Happy Friday, friends! I hope you've had a great week! Mine started off in the best way: on vacation, and I'm ending it with getting things lined up for me to return to work full time on Monday. I'm excited about it and curious to see what all we'll be doing once we're back together for the 2025/2026 school year. It's been ages since I've started a school year as part of support staff. I'll be excited to update you on this next week...but for now, let's jump in on some of my favorite moments from this week.
The beach is my happy, most favorite place on earth! Here's what I said on Instagram when we got there Friday night:
Vitamin sea is good for soul! It's been a long year and a lot of life has happened since I was in this same place last year; I'm ready to be here with new memories this year for a new season of life. I'm so grateful to be here with my dear friend and the one I lovingly refer to as Soulmate.
The food that I ate while on vacation was my favorite! I love seafood; are you a fan? I always told my sons that anywhere they went that the area was known for a certain type of food, to eat that kind of food. I lived it up this week with all the seafood and key lime pie my little heart could take!
Sweet Marilyn is stuck with me until the end of time; she knows entirely too much about me to not be my friend for life. 🤣 Have you seen the videos of someone whose best friend died being told that her friend died, and all she's concerned about was finding her phone because of all the incriminating evidence that could possibly be found? That's what we are to each other. If I die, someone better give my phone directly to this woman.
My new living room is my favorite! I mentioned the "new" to me couch that I found for a steal on Facebook marketplace last week; these new chairs came last Thursday that I'd ordered from Walmart, and the painting above the couch is new. I am thoroughly impressed with this rug from Amazon! Do you have thoughts about the new space?
Here's a better picture of the artwork I bought from Kirkland's.
My new Apple watch is my favorite! I decided I wanted one for work since I can't be on my phone. It's a learning process for me, but I'm happy with it so far. I like that it reminds me to get up and move, and that I can easily see notifications at a glance. I've already been on my phone less; I may be addicted to the stupid thing, friends. My new job will be good for me with this! I'm finding myself looking forward to coming to my house after work and unwinding after a long day; I know it's psychological, but having a newly decorated space helps me with this! I had a feeling that this would happen; I'm glad that I thought right.
I had a killer headache all day long yesterday; it's my favorite thing in the world when Chloe is my emotional support dog. I needed her by my side, and she was my faithful little companion. Stella was fixed yesterday, so Chloe enjoyed being the only (doted on, loved, and spoiled) pup for the whole day.
I saw this on Instagram yesterday, and it just may be my favorite thing that I saw online this week. I've struggled with my thoughts this week for reasons that I don't want to get into here today, and I am really good at beating myself up, so to speak, about decisions I've made lately. I don't know if it's me being an enneagram one or what, but I am so hard on myself. Needless to say, this spoke to me for that reason.
What was something that was a favorite of yours from the week? I'd love to hear from you! Thanks for reading my blog today, friends. Love to all!
Jenn ❤️
I love the art you found! It's made the room so light, airy, and dare I say beachy! Maybe you can bring in white pumpkins for your fall decor. I am already excited to bring in some fall decor! It's a bit early, but I had that thought the other day. I also love seafood - well, not all, but some seafood.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that you have a sanctuary in your home again. I hope you can entertain more and be happy sharing your space. Chloe is so sweet. Live it up this weekend but also get prepared for Monday! I can't wait to hear about it!
Great idea on the watch because you can't be on your phone. My first grade sister Molly loves hers.
I haven't thought about white in holiday decor, but that's a great idea! I do love how it made the room light, bright, and airy. In August of every year, my heart starts longing for fall and fall decor. I know it'll be that way for me soon! Thank you for this! I do hope to entertain more and be content to be here. Chloe is the very best! I love this dog so much.
