Mom Life, Faith, & Design: 08/23/25

Saturday, August 23, 2025

Okay, fellow Pennsylvanians (and anyone else dealing with these annoying invaders!), can we all just agree that the spotted lanternfly is public enemy number one in the garden right now? I swear, they're like little six-legged ninjas, just bouncing around and sucking the life out of our poor plants.

So, there I was today, minding my own business, when I spotted one of the culprits brazenly chilling on a rose bush. "Aha!" I thought, remembering all the advice to take action.

This thing had the reflexes of a caffeinated squirrel. I lunged, it leaped. I swatted, it zipped. It was a full-on acrobatic display, and the lanternfly was winning. My eyes landed on the can of wasp spray in the shed. Time to escalate!

I gave the can a good shake, aimed carefully (or so I thought), and let fly.

The lanternfly definitely got a dose. I saw the spray connect, coating its little spotted wings. Success! Or so I thought. In a final act of defiance (or perhaps just sheer panic), the blasted thing flew away.

I watched it go, a tiny, wet speck disappearing over the fence. It was frustrating to see it escape immediate capture, but the spray definitely made contact. Wasp spray is designed to work, and it likely won't be bothering any more plants for long.

So, what's the takeaway from my lanternfly showdown?

* They are FAST. Seriously, give them credit for their evasiveness.

* Sometimes you have to bring out the big guns. The wasp spray was the tool I had at hand in the moment.

* Every effort counts! Even if my target escaped immediate capture, it was still exposed to a lethal dose.

We're all in this together, folks. Keep stomping, keep spraying (with whatever you have available and feel comfortable using!), and let's try to keep these pesky invaders from taking over. What are your go-to lanternfly tactics? Share your wisdom in the comments below!

#SpottedLanternfly #InvasiveSpecies #Pennsylvania #PestControl #GardenWoes #EveryLittleBitHelps

Weight Loss

Totally get that “meh” feeling. You’re doing a lot right now, and even tiny fluctuations can feel frustrating when you’re trying to stay on track. But honestly? A 2-pound change is super normal—it could be water, stress, sleep, or even just the universe being dramatic. 😅

The fact that you’re showing up for school, making big life changes, and still keeping an eye on your goals? That’s impressive. You’re not off track—you’re just in the messy middle, which is where all the good stuff happens.

Want a funny little pep message or badge to celebrate your effort so far? Or maybe something to help you track progress in a way that feels less “ugh”?

Still going strong without the cigs

Absolutely—good job, Lauralee! 🎉

Quitting smoking is a huge accomplishment. It takes serious strength, commitment, and a whole lot of patience (especially when life is already throwing school, parenting, and everything else at you). You should be incredibly proud of yourself.

Even if things feel chaotic right now, you're making powerful moves toward a healthier, more focused version of you—and that’s something worth celebrating. 💪

If you ever want a little pep talk, a distraction, or just someone to remind you how awesome you're doing, I’m here for it. Want a funny little badge or graphic to mark the occasion?

Jokes

Oh yes—let’s lean into the comedy of blowing off responsibilities. 😄 Here are a few light-hearted jokes and one-liners for when you're just not feeling it:

😅 Jokes About Dodging Responsibilities

“I was going to be productive today… but then my blanket said, ‘Stay. We have cookies.’”
“I didn’t forget my responsibilities. I just put them in airplane mode.”
“I opened my planner, saw all the tasks, and immediately closed it like I was defusing a bomb.”
“I’m not procrastinating—I’m just giving my responsibilities time to think about what they’ve done.”
“I tried to multitask today. I successfully ignored three responsibilities at once.”
“My to-do list and I are in a toxic relationship. It keeps adding things, and I keep ghosting it.”
“I was going to start my assignment, but then I remembered I’m more of a ‘vibe curator’ than a ‘deadline respecter.’”
“Responsibilities are like laundry. Ignore them long enough and they start multiplying.”

Want me to turn these into a meme-style post or add more that are school-specific? Or maybe some cat-themed ones? 😸

Stress Relief Techniques

Definitely! Here are some stress relief techniques that can help you feel more grounded and calm—especially when juggling school, parenting, and life in general:

🧘‍♀️ Quick & Effective Stress Relief Techniques

1. Box Breathing (4-4-4-4)

Inhale for 4 seconds
Hold for 4 seconds
Exhale for 4 seconds
Hold for 4 seconds
Repeat for a few minutes. It’s simple, but it works wonders for calming your nervous system.

2. The “5-4-3-2-1” Grounding Technique

Great for when your thoughts are racing:

5 things you can see
4 things you can touch
3 things you can hear
2 things you can smell
1 thing you can taste
It brings you back to the present moment.

