[rothjuje]

Hi! I’m still here and still like to check in. Miss this space!

So much has changed since my last post a year ago, but also a lot has stayed almost exactly the same.

We’re still in Georgetown. I’m still in love with our little town. I’m still a realtor. I’m still a Girl Scout Troop leader and on the GMG leadership team. I still (very much) struggle with the winters here.

What has changed? The twins started kindergarten. KINDERGARTEN. They are 6 and Alyssa is 9. Alyssa is so so tall now and looks like such a pre-teen. She loves 3rd grade and math (clearly got that from Justin). She is in all the activities and I feel like a chauffeur half the time, such is life with 3 kids/all the activities. Gen likes to dance and perform, and loves to draw. George talks all the time now, and has graduated from his communication device. He is always on the go and loves to be outside. Coincidentally, his two favorite places are Target and “the chicken store” (Tractor Supply).

I turn 40 this week and have been a mess about it. I wanted to do all the things for a while. I got a personal trainer and worked toward doing a pull-up. I joined a gym. Wanted to buy a surfboard and go line dancing and get a diamond nose stud and a little tattoo etc etc. And then I just got…sad.

Justin is on a long work trip and my birthday falls in the middle of it, which probably adds to the sads about 40. Couldn’t I have had a fun midlife crisis instead?

Anyway. I left Coldwell Banker last spring and started at Today Real Estate this fall. Love my new company so much. I have been busy with Zillow leads and have sold two houses.

That’s about it really. I spend a lot of time with friends and I feel really lucky to have built the friendships and relationships that I have here.

Oh! Something new this year is my friends and I try to go to a concert or city adventure once a month. Over the past year I saw Franz Ferdinand, Haim, The Beaches, The Band Camino, Almost Monday, and the Happy Fits. The concerts are so fun, but it’s the dopamine of looking forward to them that’s my favorite part. Anyway this whole thing came about because we used to get dinner and drinks and would end up spending at least $50 after tip when it costs less to see a concert/have that experience. I love a good adventure.

Hope everyone is doing well, miss you guys ❤️

[rothjuje]

Dang I miss this space.

So many exciting things have happened since my last post. The twins turned 5 (how?!???) and Alyssa turned 8. Alyssa is fully her own person now and it’s so neat to see (and a little scary sometimes tbh). First grade was really rough for her, she got an IEP and struggled the whole year through. And her teacher was great, really really good. Her teacher this year scared me a bit (just like, not personable and very academically focused) but Alyssa has THRIVED. Made new friends, is actually ahead in both math and reading. I’m just so proud of her every day. She’s still the most fun, and looks forward to little adventures just like I do. She’s such a cross between Justin and I.

George is my mini-me, my little bud. Just the chillest, snuggliest dude. The most affectionate kid you’ve ever met. Loves music, talking on the phone, car rides, the beach, all the things I love. Gen is still my little spitfire. So much personality in one tiny little human. She’s so funny. And she knows it. She’s wicked smart. I can’t believe they’re going to kindergarten next year. My babies aren’t babies anymore..

I’m still a Girl Scout troop leader and moms’ group secretary. Love being involved in both but our troop is huge and it is a serious time commitment, especially during cookie season. I wanted to start a troop for Genna next year but had to pass it to some friends because I just don’t have the time to take on any more volunteer stuff between the kids and real estate.

I got my license in September, joined the best office ever in October, and am now an assistant to a successful agent in our office. I am learning so much and have met so many people which I love. It is very rewarding and exciting, but man I was not prepared for the balance of 3 young kids and a demanding job. I was doing comps until 10 pm tonight and Justin is traveling for work and, it’s a lot.

I struggled quite a bit at the beginning with anxiety, joined the lexapro club, and it really helped for a time. Then I felt like I was in a good place to manage the anxiety, and left the lexapro club. And I felt great for a time, back to myself, free from the side effects.

But now it’s mid February and it’s grey and cold and snowing every other freaking day and I just don’t feel like there’s any end in sight. This is our third winter here and the first two were very very mild, it only snowed a handful of times and was usually in the mid 30s to mid 40s. Like. Mid 40s isn’t bad, 45 and up I’ll take the kids to the park. But we’ve been lucky if we get 35 degrees. This winter has been hard and Justin is traveling a lot and I’m tired of feeling like I’m in survival mode. I keep checking the weather for a day over 40 degrees and unless it’s pouring rain it’s not happening.

