Hey there, wonderful readers! Let’s dive into some Friday Thoughts, shall we?
As the week draws to a close, I wanted to take a moment to connect and share some updates on the various loose ends we’ve touched upon in previous Friday Thoughts posts. These columns have become a cherished space for candid reflections, and today is no different. I’ll also be sprinkling in some of the more random musings that inevitably find their way into my headspace and, by extension, into these posts. It’s a bit like a mental clear-out, and I hope you find some joy and perhaps a little kinship in it. So, buckle up; we have quite a few things to cover!
Here we go! (Honestly, I sometimes feel like Henry the Polish Hen perfectly embodies my reaction to the world, and indeed, to 2021 so far. That glorious, slightly bewildered fluff of feathers just gets it.)
1) Catching Up: Threads from Previous Posts
It’s always satisfying to tie up loose ends and report back on ongoing projects or personal endeavors. Here’s a look at what’s been happening:
- Finally Immersed in “Boys in the Boat”: I recently had the immense pleasure of finally listening to the audiobook version of The Boys in the Boat. And let me tell you, I absolutely loved every minute of it. The story of the American underdog rowing team at the 1936 Berlin Olympics is not just a gripping sports narrative; it’s a profound tale of perseverance, teamwork, and the human spirit against incredible odds. Reading it, I was transported back to that era, feeling the grit and determination of these young men. To further enrich the experience, my family and I also watched the PBS documentaryBoys of ’36, which provided a fascinating visual and historical companion to the book. It sparked wonderful discussions about history, sportsmanship, and resilience amongst us.
- A Surprising Conversion to Yoga with Adriene: You might recall my somewhat emphatic declaration of dislike for yoga in a previous post. Well, consider me officially humbled, and perhaps even converted! Following dozens upon dozens of your incredibly persuasive suggestions, I decided to give Yoga with Adriene a genuine try. And, welp, you guys were absolutely right (which, let’s be honest, is rarely a surprise when it comes to the collective wisdom of this community). She truly is exceptional. I’ve been incorporating her shorter videos, typically 10-20 minutes, into my routine several times a week. The results have been nothing short of miraculous for my pesky hip pain, which is now significantly more manageable. More importantly, I can confidently say I no longer actively hate yoga. In fact, I’ve even managed to convert several friends, sharing Adriene’s magic with them. So, I guess you could say I’ve gained a testimony of Yoga with Adriene, which, for me, is quite a minor miracle in itself!
- Bringing Books to the Elementary School: After what felt like an eternity, we finally delivered the books for our simple yet impactful cultural outreach book project to the elementary school! The delays, primarily due to various COVID protocols which restricted visitor and donation access, were frustrating but understandable. However, the excitement of finally seeing these wonderful books reach their new home was incredibly rewarding. Here is a detailed list of all the books we were able to donate, many of which we sourced from the fantastic EyeSeeMe bookstore, known for its diverse and inclusive collection. This project aims to foster cultural awareness and literacy, providing young minds with stories that reflect the rich tapestry of our world. I am so eager to continue and expand this initiative next year, hoping to engage even more of our community and other families in this meaningful endeavor. It’s a small step, but one that I believe can make a big difference in shaping young perspectives.
2) New Year’s Resolutions: A Personal Approach
I hope we can still be friends, but I must confess, I’m not typically one for grand goal-setting or an extensive list of New Year’s resolutions when January 1st rolls around. The truth is, I almost always greet each new year feeling a tiny bit exhausted from the whirlwind of the holidays – and 2020, as we all know, took that exhaustion to an entirely new, unprecedented level. I’ve learned through experience that being confronted with a barrage of ambitious new goals can quickly become overwhelming, sapping my energy before I even begin.
Instead, I find myself thriving when I focus on simply navigating each day with a reasonable degree of grace, perhaps without completely inhaling an entire bag of chocolate chips. Just me, or can anyone else relate to that particular struggle? When I do set intentions or goals, I strive to keep them refreshingly simple, eminently achievable, and genuinely impactful for my well-being. For instance, carving out dedicated time in my planner (yes, my beloved paper planner remains a steadfast companion) for daily scripture reading and ensuring I get a couple of exercise sessions in each week. These small, consistent efforts feel far more sustainable and less daunting.