3. Mini Dance Break

Put on a song you love and move around—even if it’s just a goofy wiggle in the kitchen. It releases tension and boosts your mood fast.

4. Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Tense and release each muscle group starting from your toes up to your head. It helps release physical tension you didn’t even realize you were holding.

5. Journaling (Even Just a Few Lines)

Write down what’s stressing you out. Sometimes just getting it out of your head and onto paper makes it feel more manageable.

6. Cat Therapy 🐱

You already have a built-in stress reliever! Petting your cat, watching them nap, or even narrating their thoughts like a dramatic soap opera can be surprisingly soothing.

Would you like a printable version of these, or maybe a daily checklist to help you remember to take little breaks?

Conversation: "What was I thinking?"

can we just chat now? i just wanted to vent: idk what i was thinking trying to do a new job at the same time as a new semester.

Absolutely, Lauralee—vent away! That’s a lot to juggle. A new job and a new semester? That’s like trying to ride two rollercoasters at once while holding a cup of coffee and pretending everything’s fine.

It totally makes sense that it feels overwhelming. Starting classes already comes with its own mental load—assignments, deadlines, login portals that mysteriously forget your password every time—and adding a new job on top of that? That’s superhero-level multitasking.

Did you feel like you had to take on both, or was it more of a “let’s see what happens” kind of decision? And how are you feeling now—relieved, frustrated, still figuring it out?

I'm here to listen, no judgment, and we can talk through it as much as you need.

i guess i was thinking since the kids will be in school, maybe i'll have time for it. i recall sometimes while they're in school that i literally just sit at home like sooo bored, just me and the cat and my thoughts

That makes so much sense. You saw that open window of time while the kids are at school and thought, “Hey, maybe I can actually do something productive instead of just vibing with the cat and spiraling into existential thoughts.” Totally relatable.

It’s easy to forget how much mental energy school takes—even online. Add a new job into the mix, and suddenly your “free time” turns into “where did my day go and why am I eating cereal for dinner?”

Honestly, it sounds like your instincts were good—you wanted to make the most of your time. But now you’re seeing that space doesn’t always equal capacity. And that’s okay. You’re not lazy or unmotivated—you’re just human, and trying to do two new things at once is a lot.

Do you feel like you want to scale back the job stuff for now, or are you still kind of weighing it out?

Maybe I'll just focus on school first.

That sounds like a really wise move. Focusing on school first gives you space to settle into the rhythm of your classes, manage your workload, and just breathe a little. You’ve already got a lot on your plate—being a parent, a student, and a human with a cat and thoughts 😄—so giving yourself grace is huge.

Plus, once you get into the groove of the semester, you’ll have a better sense of what kind of job (if any) might fit into your schedule without making you feel like you’re juggling flaming swords.

Do you feel good about the classes you’re taking this semester? Or is there one that’s already giving you “uh-oh” vibes?

nope, classes seem great

That’s awesome to hear! If the classes seem great, that’s already a huge win. It means you’re starting the semester with good energy and interest—which makes a big difference in how everything feels.

Focusing on school first sounds like the right call. You’ll have time to get into a groove, and if you ever feel like you’ve got extra bandwidth later on, you can revisit the job idea without the pressure.

Also, your cat will probably appreciate the extra attention. 😸

Want to chat about what classes you’re taking or what you’re most excited (or nervous) about this semester?

Perhaps later...

Looking Forward to Monday/ Excited

Sure! Here's a short and upbeat post you can use to share your excitement:

Looking Forward to Monday! 🎓✨

Classes start Monday, and I’m officially kicking off my journey with Penn State Online! 📚

I’m excited (and maybe a little nervous) to dive into the semester, meet my professors, and start learning—all from the comfort of my favorite study spot. Here's to new goals, fresh notebooks, and hopefully remembering all my login passwords. 😅

Let’s do this, PSU! 💙🦁 #OnlineCollege #PennStateProud #BackToSchool

Would you like a version tailored for LinkedIn, Instagram, or a more professional tone?

correction: its not the official kick off. it's my 2nd semester after returning

Thanks for the update! Here's a revised short post with a humorous and upbeat tone, reflecting that it's your second semester back at Penn State Online:

Back at It Again! 🎓💻

Starting classes again on Monday for my second semester back at Penn State Online—and yes, I remembered my login this time (small victories!). 😅

I’m excited to keep the momentum going, learn new things, and hopefully not accidentally submit a meme instead of a paper. Here's to progress, persistence, and perfectly brewed coffee.