Honestly. How do people live like this? I went from California where every day was a sunny or foggy 70 degrees, to Texas where everything was sunny and hot, to this. Cold. Damp. Wet. Grey. Darkness that lasts 6 months out of the year. How are other people maintaining their sanity so flawlessly? Like, is it extra hard for me because I have the experience of a life where you don’t suffer for half the calendar year? Or am I just a whiner? Maybe a little of both, but I guess if you grew up with it, it’s nature/routine/expected.

Anyway feel free to give me all your tips on winter blues thank youuu

[rothjuje]

I do find it humorous that the second a flower popped up in my yard I disappeared. New England does that to you, life feels like it’s on pause November-March so when spring starts springing you have to make up for lost time.

It’s always around this time, late July, where my body body starts to crave that pause. I am not a fall person, but even I am thinking that cooler temps and less sun is sounding kind of nice.

So many updates. I finished my real estate salesperson classes, going to work on sending in my application to register for the exam today. Justin made me 5 by 3 garden beds and sweet potato, squash, and cucumber vines are everywhere. I could not keep basil alive in Texas and here I can’t get it to stop growing. Everything flourishes here.

2024 has been the year that Alyssa reads, George talks, and Genna dances. George is saying about 350 words. Hearing him use his voice is the most beautiful sound. Alyssa read to Gen for a full hour yesterday, it was such a sweet moment I’m still thinking about it. Genna’s disposition is a lot more cheery these days, which I am so so thankful for because there was a lot of screaming before she turned 4.5.

Justin will start working in the office October 21st, and we’re both pretty excited about it haha. It’s a very real challenge keeping the kids quiet-ish in the summer for him.

I’ll do a more thorough update later I’m sure, but I’ve really missed this space and had a quick moment. I feel like so many people have returned to Tumblr lately and I’m loving all the updates!

[rothjuje]

Summary of our summer so far, gardening and exploring. I still think Massachusetts is the most beautiful place.

[rothjuje]

Y’all have no idea how much hope this little flower brings me. Days are getting longer and are sunny and bright. Little flowers are popping up. The gloom of winter is finally departing..

[rothjuje]

Thank you guys for all the bedroom setup advice!! Someone pointed out how heavy a tub full of water is, so maybe bunk beds would be fine. Several people mentioned that Gen will want a full eventually too which honestly I hadn’t considered. She’s such a tiny peanut it’s hard for me to picture her in a big bed. Alyssa and George have always been giants, they take after my side of the family while Gen takes after Justin’s. I like the lofted bed idea but only saw a twin option, I’m sure there’s a full option. We’re going to a furniture store this weekend to look around.

Such a weird week with the kids not having school Tuesday. Normally days off are chaotic and crazy but the kids were all in a great mood, we had a slow morning and then played outside the rest of the day (thank Gd for rain suits).

Being able to go outside again is such a parenting game changer. So, so, so thankful it’s above 40 degrees and staying light until 5:45 now. We played outside from 3:30-5:30 this afternoon and everyone came in tired and happy, we had a peaceful dinner and bedtime and everyone fell asleep quickly.

We registered Gen for MWF next year (instead of T/Th). Mainly so I could get more done/potentially focus on a career, but also because it’s been so good for her. But something I didn’t realize until after we signed her up was Justin gets every other Friday off…so we can have day dates twice a month. We have had exactly three dates outside the house since we moved here (I remember them well.. a movie, out for drinks, and a cemetery walk). I think it will be so, so good for our relationship. Especially since life has been absolute chaos since we moved here 20 months ago (fixing up the house, adjusting to life across the country, but also so many freak medical things/minor surgeries and one major one).

