Cozy evening reading vibes brought to you by Bath & Body Works.

Midnight was near, and I had not tried my something new, so I looked for a game to try, and came across this one. I chose it because it looked pretty. It was alright - not the most fun, but kind of mindless and calming.

Trying out a few water color techniques turned into a page of doodles, and while its giving first grade results, its the trying that counts. nervous chuckle

Summer is coming to a close realized I need to get in a few more movies before the school year is underway. I enjoyed this one well enough - it’s always nice to see the underdog have his day.

Tried my first virtual escape room today. My sister and her husband love escape rooms, and they’ve done pretty every local escape room available, so for her birthday party today, we brought the escape room home. The experience cannot quite compare with a physical escape room, but the option was nice, and so was the comfort of home.

I’ve heard about Seussical the Musial for a few years now, and today I had the privilege of watching one of my students (two actually) perform it. It was absolutely adorable. I think what they performed was a junior version, so I’m curious to know how it differs from the original.

For some time, I’ve wanted to try community theater. It looks like grownup playtime, and I know that it would be a challenge. A few local shows came up, but my schedule did not allow me to audition. Finally, I came across this opportunity, which is not a play, but involves singing, which is just as well, since I love to sing. I was so nervous, and I don’t know how to feel about my odds, but I am so glad to have even tried.

No, I did not mount a TV by myself - I’m not qualified or crazy. 😅
After years of resisting a TV in my living room, I finally came around, and in an effort to preserve my current setup, I decided to have it mounted. This is pretty standard for many people I know, but I never want a TV to detract from a present, conversational atmosphere, and the notion of attaching a weighty and pricey appliance to the wall feels too risky. So far, so good… I’m looking forward to the ways a screen in my living room can broaden my hosting horizons, starting with my Hamilton-iversary party in a couple of weeks.

One of the best things about trying something new everyday, is the opportunity to try things again and to make a habits out of what was new. Tonight I returned to Lockwood for trivia night, and this time I brought a team. My friends and I cashed in on my trivia prize from last time, and shared the Lockwood Flight. My ranking of the included drinks is as follows: 1.) Bourbon Cream, 2.) Honeysuckle Vodka *not typically included, but the usual Vodka was not available, 3.) Hibiscus Vodka, and 4.) Texas Gin, which I personally did not actually like at all (though one of my friends ranked it first - so, ya know - to each his own). We had a great time and did relatively well on trivia. We plan to return and bring that score up next time.

Local Good Coffee Co. is one of the largest coffee shops I’ve ever been to. I went there to meet a friend, who has a toddler and appreciates the play area inside. I loved all the natural light and the spacious layout that includes a range of seating from cozy couches to large tables suitable for work or studying. While we opted to stay inside, I noted the lovely large patio out back. This place is Equal parts coffee shop and community center. I learned that it is part of a larger organization called The Local Good Collective, which aims to meet critical needs with dignity and make it easy for everyone to join in.

Today I participated in a “Feed the City” event with my community group. This was a really cool serving opportunity, and other than the fact that it started at 8 a.m. on a Saturday, it was a very easy avenue for doing good. We brought lunch supplies, and filled a restaurant with volunteers to assemble sandwiches and lunches. In less than 2 hours we used all of our materials and made 1,630 meals.

A little box of cards for prompting self-care suggested that I declutter a space. I’ve been meaning to organize my earrings for a while, so I bought a spinning stand and made it happen. The reflection that followed was a moment of gratitude for the growth of my little collection. I really love beautiful and fun earrings, so I had gathered many over the years. A couple of years ago my home was broken into and the culprits made off with the majority of my jewelry among other things. Shortly after, my friends surprised me with a lovely gift comprised of a few earrings selected by each of them to jumpstart my collection. It was a moment that I felt very seen and cared for. I’ve continued adding to it since then, and I’m grateful for every little pair.

Today, I took a deep dive into various renditions of "She Used to Be Mine" and came across this beautiful and most unexpected duet. It has changed my relationship with this song.

Looking to get more than I’m getting out of DuoLingo, though I must say, I still know more words than I knew before using DuoLingo…

I’ve always heard latkes described as potato pancakes. I decided to give them a try at Cindi’s Deli today. I was surprised to find that these were more pancake than potato. I think I expected something crispier - maybe closer to La Madeleine’s potato galette. I also took for granted that when the ingredients listed onions, that did not mean scallions, but yellow or white onions, which I especially do not enjoy. I did enjoy the applesauce combo, which feels strange and unexpected (for someone outside of the cultural tradition), but honestly works.

