Hello Monday

 

Happy Tuesday, friends, and happy September! I'm linking up with Holly and Sarah for today's blog post. How was your weekend? Mine was great! Here's what I did:

I worked on Friday, but it was a professional development day. I had some training with my SPED co-workers off campus that day; it was interesting, but I'd much prefer a day at school being busy with students. It's hard to sit still for hours on end in a day when you're used to walking at least 7,000 steps at work. I survived, though, even in spite of being so sleepy after lunch, and we got to leave before 3:30. That was nice! And so was the lunch that I enjoyed with two of my work friends. I love building those relationships! 

I came home and relaxed for a bit, then left to go meet Chris at his house. He let his dogs out quickly, then we left again for dinner. We weren't gone long; after that we ended up at his house again for a movie night. I love movie nights with him! 

It's so peaceful and beautiful out there. We sit right here on a bench while his dogs run around. We stay out until I start itching; he laughs and we go inside. It's also very buggy out there! I was home by ten since I was on dog duty this weekend for Jonah; he had the opportunity to take a free trip to Dallas to visit Noah, so he jumped on the opportunity. I am so glad he got to do that! I know they miss each other something fierce. I let his baby dogs out, and then talked to my sister on the phone for at least an hour. It'd been ages since we've had the chance to do that; we both work all the time now, so our time isn't as free as it once was. I try to talk to each of my sisters at least once a week; sometimes I'm tired of talking after work, though. Anyway, I was laying in bed while we talked, and afterward I fell asleep pretty quickly while watching TikTok videos on my phone. (Have I mentioned that this is how I fall asleep every night?) 

Saturday morning dawned a little earlier than I wanted it to, thanks to said dogs, but I didn't mind it too much. I was up and showered by 6:45 and drinking my first iced coffee of the day. Yes, I said first, because a second came soon after. 🤣 I had plans to meet up with my mom and sister Trish that day for some running around and lunch. We did that, and then I came home and kind of worked myself into a really bad mood, thanks to some texts. I'm rolling my eyes at myself, but it was rough for a few hours. I ended up getting kind of frustrated at Chris over a misunderstanding, and he witnessed me at a low point. When I didn't respond in my normal way with a text he sent, he immediately called me and wanted to know what was wrong. I didn't want to talk about it, but kudos to him for calling me and recognizing that something was off. I saw him for a couple of hours that night, but it was short and sweet. Meanwhile, Marilyn came over for a while and we helped cheer each other up with margaritas. 🤣

Chloe the emotional support dog is always more than thrilled to see Marilyn! 

Additionally, Graham needed me to go feed his dogs for him, and I did that. I always forget the power of what a good drive with music can do to a bad mood! I was much better once I got home; shortly after that was when Marilyn got here. I had Subway for my dinner and was asleep by ten. Sunday rolled around bright and early! I had to be at the church by 8:45 for a sound check.

I decided to wear this dress that I've had for a few years; the last time I wore it was at least three years prior to yesterday. It fits a lot looser now than it used to! 

Remember me mentioning that I had the opportunity to sing a solo on the song I sang a few years ago? It went really well, according to what people said. I didn't cry, and I was able to sing with confidence. When I sat down in the congregation after the worship part of the service, I had like fifteen texts on my phone from people who reached out to me starting immediately after the song ended. 

I legit cried tears over all the people who encouraged me yesterday, friends. One of God's greatest gifts to me is the gift of friendship; my church family walked with me during the fallout of my life in the last fifteen months. I am closer to them now than I ever dreamed possible, and I am so thankful to be in a church that loves me like they love me. These messages went on all throughout yesterday! I'm not exaggerating; my best friend witnessed it as she stood next to me while I was trying to leave church. I kept getting stopped along the way! After the service I went to lunch with Mom, Bill, Graham and Drew. And then Marilyn came! 

Marilyn livestreamed me singing while she was in her own church service. Here are a few pics she sent to me:

I am beyond humbled and grateful for the outpouring of love I received from the people in my life who care for me so much. I don't know what I ever did to deserve this kind of love from people, but I don't like to think of where I'd be without them. These are my people! 

After lunch I came home and crawled into my bed and was the cream filling of a Golden Oreo. I slept for a solid two hours after an emotionally draining morning, and it was so good! I'll leave off there, and save it for later in the week. Thanks for being here to read my blog today, friends. What did you do that you loved this weekend? I'd love to hear from you! Love to all.

Jenn xoxo