Friday Thoughts: Speed Style
Hello, friends! Popping in quick today for a Friday Thoughts post (love these so much, especially your comments!).
This last month almost finished me off with a lot of behind the scenes chaotic family circumstances that don’t always shine through on recipe posts (you can thank me later for that). I have so many things running through my overfilled brain, it isn’t even funny – all the nonessentials are ready to spill out to make space for the important, stressful stuff going on.
I love sharing the good, the bad, the ugly, and the awesome with you on these less food/more real life posts. So in honor of that, I’m hitting this Friday Thoughts post speed style. It’s quick, it’s quirky, it’s random!
As always, chime in on the comments. My favorite part is reading what YOU have to say (plus I’m asking for some advice, so help a girl out, ok?)!
Surgery as an Adult Thought: Don’t do it. Ever. Brian had a tonsillectomy + deviated septum/fractured nose surgery two weeks ago and he still feels like death. Honestly, it’s been the worst of the worst, and even if he recovers and loses his ability to snore, I think he and I will still question whether it was worth it (he’s going on 13 days of jello + pudding diet and a subsequent 17+ pound weight loss – ok, so I’m actually just a teensy tiny bit jealous about that last part). I’m calling him Brian 2.0.
Family Reunion Thought: Yeah, yeah, I know it’s holiday season time and not family reunion time, but because my overtaxed brain won’t.shut.off, I’m obsessed with planning our family reunion next summer that we’re in charge of. So tell me this, what is THE BEST thing you’ve done or eaten at a family reunion in the last decade? My brain and family reunion spreadsheet planning thank you in advance.
Portuguese Thought: I decided to buckle down and learn Portuguese (Brian speaks it semi-fluently and I would love a secret language to speak in front of our kids – and people at the grocery store). So I downloaded the Babbel app a few months ago, and armed with a healthy dose of “I’ve got this; how hard can it be?” I began. Long story cut short: I have since been sufficiently humbled. Apparently ye old brain doesn’t work as well as it used to when I took Spanish in college (all of which I have forgotten). I will persevere! Maybe. My brain hurts right now.
Cross Body Bag Thought: I’m not a purse person as much as I am a casual cross body bag kind of girl. I bought this leather Sak Iris Crossbody bag {aff. link} in the mint color months ago and have been wearing it daily as my “purse.” I love it. It’s cute, durable and super functional. Also, I paid over $60 for it way back when, and I just saw it listed on Amazon for $27. Whoa.
Girl Hair Thought: My life (and Cam’s) was forever changed when I found these little hair rubber bands {aff. link}. Also, this dry spray wax {aff. link} has been the best thing we’ve found to smooth her still-growing baby fly aways. I spray it on my fingers and smooth down my own fly aways, too. Ok, maybe the fly away thing is genetic and I should warn her now she’s not growing out of it.
Social Media Thoughts: What’s your favorite social media platform for connecting with family and friends? And if you aren’t on social media at all, can you elaborate why? Por favor and obrigado (wait, maybe I AM almost fluent??).
Canker Sore/Toothpaste Thoughts: I used to get canker sores all the time. Like several times a month (since I was a kid). I would also break out a lot on my chin and around my mouth. I subtly (or probably not so subtly) complained about this on Instagram earlier this year, and several of you mentioned using an SLS free toothpaste (I had never heard of it until then). So, for the last 8 months or so I’ve been using this SLS free Verve Toothpaste {aff. link}, and I am not even exaggerating…zero canker sores and probably only 1-2 blemishes in my chin/lips area since then. I am a believer. FYI: I tried the Tom’s brand of SLS free toothpaste and almost vomited, it was just so gross.
Teeth Thoughts: Speaking of teeth, I finally got my Invisalign braces off, and it feels amazing. I only had to wear them for a short nine months (thanks to already having braces twice as a teen and being a bad retainer wearer), and I’m still wearing a retainer a lot during the day, but I’m just so happy to be able to eat freely during the upcoming holiday season. #priorities Having said that, my two oldest kids go in for orthodontist appointments this week, and I’m on the fence about whether I’ll have the doctor put them in Invisalign or wire braces. Thoughts on teenagers in wire braces vs. Invisalign? Please enlighten me with your experiences.
Libby App Thoughts: A HUGE thank you to everyone who recommended the Libby library app on my last Friday Thoughts post. I just finished listening to When Breath Becomes Air and have listened to a few other audiobooks as well the last few weeks while cleaning/driving/waiting in hospitals and dr offices. Fantastic app!
Fermenting Food Thoughts: This is a longer subject for another time, but I’m hesitantly dipping my toes into the world of culturing vegetables in order to improve overall gut health for me and my family (in addition to the kefir we drink every day). I’m not going to lie, I’m a little scared. I’ve scoured this website, among others, and bought a couple how-to books on Amazon. I had a super bad experience with kimchi when I was 21 and backpacking in Korea, so I think I’m going to forego cabbage for now and just maybe try some carrots or beets? Talk to me. Any advice/experience to share?
