something traumatic happens in your life, it seems as if time slows down. People step in to take care of you and feed you, and it's honestly a wonderful thing to witness. But when that stops, you realize that life never stopped moving, it's just that you did. I feel as if I'm waking up from a dream sometimes, and then I remember it's real life. I'm taking things a day at a time and being easy on myself as much as I can, but I do have a game plan in place for managing my life again. Baby steps, right? 

3. Do you like chicken wings? Hot, mild, or any other flavor? What's a must have food item for you on a tailgate menu? This is something that I'll eat at someone's house (Bill, I'm talking to you) that I enjoy, but I never order this out. I would say that I definitely prefer the mild flavor of wings; Chris loved chicken wings and ordered them all the time when we went out. I would always eat one or two of his. A must have item for me on a tailgate menu would be chips and dips. 

4. Teams typically have strict playbooks they follow. What is one unwritten rule or piece of advice in your "life playbook" that you think everyone should know? My unwritten rule of life is to leave a place better, or at least as good as, I found it originally. 

5. This is the week we remember and mourn all that was lost and changed on September 11, 2001. I always include a spot for bloggers to share about 9/11. Share as much or as little as you'd like. It's hard to believe it's been twenty five years since that day. I wonder if we knew then the changes this would mean for us going forward. Everything has changed since then, security wise. And understandably so! It's something I'm grateful for: the men and women who protect us.

6. Insert your own random thought here. I had a mental image yesterday of Chris looking down from Heaven, and it just about took me out at work. I could almost see myself running to him the minute I saw him, and he wrapped his arms around me. I know that this isn't theologically correct, so please keep unnecessary comments to yourself. (Talking to you, Anon.) It's almost like I was dreaming, but I was awake. I'd just watched a video from a grief counselor on TikTok, and it just about took my breath away. I was a wreck for the rest of the day. I came home and laid down, and I cried on and off all evening. 

I'm so glad I have plans tonight and for the rest of the week/weekend. I need to be busy again! Between that and my sweet friend Sarah from work texting me, and it was just a very emotional and long day. I know that this is all just a part of mourning the loss of someone I loved, but it sucks. There are no other words that will describe it as accurately as that. He wasn't perfect and we had our struggles that we had to overcome, but I miss him so much that it hurts. I feel a dull ache at all times, and it feels fake when I laugh and seem like I'm having a good time. 

I keep ending these posts on a sad note. I wish I could say that it'll change, but I don't know when that will happen. Thanks for still being here to read and encourage. I appreciate it more than words can say! Please keep praying for me, I still desperately need them. Thanks, friends. Love to all.

Jen 

fashion files & some ways I'm taking care of myself

 

Happy Tuesday, friends! I'm talking about more things I'm saying yes to this week. I'm also linking up with Amy for the weekly Fashion Files and Joanne for Tuesday Talk. I'll jump right in!  

I think I shared this one already? I wore this one day last week; I kind of forgot that I'd purchased this skort thing from Old Navy over the summer! 

I'm missing a day of outfits...I don't know why or how I did that, but there was one morning last week when I was running later than I like. That's probably why. I went back and forth between the skort, dresses, and leggings/button downs last week, because of events going on at work. I'm so ready for different weather when I can vary my clothes again! I have to stay cool, and the only thing that keeps me that way is a dress. 

This was for Saturday brunch...

...Sunday church...

...and then for an afternoon spent poolside. 

Our weather isn't changing this week; we're still experiencing extremely hot temps, so this means indoor recess and more of the same outfits. Maybe next week it'll change? I'm hopeful!


And now for the second part of this blog...

I thought I'd share some ways I'm giving myself some love lately. Yesterday marks one month since Chris died. I wasn't sure how I'd feel on that day, but for the most part, I was okay. I cried on the phone with my Missy when she called to check on me, and then I moved on with the day. I played on my phone, I worked on my blog, and I watched TV. At one point when I went upstairs to make my bed and put on real clothes, I decided instead to crawl into my still unmade bed and take a nap. When I woke up and hour and something later, I took a shower and washed my hair. This felt amazing! I was kind of sad when I was laying in my bed; I was glad that I hadn't made plans to do anything that day.  