I am doing all the things right to manage my ADHD (sleeping enough, eating well, daily exercise) and it helps but definitely is not a cure. There was a moment last year when George started sleeping through the night and it was my first time sleeping through the night in 4 years so I thought my ADHD was cured just because I had energy again…so naive. I took a wellness class at a yoga studio a couple nights ago and we had to sit down on mats and listen quietly. And the room was quiet. Everyone seemed so quiet and relaxed, just sitting still. And listening. I tried to listen and tried to stay still but I am a leg shaker. My brain was zipping around in so many different directions. I just cannot think in a straight line unless I am physically moving. I didn’t even realize how bad it was honestly until I saw everyone else be so normal and calm. Yikes..

[rothjuje]

Help me make a decision. Our girls (4 and 7) share a room. Currently 7 year old is in a twin and 4 year old is in a transitioned crib. We desperately need to get Gen a new bed. But this our dilemma: Alyssa wants a full bed. The room is quite large (identical to our living room actually, it’s directly above and the same dimensions). But a full bed and a twin bed is kind of bulky/won’t look even and they will lose a lot of floor space. Justin is in camp each girl gets a twin bed, end of story. And yes, growing up we all had twin beds. But nowadays a lot of kids have full beds, even from the start, especially up here. All my friends’ kids are in full sized beds. Anyway Alyssa’s reasoning is that she can’t sleep well because she’s afraid of falling off her mattress, which is a completely valid fear because she tosses and turns a lot and she is very tall for her age.

We’ve looked at bunk beds, Justin thinks the weight will be too much on the upstairs floor (our floors don’t seem super stable). A trundle bed is also an option, but Justin and multiple friends feel like it’s not fair that Gen technically wouldn’t have her own bed. But the plan isn’t to stick Gen’s bed underneath everyday, they play a lot on their beds and I think it would give them a lot usable space. Both bunk beds and trundles have full/twin options.

I overthink everything and can never make decisions. I guess we could put full sized bed in the corner and twin against the long wall and maybe I need to just move on, that there isn’t a perfect solution.

Anyway. When they excavated for the retaining wall two things happened.. our side and back lawn were annihilated but we also gained a large bonus space in the back. We are desperately prepping the side and back lawn to lay sod and to pour concrete in the bonus area. And I say we, but so far it’s been me digging up rocks for 3 hours a day. Which I kind of enjoy and it’s the best workout ever, I think I’m just so glad not to be trapped inside the house anymore.

The bonus area will be a circular firepit area. I was thinking stone or pea gravel, but Justin is set on the concrete. It won’t be the prettiest but I like that the kids will have somewhere flat to ride bikes/scooters. When does one even lay sod in MA? I know fall is the more popular option but I can’t survive spring and summer with a mud pit again.

Cookie season is officially over for our troop. It’s our first year/first cookie season. We thought we would make about $400. We made about 4k after the cookie debits. That is insane. But we do have 30 scouts so I guess it’s not super shocking. We actually don’t even know what we’re supposed to do with the money. We make the parents pay dues to cover project supplies, per Girl Scout rules (there are a lot of rules). And I know we are supposed to donate the donations (but that’s only $150). I know I did field trips in scouts, I’m assuming cookie money covered those. We are all just so surprised. I know we can save it but seems sad not to use yearly because then the girls who leave the troop/help earned it won’t benefit from it. I’m sure we will use some and save some, but we definitely have enough to plan a really fun adventure with our scouts!

[rothjuje]

I’ve missed this space. Now that things are back to normal I hope to post more often.

Where to start? My ankle was screwed back together on December 8th. Almost immediately the pain was gone. I lost a lot of muscle in my left leg so I started PT once I was cleared to weight bear (about a month ago). I don’t know where I’d be without PT honestly. My ankle still freezes up between sessions but less and less as time goes on.

My eldest was diagnosed with ADHD and qualified for an IEP. It’s been a journey but I finally feel like everything is going well at school and academically. It’s frustrating to me that ADHD is so often viewed as a “behavioral problem.” I do feel like the culture out here is a little less understanding of neurodiversity at times (not the school system, they’ve been great).

George has been working up to longer days at school which he loves, and he’s doing well currently. Overstimulating environments have been tricky for him but that’s understandable.

Gen has grown up so much this year. She is very serious and talks a lot, but also has all the emotions.

December and January were mostly hell. It feels so good to be able to walk again, non weight bearing with young kids was truly a nightmare. So many things we take for granted, like how to get an object from room to room.