This is the first fitness-related new thing I’ve tried since starting the try-ary. I was meant to try the intro class, but because parking near the Richardson location is insane in the afternoon, I ended up rescheduling to a longer class in the evening. Y’all, I figured it might be a challenge, but I was unprepared. It looks cute (if you’re doing it right - which I was not), but it feels insane. Seriously, this was intense, and I do not feel built for it, but it was definitely good for me. The instructor and participants were very gracious. I ran into a fellow teacher who is now a PB instructor, and she helped me out, which was really nice. I’m gonna try it again (the less intense class), and see where this goes…

Completed my first Sudoku puzzle! I’ve resisted these for so long because they looked like math (which is not my favorite). Turns out Sudoku is not actually math, and it’s quite fun. I think I’ll stick with the digital version, so that erasing and starting over are easier and less messy.

Finally started my first Brandon Sanderson book. I rarely read fantasy, and this is not a small book, but it has been so often and so highly recommended to me, that I had to see why. I have one month of summer left, so now is the time. So far, it certainly is interesting.

I’m between protective styles and giving my hair a little TLC. This 3-ingredient recipe is supposed to boost moisture, strength, and shine. It feels real weird to put eggs in my hair, but if it helps my hair, it’s worth a try!

I can be real enough to say that my chief interest in this movie was Jonathan Bailey. I have not kept up with the Jurassic Park films, although I have certainly seen the first one. The plot in this new movie was interesting enough, and though I would have liked more from the ending, I’m not mad at it. The music in these films always gives me all the feels.

Watched the new Barbara Walters documentary with my sister tonight. If felt a bit like a stroll down memory lane - seeing all those familiar faces from a time when television and journalism were something else entirely. I appreciated hearing Barbara’s story for many reasons.

I’ve been hearing about this restaurant for well over a year, since we got one in Richardson. Today I finally went, and I was not disappointed. I had the Penne Di Parmigiano e Funghi with chicken (an upcharge) for lunch, and the Torta Pistacchio e Ricotta for dessert. Delicious. And the ambience was perfect - quiet, cozy, aesthetic - even the bathroom (the tile floor in there is gorgeous). Partenope is officially on my Richardson Lovelist.

As part of a unique professional development experience, I’ve signed up to read at least 5 books from the Texas Bluebonnet Award List and select a favorite. It is a wonderful opportunity to earn PD credit for doing something that I enjoy, and come across new titles to add to my instructional library or suggest to students. My top pick so far is The Liars Society - a fun and intriguing mystery.

First time to host my Pages & Poetry Book Club meeting at Bibliobar. We had a small but mighty crew for our first meeting. We read lots of sad poems, and a few happy ones, and connected in that special way that book clubs and poetry allow. Looking forward to the next time.

Tried my first trivia night tonight at Lockwood I was a little nervous about going it alone, but I had a great time, and I managed to win a prize, even though I didn't earn the highest score. Not a bad way to spend a Tuesday night. Thanks for a fun time @lockwooddistillingco!

The least Texan thing I do is order my meat well done, because I want to know that cow is all the way cooked, and that little pink streak sounds like mooing to me. Today I tried a medium well steak - pink streak and all. And I lived. I won’t do it again, but it was not bad, and I could even understand the appeal a bit.

I’m officially an aunt! I held my nephew for the first time today. Just wow.

I hosted my first poetry workshop at Bibliobar tonight. We learned a little and played a lot. There were moments of laughter and moments of reflection. Ah, poetry. 💕 Looking forward to the next time.

Per my sister’s recommendation, I tried this tasty fish dish, which includes beer-battered wild Atlantic haddock, dill crumble, Sazerac barrel-aged malt vinegar, hand-cut fries, and remoulade. Full disclosure, I did not try the vinegar, and though I sampled the remonoulad, I did not particularly like it. The chips were a little salty, but I didn’t mind. I loved the fish, particularly the dill crumble. I only wish there were a honey mustard dip to complement it. I know that’s not common for fish, but hear me out - dill and honey mustard…

Many moons ago, in my early college years, I was part of a wonderful organization at UTD called MusNet and I got to connect and play with other musicians. Its’ been a long time since I’ve whipped out this beautiful guitar to jam with a friend. Today’s adult jam really filled my cup.

My sister introduced me to these very cool glasses that allow you to read or watch TV from a reclined position. Fun fact, anyone who looks at you may experience a fun house mirror effect where your eyes look like lobster eyes or appear out of place on your face.

It never occurred to me to freeze grapes, but now that I’ve had these, it feels like the only way to enjoy them. Healthy, delicious, and refreshing, frozen grapes are a perfect summer snack.