Beyond these micro-goals, I have a couple of broader, overarching wishes for myself this year. Firstly, to consciously prune away a few non-essential projects that have been draining my energy without significant returns. And secondly, to step back from the exhausting and often fruitless task of managing other people’s emotions. It’s a journey towards healthier boundaries and greater self-preservation. Wish me luck with those! Haha.
So, tell me, are you a dedicated New Year’s resolutioner? What’s your style when it comes to setting intentions for a fresh start? I’m genuinely curious to hear how others approach this annual tradition.
3) The Ultimate Holiday Game Find: Klask
A huge shout-out and heartfelt thank you to my longtime blogging buddy, Rachel R., for sending me this brilliant game idea just in time for the holidays! Her recommendation led us to discover Klask {affiliate link}, and it was, without a doubt, the ultimate holiday gift winner. This game is so incredibly fun, addictive, and engaging for all ages! I simply couldn’t wait until my traditional end-of-year game gift guide to share this absolute gem with you all. We purchased it, and frankly, we’ve been playing it non-stop ever since.
For those unfamiliar, Klask is a magnetic tabletop game that combines elements of foosball and air hockey, but with a unique twist that makes it incredibly dynamic and strategic. Players control their magnetic game piece from *underneath* the board, trying to hit a small ball into their opponent’s goal while avoiding three small magnetic “biscuits” (magnets) in the center. If two of these biscuits attach to your player, or if your player falls into its own goal, your opponent scores a point. It’s fast-paced, requires quick reflexes, and often leads to uproarious laughter and competitive banter.
Not gonna lie, I’m pretty good at it, which makes me a formidable opponent in our household. (Though I should mention, my 16-year-old is currently heatedly debating this very fact with me, claiming I have beginner’s luck. The competition is fierce!) Klask has become a staple for our family game nights, bringing everyone together for some lighthearted, yet intense, fun.
Did you make any fantastic Christmas finds or receive any particularly memorable gifts this past holiday season? I’d love to hear about them and perhaps add a few to my radar for next year!
4) The Joys (and Challenges) of Homemade Gifts
This past Christmas, we made a significant shift in our family’s gifting tradition. Or, perhaps more accurately, I *dictated* a significant shift: the kids would make homemade gifts for each other. While they’ve always participated in a sibling gift exchange, this year, the emphasis was squarely on intentionally thought-out, handcrafted creations. The only criteria were simple: it had to be genuinely homemade, and it had to be a level above the infamous popsicle stick binoculars (bless their hearts, they’ve made many of those!).
Let’s be honest, the journey was not without its bumps. There were the predictable moans and groans at the onset, skeptical sighs, and a fair share of very, *very* last-minute pushes to get things finished – including a flurry of activity on Christmas Eve itself. I’m not proud to admit there were a few moments of impatient mom-shouting mixed in, because, well, that’s just the reality of navigating creative projects with multiple children on a deadline. However, despite the initial resistance and the eleventh-hour scramble, it ended up being one of the most heartwarming and memorable moments of our Christmas celebration.
The pure delight on the kids’ faces as they opened and discovered what their siblings had painstakingly created for them was truly special. There was genuine excitement and a deep sense of gratitude, largely because each child had directly experienced the effort, thought, and time that went into making a gift for someone else. This firsthand understanding of the gifting process transformed the act of receiving. Among the treasures exchanged, we had a beautifully crocheted scarf, a meticulously painted treasure box, a hand-carved wooden sword that looked surprisingly authentic, and a cozy homemade pillowcase, alongside a few other charming delights. I haven’t quite broken the news yet, but I’m strongly considering making this a cherished yearly tradition. The lessons learned and the joy shared felt too valuable to be a one-off.
