IT’S TIME! The Crazy Pumpkin Lady has returned! Just in time to join Coco and Deborah for their Ultimate Coffee Date! I even made myself a Fancy Drink. In my mug is black tea, this creamer-
… AND…
This is not something I would normally put in my tea, but I saw it at Whole Foods and impulsively added it to my cart. I’m guessing it’s not a wildly popular product, because it was on clearance for $2. The sugar content was listed as >1 gram for two tablespoons. Did I use two tablespoons? Well… let’s just say I had >2 grams of sugar in this yummy drink.
Anyway! If we were drinking our fancy pumpkin drinks together, I would share that it’s been a rough week. In yesterday’s post, I talked (at length) about the fact that my big race in March has been canceled. That is a huge disappointment, and I’m still trying to figure out what I’m going to do instead.
That same night, my daughter had an enormous “friend debacle,” and to make a long story short, ended up in a fight with both her best friend and her boyfriend. Don’t worry! Everything is resolved now, but Monday night was rough, and Tuesday she refused to go to school.
My mood was dark on Tuesday when I headed out for my trail run. You know what wasn’t dark? The sky. The sun blazed down on me relentlessly, and I struggled as usual with the heat and humidity. How many more months of this? Why am I even doing this when I don’t have a race to train for? Can I move to another state and start a new life???
But you know what? I am THE CRAZY PUMPKIN LADY, and crazy pumpkin ladies don’t give up. The house has been decorated for fall and I’m perusing UltraSignup daily to find a new race.
My daughter has also rallied. She made up with her besties, cleaned out her closet, and- in a bold move- ignoring all pleas from her loved ones- decided to give herself a haircut. When she was done, we all had to admit that it actually looks cute!
Yep, it’s been a rocky week in the Crazy Pumpkin House… but we made it through.
What would you tell me over coffee? Do you like pumpkin flavored drinks?
Have you ever given yourself a haircut? – Yes I have, ha.
45 Responses
Glad to hear that it has turned after all. we all have those weeks and good to be reminded that it always turned around.
we had a busy week and somehow we survived to Friday, will write about it shortly.
Yes, it’s true- it always works out in the end. That’s what I kept telling myself!
Oh Jenny. Parenting a teen girl is a ROLLERCOASTER. Also, it’s hard being a teen girl, eh?? Gah. Social dynamics can be the literal worst. Sigh.
I think the only thing we can do is be there to help pick up the pieces and nod along as they work things out themselves. I’ve found that a lot with my daughter lately. She doesn’t want my advice and giving it seems to backfire. So I just make sure she doesn’t do anything dangerous, but beyond that mostly let her take the lead and then offer support (and act surprised when something happens I KNEW would happen).
Hooray for small joys like All Things Pumpkin, including in your mug.
Hugs my friend.
Thank you Elisabeth! Yes, “nodding along” is the way to go. I’ve discovered that Angie WILL usually talk to me, but it has to be when she’s ready, which can be very frustrating while I’m waiting (and wondering if she’s okay). It’s a rollercoaster for sure.
Wow, that was a rough week. Glad your daughter was able to resolve things with her friends and that she’s not regretting her haircut!
I don’t mind a PSL but I don’t crazy for all the pumpkin spice things.
No regrets- she’s loving her haircut. Her long hair was really frustrating her- it would get SO FRIZZY in this humidity. I keep telling her she’s lucky to have so much hair but she doesn’t like my opinions, ha.
I’m glad things turned around for you and that it’s finally pumpkin time! That would definitely cheer me up too.
My week was also rough in different ways, mostly just with a lot of demands at work and outside of it and that’s just exhausting. And way too much overstimulation for this introvert! I’m excited for a three day weekend though!
Oh, I hear you. Just going to work is overstimulating for me- I’m looking forward to hibernating in my house tomorrow.
Oh wow, sounds like a rough week for sure. Glad your daughter was able to resolve the issues. So sorry about the race cancellation. That is definitely disappointing. I hope you find something else to train for soon. I’ve been looking for the pumpkin creamer at Whole Foods but nothing yet. Hopefully this weekend! I really want the Mrs. Meyers Sugar Pumpkin counter spray but I haven’t found that yet either.
Mrs. Meyers stuff seems to come out kind of late- of course, it’s not even Labor Day yet so I’m sure they would say they’re right on time. And- I got my creamer at Sprouts. They seem to be very early with their fall products!
