Coffee Talk 10.03.21

vest // tee // jeans // sunnies

Good morning! I hope you’re having a good weekend. We’ve been having gorgeous mild fall weather, and I’m trying to soak it all in. There’s a chill in the air in the mornings, and it warms up to be quite nice in the afternoons. I love having the windows open all day.

Last night was our annual Cavalcade of Bands, which is an event where middle and high school marching bands from around our area come and perform. It’s a pretty huge undertaking for those who run the event, and I always volunteer. For the past few years, I was a cashier for the concessions, which is nice because I get to sit in one place and ring up orders. It’s always busy, so the time flies.

This year I decided to try something different, so I signed up to hand out cold drinks. It sounded easy enough… but, omyword! I never considered the logistics involved with keeping canned sodas and bottled water cold for six hours, while thousands of people come through the line to purchase them. In addition to handing out drinks, we had to keep the coolers full. There were several coolers on loan from various school families, and then all the extra flats of sodas and waters, plus many bags of ice.

Fortunately it was a warm day, and I was on the first shift when the sun was still shining, as I repeatedly dove my hands into ice cold water to grab cans and bottles for the endless stream of people coming through the line. And then every time there was the slightest lull, we hefted a new bag of ice or flat of sodas to empty them into the coolers.

By the time I got home last night, I could do nothing more than fall into bed, and I woke up this morning feeling like I ran a half marathon and did a strength training workout… both in the same day. I guess this is what it’s like to get old!

Despite how it may sound, I had a good time. Everyone coming through the line was friendly and patient, and I enjoyed seeing all the kids. Plus, I like being busy and having a purpose, and the other parents I worked with were laidback and fun. In fact, I was kind of disappointed when my shift ended. I have to admit, I get bored sitting in the stands watching the other bands. I would rather be working at one of the concessions where I can hear the music and still be busy.

Anyway! As hosts of the event, our high school band wrapped up the night, and they put on their best performance so far this year. It’s always fun to see their show evolve over the course of the season. They’re always adding new elements to challenge themselves and keep it interesting for the fans.

R is flying high. She’s been looking forward to this night for a long time, especially since all the cavalcades were canceled last year due to Covid. Even though she’s a sophomore, this is her first year to get the full high school marching band experience, and she’s having a blast. I’m so grateful that we’re able to have all these events, and that they feel pretty much like normal.

So the next event on our family calendar is R’s birthday. She turns 16 next weekend!!! Yes, we will soon have 5 drivers in the house. #sendhelp

I’m not at all ready for this next phase; I barely survived the first two. And R is determined to get her license in record time.

Both her siblings had their permits a full year before they got their licenses — not because they were bad drivers. They just weren’t all that motivated to drive, and that was fine with Paul and me. While having independent drivers can be convenient, it’s also nerve-wracking, and we were happy for them to take their time. It will be interesting to see if R progresses as quickly as she thinks she will.

Meanwhile, we’re having a birthday party for her next weekend. She wanted a roller skating party, so we hunted around and found place that had availability on her birthday. She’s super excited for that, and I’m happy that I don’t have to do a lot of party prep. That is not my forte. All I have to do is pay the bill, and order a cake and party favors! That’s my kind of party.

Then the weekend after that, C is coming home for a visit. She has a few days off between quarters, so we got her a plane ticket to come home. It will be so good to see her, although I think she cares more about seeing Savannah than any of us. I’m hoping it gives her the boost to get through to Thanksgiving, which is only another 4-day weekend. It will be Christmas before she gets a real break.

She has never flown alone, so that will be a new experience for her. I’m not too worried, as she has flown a few times with us in recent years, and she’s familiar with the situation. She’s also fairly confident about asking for directions and is okay being alone. My biggest concern is that air travel is so unpredictable these days, and I don’t want her getting stuck in the airport overnight or spending more time traveling than she will at home. I’m praying it all goes smoothly for her.

Speaking of prayer, I need to get off the computer and get ready for church! But first, I wanted to let you know that Nordstrom just put a bunch of the remaining #NSale merch on sale again — much of it is lower than it was in July.

one // two // three // four // five

one // two (on sale in black) // three // four

I did a full roundup of all my favorites on THIS PAGE for your shopping inspiration. I added sizing notes where I thought it might help, and also some of the prices in the shopping widget are not updated, so I wrote those into my captions.

Have a relaxing and blessed Sunday!