Shoe Thoughts: Ok, last thought for the day. How much is too much to spend on shoes? I really want these ones. Someone talk me out of them. ASAP.
{current coping skills}
I’m done now. Thanks for letting me have a total brain spill today (the scary part is this is only about 10% of what I would like to talk about, but I know you guys have a life). Can’t wait to hear what’s on your mind!
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Get the shoes Mel! I’ve definitely learned as an adult, that good shoes and good jeans are worth the money. Especially shoes! Well made and built to support your feet shoes aren’t cheap, but so worth it! I have become a big fan of Dansko and Born brands. Sometimes I still buy some inexpensive booties or heels when they are oh so adorable, but I know they will be “church only” shoes because I couldn’t stand to wear them longer!
So interesting about that toothpaste and canker sores! I have also had them seriously bad since I was a kid, like so painfully bad! Once I had one right on my uvula and I for real wanted to die! Just breathing was so painful!! They are the worst! My husband is the same way and it’s been weird because we tried all kinds of things and could never find anything that helped prevent them or really heal them quickly either. Then a couple of years ago I started getting them less and less. I’ve gone from pretty much having one right after another since 8th grade so just every once in awhile, which I am thrilled about but didn’t know why! My husband still gets them so bad and my 15 year old has been getting them too, so I’m totally trying the toothpaste for them! I did start using Melaluca toothpaste years ago because store brands would all leave this funky film in my mouth that I’d have to scrap off my cheeks, blah! So maybe that is what has helped me not have them so bad anymore. I’m currently using Jason Powersmile, I’ll compare and report! Thanks Mel!
I’ve wondered how Dansko and Born shoes are! I’ll have to do some more digging if you love them. That’s crazy that your canker sores just kind of stopped happening. I wonder if it has something to do with hormones?? I blame everything on hormones (good and bad). 🙂
Oh My Goodness…..I never pay much of anything for my shoes. The price of these shoes are a lot of money. But in my honest opinion, I am not about to talk you out of these shoes. These are some of the most darling shoes I’ve seen in a long time. My final prognosis is: G.E.T T.H.E.M
Haha, thanks Marsha!
I had a tonsillectomy at 29 and it was horrible horrible horrible. I’m so sorry Brian is going through it. I literally thought everyone who said the recovery was 2+ weeks was exaggerating but they were not. Ugh. Hopefully he is heading on the upswing now.
I know, I kind of thought people were exaggerating, too. Like, how hard could the recovery be? Um yeah, Brian and I both stand corrected.
Funny you should ask how much is okay to spend on a pair of shoes.
I’ve told my children that is a fundamental question to discuss once when seriously dating or become engaged to be married. The answer can tell you a lot about a persons financial habits and values and whether you agree on those values. We were raised on Payless and Walmart shoes so inexpensive under $30 was the criteria. Now that I’m older, fork over the bucks for comfort and support because a good pair of shoes can make or break your whole day. I think $130 is not unreasonable for something you spend so much time in!
Such an interesting comment, Debbie! Loved it!
I don’t have tons of helpful things to chime in, but I have that exact cross body in yellow and I love it. The size is perfect and it’s so easy to wear.
We have kefir smoothies everyday thanks to your post way back when. Keep us posted if you venture deeper. I need my hand held with things like this!
Shoes- I have a hard time buying shoes online because you don’t know the fit or quality. Sometimes people just charge more ’cause they can, not because they’re better, ya know? But sometimes you do pay for quality. I think they are super cute. Go with what you feel best about! They would probably pay you to wear them for how many people you’ve sent there, just sayin’.
I loved When Breath Becomes Air – I bawled during the epilogue.
The dry spray wax is going to be a lifesaver with my only girl’s hair, I probably need it too.
Good luck with the braces, we will probably be there soon.
I think you could spill a whole lot more and I would love reading it, so apparently I don’t have a life!
Hey, that makes me so happy that you have the same bag! I kind of need hand holding with new things (like fermented foods!!) but I’ll keep you posted (even if it means I lose some skeptical readers in the process – haha). And don’t worry, I clearly don’t have a life either because I am spending an inordinate amount of time reading (and loving) all of your comments.
I had the surgery for deviated septum almost 2 years ago. Worst recovery of my life. I was sick/nauseous for weeks. I spent 2 solid days throwing up every 15 minutes. I’d get super dizzy every time I tried to sit up so I spent weeks laying with my head on the couch. It’s been almost 2 years, and I still can’t bend over without feeling light-headed (like if I bend over to look under the couch, I feel like I’m going to faint and my sinus area begins to really hurt). AND, the worst part is, I feel like it’s worse than it was!! I got the surgery to help me breathe easier, and the side that was bad always feels clogged now. Also, I’ve never had bloody noses. Like ever. I have them a few times a month now; sometimes multiple times a week. Most people are grateful they got the surgery. I’m not. I wish I had never messed around with it. I feel for your husband and am so sorry for what he’s going through.
