PFO Newsletter - 08.23.24

You’re hearing it first! I have two fun things to share with you…

But, before we jump in, I’d like to ask for your best advice…and for your prayers. 🤪 Here’s why: my 15-year-old started driving last week and I have to say, I do NOT like this phase of parenting. It’s absolutely terrifying to sit in the passenger seat next to your inexperienced teen driver. If you have any tips, please let all of us know on my post from earlier, as I have ZERO CHILL. 

Sidenote: you can get your learners permit at age 15 in South Carolina. And, when you’re 15 ½, you can drive all by yourself! (Bonkers, right?) 

K. Back to business. Two things to share with you. 

#1: Seems almost every conversation I’m having these days involves questions surrounding “ what the heck is happening to our bodies?!?!” I love the confidence I’ve found in my late 40’s, but I’ve noticed a TON of changes, many of those changes starting over a decade ago. So, because you asked for this conversation to happen, I’m doing an entire podcast series on PERIMENOPAUSE, MENOPAUSE and what is happening to our bodies. And, I somehow convinced my husband John to join the conversation, too! 😂

The series includes conversations with my friends about how we’ve been dismissed by doctors, plus I talk to Dr Mary Claire Haver, the “menopause doctor”, that so many of you told me about. I LOVE HER. She answers a ton of the questions you sent me. And, we’ll also be diving into the nutrition and exercise aspect with Dr Jen Ashton. Wait till you hear what John has to say about it all. (Below are a few photos from the conversations)

#2 The second thing I want to tell you is: I’ll be sending a special edition of this newsletter next THURSDAY (8/29), with all my takeaways on the college podcast series I’ve been doing this month. It’ll help get you started with the biggest questions from our community. I’ll also be sharing how you can win the COLLEGE BUNDLE –featuring books from our guests and experts during the college series. FIVE of you are getting copies of each of these books.

Plus, one of you will win Ron Lieber’s Merit Aid Course, which is worth $299 on its own. So, keep an eye out for this special edition newsletter…a guide and giveaway…from me, to you. I always want to serve you and do the hard work, so that you can reap the benefits and rewards of the conversations. 

So grateful for you!

Paula xo

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FARIS FAVORITES 🤎

1. 1440 NEWS!

Because we’re knee deep in political season… a reminder to check out my new fave news source, curated by HUMANS not ALGORITHMS. It’s called 1440 –there’s a link to find out more, above. ☝️ About their name: the printing press was invented around the year 1440 and there are 1440 minutes in each day.

2. Favorite New Follow!

Because things can feel so heavy in our world, sometimes we just need a laugh…one of my fave new follows on IG is about a dog named Koda.  This video about Koda and his cheese is hysterical. It’s also a great follow for families!

3. School Lunch Hacks!

Back to School is here for most of us…and those school lunches can be a lot to your already busy plate! One mom shared this advice and I don’t think I’ll ever go back! Laurie S. says: “I took the kids shopping for lunch snacks, fruit, drinks and put them in the pantry in labeled plastic bins (with their names on each). After dinner when my hubby and I were cleaning up dishes, checking folders, signing papers, the kids were packing their lunches from their selection in the pantry. Lunches go in the fridge, and they grab them in the morning. It has been a few years since I have packed lunches, but this is one thing you can take off of your plate and empower your kids to become a little more independent.” Brilliant, Laurie!

THE PAULA FARIS SHOW 🎙️

LETS TALK COLLEGE: The Emotions of Dropping Your Kid Off at College With Comedian Chip Leighton of The Leighton Show

Every year around this time, we see or hear about parents dropping their kids off at college. Not sure about you, but it DOES ME IN.  In this month-long series about college, I’m covering it from many angles, including  whether or not it’s worth it, where to start and if it’s right for your kid, plus answering all the questions you sent me.  This week, we’re getting a little levity with comedian Chip Leighton of The Leighton Show. If you haven’t seen his hilarious content about “funny texts from your teens and college freshman”, you’ve got to give him a follow.  Chip, a dad of two, joins John and I to talk about the process of applying to college and the emotions he did NOT expect when he dropped his son off at college.

LETS TALK COLLEGE: Taking a Gap Year and Why the Admissions Process Has Gone Mad, Featuring my daughter Caroline and Becky Sabky, Dartmouth’s former College Admission’s Director

It wouldn’t be a series on college if I didn’t invite my high schooler to the conversation, along with a former Ivy League Admissions Director.  Caroline and I are joined by Becky Sabky, who spent years as Dartmouth’s Director of Admissions and explains why she’s a fan of the gap year.  Becky shares her insider insights into the admissions process (and how it’s gone mad), plus answers your questions and Caroline’s. She’ll also outline helpful tips to help us on our journey of determining if college is right for our kids and how to find the right schools.  And wait until you hear about the most powerful letter of recommendation she ever received and the surprising person who wrote it. (It brought us to tears!)  This is a must listen for every parent …

Last week’s poll results!

I asked which series you’re most looking forward to and MENOPAUSE was hands-down the favorite, at 56%. Here are some of your thoughtful comments: 

➡️ I’m 45 and I need all of the info and advice I can get about menopause!

➡️ I voted for menopause but also love the series you have started on college! 

➡️ Some women (who had older parents) do not know just how much a woman becomes deficient once they are in menopause and how important it is to replenish that deficiency with daily exercise, even if it is just walking sometimes (but you need strength training too), some type of estrogen AND progesterone (they go together, if you didn't know that).

➡️ We need to talk more about this. Women helping Women is always a great thing. 

Join the Conversation!

If you’ve made it this far, I invite you to join (or start) the conversation in our comments section. What would you like to share? -Paula

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