One thing I love to do for myself is take care of my home. I love for things to be clean and organized; I spent some time doing that yesterday in preparation of my work week. It feels so good to be able to get things cleaned out and ready for the work week. It's a place that I love to be, so it brings me joy to take care of things here. I love it all...the mundane and the frivolous. 

On the days when I'm at home, if I turn on the TV and start watching a show and feel myself growing sleepy, I succumb to that and will take a nap, even if it's a short one. I know that my body needs extra rest right now, so I try to listen to it and do what I feel in that moment. I don't always watch TV; sometimes I will choose music over that and actually prefer it, honestly. I'm listening to a catchy playlist as I write this on Monday morning. Other times I might read or scroll on my phone. 

I take my lunch breaks one day at a time at work. Some days I eat in the lounge by myself; while I do that, I read. Other days, I will sit in my friend Sarah's classroom since she's not busy when I eat. I let each day be different; she understands the need I have to be quiet sometimes, which is what I did last week. Sometimes I don't want to be alone; other times I feel like I won't be able to talk without crying. Each day is a little different, so I try to take it easy on myself. 

I'm taking care of myself. I treated myself to a mani/pedi on Saturday, which felt amazing. 

I never do that those two things on the same day, but it felt luxurious to be able to do that over the weekend. The pushing point was that all the polish came off my toes Friday night, and I can't stand to have them bare. Ha! 

I'm saying yes to people; dinner after work, weekday movie nights, birthday celebrations that last all weekend long...I'm saying yes to it all. I'm also saying yes to staying at home on the nights when I just don't have it in me to go anywhere else, or when I'm absolutely and utterly exhausted from work. 

I'm trying to take it easy on myself; sometimes this is easier said than done. It's been a long month. It does feel a little easier each day, and the new normal has set in. I am still hopeful of my future, and I'm starting to get to the point where I'm excited about things. It's very minimal, but it's there, nonetheless. I find myself being extremely grateful for the small things in life: time spent with people I love and even the most mundane and minimal of plans, and the offer of emotional support that Chloe consistently offers me. This is me trying to keep on with life to the best of my ability. 

Thanks for reading my blog today, friends. Love to all.

Jen 

hello Monday

 

Happy Monday, friends! How was your weekend? I'm linking up with Holly and Sarah to talk about mine. 

Friday was a work day for teachers and staff, but the kids were out. I loved this day! I had made the decision to sit in my friend Karen's room that day, since I didn't have anywhere to be or no meetings to attend. I had told her I would help her come up with an organization system for student work, so that's what we did. I started our day with iced coffees for us; Dutch Bros has a cookie butter latte that is to die for. This was the best way to start a special Friday! I just loved being in the room with her; I miss her so much now that I don't get to work side by side with her everyday. I still make time to visit everyday, though, and go in there from 3:30-3:45 when I have a small break. A group of us went to lunch together and then we finished the day talking. By the time we left at 3:30, there were five of us in there talking and cracking up. It was actually a great day, and one that I got paid for basically just to sit. 

That night I went to Marilyn's for dinner. I picked something up for me and we ate together at her place. We just sat and talked for a long time, then we finally got up and went to walk around Costco. That was fun, since I hadn't been there in about two years! I got a few things on her membership, since I was there. I'm grateful to spend these Friday nights with her; it's a fun way to kick off the weekend, and even if we don't do a thing, I love that we get to be together and catch up. I'm so glad that our lives work out to be able to do this! I stayed at her house for a little while after we got back, then I came home to shower, wash my hair, and lay in bed. It had been a long day, and it didn't take me long to fall asleep! 