Ok now I’m kind of worried. That sounds awful and I’m so sorry that you regret having the surgery!!
My best reunion meal was pulled pork, which we cooked that day, in a crock pot,served in fresh tortillas, which grandkids cooked, with black beans, lettuce and tomato something on top, sour cream, and my special secret green salsa, which is a mixture of cilantro, blackened poblano peppers, and other stuff that isn’t coming to mind, cooked in a crock pot because the place we were staying didn’t have an instapot. I made the green sauce in advance and froze it and took it. Brown sugar in the green sauce is the ingredient that made this the most popular dish ever, I came up with this after my kids grew up and left the house, so it was new to everyone. If you can’t come up with your own green sauce, I’ll send you the recipe.
Wow, that family reunion meal sounds AMAZING! I’d love the recipe for the green sauce if you don’t mind sharing!
— Language Learning: I actually prefer the DuoLingo app. I like their mixed flashcard/quiz/verbal approach, and their way of having you practice the ones you miss alot helps me with those too.
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Chocolate: Have you tried Theo dark chocolate? It’s dairy-free and soy-free so a bit more expensive, but it’s really really good. They made a really wonderful holiday lineup last year that was Cranberry-Orange, and a Peppermint one. And their standard lineup is good too, I love the sea salt ones. —–
Ok, so based on the recommendations, I should have gone with Duolingo, I think! I may need to look into it right now even though I paid in advance for a Babbel subscription. You are the 2nd person to recommend Theo chocolate, which I have never tried. Excited to check it out!
GET. THE. SHOES.
🙂
These “Friday Thoughts” are such a great read! Always enjoy the little glimpse into your real world. I’m cheap when in comes to shoes and clothes, so I shouldn’t weigh in on the shoes (I’m a Payless gal) and I consider clothes and shoes to be disposable, so I buy cheap… I don’t claim to be right about this philosophy- it’s mostly been a result of having to be a penny pincher pretty much forever ! I’ve had 4 kids and myself in braces over the past 12 years (I got metal braces at 40 when 3 of my teens also had them, I only had to wear them for 18 months and I’ve never regretted it… neither have my kids! I am about to put 2 more kiddos in them (metal braces) My orthos have all recommended sticking with the metal braces and retainers for long term results, and I’ve had some kids who have needed some major fixes, which is probably the reason for the recommending of metal braces. I can’t weigh in on Invisalign because I don’t have experience with it. I’m super sorry to hear about Brian’s surgery, hope he heals quick…) I’ve tried to learn Spanish over the years, as my hubby is fluent and still just know a few words and phrases– he speaks it off and on around home, so I understand it way better than I can speak it!! I’m afraid my old brain may never really get it. The only social media platform I really like is Instagram I like following foodies and other mom’s with positive content..I have a Facebook account that I rarely look at ..Facebook seemed so emotionally draining to me. (I took the app off my phone over a year ago and I’ve been SO glad I did and I’m seriously considered just deleting my account). I have a Twitter that I rarely use also. I’ve encouraged my teen boys not to have social media accounts (they only have flip phones and school issued computers) and they don’t really feel like they are missing out on anything.. I miss the stage when I had “little girl” hair to do (my girls are 23 & 19).. enjoy that! The closest thing for me to an interest in fermented food is: I love good pickles, pickled beets and I really Love a GOOD reuben sandwich with sauerkraut ! (I’m pretty sure you are thinking WAY bigger than that :-)) I’m still trying to find some good kefir grains so I can do the kefir thing! I think that’s all from me! Great Post Mel!
Love your thoughts, Helen! Thanks for the advice on braces. I’m hoping this old brain will catch on to Portuguese, but man, I’m doubtful at this point. Maybe it’s the sleep deprivation kicking in. Haha. And I don’t think I am really thinking bigger than that on fermented foods right now. I need to start small!
My husband would wonder what happened to me if I bought shoes that expensive…unless they were for running. Honestly though they are so beautiful. I wonder how comfy they are. Nothing is worth uncomfortable shoes.
Yeah, I agree with that.
Our family stays connected with the WhatsApp app, well at least those who will cooperate and download the app and participate. This way we can stay connected no matter where we live in the world. I like it way better than posting personal family things on Facebook or Instagram.
Ok, clearly I’ve been missing out on whats app. So many are recommending that! Where have I been?
Surgery: I’m a retired R.N. who worked in surgery and post-ansthesia recovery. My opinion is that surgery is controlled trauma and it takes time to recover. The older you are the more painful it seems to be and the more time it takes to recover. Even relatively minor, minimally invasive procedures can slow you down for weeks.