Adding a touch of classic teenage wit to the narrative, my 14-year-old son, watching me type this very post, casually remarked, “In a million years, I never imagined I’d be able to sew anything.” He paused for dramatic effect, then followed up with, “And I don’t plan to ever again.” Finally, he delivered the punchline: “Are you going to pay me for posting my picture on the internet?” Oh, the joys of parenting teenagers and their newfound, temporary skills!
5) Battling Arthritis for Beloved Blankets
Here’s a confession: notwithstanding the undeniable fact that our home literally cannot accommodate one more blanket (or, for that matter, one more stuffed animal), I decided to fully embrace the spirit of “make someone a homemade gift” and avoid being a hypocrite. My ambitious plan? To crochet each of the kids and my husband, Brian, a cozy blanket for Christmas. This wasn’t just a casual decision; it was a commitment, especially given my increasingly troublesome hands.
I dusted off my very rusty crocheting skills, which hadn’t seen much action in years, and embarked on a simple one-stitch pattern. It truly was the easiest pattern ever, forgiving enough for someone getting back into the swing of things. The real magic, however, lies not in my modest skills, but in the extraordinary Bernat Blanket yarn. Seriously, if you haven’t tried it, run, don’t walk, to JoAnn’s or Michaels (especially with those glorious 40% coupons!). The resulting blankets are unbelievably soft, luxuriously cuddly, and frankly, addictively comforting. Everyone who touches them immediately wants one.
I admittedly didn’t give myself a whole lot of lead time for this project. This meant that throughout most of December, I found myself crocheting into the very, very late hours of the night (or rather, the early hours of the morning) on an almost nightly basis. By the time Christmas morning arrived, I had finished by the skin of my teeth, but not without consequence. My hands were gnarled, sore, and decidedly arthritic, and my eyes were perpetually bloodshot from lack of sleep. It was a true labor of love, a testament to the lengths one will go for comfort and handmade joy.
Now, my next, equally ambitious goal is to finally get one of these incredible blankets made for myself. That way, I can stop constantly “borrowing” (read: stealing) Brian’s or the kids’ blankets when we settle in for a movie night. Let’s just hope my still-aching hands can complete this final, personal blanket before 2025 arrives. A girl can dream, right?
6) Scaling New Heights: Our Family’s Rock Climbing Adventure
We’ve officially embarked on a brand new family hobby, and I can confidently say we are absolutely hooked! This exciting new venture into rock climbing came courtesy of Brian’s incredibly thoughtful parents, who gifted us a two-month membership to a local climbing gym this year. It’s been a fantastic way to introduce some physical activity, mental challenge, and family bonding into our routine.
Most of us, including the kids, successfully completed our belay certification – a crucial step that allows us to manage the ropes and ensure each other’s safety while climbing. And let me just say, there’s something uniquely “interesting” about putting your ultimate trust in one of your children to keep you safe and sound as you slowly (or quickly, depending on the climber) scale up what feels like a freakishly tall, intimidating wall. It’s a profound exercise in communication and trust within the family unit, creating bonds stronger than any belay device.
When I say “scale up a freakishly tall wall,” I speak mostly for myself. My personal experience usually involves getting about five and a half feet off the ground and then, with a dramatic flair and a tremor in my voice, demanding to be lowered immediately. My arms and legs, you see, are generally on the verge of falling off from sheer exhaustion by that point. It’s a humbling experience, to say the least, and a stark reminder of my current fitness level.
My kids, on the other hand, have consistently amazed me with their incredible agility, strength, and what I can only describe as billy goat-like efforts to conquer increasingly challenging routes. They navigate the holds with a natural grace and fearless determination that genuinely inspires me. Watching them push their limits and celebrate their small victories on the wall has been a joy. Rock climbing has quickly become a fantastic outlet for physical energy, problem-solving skills, and building confidence for our entire family.