DeleteThe pictures of you and Marilyn are SO GOOD! You two look really happy and carefree. Also your food pics from vacation- can you say, yum? I can and will. YUM. I like to order seafood near the ocean. It may not be fresh but it seems like the right thing to do.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious about the cell phone policy at your school. Does that mean that you won't or can't have your cell phone out at all near you except during lunch or a planned break? My sub employer has an official rule that subs aren't to have cell phones out at all during the day. But I've noticed that teachers use theirs, support staff uses theirs, administrators use theirs, and yes, subs use theirs. A lot of the time, cell phones are use do text other teachers or admins about things. Teachers in plans will often leave their cell phone number and say to text them if there are questions or concerns. So, cell phones are just part and parcel of the day. I completely understand students not having cell phones in school but do wonder what it would look like for no adult to have them?
Your living room looks great! Have a wonderful weekend!
Thank you! In the moments that we took those pictures, we were carefree and caught up in the moment. It felt great to escape life for a few days! I think the plan is going to be like what you're used to, if I remember correctly from two years ago. I'll be able to be on my phone some, but it can't be a big part of my day like I'm used to it being. This is when my watch will help!
DeleteThe new space is so open and inviting!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I love how it turned out!
DeleteI love your new space! And starting a new job too. Fresh starts are good. My hubs bought us both apple watches for our anniversary. I didn't think I really wanted one but I love it now. I did buy a bracelet for mine to make it feel more like jewelry which made me love it more. Happy back to school!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I love fresh starts, and the newly designed spaces in my home are helping me get ready for what is to come starting next week. I'm already looking at different bands for mine; I don't mind the one it came with, though! Happy Friday, my friend!
DeleteSounds like a hangover headache. Booze and strong beach sun are a bad combination, both are dehydrating and cause headaches.
ReplyDeleteIt was definitely NOT a hangover...it's called sinuses, and the humidity is making it so much worse.
DeleteYour new space is so pretty! And yay for an apple watch! The beach was fun and glad we never had a hangover because we were responsible and drank mostly water. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! I love it so much. I'm so glad we were able to enjoy some drinks in a mature and responsible way, you're absolutely right. 🤣
DeleteOh what a beautiful time with your bestie- love all of the pics. Obsessed with your new living room- it came out so great!
ReplyDeleteIt was such a beautiful time away! Thank you! I love it so much. It feels like a new house!
DeleteI love your new space and that rug looks really good in there! I've been catching up on blogs today and loved seeing all your beach and Colorado pictures. All the food in FL looks delicious; I love seafood too! You just cannot beat a getaway with friends and family that's good for the soul. Have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It's been such a fun summer of trips and new things. I wholeheartedly agree about getting away with friends!
DeleteYour new living room is just beautiful! I can't believe you start back to work already on Monday. I hope you have a fabulous week getting settled into a new routine and new/old environment.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I know, I can't either. The summer flew by, especially July! I knew that would happen, though, and am glad I took a month off from work to soak it all in! Thank you, friend!
DeleteI pray that your beach trip was refreshing and filled with memories you'll carry for a long time. All of that food looks delicious and now I am hungry. lol! Your living room and new furniture looks beautiful. I love how light and airy this space is. Have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I hope the same for you!
DeleteI love your new living room. It is cozy yet light and bright at the same time. I know what you mean about wanting to refresh things so you look forward to time at home in the evenings. I also love seafood, and love when it is fresh! Don't beat yourself up - I do the same thing. Hindsight is always 20/20. I will be praying for a smooth start to your year - your going to be such an asset to that school!
ReplyDeleteThank you! When it's fresh, there isn't much that beats fresh seafood. You are so right about hindsight! Thank you for that reminder, and for your prayers. Much love!
DeleteWishing you the best of luck in your new job. I hope all goes well on Monday.
ReplyDeleteThe beach is so beautiful, I can see why it is your happy place! I love seafood too and key lime pie but I don't have it often as my family are not fans. Hmmf!
Your living room looks great, I do love those chairs and the painting above the couch!
Thank you, friend! I hope you enjoy your weekend. ❤️
DeleteI love your new living room set up and thanks for liking the rug. I need a new one but get overwhelmed looking and this one is perfect.
ReplyDeleteI love your friendship with your “soulmate”. That is the best friendship to find.
Good luck Monday. New beginnings are scary but also so fun!