Shoes: Recently I read that someone received this advice from her grandmother: Spend your money on shoes and beds/bedding because that’s where you spend most of your time. So go for it!
Social Media: I’m not on social media. I’ve never wanted my picture or business all over the internets.
Thanks for the recovery thoughts, Sally! I think you are right. Time, time. I need to be patient and allow Brian that! Thanks for all your thoughts. 🙂
Every year, my husband’s family does a Scottish-themed Highland Games family reunion (to celebrate the *slight* bit of Scottish blood on that side), and it’s always a whole ton of fun. We do stuff like the caber toss, the stone putt (sp?) throw, sword dancing, and other random things. We did try and coordinate the menu one year (with haggis and everything), but…that didn’t go over as well 😀
Hilarious! Although the authentic menu had me side-eyeing the Scottish theme. Haha.
Best family reunion game ever – baby pictures of everyone and the one who gets the most wins. A big prize. Bribery always helps.
Ok, this is awesome.
I’m not on any social media at all. I was on facebook for 1 year, but deleted my account several years ago. No regrets at all. A combination of things went into that–
1) My family needed me more, 2) facebook (and other social media) sucks away so much time if you let it, 3) I loved reading important updates, but my brain was overloaded by the minutia you have to get through to find the things you want to read about, 4) I found that it wasn’t worth the negativity– whether people arguing politics, criticizing personal opinions, or whatever, and 5) privacy concerns– which I’ve felt vindicated about multiple times when things have been hacked, leaked, or whatever.
I did enjoy reconnecting with long lost high school people, etc., but I still have my email. 🙂
Thanks for your thoughts on social media, Karen!
Get some water keifer grains. It is simple, does not take a lot of sugar, perfect for the kiddos with a slight fizz like soda. You can actually use the grains on pure juice and enjoy that as well. I make “vanilla dmsoda” with the first issued water, a tablespoon of maple syrup and vanilla extract, really good. Lemonade and Limeade are so good as well. It is one of the more fun things to make, and a great project for the kids to share in the making and of course the drinking. It was my first step in gut healing for myself.
Thanks, Melynda! I’ve been tempted to try water kefir; I don’t know much about it but it seems like in most cases you have to add a lot of sweetener, but I like the idea of pure maple syrup!
I am a huge fan of yout Friday thoughts. As for braces, ask your dentist. Fermented food is not my favorite and I’ve been eating Korean food off and on for over twenty years. My children are adopted from Korea and my son married a Korean woman. His in laws eat traditional Korean food and swear fermented foods are the reason Asians have a longer life span. Who knows? Have a great weekend.
Thanks, Teresa! I’m curious as to whether I’ll really be able to get behind fermented food. I applaud you for continuing to eat it!
Family Reunion ideas…
My husband’s family does a few fun things almost every year. We hold an auction of only handmade items: chapstick, crafts, blankets, games, keepsakes. Everyone participates. Even the littles (sometimes just a picture they color). We’ve always used pretend money, either earned by doing jobs or things at the reunion, or just a set amount each person can spend. The kids especially love it.
We also do a reunion playlist. Everyone submits one song to a designated person. Then the playlist is unveiled either at the reunion in cd form or can be on something like Apple Music or google for everyone to download for the road trip to meet up. Sometimes everyone’s songs are secret, and we have to try and guess whose song is whose.
This year we tried a lip sync battle and it ended up being really fun.
Sorry about the hubster. That sounds like torture all right. Happy, speedy recovery to you guys. Hang on!
One more…my mother-in-law always hosts “the newlywed game”. Never disappoints 🙂
Thanks for all the family reunion ideas, Stacy!
Oh Mel, I feel for you & your hubby. I have a friend in her fifties who had her tonsils out a couple of years ago and was beyond miserable for several weeks. She’s great now, but I think she about wanted to shoot herself. I’m sorry for the yucky recovery period. Hang in there.
My four oldest kids all had traditional metal braces, but our youngest is now in Invisalign because our ortho said he was a great candidate. For us, the pros are the zero pain, being able to eat whatever he wants, and being able to easily floss/brush since he doesn’t have to work around brackets & wires. He’s not the most thorough brusher or flosser, so we worried about regular braces making that worse. The only real downside is that he has to carry his case with him everywhere he goes so he can put his trays inside when he wants to eat. He can’t just take a quick bite of something; he has to take a moment to take out his trays first. He’s a really diligent kid, though, and I never have to remind him to keep his case with him. Since he doesn’t seem to mind, I’d say Invisalign has been a great choice for him. My older son, when given the choice, decided not to go the Invisalign route because he said he likes to eat way too often 😉 Good luck deciding!
