Valeria Out Loud

Hello WordPress!

Hope you guys are having a wonderful day and that the Spring weather is making an appearance for you today.

It’s Tuesday, so that means I am here to update you on my life. I’m actually working right now, but I can’t seem to concentrate.. because ..vacation is coming up and I really don’t feel like focusing on anything else. Stupid work…always in the way of my good times. 😂 jkjk

Well let’s get into it!

New Screen

My husband’s plan with the girls’ car was to install an Apple CarPlay enabled screen -replacing the entertainment system. He has always been a handy guy, and he’s particularly tech-savvy. So he researched and found the right screen that was compatible with their car and had all the features he was looking for, including a large display, easy-to-use interface, and built-in GPS.

My husband had to carefully wire the new screen into the car’s electrical system, ensuring that all the connections were correct and secure. He also had to integrate the screen with the car’s existing audio system, which required additional wiring and setup. Overall the installation process was easier than he had expected- he also input an usb-c port in the dash for charging her mobile.

Once everything was installed, my husband helped our daughter connect her iPhone to the screen and set up Apple CarPlay. Now she can use Siri voice commands to make phone calls, send and receive messages, and get directions hands-free. And since the screen is larger than her phone, she can now easily see everything she needs without taking her eyes off the road.

Easter 2023

On this Easter Sunday, the girls woke up to find their Easter baskets filled with their favorite chocolates, and the much asked for makeup, body wash, and face masks. Ahh to be a teenager.

As they excitedly dug through their baskets, it hit me how quickly they are growing up. It feels like just yesterday they were eagerly hunting for Easter eggs in the yard and blowing bubbles the got from the bunny. It’s bittersweet to see them growing up so fast, but moments like these make me appreciate the memories we’re making together even more.

After enjoying our Easter morning at home, we headed to church and then made our way to Legal Seafood in Boston, on Long Wharf, for a delicious Easter dinner with my family. We shared stories, laughter, and a delicious meal while enjoying each other’s company. Soon after, we headed to enjoy dessert with my husband’s family, capping off a beautiful day with good cheesecake and prosecco. 😂

Monday Pottery Class

Man, do I look forward to Monday night’s pottery class!

Last night… Our instructor brought up that class survey that I mentioned last week. She talked about the benefits of a survey like that and then spoke of one of the specific items that I had suggested. She told me how my advice was really helpful for her to look at the class and its function- the continuous learning. This is why she started this session with taking the reigns of the class in a more intentional manner. She brought us to the new space and showed us her new teaching tool. If you can see in the picture, she got a new throwing wheel so that she can teach more visually. Facing students, in a more open space. It was great. We all could see her.

Last week we made a plate and this week she asked us to make two bowls. She wants us to have a few things in our hands for the glazing techniques ahead. But I was having an off night last night, and neither of the two bowls I made came out right. They were wonky, uneven, one even broke on the wheel..all so far from what I had envisioned.

At first, I was disappointed. I had put in the time and effort, literally one bowl was forty minutes of work, only to have my creations fall short of my expectations. But then I reminded myself that making mistakes is all part of the learning process. So instead of getting down on myself, I decided to embrace the imperfections and learn from them. I took note of what went wrong and what I could do differently next time. Because next class I will be remaking a bowl!!

Despite my disappointing bowls, as it turns out, my night wasn’t a complete bust. I did make two pieces and still was able to finish under glazing my chip and dip bowl, the project I have been working on for a while. I carefully set it on the kiln line, feeling proud.

As I left the studio with the girls, I couldn’t help but feeling grateful for the experience. It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of perfection, but sometimes it’s the imperfections that make something truly beautiful. 😊 Or, at least, that is what I convince myself of.

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Ok well, work is calling me. Literally.

Hope you enjoyed reading along, guys. As always, I appreciate you for visiting my blog and taking the time to read about my experiences! That support is immense.

till next time xo