7) The Holy Grail of Dry Shampoo: A True Revelation
Alright, listen up, because while I may not be an expert in everything, there are two things in life I can confidently claim extensive knowledge of: perfectly baked chocolate chip cookies and exceptionally effective dry shampoo. Over the years, I’ve likely tested upwards of 384 different brands of dry shampoo, from drugstore staples to high-end salon offerings, in my ongoing quest for the ultimate hair refresher. And after all that trial and error, I can definitively declare that this particular product {affiliate link} is, without a shadow of a doubt, the best stuff ever created.
I know what you’re thinking: “It’s just dry shampoo.” But trust me, this is different. Yes, it’s pricier than many other brands on the market, a fact I freely acknowledge. However, can you truly put a price on the sheer luxury of being able to go a shocking number of days without washing your hair and still looking presentable – nay, even *fresh* – instead of resembling a greaseball? No, no, you absolutely cannot. The peace of mind and time saved are invaluable.
What makes it so superior? Its incredible effectiveness means you use significantly less product compared to other brands. It absorbs oil like magic without leaving a chalky residue or that stiff, overly textured feeling. It genuinely revitalizes your hair, adding volume and extending the life of your hairstyle without weighing it down. For anyone with a busy schedule, or simply those who prefer to minimize hair washing, this dry shampoo is a game-changer. It’s an investment that pays dividends in both time and good hair days.
8) A Quick Thought on Intuitive Eating & Body Image Resilience
With the dawn of a new year, there’s always an amplified focus on healthy eating, ambitious fitness goals, and a flurry of New Year’s resolutions. This annual cycle has recently brought to mind, with profound gratitude, how my entire perspective on food, body, and self-worth completely shifted after I read the transformative book Intuitive Eating {affiliate link} and began following the incredible work of Beauty Redefined (their website and Instagram are phenomenal resources).
Without a single shred of hyperbole, I can genuinely say that the insights gleaned from this book and the empowering content from Beauty Redefined have been absolutely life-changing for me. They have been instrumental in my journey to develop body image resilience, and perhaps even more importantly, in teaching my children the same vital principles. At home, it’s become a beautiful, almost instinctual game: I only have to begin by saying, “Your body is…” before my kids enthusiastically chime in with the powerful mantra, “…an instrument, not an ornament!” It’s a phrase that encapsulates so much of what I want them to internalize about their worth and purpose.
I understand that this topic, much like discussing politics, can be akin to walking into a minefield of opinions. There are so many diverse viewpoints, and I respect them all. However, I feel incredibly strongly about the ideas and philosophies I’ve learned and integrated over these past few years. Once I allowed myself to get truly angry – like, really, genuinely mad – at diet culture, and at society’s often irrational and frankly cruel ideals and demands that women somehow defy aging (insert massive eye roll and perhaps a metaphorical throat punch here), something truly liberating happened. This righteous anger helped free me from many of the confining, self-defeating thoughts I had harbored about my body, about nutrition, and about a host of other things that had silently plagued me. And the outcome? I have been profoundly, immeasurably happier.
So, let’s collectively agree not to be too hard on ourselves, okay? Let’s grant ourselves grace, understanding, and kindness as we navigate our personal journeys, whatever they may entail.
Thank you for being here, for reading, and for sharing this space with me. And a special, heartfelt reward to those of you who made it all the way to the end of this rather extensive post!
I would absolutely love to hear YOUR thoughts – any and all of them! Whether it’s a reflection on your own resolutions, a favorite game, or a personal journey of self-acceptance, your insights are always valued.
I deeply appreciate when you courageously share the “real” aspects of your lives. The good, the bad, the difficult, the mundane. Over the years, I have learned an immense amount from all of you, from your comments, emails, and shared experiences. I, too, personally struggle with many, many things (anxiety being high on that list, among others). And even though, lucky for you, I don’t outline every single struggle here, just remember that daily life holds so much more depth, complexity, and often, quiet hardship than what we typically read on blog posts and view in those carefully curated little square snapshots on Instagram.
Sometimes, simply knowing that we aren’t alone – neither in our triumphs nor in our trials – can be incredibly helpful and validating. It’s a powerful feeling of connection in a world that often emphasizes individual perfection. Love your guts, truly.
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