Thanks, Kim. Every day is a bit better for Brian! Thanks also for the pros and cons of Invisalign vs wire braces. Don’t know what we’ll do yet!
I love these random posts! I’ve also been trying fermented foods this year and I think it’s helping my immune system big time. While the kids and husband came down with the flu this year I miraculously stayed healthy. Mom win! Here is my super crazy easy ferment for cherry tomatoes (I grew everything in my garden this year so they were quick to throw together). They pop like champagne bubbles when you eat them and taste wonderful. I like mine right at 8 days fermenting.
http://www.growforagecookferment.com/fermented-cherry-tomato-bombs/
I also have fire cider fermenting right now in my kitchen.
That’s amazing, Megan! And thanks for the recipe! I’m excited to get started!
This close to Christmas I would ask for the shoes as a gift because my husband never knows what to buy me. If they are a shoe that you will wear for years, then buy them. I truly hardly every shop but we have great outlet centers around for shoes and purses that are usually less than 50% off. A Coach cross body or wristlet for 30$ is my favorite deal. Do you have any outlet centers near you? I had my tonsils removed when I was 17 and it was awful. I don’t think that the strep throat leading to the surgery was as bad. I remember butterscotch candies and soup are what got me through it. Home made soups (especially creamed ones like cauliflower or asparagus) are healing and nutritious. After having surgery, the gut health is important to remove the anesthesia and antibiotics. After having multiple surgeries in a few years (mostly c-sections), I was super tired and had food sensitivities like crazy. I did the Whole 30 and WOW. I am a younger version my 46 year old self. We love sauerkraut, carrots, cucumbers, and onions but don’t care for beets. After my teenager almost lost a retainer, there is no way that I would do Invisalign. He has a water pick for cleaning and gets compliments from his dentist and orthodontist about his teeth being clean. They change his wire every 6 weeks and he gets an extra brushing in at the office. He loves to change the color of his bands according to the seasons or football teams and he is 14. Waterpiks have come a long way because his is handheld with a scrubbing tip. I don’t do any social media and I am at peace. I get picked on for not knowing what is happening but I just can’t be on my phone or computer that much. I don’t have much time to read but The Heart and Boys in the Boat are good. My husband and I listened to those. Thank you for your toothpaste recommendation. I am allergic to so many things that I feel lost sometimes and toothpaste is another thing that I have yet to conquer. I have tried lots of clay based brands and just couldn’t but got tired of spending money on yuck. I want a fresh mint taste not dirt so maybe I will try your link. Thanks for the thoughts, the recipes, and the realness.
Great idea on the shoes, Sheila! My husband would appreciate the gift suggestion. Unfortunately there are no outlet stores near us but I wish there were! Proud of your for going through the Whole 30 and making it! I tried it a couple years ago and failed miserably (seriously, by like, day 5) but maybe I should try again. Thanks for the advice on braces!
Wow! Sorry about your hubbys surgery experience. I have heard that just a tonsillectomy is hard as andadult and he had surgery on his nose to boot! Hope he turns a corner soon! Keep working on the Portuguese ! It’s a good challenge for your brain and soon you will start to gain more speaking & understanding. As far as the shoes- they are so cute.- but I’m practical so I would find something I love just as much that I would wear more frequently.
Thanks, Laurie! Every day is a little better for Bri. I do think you are right, whether or not I can say all that much in Portuguese, I do love that my brain is working hard. It makes me happy in a weird way!
Surgery- I am so sorry!! That sounds awful!
Social Media- I like Facebook best for connecting with people but i have cut WAY back in the past couple of months and it feels great!
Cross-body bag- I just ordered one!!!! Super cute!
Shoes- darling! Buy them!!!!
Girl hair- Great idea with the spray wax! Lily (4 yrs old) just decided to give herself a haircut so we are dealing with some very odd lengths right now.
Fermented foods- my husband went to South Korea on his mission so kimchi is a thing at our house and i actually don’t mind it….as long as we all smell like garlic together!
Love you and your Friday thoughts, Mel!
Thanks, Kelsey! I’m just waiting for the day Cam decides to cut her hair. Yikes. Good luck with Lily’s hair recovery. 🙂 I traveled to S. Korea with my brother 20 years ago (he knows the language) and had a terrible experience with kimchi which is partly what makes me scared to try again, but I’m determined to at least give fermented foods another chance!
Shoes: I am cheap, but I would totally get those shoes if you love them. They are so cute and I can totally see you in them!
Braces: I vote regular braces for teens.
Crossbody bag: That’s the only kind I like, too. Funny, but when I looked on amazon this morning the bag was $27, but now it’s $99 (mint color)! I think with all your readers clicking on it, they decided they would increase the cost!
Social media: The only reason I’m on it is to know what’s going on in my grown kid’s lives (and a handful of other people) – mostly Instagram, a little FB. I don’t post anything – I want to be anonymous!
