This summer has been busy and wonderful all at the same time. Is it really almost over??

I enjoyed having a lighter routine, later start each morning and not having homework. Quite a change from when the kids were little and I hated summer!

Here are some of the new things I’ve been spending time on this summer:

Udemy

Udemy is a website with tons of web courses on any topic you can think of. Through my company I have a free subscription and can take many (not all) of the courses for free.

I’ve scaled back on the time I spend browsing Instagram, YouTube and Facebook and instead watch these classes. I usually watch a class during my commute and at night while I’m getting ready for bed. I love that I can structure these classes around my busy schedule and don’t have to choose between work and family.

Most of the topics that have interested me are work-related on topics of finance, statistics, project management, advanced Excel and Access. While those classes may not sound interesting to you, it’s worth a look so see what you can find!  They have classes in every category you can image and you can use Ebates to save even more!

5 Mile Hikes

DH and his family love hiking. Me? Not so much. Growing up I’m pretty sure my family never went on a hike. But, since DH loves it, I’ve given it a try and I really like it too!

DH has taken our kids on a number of hikes, so they’re used to it and enjoy the experience too, so this was a great way for us to spend quality family time together.

So far, we’ve been on two 5-mile hikes this summer. The first one I went on was the hardest. My brother joined us for that one.

As we began, I warned my brother that the kids would be complaining the whole time, but thanked him for coming. 10 minutes into the hike he snapped at me, “Shaindy! You’re the only one complaining!” and he was right.

The first 30 minutes were the hardest. After about 10 minutes I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to continue- that’s how out of shape I am. But I persevered and I’m here to tell you about it!

I mean, really- look at these views!

Target School Supplies – Online

The last thing I want to tell you about is how I went shopping for school supplies. I love shopping for school supplies and was going to spend a day at Target, but ended up placing my order online.

Best decision ever. I got great prices, got exactly what I needed and in the colors I wanted.

My order did come in 5 different boxes (one which only had a notebook in it), but that was Target’s choice and wasn’t a big deal for me.

What new things have you done this summer?

Until next time,
Shaindy