Oof what a week. My olderst daughter is 8 and I already feel like it’s a ride, I am not looking forward to the teen years! Sorry to hear about your race – what a bummer! Your tea drink sounds delicious!
Oh yes, just wait… it’s going to be an adventure! But don’t worry- there are lots of fun things about the teen years as well. I just don’t write about them as much, ha.
Her hair is SO CUTE, and I saw that oat cream at Whoel Foods yesterday and tought of you– delighted to find that you actually bought it 🙂
Thanks Sarah! I like that people are thinking of me when they see weird products at Whole Foods : )
Glad everything has worked out! Well, except for which race for you to run in the spring… I hope you find something you’ll be equally as excited about!
To answer your questions: 1. I’m not a fan of any pumpkin flavored things except breads or muffins, but I do love and appreciate everyone’s excitement over pumpkins and pumpkin flavored everything! 2. Years ago I used to trim my feathery bangs between hair appointments. Since they weren’t laying straight across my forehead I could get away with it (my hair stylist could tell, though! LOL).
Have a great weekend, Jenny!
Thanks Deb! Funny story- I’ve been giving my own hair a trim, but before the wedding I went to have ti cut by a professional. She did seem a little puzzled about what had been happening back there, lol.
Oh jeez, Jenny, that does sound like a rough week! The race cancellation is SO disappointing. I hope you find something wonderful to take its place. (Are there any ultras near where your son lives?? Maybe you could get in a visit at the same time???) Your daughter’s hair does look cute. I am always impressed by her color, but now I’m doubly impressed that she cut it herself! During the pandemic, I went as far as buying myself hair scissors and watching a lot of videos about how to cut my own hair; I never actually went through with it.
I am not a huge fan of pumpkin, although I do LOVE pumpkin bread. It’s been rainy around here lately, which puts me in a baking mood. I wonder if it’s a good time to make a loaf or two???
YES IT IS. Make two loaves of pumpkin bread for Labor Day weekend!
Oh goodness, so sorry about the cancelled race, Jenny!!
But somehow I’m not worried because in know you will come up with a good solution in due time. Crazy Pumpkin Ladies don’t give up!!
And I agree, the haircut looks great! 👌🏻
Thanks Catrina. Yes, I’ll come up with SOMETHING. Sigh…
Sorry about the rough start to the week but glad things settled down. Such a bummer about your race – I hope you can find a replacement soon!
Thanks Michelle! Everything will work out eventually.
Well, I have been trimming/cutting my bangs since college (during the phases when I actually had bangs, that is). I have zero anxiety in doing so, but that’s where it stops, LOL.
Your hair always looks good to me, so you’ve obviously gotten good at it!
Good grief, what a rough week. I’m sorry, Jenny! Friend drama is so hard. But wow, I am IMPRESSED that your daughter cut her hair – and you know what, it looks great. I’d never have the nerve. My hand eye coordination is terrible and I’d probably end up looking like Deenie after she loses it over her Milwaukee brace. I hope you get that reference! I like the colour she’s into now as well.
I am not a pumpkin flavoured anything fan, but I am here to support your habits!
I’m laughing so hard… oh yes I get the Deenie reference! That was not a good look.
Lol, I have given myself a haircut and it did NOT look cute. So bravo to A for rocking it!
Ugh when it’s a week of darkness and even the sun manages to be dark by relentlessly shining on you during your run. Not fair.
Let’s see…pumpkin drinks means that pumpkin cold brew should be back at SBUX. I must get my hands on one ASAP. I like pumpkin in moderation, so usually one cold brew, one pumpkin beer, and one pumpkin pasta dish is my normal seasonal consumption.
Oh yes, the pumpkin drinks are at Starbucks! You can get your cold brew. I’m impressed that you only get one per season.
Well it does sound like it was a rocky week over there! Wow pumpkin time already huh?! I like actual pumpkin and squash but not so much the fake flavors. Do enjoy yours!! Happy almost fall
Thanks Deborah! Oh yes it’s pumpkin time! At least, according to Starbucks.
Wow, well done Angie! I have never cut my hair and never will. It is beyond me. I had to give Paul a haircut during the pandemic and it DID NOT GO WELL! Turns out cutting blond hair is extra hard because every snip shows. But he was so shaggy and badly needed a trim. I will never do that again and hope it’s never necessary!