I saw that price leap as well. Crazy! Amazon should be paying you.
Thanks for your thoughts, Sheree! Love them. I’m sad that bag jumped in price, darn it!
Tonsils…my daughter had this done when she was about 16…the single worst month of my life and obv hers! It’s bad! In saying this…I think you have not killed your poor husband…so I say you deserve the shoes and I also want a pair…they are darling!
Haha, thanks Jill!
I only use Facebook but only for people in my ward/church. I stay in touch with family thru Whatsapp or just regular texting and phone call
How much to spend on shoes? I think in depends on the material, if they are confortable and if they are practical (can they be worn with different outfits) but even then I wouldn’t pay more than a $100.
I love Alter Eco! Specially 85% blackout
I’ve been considering to have feet surgery, now I’m having second thoughts
Go for a walk, enjoy the beautiful fall weather and don’t let your brain explode! We need you!!!
My other favorite chocolate brand is Theo. They have a quinoa one too
So many people are recommending whats app! I’ll have to check it out! Good luck if you have that foot surgery. If it’s worth it, even a long recovery can be endured, I think! Excited to check out the Theo brand of chocolate!
Our extended family did something fun at a reunion….a Root Beer Tasting! Every family brings a bottle or can or two of one type of root beer. Someone supplied a big tub of ice to keep them all cold. We had a big chart with the types of RB listed down one side, and after tasting from little plastic cups, each person gave their vote for the best. I think we had room for comments too. We ended up with quite a few different brands, and this was an ongoing activity throughout the party until everyone had tasted. Finally, someone tallied the results and announced the winner. It was fun for young and old alike.
Oh my gosh, that is the funnest idea!
I had my tonsils out when I was 26, and I literally thought I was going to die. It was the worst pain ever, and I was constantly choking on my own saliva, to the point I was afraid I’d never catch my breath. Plus choking on top of a tonsillectomy is whole extra level of pain! I sympathize.
Thanks, Lillie – Brian appreciates all the sympathizers. 🙂
So sorry about the tonsillectomy/nasal surgery combo. I work at an ENT office and we do this surgery all the time. It is brutal, a very significant (read: horrible) recovery. We have our patients take a full 3 weeks off of work. Hope he gets feeling better very soon.
Thanks for the input, Wendy! I think that’s part of the problem – just trying to get back to real life too quickly. Every day is a little better, though!
Buy the shoes! (But if you’re purchasing from online, make sure they have a good return policy just in case they aren’t comfortable.)
Yes, good point!
I had my tonsils out a few years ago. It was the worst. Worth it though. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Tell him to stop eating jello and start eating solid food. It will help him heal faster. Just avoid sharp/abrasive foods.
I personally wouldn’t spend that much on those kind of shoes. But I would on good running shoes. But if you have the money and really want them, why not? You only live once. I bought a skirt for $140 once and about fainted but I loved it, wore it a ton. You do you. There are no rules, just what you want to do.
Thanks for all the fun ideas! Good luck with your family reunion–I can’t even get my family to do one that works for us all. Oh well!
Thanks, Bonnie!
Almost forgot my language recommendation. Hands down, pig Latin is the best! Lots of fun to watch the faces in a crowd when you exercise this skill! Seriously, good luck with the Portugese.
Only two thoughts. My sympathies for the septum surgery. I had mine done this spring (at 66) and it was a week from hell. Spent the whole week in my robe like a zombie. And Portuguese is a hard language. A Brazilian woman offered her sympathy to a missionary leaving for Angola, she said his learning Portuguese would be a lot harder than her learning English!
Well, that makes me feel a little better about my struggles to learn Portuguese then! I’m determined to stick with it but I just need to buckle down and get serious about it.
I forgot to comment about social media. and me. I don’t get Twitter. i just don’t so I don’t have an account. I look at instagram maybe once a week.
When the election was going on 2 years ago, I got so sickened of seeing political posts that I stopped FB almost entirely except for three private groups I’m a part of. Recently, I found a way to add a shortcut on my phone for just those groups so I don’t have to see my main feed EVER. I am stoked!
Oh that’s cool about only seeing the groups you want to see! I have such a love/hate with facebook. I hardly use it personally and really only keep it up to maintain my cooking blog page.
My sincere sympathies to Brian! I was twenty when I had my tonsilectomy and seriously thought about never breathing or swallowing ever again. Years later I researched the name of the capsule my doc gave me for “pain” . It was a muscle relaxer. Now I ask you!! It wasn’t helpful. My daughter had hers when she was 25. I kept her kids for a few days while she blissed out on liquid lortab and Sprite. Yes, she swore by Sprite of all things. Subject change: buy the shoes. You will wear and love them for years! Thank you for all you share.
Thanks, Rebecca! Each day is a little better for Brian. He appreciates all the words of condolences. 🙂 Thank YOU!
