FOMO, but Thankful

It's no surprise that in my usual fashion, I started a new blog, was super excited to share all my pictures, stories, and life events with you all....and I've been radio silent since my first post. Haha, epic fail.

But, I have many things to update the interwebs about, and I'm finally getting around to it. It's [sort of] starting to feel like spring. We've had like 3 days above 60 degrees and a little bit of sunshine here and there. I had a hard time in February getting all the photo reminders of our FABULOUS, FLORIDIAN FEBRUARY last year. Hence the title of this post, the FOMO was very real. I was, and continue to be so extremely thankful for that opportunity we had last year to travel and see beautiful (see also: warm) places during the most bitter, cold, awful months of winter.

Right now, in the midst of spring break, as I sit under piles of blankets typing this, neglecting all of my other household responsibilities, I can't help but long for the warm, Florida sun and the simpler days of living on the road. We had full intentions of traveling during spring break this year, even if it was to jet set for a week down to the Land of Flowers. But, Jack's involvement in the Robotics Team prevented us from solidifying those plans. His team is competing this weekend in the Wisconsin Regional down at the UWM Panther Arena. While I admit it is pretty cool to watch and the amount of work they've put in to building these robots is nothing short of incredible, I'm totally bummed that we couldn't enjoy some warmth and relaxation before our busy season ensues.

Spring (or as The Farmer affectionately refers to it - "100 days of Hell") is usually an exhausting season filled with working sun-up-to-sun-down, breakdowns, uncooperative weather, and general chaos. And this year, coupled with employee and supply shortages and increased prices, is no exception. It isn't our first rodeo and we will certainly make due, but it would have been awesome to enjoy some fun in the sun before all of that begins. We've already decided that absolutely next year, NO EXCUSES, we are going on spring break!

In other news, I rejoined the workforce and started working (super, extra part time) at Elle's school. I am a "Student Learning Assistant" and it's basically my job (along with 5 or 6 other women) to help students who are below grade level in math and reading get caught up. I'm so proud to be part of a school district that is working hard to keep the kids on track, after the last 2 years, many of these kids are just struggling to keep up. I work 2 days per week and it's the most perfect balance of being a "SAHM" and a working mom, I sincerely look forward to going to work and I just love the students so much. I get to work with every grade from K thru 6th grade and my days go so fast! So far, recess duty is not my favorite, but it is really nice to get some fresh air for an hour and a half each day!

I'm also excited to share that after committing to a keto diet for most of the new year, I am down 20 lbs from my starting weight! I'm actually in the process of pivoting from the keto diet - I've sort of plateaued and am going to start a new supplement plan and a more rounded, whole food diet. Will add carbs back in, but keep it limited to complex carbs, in a moderate amount, continuing to stay away from refined sugars, processed carbs, and focus on protein and veggies for the bulk of my nutrition. Keto worked really well up until now, but there are a lot of "keto" friendly foods that are full of processed junk and it might be part of why I am in a plateau. It's a great feeling to be down 20 lbs, and am looking forward to keeping my weight-loss on track with this new plan!

As far as updates go, that's about it for now. Here's to hoping the Wisconsin weather heats up and we can have a beautiful spring - because even if its full of tons and tons of work, at least we'll have natural Vitamin D, and warm weather (and dry ground) to work with!

Happy Spring - from under a pile of blankets,

The Farmer's Wife