Let’s go, Nittany Lions! 💙🦁 #PennStateOnline #BackToSchool #SemesterTwoVibes

Want a version with a more professional tone or something tailored for a specific platform like Instagram or LinkedIn?

Funny Cancellation #2

Awesome! Here's a brand-new, humor-infused blog post based on your Instawork adventure:

Title: Stickers, Surveys, and Sweet Cancellation: My Instawork Saga

So I did a thing. I signed up for Instawork, the app that promises flexible gigs and a sprinkle of chaos. I was feeling bold, adventurous, and mildly caffeinated—perfect conditions for making questionable decisions.

After scrolling past jobs that required lifting things heavier than my emotional baggage, I found one that seemed manageable: applying security labels to products. I thought, “Stickers? I’ve got this. I’ve been slapping labels on things since I was five. My childhood notebooks were basically sticker museums.”

But then I read the instructions.

There was clocking in and out, doing a survey, probably a brief training, and maybe even a pop quiz on sticker alignment. Suddenly, this wasn’t just a sticker gig—it was a full-blown logistical operation. I started wondering if I’d need a degree in barcode psychology.

Still, I booked it. I was ready to embrace my destiny as a sticker technician.

And then… the shift got cancelled.

I should’ve been disappointed. I should’ve felt rejected. But instead? I felt like I’d just been rescued by the universe. Like someone up there said, “You know what, Lauralee? You’ve done enough. Go have a snack.”

So here I am, still sticker-free, still survey-less, and still very much relieved. Will I try Instawork again? Maybe. But next time, I’m looking for gigs that involve fewer steps and more snacks.

Want to add a funny title image or turn this into a carousel for Instagram or LinkedIn? I can help with that too!

Funny Cancellation

Absolutely! Here's a fresh, humorous take on your Instawork experience:

Title: My Brief (and Blessedly Cancelled) Foray into Instawork

So, I decided to try out Instawork—because why not add a little chaos to my calendar?

After scrolling through a sea of gigs, I landed on one that sounded deceptively simple: applying security labels to products. I thought, “Okay, stickers. I can do stickers. I’ve been training for this since kindergarten.”

But then I read the fine print.

There was clocking in and out, doing a survey, probably a brief orientation, and who knows—maybe a surprise quiz on sticker placement accuracy. Suddenly, this gig started sounding less like a chill side hustle and more like a corporate escape room.

Still, I booked it. I was committed. I was ready to label like my life depended on it.

And then… it got cancelled.

I should’ve been disappointed. I should’ve felt rejected. But instead? I felt like I’d just dodged a very well-organized bullet.

It was like the universe said, “You know what, Lauralee? You tried. That’s enough for today.”

So here I am, still unlabelled, still unclocked-in, and still very much relieved. Will I try Instawork again? Maybe. But next time, I’m checking for gigs that involve less logistics and more snacks.

Want me to turn this into a social media post too? Or add a funny image or meme to go with it?

The Cancellation

Absolutely! Here's a draft of a blog post that captures your experience with Instawork in a light, relatable tone:

Title: My First Instawork Booking… and the Unexpected Relief of a Cancellation

I recently decided to dip my toes into the gig economy and signed up for Instawork, a platform that connects people with flexible work opportunities. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I figured—why not give it a try?

After browsing a few listings, I finally booked a shift. It felt like a small victory. I was proud of myself for taking initiative, stepping out of my comfort zone, and trying something new. But as the date crept closer, I started feeling a mix of nerves and uncertainty. Was I ready? Would it be overwhelming? Did I even want to go?

Then, something unexpected happened: the shift got cancelled.

And to my surprise… I felt relieved.

Not disappointed. Not frustrated. Just a quiet sense of “okay, maybe that wasn’t the right fit after all.” It was a moment of clarity. Sometimes, trying something new doesn’t mean you have to follow through with it immediately. Sometimes, just exploring the option is enough to learn something about yourself.

I’m still open to giving Instawork another shot. But now I know that it’s okay to pause, reflect, and wait for the right opportunity to come along.

Would you like to add any personal details—like what kind of shift it was, or how you felt before and after booking it? I can tailor the tone to be more humorous, introspective, or professional depending on your audience.

I Organized Files

Nice work, Lauralee! 🎉 That must feel satisfying. How did you organize them—by project, date, category, or something else? And are these work files, personal files, or a mix of both?

If you’d like, I can help you:

Create a naming convention or folder structure.
Set up a backup or syncing system.
Automate file organization going forward.

Let me know what you'd like to do next!

Smh lol ? Shaking my head, laughing out loud... sigh...why did I ask Ai for spell ideas? Idk.

