Share Four Somethings: July's Dog Days Edition

Will we really be saying goodbye to hot and muggy July in just a few days? 

I'm so grateful when I can participate in Heather's Share Four Somethings blog link-up, because it's the perfect tool for reflecting on the past month.

Something Loved

A couple of weeks ago, you'd have thought we were on an international flight to Paris. Why? Because I tagged along with Michael to Dallas for a work conference on our first actual post-pandemic getaway. [We've been to BR since it started, but something about going out of state seemed a little more official. What an adventure! ;-)]

As a full-time remote auditor, this was Michael's first time to meet many of his coworkers in real life (spoiler: he loves them), and since I was starting my new job the following week, I had the benefit of playing Lady of Leisure. Fitness center, pool, wandering around downtown Dallas, catching up with IRL Dallas peeps and taking naps were the name of the game (spoiler: I loved it). But the obvious win? Far and above, Michael getting to see the Ewing Oil building from his much beloved TV show Dallas. (Priorities.)  

Something Read or Said

I've recently gotten into Kate Kennedy's Be There In Five podcast, so between that and hearing about Crime Junkies' latest cold case and the adventures of JSi and Jenna on Fitish, I feel like I get to hang out with friends every time my earbuds are in.

A recent Be There In Five episode was titled "Tone it or tangent," and this chubby extrovert has never related to anything more in her life. Also, it cracks me up every time I see it, so bonus.

Something Treasured

It has long been on the calendar for me to take some much-needed time off between jobs, but I vastly underestimated what it would do for my mind, body and spirit. I was able to start my new role refreshed and excited. 

Y'all. I think there's something to this Taking A Break thing. I wonder if someone should write or podcast or even explore encouraging this behavior through some HR policies? ;-)

Something Ahead

I'm a lifelong fan of fall, but few things can get you geared up for the new season like working for a school. (Bouquets of freshly sharpened pencils, anyone?) 

The anticipation of cooler air, the idea of hearing leaves and acorns crunch beneath you, the basic but delicious cliché of all things pumpkin spice... yes, we'd like the most venti order possible, please and thank you. 

Your Turn

If you have a blog, feel free to visit Heather's blog for instructions on how to join us in recapping each month. 

I'm baaaaaaack...just in time for June's Share Four Somethings

Although I'm slightly whiplashed by how quickly June flew by after the past 16 months' trademark molasses-speed, I’m thrilled to (finally) jump back in the blogosphere and to (finally) rejoin my friend Heather's fun Share Four Somethings blog link-up. 

Something Loved

Michael and I took our first post-pandemic road trip this month! It was just a few hours south to our former city of Baton Rouge, but man, was it good for the soul. We caught up with great friends, ate and drank and were merry, and did lots of reminiscing in the place we individually and collectively called home for so long. Aside from the bottle of water I spilled directly into Michael's lap about 1/3 of the drive down, the whole weekend was packed with charmed memories. #pray4michael    

Something Read or Said

In an effort to come out of a reading slump that only chick lit can pull me out of, I broke down and delved into Beach Read by Emily Henry. What a pleasant surprise! I think I was expecting it to be super light -- you know, like an actual beach read? -- but in truth, it included some deep topics that made me think. Because they were presented smoothly and with humor, I didn't feel like I was being jolted into Actual Serious Thinking. But tricky Emily Henry! I was still pondering some of the Serious Topics once I closed it, and I was pondering them with a smile. 10/10 recommend.

Something Treasured

Early in the month, we fully experienced "one man's trash is another man's treasure" by participating in our neighborhood's annual yard sale. Even though the weather freely handed out thunderstorms followed by intense humidity, it was nice to be part of a group effort while cleaning out and making a little cash. One of my favorite things about it, though, was combining efforts with our neighbors (and friends and COVID bubble crew). Not only did we score a cool piece of pottery that Maggie was ready to part with, we also logged a ton of laughs and great memories.  

Something Ahead

Next month, I'll transition from my current job as Assistant Director of Communications with the LSMSA Foundation to Senior External Affairs Officer with the school itself. It's a bigger Something Ahead than I anticipated, and like most changes, it's bittersweet, but I am excited to have been offered the opportunity to get the word out about all the great things that are happening at Louisiana School! 

Your Turn

Visit Heather's blog for instructions on how to join the Share Four Somethings link up.