My recommendation for the reunion: Play telephone-dictionary. You basically pass a booklet around a circle writing a phrase and then having the next person illustrate it and so on (without looking back at what was done before). I was introduced to it at a ladies retreat. We stayed up late and laughed so hard people thought we were crazy – until they joined in too! My older two kids also loved it. (Best for 8+. Amazing with teens.) As a hint: start with phrases that are more abstract / hard to draw.)
Here’s more complete instructions: https://www.icebreakers.ws/small-group/telephone-pictionary.html
(I like making our own booklets for the game, especially with a large group, but it is also available to purchase as a more formal game, called telestrations.)
Oh yes! I think I know the game. We have the official telestrations game, but it is SO fun!
1) we did traditional braces because Invisalign is more expensive here. No problem with Kid1 but Kid2 struggled with his gums.
2) in my mind, cross body bag = purse 100% of the time. Keep rockin’ it.
3) I hate booties in general (not a boot? not a shoe? what’s the point?) but those are awesome. I’m sorry, I think you are doomed. (But also think of it this way…if you love them enough to wear them for the next 10-15 years, that’s $16 or less a year…therefore very affordable after the initial pocketbook hit.)
Hmmm, interesting breakdown on cost per year, and yeah, if I spent that much I’d definitely wear them forever (especially because I don’t often care about the “official” style trend).
I don’t do much by way of social media. I found it was not good for my self esteem. My husband’s family has a Facebook group to stay in touch with each other, but my mother-in-law is great about forwarding stuff to me via text message since she knows I won’t see it. My family uses a Skype group chat and I think it is a MUCH better platform. It’s parents, siblings and spouses. We can send pics, videos, messages, etc. Sometimes someone gets crazy and Skype calls everyone. That’s kind of fun (there are 7 kids, 3 married, and 2 parents … that’s a lot of little video screens )
We also have started using Marco Polo as a family group. This is fun too, especially for longer messages or for showing something you’re doing. I like it for friends too that live far away. It’s like talking on the phone, but the convenience of talking when you have time, regardless of the other person’s schedule. It’s fun to see faces and hear voices.
But, if I only had to pick one for family communications it’d be Skype group chat, hands down. Simple, efficient.
Sorry about your husband’s surgery recovery, that’s the pits! I hope he turns a corner soon.
I love your cross body bag and your chocolate ❤️ Every now and then I think about relearning Spanish or picking up Japanese. I wish I had the motivation to start and follow through! But then again, I should probably put that motivation towards exercise first …
Thanks for the social media thoughts, Kat! The Skype group chat sounds fun! I use Marco POlo a lot and love it. My circle of friends and family is small but I love connecting face to face like that. And yeah, I should probably just pick one thing and stick with it. My exercise routine has been suffering big time lately.
Those shoes are soooo cute. But i think I’d die a little spending that much.
Yeah, that’s kind of where I’m at.
I love this speed style! I’m so sorry about that recovery; that sounds awful!! Way cute bag (and shoes! If you can find the money for it, then do it! I’ve always thought way too much about shoes but I’ve also learned if you really can’t stop thinking about it, have the money, then do it. You most likely will not regret it at all). And now I want to try an SLS free toothpaste just to see what happens! I also use instagram mostly. I wish I could leave it on the computer and not my phone, but you can’t post from there! I’ll be interested to see more about fermented foods. How do you know if you need better gut health? Maybe if you do, you know? lol!
Thanks for your thoughts, Amanda!! As for gut health, I think I just have a gut feeling (pun intended, I know, I’m such a dork) that we need to focus more on that right now?? Not a very scientific reason, I know.
Hey Mel! I am a long time reader, but I hardly ever comment. I LOVE your blog and use your recipes almost exclusively! I am also the mother of eight children and I totally get understand the feeling like your brain is on overload and going to explode! I’m learning not to sweat the small stuff—-which is all of it! Take it easy and don’t forget to take time for yourself to keep you sane. I am intrigued by the SLS toothpaste because I have a daughter who has canker sores all the time! I am curious, is it ADA approved? I would love to help her, such an annoying and painful problem! Also, I totally sympathize with your husband. My husband has had a skin infection (cellulitis) on HIS NOSE for the past week and half and has been in a ton of pain. I feel so bad for him! We actually even had family pictures done last weekend (before it got too swollen) and I had to put my makeup on his nose to cover up the redness! No fun having a miserable husband—I hope yours gets feeling better soon! Love you and all you random thoughts Mel! Thanks for being real!❤️
Thanks for commenting, Mistie! You are amazing – mother of 8!! I need to learn better at letting the small stuff go. I hate to sound ignorant, but I don’t know if the toothpaste is ADA approved…I just looked it up on ada.org and it isn’t on there so it probably isn’t. My dentist knows I used it and told me it was just fine, but that’s probably not the best recommendation for everyone! Darn about your husband – I hope he recovers FAST!