My week was good since we were kid free! It was so nice to be in a quiet house for a change. Phil and I are both kind of sensitive to noise so a break from the high volume of our children (well really just one child who is SO LOUD) was so nice. I got to my parents yesterday and the boys were waiting on the front porch for me and ran to greet me which was very cute! I did miss them!
It sounds like a perfect break, and then a perfect reunion. And… when Paul was really little I used to cut his hair. It also did not go well. I mean, he didn’t care, but there were a couple years where he looked super dorky. Ha… he’s pretty picky about who cuts his hair now.
I love your daughter’s hair. I am so timid about doing anything with my hair (it has been a disaster when I’ve tried) that I have nothing but admiration for those who do.
Listen, it’s soupy and uncomfortable here in NEO, so don’t indulge your Different State Envy too much. Even with cloudy skies, it’s tough to breathe around here.
I know- it’s hot everywhere. My family members in Chicago have been complaining bitterly. And soon it will be cold up there, and I don’t like that either. Maybe I should just stay where I am.
I think the curly hair is much more forgiving than straight. I once had a hairdresser tell me he didn’t like cutting my hair, because every little cut showed so starkly. (Like Lisa’s comment, my hair is blonde, so it showed more perhaps than it would have if it were dark. But really I think it’s the straight thing.) This was the late 80s, and it was VERY short. We went through a period where my husband would shave part of it for me (I mean, he wasn’t my husband then, but he is now) I see pictures and I shudder. Anyway, Angie’s hair is adorable and I’m glad she has that confidence and skill. Friendship drama is the worst, and I’m glad they made up.
I’m a hard no on the pumpkin spice thing. To be fair I’ve only tried one (PSL from SB), but no thank you. I do love pumpkin muffins and pumpkin pie and pumpkin bread, though, so there’s definitely a place for these spices! I just feel like it belongs with pumpkin. 😉 I considered putting out some decorations yesterday and decided October is when that will happen.
I totally agree- it would be way harder to cut straight hair. And I never even thought about the blond thing! I’ve asked my daughter to give my hair a trim, and she always says “I don’t know how to cut straight hair.”
GO CRAZY PUMPKIN LADY! I LOVE IT!
Uggggh! I’m sorry your daughter was going through it. And I love that she expresses herself through her hair like that! It grows back, but it does look cute! Super glad that it’s all resolved.
I hope this week is better. We both need a win!
Yes, it sounds like we both had kid drama this week. It’s hard, isn’t it???
I’m glad your daughter solved the situation with her friend(s?). That sounds so hard and frustrating! She’s very brave to cut her own hair – it looks great!
Over coffee I’d tell you that my husband just finished his first ultra and he did great!! I’m so proud of him that I’m about to burst!
No pumpkin stuff for me but I do enjoy some autumn things. And I’m happy to see the attitude that pumpkin ladies don’t give up. I hope you find a race that suits you.
Thank you Susanne! And a huge congrats to your husband- that is awesome!
Okay, I’m thinking your daughter should be a hairstylist if she can cut her own hair and it looks that good! But she might not want to deal with people all day, haha. I understand that!
I am very much enjoy my PSLs and pumpkin creamer for my morning coffee. I’m all in with pumpkin!
Ooo, I never would’ve thought of using that in tea but it does sound really good! Sorry to hear that your race got cancelled. :[ I’m glad things are going better/resolved now for your daughter!
I’ve done minor trims on my own but never anything drastic. Her haircut looks great! (I would never trust myself to be able to do one that well, lol.)
Uff, fighting with your best friend AND your boyfriend at the same time? That’s rough… I hope these two incidents were separate and not a triangle situation? I am glad things are resolved and yes, sometimes we need a new hair cut (or color) to make ourselves feel better 🙂 I love her curls.
I am not a big pumpkin spice fan, but I am glad you’re living the life right now 🙂
My blog feed is messed up. It’s not updating. I just started bopping around, realizing that there’s no way these bloggers haven’t posted anything. Gah.
The haircut is cute, and I’m glad the situation with Angie’s besties has been sorted out. I don’t drink pumpkin flavored things. If we were having coffee, I’d talk to you about my husband’s upcoming colonoscopy – just how his reschedule forced my dermatology appointment to be rescheduled, etc. I’d probably wonder about what shoes I’d wear to this black tie optional wedding in a few weeks.
The part about waiting until your daughter was ready to talk feels important. When someone is already dealing with friend and relationship drama, being available without forcing the conversation can be harder than immediately trying to fix it. I’m glad she worked things out — and the haircut really does sound like a confident reset after a rough week.