The past week was a blur. It was a combination of a full schedule, fun stuff (homecoming, volleyball tournament) but also me wading through the fog of pain meds (long story).
Right Now:
I decided to switch things up a little so I went to church last Thursday and this morning my life group and I will be serving a meal to a group of seniors at the senior home. Apparently, there is no meal service for them on the weekends?? What?
Later tonight, my teen group and I will be attending a concert in honor of Freedom Sunday, a global effort to end human trafficking. The stories alone will rip your heart right out of your chest. It needs to stop.
This Week:
We are waiting to see if The Girl gets a callback for The Music Man. There is a volleyball game and a dental appointment. Ugh. I really just want to hang out on my couch and read. I’ve got zero energy these days.
Still trying to figure out what is tearing up our backyard. I am reading a book where creatures come out to destroy everything so of course, I am envisioning very large creatures ripping up my lawn.
Reading:
I am really into Bird Box by Josh Malerman. It came out a couple of years ago but I don’t remember seeing it. It’s RIVETING. These “creatures” take over the population but they are only a threat if you SEE them, so those who have survived spend their lives blindfolded. Crazy, right? I am half way done with it and I haven’t been able to put it down.
Read Along:
I think one person has officially signed-up for my read along and two unofficially. How can that be??? It’s King people! It starts on Tuesday! You can’t possibly allow me to read it by myself.
Watching:
I finally saw IT! It wasn’t scary. Reminded me a lot of Stand by Me and Stranger Things. It was very good.
I am totally into American Horror Story: Cult even though it’s getting some not-so-great reviews. It’s just wild. Anything goes and even when I feel as if the creators are toying with us, I don’t care. It’s been the perfect distraction to everything going on in the world. Which is weird because it’s about everything going on in the world.
Making:
I baked some chicken one night ahead of the night I actually planned to eat it. That seemed to work out well because I don’t typically have time to bake things the night of. Too busy driving The Girl to where she needs to go. I need a little chauffeur hat. But, the chicken was so good. Just top with a high quality bottle of Caesar dressing and bake.
I also made spaghetti with chopped mushrooms and marinara.
We also had leftover chili which of course was better as leftovers.
For some reason I am craving a veggie burger.
Grateful for:
Good coffee. Coffee is no longer a beverage, is it? It’s a thing. A lifestyle. Once in awhile I will purchase coffee from a shop but not often. Mostly, I make it myself and I make it nice and strong with lots of cream and a dash of cardamon or cinnamon.
By the way, I saw two houses fully decorated for Halloween and according to the ads, the Pumpkin Spice Latte is back (does it even leave?) so I guess the season has changed.
What is your favorite fall activity? Mine happens to be walking on the beach at sunset. It’s cold, but you bundle up and it’s just nice. You?
Book Chatter 
I love beaches in the fall! Your chicken sounds yummy. My sister has been cooking ever since she got here…actually she cooked at her house, froze everything and we add the finishing touches here!
I haven’t been to my reader yet but I hope you posted photos of all the stuff she cooked. I need inspiration.
Here in S.W. Florida there is no such thing as fall. It is ninety degrees and we are sweltering. Mornings are tolerable if you are ready to walk just at dawn. And that is what I do. So we are preparing for a pool day with the grandkids and some hotdogs on the grill.
Well, it’s been cool and breezy here but this week it’s supposed to be in the mid-90s which blows. I can’t get into the season when it’s hot like this. Your grilling Sunday sounds great. I made this pasta dish that I love but then noticed my clock was off and I had to rush out the door to volunteer before I got to eat it! I ate later but I hate eating at 9pm.
Sorry to hear you’ve had to use pain meds and I hope all is well.
I can’t believe the seniors don’t have meal service on the weekend – that is unacceptable so kudos to y’all for making it happen today.
Halloween stuff is popping up around here too. I actually see Christmas stuff at Target the other day.
After visiting the senior center I noticed that many of them are pretty mobile so I guess it’s not as horrible as it sounded but still. We had fun and they enjoyed the change in routine.
Coffee is a beverage and a thing. At least that is how I look at it. As for PSL, yes, they have been back for a few weeks. September 1st is the magical day. That’s why this hot weather is so unacceptable. It is not supposed to be 95 degrees when PSL season is upon us!
Let me know how the Girl does with callbacks (I’m just going to assume she makes it to that point). Try to enjoy your week even though I totally feel you on needing a chauffeur cap.
There is an coffee house near me that makes this coconut tsunami drink that is to die for. It stomps all over the PSL in my opinion. It’s not holiday-ish but I am okay with that. Hey, it is supposed to be like 97 degrees today and warm most of the week. It rots. Callback list is posted late Tuesday afternoon. We shall see!
Coconut tsunami drink? I am intrigued. I love the coconutmilk mocha machiatto at Starbucks. On ice or hot, it is delicious!
It’s a coconut white mocha, technically. The Girl loves it iced and blended. I love it just as it is. Hot or cold. I’ve had the Coconut Mach from Starbucks but thought the coconut milk tasted so processed. I believe it’s the canned coconut milk like they use for Thai food. I prefer the pourable coconut milk, preferably organic.
My favorite thing to do is walk on the beach, year round. But when fall hits I add bike riding to the list.
I love pumpkin pie but nothing pumpkin flavored. Same with peaches.
I love coffee with SF Coffee-Mate Vanilla Caramel. And also cold Starbucks Caramel & Caramel Macchiato.
I want to IT. Maybe my daughter and I will go this week.
I am very particular about my coffee creamer. I like Coffee Mate’s Sweet Italian Cream. I don’t have to use much and it gives it a nice sweet flavor without too much sweetness.
I love pumpkin pie too but not really the Pumpkin Spice they use at Starbucks. My go-to drink there is a White Mocha with one pump of Raspberry syrup. To die for.
IT was pretty good as far as the kids go. I think Pennywise could have been a little less goofy in the beginning.
I’ve never tried the White Mocha with Raspberry syrup. I’ll give it a try.
You will love it.
Coffee is my life. LOL I haven’t signed up for the read-a-long because I know I won’t have time to get the book and do it. 😦 Too much going on.
No worries. It’s a no rule reading though. Sometimes I think people want rules or something. I’ve gotten very little interest even tho everyone was on board two months ago.
I was getting mentally ready for autumn and now it’s 85 degrees. What?! I am ready for cooler weather, for sure