I thought it was funny that we were both in our green shirts that day. 

Saturday found me sleeping in until seven thirty! That never happens, and it felt amazing. I loved the leisurely morning at home; I started laundry, and just lingered over coffee. It was so nice! My friend Kendra picked me up at ten, and she and I went to brunch together. It was nice to sit and catch up, because it had been a while since we had done anything. After our brunch (complete with a mimosa), we went over to Ulta so we could both pick up a few things. I needed more of my lip gloss and some new mascara. 

After she dropped me back off at home, I came in and discovered I'd left my phone in her car. Friends, I hate to admit this, but I was just about near helpless for a good bit. I had no way of reaching out to her (or anyone else), because I don't have numbers memorized or written down! Thankfully, Jonah pulled up Life 360 and helped me track her through that app, and we were able to text with my Apple watch. For some reason, I could only text him, though, and nobody else. I would have texted Kendra or Marilyn if I could have, but I couldn't. I found her back at her apartment, and after I had my phone back, I realized some things. 

First, I need to write down some numbers and put them in my wallet in case this ever happens again. I'm ashamed at how I don't know numbers for people, but it's not something we have to know anymore. Secondly, I had a bit of anxiety over this. My phone is everything, and I depend on it for so much! I don't think this is anything unhealthy, but as a single woman, this thing is life. I was sharing this story with Marilyn, and she completely agreed with me on this. There's something about not having anyone else that makes you realize the importance of certain things you depend on it for. My bank information is there, my insurance coverage and information is there, not to mention it's my line of communication. 

For the rest of the day, I was at home, then I went back to Marilyn's for a little while. I went to church on Sunday, then I went to swim over at Drew's and Mallory's. That was a fun afternoon! 

 

I had so much fun on this afternoon! I met up with Drew, Mallory, her twin sister Meredith, a friend of theirs, Jennifer (Mallory's mom), and Marilyn. We stayed in the pool for a few hours, then we went to change and to dinner. I visited my Graham before I came back to Collierville...he's been sick, and I needed to put my eyes on him. I just sat and talked to him for a little while, then I did a few small things for him before I left again. After that I stopped by Marilyn's again before coming home, because why not? She's literally on my way home. I love that we're so close! I came home and watched tv for a while before turning in for the night. 

It was a good weekend, and I am grateful! It's normal for the weekends to feel long now, and I was kind of dreading this one because of that. I'm so glad that I'm saying the opposite is true this weekend. I'll see you back here tomorrow, friends. Thanks for reading my blog! Love to all. 

Jen

Friday Favorites, 9.4.2026

 

Happy Friday, friends! I hope your week was good; mine went by really fast. I have some favorites from the week that I thought I'd share today! 

Goat yoga day might have been my favorite day of the week! I love that our PTA did this for the kiddos; the options were either yoga with goats, or cuddling with them. I'll be honest, I was so hot at this point, that I couldn't stand to hold it for that long. But look how sweet! She had her head down on me. 

My little student was in Heaven! 

Looking back on pictures like this is my favorite! I was searching for birthday pictures to post for Trish's birthday on Wednesday and came across this gem. Left to right are Lisa (holding me), Trish, and Debi. This shows our age difference! 

These graphics are my favorite that I saw on Instagram this week. Both are so true! I literally cannot wait for the cooler weather that I know is just around the corner. It's been oppressively hot all week, and I thought I was going to melt outside on Wednesday with the goats. We were out there for 45 minutes, and I was sweating profusely. I hate it when it's like that! 

Getting this message about Chris' dogs this week was a favorite; I've been wondering how they were doing, and I loved learning that they're living their best lives being on the ranch and getting to go for rides with people. I cried on this afternoon, because again...the reality of what is life now set in once again. I had a moment last weekend when I forgot that he isn't here anymore. My sweet Jonah just cried with me when I broke down at dinner that night. 

