let the celebration begin...

 

happy day 7

8/7: Today, my PCP high-fived me!  My lab work is phenomenal. I have lowered my sugars and cholesterol, and my liver panels are indicating a reversal of liver damage.  Plus, the ultrasound showed improvement in the liver.  This is significant!  I'm not sure what I've done differently, but I'll certainly take it!  So--take that, NAFLD / MASLD!

gotta do what I've gotta do

I had high (unrealistic) hopes for my ability to participate in The Gal's Gratitude Challenge.  But the school year ending, a month-long trip to prepare for, and a doozie of a cold, I just can't keep up.  

blogoversary

It all began as a therapy assignment--to keep a record of my moods.  Here I am, 20 years later!

state of the blog

As I look at the 'State of the Blog,' I’ve decided that if this is as good as it gets, I’m content.

This blog has never been about 'content creation' in the modern, exhausting sense. It’s about documentation and connection. It’s about books feeling like friends, it's about classroom connections, and about sharing my parents' slowing down in a way that honors them, whirlwind road trips, and friendships.

In 2026,  I will keep reading what I love, stealing memes that make me laugh, and sharing the quiet parts of life. I keep blogging after all these years as a way to mark milestones and quiet moments.  In the past few years, I've been reading more and watching less--and here I organize my thoughts on what I've read.  And the blog friendships offer me a peek into other lives I would never have had the chance to know--from city life in Chicago or the countryside of Virginia.

Looking back at the 2025 archives, I kept up with the weekends of Saturday 9, Sunday Stealing, and Postsecret.  I haven't missed a Currently or a Three on Thursday in a while; those rituals remind me to live in the moment, whether it's good, bad, ugly, or beautiful.

The title of the blog, "What if this is as good as it gets?" is a constant reminder that I don't have to be a polished writer or photographer.  I have to be ME.

I don’t have a grand manifesto or a major "rebrand" planned. This blog will continue to be exactly what it is: a place for bibliophiles, meme-lovers, and quiet reflections. 

new year's meme

The Three Threes

1) Three things that have changed since the beginning of the year: I bought a new car, I started focusing on real self-care, and my boundaries--calling people on their nonsense.

2) Three things that didn’t change: my weight (not necessarily a bad thing), my address, and surpassing my reading goal!

3) Three things you want to change this year: I want to be a better friend, I want to be a better daughter, and I want to set some realistic goals for retirement

60th birthday meme

This has been a birthday for the record books!  All day, students and colleagues showered me with birthday wishes, and after school, I have been fielding texts and messages from friends and family.  Every class coordinated to bring in treats (and were conscientious that it wasn't all sweets or junk).  The handmade gifts and cards make me feel appreciated and seen.  

💎 The 60th Birthday Meme: Wisdom and New Horizons

Reflecting on the Journey (The First 60)

1.  What is the proudest moment or greatest achievement of your life so far? having former and current students tell other people (who eventually tell me) that I'm their favorite teacher

2.  What is the most valuable piece of wisdom you've gained over the past six decades? "This too shall pass."

3.  Who is one person who profoundly changed your life  (and how)? I don't really know who to choose, there have been so many!

4.  What is the  most memorable vacation or adventure  you've ever taken? most memorable adventure was my college abroad in Cork, Ireland. It was a life-changing experience, and I cherish the memories and friendships

5.  If you could go back to any decade of your life just for one day, which one would it be and why? I would go back to my first decade to spend time with my mother

Lessons and Legacy

6.  What is one lesson you wish you learned earlier in life? oh, this is a toughie--just one??  I'll go with the gem "accept people for who they are and not who you want them to be"

7.  What's the best compliment you've ever received? my sisters each call me their best friend

8.  What is your favorite memory involving your family or closest friends? when my family was gathered to celebrate Dad's 80th birthday, we got to fiddling around with Snapchat filters and made some absolutely hilarious videos, especially of Dad, and we all laughed so hard it hurt

9.  If you could pass on one piece of advice to the next generation, what would it be? it's okay to not know everything--but it's not okay to not learn

10. Which historical event that you witnessed stands out most vividly in your memory? the Challenger explosion--I remember specifically where I was when I heard about it and immediately started planning a community memorial ceremony that linked the university with the nearby military base; it was my first attempt at community building and organizing an event

Looking Ahead (The Next Chapter)

11. What is a new hobby, skill, or passion you're excited to pursue in retirement or this next stage of life? I'm hoping and planning to volunteer or work at the public library, and I just can't wait!

