A Small Update
Hello, dear friends! First of all, sorry for abandoning you (again). To be honest, I’ve been in the funkiest funk since going back to work at the end of July. I typically thrive once I get back to my work routine, but this year has been different.
I’ve been working very long hours and still cannot manage to get everything done. This makes me tired, grouchy, and causes me to complain a lot. Then, I feel bad for complaining because so many other people have more work, less time to do their work, and more going on at home that inhibits them for working late.
My friend Hilary was my queen this week, however, for pointing out to me that I don’t need to minimize my struggles because others might be struggling as well. She told me I was spending a lot of energy being upset, but just as much energy being upset about being upset. Ugh. But so true! So, in short, my job is really draining me right now. While I acknowledge everyone with a job has stress, I really can’t dwell on them. Sometimes you just have to be a little bit selfish.
This being said, I am really trying not to live in this depressing place where an e-mail from my principal saying I have unscheduled lunch duty makes me cry uncontrollably for an hour and then prompts me to write a manifesto about how lunch duty is just another of the degradations teachers have to endure (If you’re not a teacher, lunch duty means standing in the cafeteria while the students eat lunch. This means you also have to eat your lunch, but standing up, while monitoring students. In your job, maybe you can eat lunch at your desk, in a lounge by yourself or with friends, or even in a restaurant. Teachers don’t have that most of the time, and it really does grate on you after 11 years.).
I always feel my best when I keep a schedule, eat healthyish, and have things to look forward to. I’m really going to try and focus on these things in the coming weeks and worry less about the things bringing me down. ANYWAY, I figured one thing I could do to stay busy today is actually work on my blog. People always ask me “How’s the blog going?” and it would be nice to say “Why don’t you check out my latest post.”
Without further ado, the best things ever for September are:
Spindrift Everything
If you follow my Instagram, or spend any time with me, you know Spindrift is my preferred sparkling water. I primarily drink it at work, so it became a running “thing” with some of my classes. At the end of last school year, one of my students even created a meme about my Spindrift habit. I shared it with the company via Instagram, and, to my surprise, they loved it and even sent me and my students some Spindrift swag.
In addition to making high quality sparkling beverages, the Spindrift people have a great sense of humor. The company ethos is playful and they oftentimes hold fun contests via social media for their products. For example, I was the lucky winner of a Spindrift pin a few months back for dressing like one of the cans.
It turns out, there are actually lots of people who are just as obsessed with Spindrift as I am. These people are called “Spinfluencers” (like an influencer, but for Spindrift only), and, to be honest, I really hoped to join their ranks some day.
After a pretty meh day at work a few weeks back, to my great delight, I received a message from the Spindrift people, inviting me to be a Spinfluencer! A few days later, an awesome box of Spindrift swag arrived, and I began my official duties. My main duty is sharing Spinny with everyone I meet, so it’s pretty easy.
If you haven’t tried Spindrift yet, you need to. Unlike other brands (we won’t name them here), Spindrift contains only real fruit and sparkling water. This is why their company slogan is “Yup, that’s it.” They are about simple, delicious drinks because, really, what more could you want?
My personal favorite flavors are grapefruit, cucumber, and raspberry lime, but everyone has a preference. Sal is an orange mango guy, and my best friend Christina is a devoted lemon drinker. (Side note: You better believe Christina, per usual, told me about Spindrift first. Of course I, waited forever to try it. I really don’t know why she keeps being friends with me. I never do anything she says.).
You can buy Spindrift directly from the company, at Target, Whole Foods, Kroger, or on Amazon (It is available at other stores, too, but these are some of the major chains I know are in most areas). Spindrift also tastes pretty darn good in cocktails. The company’s website has a number of recipes, or you may remember The Festivus Miracle cocktail featuring Spindrift I created for my birthday party last year.
While sparkling water might not seem like a big deal, knowing I have an ice cold can of Spindrift in my lunchbox really does brighten my day. I truly love this product and company, and I encourage you to make a Spindrift break a regular part of your day. You will be glad you did.
BB Dakota Cat Walk Leopard Pant
I really make it a point not to wear sweatpants, but I made an exception for chic sweatpants in leopard print. These B.B. Dakota pants caught my eye in the window of Copper Penny, a shop in downtown Savannah. I resisted them for a day (kind of a record for me), but, in the end, I had to have them. I call the Copper Penny windows “low-tech Instagram,” because I walk by them regularly on my way to yoga and am oftentimes compelled to go in and buy something.
These pants are extremely soft and, I think, the perfect look for Saturday errands or Sunday brunch. I typically cannot abide sweatpants for use use outside of the house, but this pair really works.
Moodright’s
I’m always looking for fun things to do on the weekend, and Sal and I whiled away a few hours at Moodright’s last weekend. Moodright’s is a retro bar with duckpin bowling (smaller lanes, pins and balls than traditional bowling). If you’re a Savannah local (or planning a trip), this is the perfect spot for a date or a fun time with friends. The wood-paneled bar is hilariously campy, which I’m sure will make it a big hit on Instagram.
Because we are old and I hate waiting for things, we stopped in a little after noon on a Saturday. At this time the bowling was free, but we had to set our own pins. Believe it or not, re-setting pins is a bit of a workout, but I figured that gave me license to eat a crazy decadent torta at Bull Street Taco after bowling. We both enjoyed the bowling and the reasonable drink prices. For two hours of bowling and drinking, we only ended up spending about $12.
Moodright’s is a great addition to our little neighborhood, and I can’t wait to head back with some friends soon.
September actually did have some pretty fun moments. October is the height of pumpkin season, so I’ll be back next month with all of my fall favorites.
Angela says
I am so glad to see you back! I have tried Spindrift yet but will add it to my list of new things suggested by youyiu to give it a whirl!
Kate McCaffrey says
Just love you Nickie! This is so awesome, congratulations!!!❤️
Elizabeth says
I will definitely try Spindrift!!! Thank you! Great blog, as always.