I still volunteer with the local mom group, but I don’t attend as many events now (I just haven’t had that kind of energy since fracturing my ankle). Girl Scouts has been very time consuming but fun. My fellow troop leaders and I talk every day and they’ve become close friends.

I’m 20% done with my real estate classes and hope to finish the first week in April.

I am still obsessed with New England, even though it’s been cold and dead here for almost 5 months now. The days are now staying lighter for longer and there has been some sun even, I feel my soul returning to my body.

Anyway. Life is good. Leg is almost back to normal. Kids are doing well. Justin and I like each other. We have a lot of fun yard projects planned for the spring and summer. We’re coming out of a rough season and I’m grateful.

[rothjuje]

I fell down the basement stairs and shattered my fibula above the ankle a couple weeks ago. It’s been awful for me but more so for Justin, who has been the primary caregiver for the kids, pets, 15 chickens in freezing conditions, and me—all while working. Gd bless him.

My mom flies in tonight and I am so glad that there will be someone here to help. My surgery is tomorrow and once everything is screwed back into place I should be on the up and up.

Anyway. The point of this post is to explain small town vibes. Everyone knows and has been so kind. People have dropped off meals, groceries, a knee scooter, cookies, Gatorade, balloons, gifts, cards, etc. My kids’ teachers have emailed me asking if I’m alright. A person from our bank called to let me know they could drop off anything I needed. It’s been really heartwarming and I love my little town so much.

[francesca-feasts]

@trinilikesalt @tacosaysroar

[trinilikesalt]

Look at these internet weirdos.

@akamuffintop left us before someone thought to take a picture of this gathering, but picture we must, for that is The Way Of Our People.

[rothjuje]

It was lovely meeting y’all 😘

[rothjuje]

The Israel-Hamas war is taking up a lot of space in my brain. I’ve had constant anxiety since everything started and instagram is jarring with all these photos of war and then photos of fellow Americans blissfully unaware, or at least unaffected.

You know the saying “it’s a small world”? Well it definitely is in the Jewish community, every one of us knows of someone that has been killed. Thank Gd we do not have family there like so many of my friends do.

Anyway.

The twins turned four today. I haven’t had time with the current chaos (their birthday party, Peabody’s eye appointments, and in-laws in town) to dwell on it much, but I am deeply saddened that my babies are no longer babies.

I threw a large party for them and in hindsight, I probably invited too many people (but I didn’t want to exclude any of my friends with similar aged kiddos). It was fun but also pure chaos. Pure chaos. And lots of shots of cinnamon moonshine which I’m not even sure how that happened honestly. Have I turned into my parents, throwing large parties and encouraging day drinking and shenanigans?

Peabody ulcerated his cornea and it has been miserable (mainly for him, but also for me) we’ve had appointments at least once a week for two months now, two procedures, and a surgery and nothing has worked. They want to do another surgery that is 4k that they promise will work but man who has 7k just laying around? Dogs are so expensive, when he goes I can’t see getting another one for a long, long time.

I am in such a weird place mentally right now. Devastated about the war, sad about the birthdays, stressed about Peabody’s eye, drained from a crazy past few days of getting ready for the party, going to the county fair, the party, going to the zoo, celebrating their actual birthday. I could sleep for a week.

I am excited about this weekend though (lots of fun things planned) and about my friend crush (she’s super cool and we have so much in common). I’m even a little excited about Justin traveling next week. I desperately need space to process my feelings, and also I am happy to not have to share the tv because I need some dopamine via chick flicks.

[trinilikesalt]

Boston 10/14 Tumblr Meetup - **CHANGE OF VENUE**

Hi folks!

Turns out the numbers of those of you thinking of coming to hang out the night of October 14th have exceeded what Saloon can accommodate! And so, we must find another spot. And found one we have.

Where: Saloon Carrie Nation Cocktail Club, 11 Beacon Street, Boston

Date: Saturday October 14th

Time: Still figuring 7pm as an unofficial start.

