1. Two memes to sum up my existence proper now.
That koala bear meme. Please inform me I’m not the one mother or father that may relate with that one.
And in addition, the explanation I really feel like a completely exhausted pigeon is sort of actually due to the second merchandise in right now’s Friday Thoughts lineup.
2. Piglets, piglets, piglets.
If you happen to comply with my fake farm account on Instagram, you’ll know that our kunekune pig momma, Olivia, had a litter of piglets 2 1/2 weeks in the past. And oh my gosh, they’re the cutest issues ever. However they’re additionally a lot work!
The unique plan was to time the litter start for when the youngsters had been residence from faculty in the summertime, however the perfect laid plans didn’t account for the pigs taking endlessly to “get the job accomplished” if you recognize what I imply.
So. I’ve been largely answerable for the piglets whereas the youngsters are in school. And to say these little zoomie rascals are greater than I bargained for is an understatement.
We misplaced one within the first few days to a start defect, one other one has struggled to thrive so I’m continuously attempting to maintain her consuming and rising, they usually’re so lovable, that, sure, I spend a variety of time sitting out within the pig hut watching them play, as a result of I can’t tear myself away. #pigsoverpeople
Three of the youngsters invested their financial savings within the grownup kunekune pigs within the hopes of creating their funding again by promoting piglets. So, right here we’re. It’s been an journey!
If you happen to go to the PIGLETS highlights on Instagram, you’ll see all of the antics from the previous couple of weeks. Warning: seems, piglet content material is extremely addictive.
3. My Buddy Maria
I wish to let you know about somebody actually superb. My pal, Maria.
Earlier this 12 months, Brian got here residence from work and requested if I nonetheless had the studying e book I used when our children had been studying easy methods to learn. Once I requested him why, he stated a candy woman he works with (Maria) had come to his workplace asking if he had any assets or locations that might assist her as a result of she didn’t know easy methods to learn.
He defined that Maria is without doubt one of the most onerous working workers on the plant, that she raised 5 youngsters as a single mother, and that she can be good, sort, quiet, and a caretaker of others. Her life has been difficult in methods he and I’ll by no means be capable to absolutely perceive.
I pulled out my outdated studying lesson e book for Brian to take to work…and instantly felt this robust want to assist Maria be taught to learn, despite the fact that she and I didn’t know one another but.
After Brian helped organize issues at work, Maria and I began getting collectively each morning (4X per week) again in Could to do studying classes collectively. I doubted I’d be an excellent trainer, nevertheless it seems, this relatively outdated-usual e book is simply as efficient instructing adults to learn as it’s instructing youngsters to learn!
After all, the primary motive for achievement is due to Maria’s coronary heart. Her dedication. Her unfailing willingness to maintain attempting. She persevered even after years of being advised by many, many individuals that she was silly as a result of she couldn’t learn and that she’d by no means be capable to be taught.
During the last 5 months, Maria and I began out every lesson collectively speaking about life and household and stresses and meals and youngsters and every part in between…and…ultimately we acquired to the studying half. 🙂
I legitimately have tears in my eyes as I’m typing this, as a result of Maria has turn out to be such a pricey pal and inspiration to me.
She’s taught me that it’s by no means too late to be taught one thing new or attempt one thing onerous (particularly studying to learn in English when your first language is Spanish). She’s taught me it’s alright to cry (she has the kindest coronary heart in the whole world).
She’s taught me that in an period of fiery personalities, divisive opinions, and entrance and middle benefit for being “the perfect,” there’s a quiet, regular energy in working onerous day by day to make your method in a world that most probably gained’t ever discover, or reward, you.
And he or she’s undoubtedly taught me to be extra grateful for the alternatives I’ve had in life that too usually I take with no consideration.
The primary day that Maria learn her first “actual” phrase (it was ‘mat’), she stopped, shook her head, and with absolute awe in her voice saved repeating: wow, wow, wow. She couldn’t consider she was studying. (I used to be biting my lip HARD underneath my masks to maintain myself from bawling that day.) Now, she’s studying full tales with dialogue and plots and characters. She advised me that she seems like a complete new world has been opened to her now that she will be able to learn.
She simply completed this e book about courageous Clara Barton. However to me, Maria is the bravest of all. She has defied circumstances stacked in opposition to her that might spell devastation for many of us, and he or she has accomplished so with integrity, kindness, and countless, countless onerous work. I’m so grateful to know her.