Life Lately at the Homestead: School, New Jobs, and an Honest Anniversary

Things have been really hectic here at the homestead, so I wanted to post a quick catch-up and share what’s been going on with us.

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Weeks one and two of school are officially in the books, and I can’t believe how fast it’s going. The best part? We’re two weeks in and no detentions yet! 🎉

Iyan seems to be enjoying his new school. There hasn’t been much grumbling about the standardized dress code or the fact that he has to go five days a week. Fingers crossed there won’t be any missing assignments hiding out in the online portal.

The funniest thing he’s learned so far is about the underground lunch trading network. Apparently, gum, Takis, sandwiches, and whatever else you don’t want from your lunch can easily be swapped for something better. Watching him strategize his “trades” makes me think he might have a future in sales—or maybe even politics.

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I also started my new career adventure on August 18th. Bright and early Monday morning, I was on a flight to Atlanta for my first trip and team meeting. Miraculously, I was actually ready and waiting when my Uber driver pulled up at 6 a.m. (that never happens).

It was a great first team meeting and a solid introduction to this new chapter. I’ve been missing the freedom of my summer days, but overall, I can’t complain. The only stressful part was getting my husband on a Teams call with HR to show them my Social Security card. I had forgotten it at home, and they couldn’t accept a picture—they had to see the actual card. Since my husband has never used Zoom or Teams before, it turned into quite an experience for all three of us.

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This past weekend was our 40-year anniversary—though, truthfully, it didn’t get the fanfare or recognition it probably deserved. Life was just too busy with school starting, my new job, prepping for the race, and getting ready for Ray’s 60th birthday party.

Instead of a big celebration, it ended up being a real life kind of weekend: a mediocre massage, a movie (Nobody 2—yes, that’s the actual title!), and dinner at our favorite seafood place with my husband and grandson. On Sunday, we tried out a new brunch spot, mowed the yard, and addressed party invitations. Not exactly champagne and fireworks, but it’s us.

I do plan on making up for it. After the race, I want to plan a weekend trip—maybe to Boerne, a little Texas town I’ve heard good things about. A friend of mine and her husband went last year and raved about it. The shopping and wineries are supposed to be amazing, and the town isn’t as crowded as nearby Fredericksburg. I’ve already been eyeing it for a fun getaway—if you’re curious, you can check it out here.

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Wrapping It Up

So that’s life at the homestead right now: new routines, small wins, and plenty still to celebrate. Sometimes the best memories aren’t the ones with all the fanfare, but the ones tucked into everyday life—lunch trades, early flights, and even the less-than-romantic anniversaries.

Here’s to finding joy in the real and ordinary moments.

With love & glitter,

Valerie