Carrie Nation is a *much* better spot. For one, it’s bigger. Much bigger. It’s got two bars. One of which is a speakeasy in the back. There are tons of armchairs and couches in the speakeasy space. No need to reserve a time block - show up whenever you’d like. No reservation required. It’s smack in the middle of Boston - a short walk from all sorts of Boston landmarks and attractions (for you tourii), and like half a block from a three major T (subway) stops. They have pool tables. Plus they have a DJ there from about 10pm. No idea how good this DJ is, but now you know there’s a DJ.

For any out of towners - Carrie Nation is within sight of both the Omni Parker House hotel and the Hotel AKA Boston Common, and a 5-10 minute walk from a bunch of hotels. Cos it’s in Boston proper!

We won’t have the space all to ourselves, but if we are there at or around 7, we can claim chairs and couches FOR OURSELVES AS ONLY THE TUMBLR COLLECTIVE CAN!

As a reminder: all you really need to do is show up. However, you gotta figure out everything else. Maybe we’ll have some cheap sticky name tags so we can identify each other by Tumblr names , as is the way of our people. But that’s it. Everything else is your responsibility. Including your transportation, drinks, food (Carrie Nation is also a restaurant!), whether you have a good time that night, and where you’re sleeping 😏.

So please note the change of place. Not Saloon. only Carrie Nation. Alert the media.

(Sorry to spam your dash with this message that’s only relevant to those planning to come hang out in Boston on October 14th…but there’s no other way for us to let folks know of this change.)

Oh! Video walkthrough of the space under this cut. Check it out.

[shutyourfaceparts]

It’s not the greatest financial decision to book this trip, but I’m 99% sure I’m going to book this trip.

Fuck it, let’s gooooo!

[rothjuje]

Come hang out with us ;)

[rothjuje]

I keep having two recurring thoughts lately.

1) What was it like to be primary parent before the internet? I feel so connected to the parent community through this moms’ group (which would be nearly impossible without the internet, we have 3 social media pages and a website where we process membership fees and sell tickets to our events), and almost everything else going on in our community I discover through Facebook. I’m starting a new Girl Scout chapter in our area and I’m doing that through their website and connecting with other interested moms through various Facebook groups.

But my mom did all this stuff without a computer and without a smart phone. She was a troop leader and was part of a babysitting co-op and was always connected in our community growing up. I guess she just made a lot of phone calls from our single house phone. No one talks about this anymore, but I so remember waiting until my dad was off the phone so I could use it and the luxury of getting a second phone line in junior high. I remember calling popcorn to know what time it was because our clocks were never accurate. I remember calling the movie theaters to check showtimes. And the newspaper. Man, I don’t remember the last time I saw one of those.

2) I also keep thinking about how functional I am as a person these days, I’m doing so much and getting so much done and I keep wondering why it wasn’t this way for so long. Sleep. Sleep is the answer. I didn’t sleep much when I was on hormones while ttc, didn’t sleep much going through IVF or while pregnant with twins, and they both didn’t sleep through the night until very recently. June? July? I look back at that period of sleep deprivation and dang. That’s a rough way to live. I was sleeping probably 5 hours (sometimes more, sometimes less) a night for four years. I really need 7 to function my best the next day. But I was held to the same expectations as someone not up half the night with littles that couldn’t or wouldn’t sleep. I just can’t picture doing it again.

[rothjuje]

Shana Tova! Made some round challah for the Jewish new year (Rosh Hashanah). Traditional raisin for Justin and cinnamon for the kids.

Justin took Alyssa to services this morning (we joined a synagogue up here and suddenly have become more religious). He came home, made a kugel, and we went to a friend’s house (who is also Jewish with boy/girl twins through IVF).

There was a boy there, he was 10 years old. He had dirty blonde hair like George, and his same pensive blue eyes. He walked around inspecting things like George does. Sometimes his eyes got big when he found something he was curious about, like George’s. It was surreal to watch. He didn’t talk to anybody, or play. He just kind of watched everyone and tinkered around, like George. It was comforting, to see a kid with George’s tendencies grown up and doing okay at a large social gathering. It was also sweet, because I adore George’s quirks and maybe they’ll stick around.

Anyway.

The twins were waitlisted for extended day, so no para job, which is disappointing. But they’re still going to transition George to full time, which means I could put Gen in full time and I could work 20 hours a week. My friend’s company might be able to work something out, the plan is to interview there late September. I need to work on my computer skills.

