9 Things I Learned in September

It's that time again. The post where I share what I've learned this month. It's not an exhaustive list, nor will it change your life. But it's a fun post to write and I'm thankful that Emily over at Chatting at the Sky offers this link-up opportunity at the end of each month. Want to know more of what I'm talking about? Go here.

In no particular order, here are 9 things I've learned in September. 

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1. Hack-job furniture "refinishing" will come back to bite you. Or, in this case, wreck up all your magazines, paper napkins, and homework assignments.  

We've had a lovely oak pedestal table for 8 years, compliments of some friends who had too much furniture. 

It has served our family well. But a couple of years ago I noticed that the finish was rubbing off. Thinking I could solve the problem by brushing a couple of coats of Polycrylic across the top, I popped open a can of leftover glaze, brushed it on, and patted myself on the back. 

Somewhere along the way, however, my table's protective "sheen" turned downright sticky. At this point, it feels like my five year old lacquered the entire surface with a drippy Blow-Pop. Paper napkins stick to it. Math homework has been scraped off with a putty knife. Magazines at the table? Forget about it. 

My DIY-savvy friend looked at my kitchen table inspiration photos and then examined the table itself. So next week we're going to attempt this:

{via}

We're going to sand the finish clean off and apply Briwax. My hope is that we'll end up with a rustic, barn-wood sort of finish. The link above shows the process. {Have any of you tried this?}

I'm so excited! Until then, we're using cloth napkins and doing homework on the coffee table.


2. Oreos Double Stuff are amazing. 

I've always enjoyed the occasional Oreo but this week they became my love language. I know, my refined taste in sweets astounds even me. I bought a bag at the store Saturday. You know, as a special treat "for the kids." But they have instead found a hiding place in a non-descript bag at the top of the pantry and I've only shared 12 of them. Not that I'm counting or rationing in any way.


3. Two months since I went to She Speaks and I'm staying true to my two goals. Small victories, right? 

1. Write every day. 2. Post 3-ish times a week. Sometimes I get a bit impractical with goal-setting but I told myself that I needed to take baby steps as a writer and simply focus on content and consistency for now. I've learned that I really can do this.


4. Twelve is a very emotional age.

And that's all I'm going to say about that.


5. I'm really enjoying Bible Study Fellowship {BSF}. 

Two friends half-way across the country simultaneously convinced me to try BSF this year, despite my reservations that it might be too structured, too time-consuming, and too impractical. {The closest group is 45 minutes away.} These two friends don't even know each other so it was kind of a crazy "coincidence." I've gone three weeks now and it is such a rich part of my week. A friend and I ride together so it's fun girl time and my sister gets to meet us there. Double win. We're studying the book of Matthew this year and already I've learned so much and been strengthened in a way that only the Word strengthens. It's been a gift.


6. I'm hooked on Parenthood. 

I'm late to the party as usual. I picked Parenthood as my "laundry show" last month. Do you need incentives to fold laundry? TV is totally the only way I get laundry done. I'm mid-way through Season 2 and trying to get caught up. The season premiere was last night and I wouldn't let myself watch. I think I love it for the characters and the fact that the situations don't feel as ridiculous and contrived as much as TV dramas usually feel. Any other Parenthood fans out there?


7. September is a bit too much. 

Cute and soccer-loving but too much. {Yes, this is our youngest's very first sport. The baby is officially not a baby.} I confess that I am a margin junkie. But right now? We don't have as much margin as we'd like during the week. There's not really any way around it at the moment but things should slow down mid-October and I cannot wait. I am a complete and total slacker when it comes to being the run-around mom. I just can't do it. I really and truly cannot. It makes me mean. And hungry for sugar. {See above point about the Double Stuff.}


8. Wide headbands cover up a multitude of sins. 

This scarf / bandana thingy is my new accessory BFF. I haven't touched my hair with scissors or color since May. My roots are a mile long and the grays are threatening a coup. But the wide headband serves as both a cover-up and a distraction. One dollar at a local thrift store. Go get you one. 

9. We really do need honesty and freedom in our discourse about various school options. And we especially need to know that it's all grace. 

When I began the Being Cool About School series earlier this month, I had no idea what to expect. But you received it. You really did. Apparently a lot of us are looking for grace and freedom for ourselves and for others in our educational choices. My hope is that the series will continue to promote grace-filled dialogue and serve as a resource for others who need some ponderings and perspective on the issue of school. All 10 posts are over there in the right sidebar. Just click on the Being Cool About School button.

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There you have it. Nine things I learned in September. What did you learn this month? Feel free to share in the comments or link up with Emily. 

Have a great fall weekend, friends!