Mel, you’re the best. I guess I don’t have a life because I could read your Friday thoughts all day. So glad you’ve discovered audiobooks. When Breath Becomes Air was an interesting read, right? So sorry to hear about Brian! Sounds like it’s been a tough time for him, and therefore you too. I hope it improves soon! Must be torture for him not to be able to eat your amazing food! I use Instagram most, but I am a big lover of Marco Polo with close friends and family. Thanks for all the great recommendations!
Haha, you are cute, Stacie. I don’t have a life because I could read this comment thread all day every day! And I agree with you, I am LOVING Marco Polo. I’m using it more and more (and Instagram less and less).
Let’s see . . .
Social media – I prefer Instagram because it is just pics and videos, without all the other stuff I have to wade through on Facebook.
Braces – I can’t help you, because I am in the same boat, with two teenagers about to get braces. I’d love to know what you find out.
Fermented veggies – they totally scare me.
Cross Body bag – my preference for a purse as well. I love the one I have – the brand is Haiku – super cute and super durable, albeit a little pricey for me in the $75 range. That brings me to shoes . . .
Shoes – I haven’t yet spent more than $100 on a pair of shoes (I guess that is my threshold), although I almost did for a pair of super cute cowboy boots in Nashville ;).
Totally agree that surgery as an adult is the worst! A few years ago my husband had back surgery and two hernia surgeries, and I had knee surgery, all in a 2 month period.
Family Reunion – At our last family reunion, we surprised my husband’s parents with each family giving them a white elephant gift. My husband crocheted a mermaid tail for his mom, and made a fake LEGO set of the destroyed planet Alderan for his dad. It was awesome!
Lastly, audiobooks are my favorite thing! I’ve never tried the Libby app, but I use Hoopla and Overdrive through my library, and they are awesome. And don’t be afraid to increase the speed you listen to them at. I tend to listen to my books at 1.5 speed as a general rule.
Love all your thoughts, Lisa! I’m also a fan of Instagram over Facebook, too. It seems like from this comment thread, at least, that the majority are saying wire braces for sure with teens. ?? Thanks for the recommendation on the Haiku bag! Oh my gosh, I am dying that your husband crocheted a mermaid tail for his mom. Seriously, I am laughing so hard.
I wear Vionic shoes because I’ve got plantar fasciitis. I recently bought a pair of their cute booties because I want to look a little more polished at times (rather than wearing sneaker -type shoes all of the time) I thought they were a lot of $$$ but so worth it. If you love them and are sure you’ll wear them, get ’em!
My current coping skills involve wine slushies!
Thanks, Becky – it’s amazing how well made shoes can *often* be worth it! And we all have to find coping skills that actually help us cope! Haha. 🙂
I got married 4 months ago and only cook recipes from you! Before I was married I never and I mean never cooked. Haha I have no idea what i even ate. Once I got married I knew I needed to figure this cooking skill thing out! My husband is shocked every night and is always impressed with what I make! Honestly if I didn’t have you I have no idea how I would of ever cooked anything editable!
I’m really glad Jacob Smith moved to Eagle so I could learn about Melskitchen Cafe!
Thanks so much, Breck! This made my day!
My husband semi-fluently speaks Pohnpeian and I tried so hard to learn it when we were first married. My brain hated it, though. So many consonants in a row! Now I can only remember, of all things, two words: mosquito and snot. I’m on my way…
Hahahahaha. This made me laugh so hard. Also, I had to look up even what that language is.
Those shoes are AMAZING. Completely worth the $!!! Do it!
Thanks for the push, Sharlin!
I love these ‘thought’ posts! The only thing I wanted to weigh in on is that our family has started using the Group Me app and it’s been so awesome! We had a mix of Android and Apple users in our family text message thread and it would always mess things up and create another message when someone with Apple did a ‘reaction’ It was getting annoying to get so many messages! Now I can check the app a few times a day and engage when I feel like it and not have a million text message alerts throughout the day. I LOVE it! We’ve also been using it for ladies from my ward and it’s been an awesome way for everyone to get notified of events. It’s also helped when someone needs help, is looking for a missing cooking ingredient or needs a suggest connect with other sisters that they might not have ever connected with.
Thanks, Miranda! I tend to hate group texts but maybe that app is the way to go?? Not having lots of text alerts would be awesome.
I have to say I laughed so hard about the speaking in a different language in front of your kids and at the grocery store, because that has always been my wish too. LOL . Sorry to hear your husband is having a hard time. I’ve always heard anything as an adult is harder.
Yeah, well, I don’t think it will happen because I can almost guarantee I won’t even be able to say more than “can i have a drink of water” until after Cam leaves the house. Haha.