12. What is one big adventure you still dream of having? my financial planner and I are including three big trips in my future (and I mean first class-ish)

13. What are you most excited to spend your time doing in this next decade? not working

14. What does "happiness" mean to you at this point in your life? having good health, good sleep, and dear friends

15. If you could have a theme song for your 60s, what would it be? Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now"

Opens in a new window

it's officially ON!

three on thursday

 

Thing one:  I took myself on a date today: a trip to Central Maine, lunch at the Harvest Moon Deli, a little shopping, and the matinee of Downton Abbey!  The five hours of driving were well worth it.

Thing two:  I finally found a pair of wide-legged jeans that are the right wash:  not too dark, not too faded.

Thing three: I had a sizeable grocery delivery this evening.  I'm getting ready to do some batch cooking to stock the freezer with some easy meals.

ten things tuesday

Ten random things:

1)  I've been tweaking some of my lesson plans using ChatGPT with the prompt "make this more dynamic for high school (fill in the blank) class."  Rephrasing the directions helps.

2)  I am disappointed that my students rush to finish assignments instead of thinking about them and reflecting.  They don't care if the work is sloppy.

3)  I need to adjust my budget.  I've been overstretched and there's no need for it.

4)  I am very excited for my "away" sisters to be home.  My Virginia sister's daughters will also be here!  I know the time will fly.  I've been trying to think of some special activities, but in all honesty, I'll be at school all day and tend to get tired early.  My two personal days request was approved!

5)  Pampered Chef's Ice Cream maker is my favorite kitchen gadget.  Hands down.

6)  I need to rearrange the photos on my wall.

7)  This past full moon disrupted my sleep. Sunday was a very restless night.

8)  After wearing compression socks for fourteen hours, they bug my knees because they dig in.  I hate to complain because the results on my ankles are dramatic.

9)  I made plans to attend a Fleetwood Mac tribute band to kick off my birthday week.

10)  I set a reading goal of 100 books; I have read 102 books. I need to do another book recommendation post.

happy day 21

           

8/21: After school today, I adulted.  I did not want to; yet it is done, and now I can fritter my time away.

happy day 20

          

8/20: Compression socks that did their job.  Even though my legs are aching and my body is feeling every day of my 59 years, my ankles did not swell too much.  That's a lymphedema victory!  Thank you, Wellow!

happy day 13

     

8/13: On August 1st, I had a treatment for macular degeneration (wet AMD), and today I noticed improvement!  Super happy to have even the slightest improvement.  I am hopeful that I will be able to read at school without assistance.  Not just at school--but anywhere!  It's been a lifestyle change, for sure, to adapt to clear vision in one eye.  I am figuring out how to continue the activities I love, especially reading and knitting. 

ten things tuesday

 

Ten things about my therapy journey in 2025.

1) In January, I received an email from my insurance company about setting resolutions and goals that focus on well-being.  The email mentioned a mental health check-up.  Since I haven't been in therapy for a few years, I thought I would look into a check-up.  Especially since insurance covered the expenses. 

2) Aspire365 is the name of the program.  I am committing to one year of mental and physical health.

3) I have a team of providers:  a case manager, who I refer to as my concierge, since she coordinates all of the services and keeps me on track with appointments and scheduling.  

4) A nurse practitioner to check with vitals and monitor weight and biometrics.  

5) A psychiatrist who will assist my primary care with medicine issues, concerns, and/or changes.

6)  A life coach /peer coach whose focus is on present happenings and concerns of the day-to-day variety.

7) A therapist focusing on interpersonal stuff, self-care, setting and maintaining boundaries, and managing anxiety, depression, and OCD/hoarding.  

8)  Therapy is worth the effort, though.

9)  I started at the right time--because I am willing and able to do the work.

10)  And I recommend The Self-Care Prescription by Robyn Gobin.  I've learned what real self-care is.  Plus the journal is handy.

blogiversary

 

companion reading... still working on it

I'm pairing Robyn Gobin's insightful book with its companion journal, The Self-Care Prescription Journal: Powerful Prompts to Manage Emotions, Cultivate Well-Being, and Achieve Your Goals. This journal is thoughtfully designed to deepen the concepts presented in the book. By providing "powerful prompts," it moves beyond simple reflection, actively guiding exploration of emotions, nurturing well-being, and connecting self-care practices to broader goals. Working through the journal alongside the book, especially at a deliberate pace of a chapter every couple of weeks, is a highly effective way to internalize the lessons and translate them into tangible actions and lasting positive change in life. This combined approach is transforming self-care from an abstract idea into a lived experience.