On this note, I met with a grief counselor Thursday after work. It went better than I'd hoped, honestly. I was kind of dreading it, because I knew it would make me cry, but the tears felt good this time. They weren't tears of sorrow...well, they were, but they felt healing. I'll be meeting her on Thursdays after work, possibly until the end of time. Ha! 

What was a favorite of yours from the week? Please share! I'll see you back here on Monday, friends. Love to all!

Jen 

what you should know about me

 

Happy Thursday, friends! I thought I'd share a few things about me that you might not already know. I hope you enjoy this! 

I have a few OCD tendencies; I need to volume on TV to be at an even number at all times. I also tend to go back and check (and then re-check) things a lot.

I am pretty certain that I have something called dyscalculia, which is like dyslexia, but with math.

I have eight piercings in my ears. I have two more holes that I don't ever wear: one on my left ear and one on the cartilage part of my left ear.

I have three tattoos and want more.

I am more adventurous than I let on; I love to travel and explore new places. 

I am tenderhearted, but I tend to have a strict side. This came out in my parenting and it comes out now in the elementary school setting. I also pull out my "mom voice" from time to time, and it always surprises people.

I'm a published author; years and years ago, I used to submit articles to The Today Show website on parenting advice. I always had a lot of great feedback! I also wrote for an online Christian magazine for a few years. Additionally, I've helped write six Bible studies; as much as I love the studying and writing, it was the editing process that came so naturally! I've been writing since I was a little girl; to this day I have tons of journals that I go through, but I don't keep them for long.

I'm a singer and people like to hear me sing, but I've never done karaoke! Also on that note, when I was younger, I was told that I had perfect pitch. I don't know if that's still true (probably not), but I thought it was cool. I love to sing in places with great acoustics, so give me a garage or a hallway any day. It would be a dream to sing somewhere like that publicly! 

I may not ever want to marry again. I thought I did, and I think I do sometimes...but I really like my life when I'm not attached to anyone. I admire women who never remarry! I don't need a man to complete me. (This may change tomorrow. Ha!)

I'm able to compartmentalize really well.

I'm a neat freak, and a clean freak, but you'd never know it because of all the dang dogs! This makes me crazy, and I have stopped trying to run myself ragged trying to maintain it well.

I love being in my bedroom more than any other room in my house.

I type really well, and really fast.

I hate it when my fingernails are long, even though I love the way it makes my hands look.

I love Thanksgiving night through December 24th the most; it's the spirit of Christmas that I love, not the actual day of. 

I hate Hallmark holidays.

I can be bad about matching other people, meaning that I take on what they like or dislike. I did this for 28 years in my marriage, and I won't do it again. I used to say that I hate the beach, but then I went to the beach with friends, and I've loved it ever since! I never wanted to go to one again while I was married, because he would have been miserable, and it would have put me in a bad mood. But with friends? Yes, please! 

I sometimes talk to myself; I have been doing this a lot lately.

I love being with people, but I also need to be alone sometimes. I'm an extroverted introvert.

I tend to want to be in control, but I really don't at the same time. I'm always telling myself to let something go. It's not my job or my responsibility.

I work hard.

I'm scatterbrained.

I prefer music to having the TV on. 

I prefer my showers and hair washing at night. 

What say you? Tell me something about yourself that I don't know. This idea was inspired by something I saw people asking Chat GPT. See you back here tomorrow, friends! Love to all.

Jen 

currently hodgodging

 

Happy Wednesday, friends! I'm linking up with Amy for this month's Currently, and Joyce for today's hodgepodge post. I'll jump right in!

I'm not really baking/cooking anything at the moment. I've been fed by friends for the last month, and it's been wonderful to not have to worry about meals. I'm so grateful for this! I will start cooking again next week, and I'll be glad to resume normalcy once again. 

I'm currently decorating for my favorite season: fall! 

I'm currently balancing my life with work, grief, a social life, and all the other feelings and emotions I have rolling around in my brain. I often laugh and then cry, in the same breath.

