Author Archives: Jaclynn Loibl

The 67-degree, too-cold bedroom led to drastic measures: a long-sleeve sweatshirt, stealing Dave’s Adidas socks (since I apparently have no socks of my own), and cranking up the space heater to high. Within fifteen minutes, it was up to 73 degrees, and I’m just now thawing, debating how much higher I should go. I missContinue reading “Cold as Ice”

With enough reasons, I can do anything. Case in point: it is my 43rd birthday, and when I woke up at 6 a.m., the thought of the day ahead sparked some motivation. A well-wish text from my dad—currently cruising to Norway—and a Facebook birthday post from my mom’s best friend, Laurie, added to the warmthContinue reading “Born to Run”

My favorite part is when the kefir grains ride the bubbles to the top like they’re surfing a wave. These little gelatinous globules, living happily on my kitchen counter, are beyond pleased with the lack of chlorination in the water and their quarter-cup sugar feast. Their satisfaction makes me beyond pleased too. I’ve doubled myContinue reading “Dancing in the Dark”

“Today was a good day,” I thought, trailing behind Dave in the dim light as he pulled a fully loaded Gorilla cart stacked high with freshly cut wood. My three-quarter-length, new-to-me Banana Republic pants—black and white striped and a sweet $4.99 find at Goodwill—swished with each step. Their thrifted glory felt extra satisfying. At theContinue reading “Do You Have to Let it Linger?”

When I found a homeschool group close to home, I reached out, eager to claim one of the last two spots for January. After learning about the classes and age ranges, I was reassured it wasn’t religious—aside from a short morning prayer. If you’ve dipped your toes into the homeschool world, you know finding aContinue reading “A Wrap On That”

The ding-dong at the front door came unexpectedly. We’re a lazy morning family—Dave was still snug in bed in his briefs, Evelyn glued to Octonauts, and I was wandering the kitchen for ingredients. A handlebar-mustached man stood at the door, chest turned toward the side of our house as he gestured. “Hi, are you interestedContinue reading “Knock on Wood”

While waiting for inspiration to strike, I was so focused on the keyboard that my vision did that trance-y blur thing. When it started feeling like I was high on some kind of creative drug, I lingered in the experience a little longer. What can I say? I’m a sucker for a natural high. GoodContinue reading “Manic But Manageable”

“Significant weather” is expected just an inch north of us. The small weather map on a website I checked also advertised a Jimmy Buffett tribute show. While $150 was never happening, even the actual $15 entry fee (I had to do a double take) wasn’t tempting enough for me to consider. I’ve declared a timeoutContinue reading “Wicked Cold Weather”

After a semi-deep dive into clues about Aubrey Plaza’s husband’s suicide—and coming up with nothing—I zombie-walked across the room. Zombie-walking, for the uninitiated, is a confident forward thrust with one leg while the other slides passively behind. My fear of pressing too hard on my still-asleep foot, risking a twist or break, kept me movingContinue reading “Weight a Minute”