I started reading again and dang I forgot how enjoyable it is. It’s the ultimate escape. Justin leaves Monday, neither of us are excited. We’ve had a really good past few months together, and I like him a lot these days. It’s been chilly the last couple days and feels like fall, and I am very excited to say goodbye to the hectic summer.

[rothjuje]

So. For this job to work, George would need to be bumped to full time (which the head of special ed took care of), Gen would need to be bumped to full time (which isn’t a roadblock because they have to have a spot for staff’s children), and the twins would need before care for 45 minutes and after care for 75 minutes.

They told me they didn’t have accommodations for George in the extended day program.

Which, okay, but they put him in a mainstream classroom this year. And told me he has been doing well. So I don’t see what the issue is and I am taking it personally, because all I want for my son is to be treated equally and that is rarely the case.

Also, the extended day program is at full capacity, so even if they did allow him in, they don’t have the space.

Perhaps they will move me to the preschool (which would be more convenient but I don’t want because G&G are in different classes and both are very clingy and it just wouldn’t work). Or perhaps the superintendent’s assistant or elementary school principal can fight it. Or perhaps they could shorten my hours to accommodate my lack of childcare (doubtful). But I am assuming it’s not going to work out.

Which leads me to this. What is their solution? They are severely understaffed. Living wage here with no children is $21.35, the job pays $21.02 (living wage for two children here is $61.58).

Just being honest, Genna’s tuition would have literally been more than half of my take home pay. That is ridiculous.

I don’t know how they’re ever going to fill these positions, because most SAHMs return to work when their kids go off to kindergarten. And kids in college have classes during the day. And someone who doesn’t have to worry about childcare could make more money working 40 hours a week year round, vs working 6 hours a day 185 days a year.

Sigh. These poor kids don’t have the staff to thrive. And there’s no solution.

[trinilikesalt]

Tumblr Meetup: Boston Edition

A few weeks ago, a fellow Tumblrer in the Boston area (meaning out in the burbs 😜) suggested a Boston Tumblr meet up in October. Well, after some back and forthing about dates and locations, and because I also live in the Boston area, we have decided that said meet up will happen! May just be a small few of us - but who knows? Maybe some of y’all might wanna come hang on

When? Saturday October 14th

Where? Saloon, in Davis Square.

Which is not in Boston proper, but after much consternation and Googling we determined that this place is (a) much less expensive than Boston places, (b) serves food later, (c) closes close to 1am (last call in Boston hotel bars is wicked early - it’s stupid and it sucks) , and (d) will be ambiance-y enough for people to actually have conversations and move about. Plus, Davis Square is hip enough.

Time? Yeah - haven’t figured that out yet. Whenever. Let’s say 7. Ish.

Here’s the deal though. Unlike Legendary Tumblr Meetups of The Before Times, which had their own branding and acronyms and actual adult organization, this will have none of that. Should you choose to come hang at Saloon that evening (and we’d legit love to see you!), you’re on your own for finding accommodations and transportation n’ stuff. Good news is that Saloon is wicked easy to get to, via ride sharing or the T. But ain’t nobody got time for negotiating hotel blocks and doing like, actual large group planning. Our capabilities were exhausted by just deciding a day and a place to be. Bet.

So…maybe this will result in a gathering of just the few Boston area Tumblr..ers who can break free of their children and other responsibilities that evening. Maybe it’ll just be 2 or 3 of us. Maybe it’ll be 6 or 7. Maybe it’ll be more. Who knows? Might as well embrace this whole “less destination, more journey” thing here too. It’ll be what it’ll be.

But - now you have the info, and like good strong adults with agency, you can make your own decisions! We here in the Boston area would love to see you. Come on down. New England is the place to be in October - trust that. Fawlinewinglun’ is a beautiful thing.

You just gotta figure out where to sleep that night. But maybe that can be fun too. 😉

(Oh - if you do think you can come, let a brother know in the notes - so we can have at least a ballpark estimate of numbers who might show up. In case we gotta let Saloon know there’ll be a horde descending on them that Saturday night.)

[rothjuje]

Come join us if you’re in the area!!

[rothjuje]

I got the job 🥳🥳🥳