Here are some cool and creative spell ideas—fun, light-hearted, and perfect for dabbling without diving too deep:

🕯️ Everyday Vibe Spells

Good Vibes Jar
Fill a small jar with glitter, dried lavender, and a note that says something positive. Shake it when you need a mood boost.
Anti-Chaos Spell
Light a candle and say: “No chaos today, only chill. May my coffee be strong and my WiFi stable.” Works best with deep sighs and snacks.

🌕 Moon Magic Spells

New Moon Wish Spell
Write down a goal or wish on paper during a new moon. Fold it, sleep with it under your pillow, and revisit it on the next full moon.
Full Moon Release Ritual
Write down something you want to let go of. Burn it (safely!) under the full moon and say: “I release what no longer serves me.”

✨ Silly & Fun Spells

Lost Item Locator Spell
Chant: “Keys, phone, wallet—come back to me! I promise I’ll be more organized… maybe.” Then retrace your steps dramatically.
Frog Energy Summon
Place a frog figurine or image nearby and say: “Leap into joy, ribbit into peace. May my day be as chill as a frog on a lily pad.”

Want me to turn one of these into a printable spell card or a meme-style image? 🧙‍♀️📜👽

Frog Facts

Frogs are full of surprises! Here are some fun and quirky frog facts to brighten your day:

🐸 Frogs drink through their skin – They don’t need to sip water like we do. They absorb it through a patch on their belly called the “drinking patch.”
🎤 Some frogs can sing – Well, kind of. Male frogs croak to attract mates, and each species has its own unique call. It’s like frog Tinder, but louder.
❄️ Frozen but not dead – Wood frogs can survive being frozen solid in winter. Their hearts stop, they don’t breathe, and then they thaw out and hop away like nothing happened.
🦘 They can jump crazy far – Some frogs can leap over 20 times their body length. That’s like a human jumping over a school bus.
👀 Eyes that multitask – Frogs use their eyes to help swallow food. They retract them into their heads to push food down their throats. Wild, right?
🌈 They come in wild colors – Poison dart frogs are tiny and brightly colored to warn predators they’re toxic. Nature’s way of saying “do not eat me.”
🐸 They were astronauts – Frogs have been sent to space to study how they react to zero gravity. Because why not?

Want frog memes next? Or maybe frog-themed spell ideas for your moon witch side quest? 😄

Just want to reiterate...

yesterday i was checking out stuff that had to do with like spells and moon cycles etc, that kind of stuff, but i want to write something that says it was just a temporary little thing i was checking out, not something i'm super into or something like that

Got it! Here's a casual and respectful way you could phrase that:

"I was just briefly exploring things like spells and moon cycles out of curiosity. It’s not something I’m deeply into—just a temporary interest I was checking out."

Would you like it to sound more formal, humorous, or maybe fit into a specific context like a social media post or a message to someone?

Here’s a more humorous take you could use:

"Yesterday I fell down a rabbit hole of moon cycles and spell stuff. Don’t worry—I haven’t joined a coven or started brewing potions in my kitchen. Just a temporary curiosity, like Googling ‘how to talk to plants’ after watching a documentary."

Want it to sound even more playful or sarcastic? Or maybe tailored for a specific audience like friends or coworkers?

Here’s a version tailored for your friends with a light, playful tone:

"So yesterday I went on a mini adventure into moon phases and spell stuff. No worries—I’m not turning into a full-time witch or casting love spells on my coffee. Just a temporary curiosity moment. Like when you binge-watch conspiracy documentaries and suddenly think pigeons might be spies."

Want to add emojis or make it fit a text or group chat vibe even more?

Here’s a fun, emoji-filled version for your friends:

"So yesterday I went on a lil’ side quest into moon phases 🌕 and spell stuff ✨. No worries—I’m not joining a coven 🧙‍♀️ or hexing my ex 😅. Just a temporary curiosity moment, like when you Google ‘do plants have feelings?’ after watching one weird documentary 🌿📺."

Want to tweak it for a group chat or make it even more chaotic-funny?

Here’s a chaotic-funny version for your friends that leans into the drama just enough:

"Okay so yesterday I accidentally became a moon witch for like 3 hours 🌕🔮. I was Googling spells, moon cycles, and probably summoned a vibe shift. Don’t panic—I haven’t started charging crystals or hexing my WiFi (yet). It was just a temporary curiosity spiral, like when you deep dive into frog memes at 2am 🐸✨."

Want to add a specific inside joke or reference your friend group would love?

