First Impressions as a New Tiger

Today I returned for a new year at a new school.  I'd like to journal my experiences here as I embrace change and choose courage over comfort. So here are my first impressions, so far, of the greatest middle school in the nation...

Like Tug of War

Dear Gwinnett County Public Schools, I'd like to share my thoughts on returning to school this fall...

Last Monday

What a difference a year makes. A year ago, this picture was taken on the last Monday of the 2018-2019 school year...

Current Obsessions

For many years, I haven't had the time, patience or the desire to make puzzles, but lately I've come to appreciate them.

These nights, I've been making quite a few puzzles. It takes me hours and sometimes days to finish one, but I love the escape they provide. I can get lost in trying to make hundreds of little pieces fit together. The other night I played some 80s love songs while working on a puzzle. Good times!

I've become quite the baker too! I've baked a couple of cakes, a banana bread, a zucchini bread and lots of cookies in the last several weeks. I love the distraction that baking provides. It takes me away from the troubles and anxieties of the world. It's my therapy. It's comforting, and I love that I'm making something for my family to enjoy.

Here's a weird question. Do you like chocolate chip cookies without the chocolate chips??? I do!!!

I've been making these cookies...a great recipe from Joanna Gaines but I leave out the chocolate chips in half the batter, so I can make the cookies just how I like them. I put chocolate chips in the rest of the batter for The Hubs and Buddy Roller. The secret ingredient in these cookies is light brown sugar which makes them chewy and oh so good. I only bake a small batch at a time. Then I roll the rest of the dough into small balls and freeze them. That way we can bake them whenever we want.

Never will I ever buy store bought cookie dough again!

I hope you're finding a few new hobbies yourself, and I hope you're doing okay. Hang in there!

What Have You Missed Most?

What is the first thing you'll do when this quarantine is lifted?

Are you just dying to eat out at your favorite restaurant? What loved one or friend will you see first?

I've really missed eating out. Of course there's still take-out, but it's not the same as sitting at a table and having a hot meal placed in front of you. I love cold and soggy fries...said no one ever!!!

My family and I miss our trips to get our favorite burgers and fries. I love mine dressed with onion straws, jalapenos, cheese, lettuce, tomato, ketchup and mayo.  I know this is something we're all looking forward to, especially Buddy Roller who always gets a root beer float. 

I've been dreaming of tacos, chips and salsa!

And...I really miss spicy Indian food! My friend and I love to visit this restaurant and have their lunch buffet.  I don't typically do buffets, but I made an exception for this place.  We always eat way too much and hardly have any room left for their delicious rice pudding and flan.  This comfort food always hits the spot!

Passing Time

How are you and what are you doing to pass the long hours each day during quarantine?

On My Travel Bucket List

If I were young, stupid and didn't have a family, I would...

The New Normal

We ride our bikes. All. The. Time...

Life Before COVID-19

It really wasn't that long ago when life was, relatively speaking, normal or was it?

Seize the Opportunity

Our country's current quarantine in response to the deadly coronavirus got me thinking back to a very uncertain time in my life...