From the publisher:

Nurture your body, mind, and spirit with action-oriented journaling prompts for self-care

With the right tools, you can make self care a daily habit rather than an occasional luxury. The perfect companion to The Self-Care Prescription , this journal is filled with reflective writing prompts that empower you to attend to your needs, create space to slow down and breathe, and take inspired actions to improve your life.

Journal your way to improved well-being with these practical self-care writing prompts.

finished reading but continuing the work

This is the right book at the right time for me. It's self-care on a deeper level than manicures and massages. Each chapter focuses on an aspect of life, delving into how to practice self-care, but the psychology behind it.  My therapist introduced me to the book (and journal), and we've been working on a chapter at a time.  

Beginning with a chapter that defines self-care and its importance, it then creates plans dedicated to: Social, Physical, Intellectual, Vocational, Emotional, and Spiritual Self-Care; not just offering practical strategies but exploring and explaining why these areas are crucial for overall health. The book empowered me to craft my own self-care plan through thoughtful exercises, making it a valuable tool that isn't cookie-cutter advice for the masses.

I have been gifting copies of the book and journal to my friends.  It's having a profound impact on me.

From the publisher:

Real self care practices to enrich every part of your life

Picture your best life: Where would you work? What would your social calendar look like? What personal interests would you be exploring? This book is your prescription to turn those visions into a reality—with proven self care strategies for every area of your life.

The Self Care Prescription empowers you to find balance and purpose in your relationships, work, and life. From creating a plan to spend more time with family and friends, to zeroing-in on a career that you can feel good about, the book will help you create a personalized self care plan. You’ll also learn actionable techniques to fight anxiety, demotivation, or whatever else is holding you back from building the life you want to live.

The Self Care Prescription includes:

Self care 101—Learn what “self care” really means, and how you can start practicing it every day. A full-spectrum plan—Bring self care to the physical, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, vocational, and social areas of your life. Best-life strategies—Unwind with mindfulness breathing practices or start eating right with healthy meal planning—you’ll find tons of actionable self care techniques to help you reach your goals.

Be the friend you want to be to yourself and others. Be engaged with what you do. Whatever self care means to you, you’ll find your own personal practice in this book.

three on thursday

 

Thing one:   I need someone to explain the laws of space and time to me:  how is it possible that vacation days fly by but school days do not?  

Thing two:  I would say I've managed to do everything I wanted to do this vacation, which was really a staycation.  But the household things I needed to do are done.  Except I need to scrub the tub.  But there's always tomorrow.

Thing three:  I am loving my new car.  A 2024 Ford Escape with fewer than 10,000 miles.  The difference in technology is overwhelming. But a good overwhelming. I don't need a key for the ignition--it is push-button.  There is no gear shift, it's a knob.  I don't have to crane my neck to look over my shoulder to back up, there's a back up camera.  

ten things tuesday

Ten questions:

1.    What's been bringing you joy lately?  I've been having fun with my students lately.  That makes me so happy.  I definitely want to retire on a high note.

2.    What's a small thing you've appreciated recently that you might not have noticed before?   I have been so grateful to be able to drive!  Since last fall when my broken foot kept me from being independent, I've cherished my ability to do what I want when I want.

3.    What's a creative outlet you've been exploring, or would like to explore?   my new therapist assigned me to read "The Self-Care Prescription" by Robyn Gobin and since it came in the mail today, I'm exploring it and the accompanying journal. 

4.    What's a moment of quiet reflection you've had recently, and what did you take away from it?   I took a few minutes out of my planning period to complete a guided meditation and it helped me focus, and I was mellow instead of wishing I was home

5.    What's a simple pleasure you've been enjoying?   listening to audiobooks

6.    What's a thought or idea that's been lingering in your mind?   last week, my therapist suggested that I am grieving my vision, and it lingered in my mind.

7.    Is there anything you've been wanting to share, however small?   I am taking steps to prepare for retirement in two years.  That will be a thirty-year teaching career.

8.    What's a learning experience you've had recently, even if it wasn't a formal one?   as a teacher I am constantly learning something--from technology to gossip!

9.    What's something that made you smile today, or this week?   my history students were asking me about my childhood experiences for historical reference and I didn't feel old.  They were engaged and interested.

10.   How are you feeling, really?   overwhelmed

 

world lymphedema day

 World Lymphedema Day is observed on March 6th to raise awareness of lymphedema, a condition that causes swelling in the arms or legs. The day also honors people with lymphedema and supports those living with the condition. 

I am one of 1 of 100,000 with primary lymphedema.  Primary lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system doesn't develop properly, often due to genetic factors, leading to swelling and fluid buildup in the limbs.