2 Peter 1:3

“according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:”

‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1/2pe.1.3.KJV

Jesus

“Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; and, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭15‬-‭20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1/col.1.15-20.KJV

❤️

“who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1/col.1.8.KJV

Colossians 1:4-6

“since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, for the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1/col.1.4-6.KJV

Colossians 1:3

“We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1/col.1.3.KJV

The Greatest Commandment

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭22‬:‭37‬-‭39‬ ‭KJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.22.37-39.KJV

Romans 15:13

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1/rom.15.13.KJV

Psalm 130:5

“I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, And in his word do I hope.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭130‬:‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.130.5.KJV

The Beauty of Small Rituals in Everyday Life

Got it 👍🏼 I’ll spin up a blog-style post for you. Since you left it wide open, I’ll go with something universal but engaging: “The Beauty of Small Rituals in Everyday Life.”

In a world that feels like it’s always racing forward—buzzing phones, deadlines, endless notifications—it’s easy to feel like life is a blur. But sometimes the most grounding, meaningful parts of our day are the little rituals we return to again and again. These aren’t grand ceremonies or extravagant gestures. They’re the quiet habits that give us comfort, structure, and a sense of presence.

Think about your morning coffee. For some, it’s not just a caffeine fix—it’s a moment of peace before the day begins. The smell of freshly ground beans, the warmth of the mug in your hands, the familiar first sip. That small act tells your brain: we’re starting fresh.

Or maybe it’s the evening walk around the block, when the air cools and the world slows down a notch. A chance to step away from screens, stretch your legs, and let your thoughts untangle.

Small rituals remind us that not everything has to be done in a hurry. They can become anchors in our routines, especially when life feels unpredictable. Whether it’s journaling before bed, lighting a candle while you read, or even watering your plants every Sunday morning, these repeated actions build a rhythm that can make the everyday feel sacred.

The beauty is, rituals don’t need to be complicated to be powerful. They’re personal. They’re yours. And they remind us that joy doesn’t just come from the big milestones—it’s woven into the texture of daily life, hidden in habits we choose to make meaningful.

So here’s the question worth asking: what small ritual could you add—or honor more—in your own life? Maybe it’s already there, waiting for you to notice.

Would you like me to make this more casual and cozy (like a lifestyle blog), or more polished and professional (like for LinkedIn or a publication)?

I did dishes ✔️

Awesome! It's great to get chores done. I hope you're having a good day.

Need to write a disclaimer: I’m not that into Wicca

If you need a simple disclaimer about your interest in Wicca, you could say something like this:

"I am not an expert in Wicca and do not claim to practice it. My interest is purely for educational purposes and personal exploration."

This clearly states that you are not a dedicated practitioner and that your engagement is casual. It's a good way to set boundaries and manage expectations for anyone who might come across your work or a project related to the topic.

Can’t think of anything to blog about

Finding the perfect topic to blog about can be tough sometimes, especially when you feel like you've already covered everything. Since you enjoy blogging on platforms like Blogger and WordPress, maybe thinking about your personal interests and experiences can help spark some ideas.

Here are a few ideas based on what you've shared that you could turn into a blog post:

* Your Journey as a Student: You could write about what it's like to be a mom of three and a student at Penn State World Campus. You could share tips on balancing schoolwork with family life, or even review the different digital multimedia design tools you're learning about.

* Your Poshmark Closet: With your experience as a Posh Ambassador II, you could write a post with tips for new sellers, sharing how you've maintained your 4.9-star rating and quick shipping average. You could even do a post showcasing some of your favorite recent listings.

* Faith: You could explore the intersection of your Christian faith and your interest in Wicca. This could be a very personal and reflective post about your spiritual journey, how you navigate both, or what you've learned from exploring different belief systems.

* Creative Outlets: As someone who enjoys painting and drawing, you could share your artwork, talk about your creative process, or even write a tutorial on a specific technique you use. You could also discuss how you find time for creative hobbies while being a busy mom and student.

* Weight Loss and Wellness: You could share your experience with intermittent fasting and walking on your walking pad. Blogging about your journey to lose weight could be inspiring for others and a great way to document your progress and what you've learned.

Maybe one of these ideas feels right, or it could lead you to a completely different topic. Sometimes just writing a few sentences can get the ideas flowing.

Happy Birthday to my Dad 👨🏽

60’s is pretty awesome 👏

So it’s Saturday. Monday is the first day back to school

Sounds like you have a busy weekend ahead, getting everyone ready for the first day of school on Monday. With your kids being 14, 9, and 7, there's probably a lot to do, from finding backpacks to getting school supplies ready. I hope you all have a great first day!