I'm currently learning who my people are. I don't feel "safe" with everyone, meaning that I don't bare my soul to just anyone. It's good to know who your people are.

And now for the hodgpodging...

1. What's something you wanted to do this summer but never got around to doing? I went back and looked at my summer bucket list and then got a little sad. One thing I never got to do this summer was to take that trip with Chris; we had one planned that had changed a few times, but he was asked to stay at work since his bosses had a death in their family. And then he started getting sick. I'm thankful for the things we did do over the summer, though, like enjoy lots of weekend days at a pool. We loved night swimming and did that a few nights as well. 

On a brighter note, I got a lot of things done over the course of my summer! I got a lot of things cleaned out of my house, and I love how I repurposed things here. I'm also grateful for the trip I took to Louisville; it was so much fun getting to spend time with Amy! 

2. Were you the student who sat in the front row or hid in the back of the class? If you could go back and take one high school class again, which would it be? I sat somewhere in the middle; I couldn't sit in the back because I got too distracted. This is the reason I won't sit in the back row of church. I spend too much time looking around! z

3. What characteristics do you think are essential in a good teacher? I think a good teacher isn't afraid to laugh at her/himself. I love it when their humility comes out. I also love when they take a personal interest in the student, getting to know them and making sure they're seen and heard.

4. September 2nd is National Grits day. Have you ever eaten grits? Are you a fan? If so, how do you like yours? Would people describe you as "having grit"?  I love grits, but I haven't had them in a long time. I love the homemade kind over the instant, opting to make my own cheesy version. I used to make beef tips with cheesy grits from a Pioneer Woman cookbook when my sons were little; it was a family favorite! If I'm eating the plain kind, I like them with butter, salt, and pepper. 

I think I have grit, because of what life has looked like for me the last two years. I will say it until I believe it: I'm stronger than I give myself credit for. 

5. What's something you're never too old or too young to enjoy? I hope I'm never too old to enjoy a sleepover with girlfriends! I also feel this way about the summer. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. I quit my Bible study before I started. I want to participate in things like that again, but I think I bit off more than I could chew when I signed up, full of determination and hope. I texted the leaders yesterday afternoon and told them I wasn't in the right headspace to come and commit to that for the time being; they were so sweet and told me to come anyway on the nights when I just wanted to be social with godly women. 

It's a strange season of life, but I'm learning to live with it each day. Thanks for being here to read my blog each day, friends. Love to all.

Jen 

fashion files and some things I'm saying "yes" to this week

 

Happy Tuesday, friends! I'm talking about more things I'm saying yes to this week. I'm also linking up with Amy for the weekly Fashion Files and Joanne for Tuesday Talk. I'll jump right in! 

I wore this Old Navy denim dress to church on Sunday and to work on Monday. I like doing that! It always takes the guesswork out of what to wear to work on a Monday when I do this. 

I still love this pink boutique dress! I wore this on Tuesday to honor Dolly Parton's life; our principal reached out to us about this late Monday night, and I love that we all showed out.

Back to the gauze dresses for the rest of the week.

This was my Sunday outfit for family dinner night this weekend. 

This was yesterday's outfit, which I loved. 

It's been a minute since I've done a "things I'm saying yes to" post, so I thought I'd continue on with that now; it'll also give you some insight into my week and what I'm doing new this week.

I'm saying "yes" to:

• attending Bible study again
• meeting with new friends at my new church and exploring more options there about how I can get connected
• time spent with friends
• taking a drive to clear my head (it's been a while)
• spur of the moment plans
• laughter and companionship at work
• more reading in bed and at lunch
• easy lunches at work
• cool clothes for the hot week
• wearing more of the things in my closet
• being at home more and feeling content

What about you? What are some things you're saying yes to right now? I'd love to hear from you! Thanks for reading my blog today, friends. Love to all!

Jen