What's Up Wednesday, March 2025 Edition

 

Welcome Spring!! While March has flown by, I can't complain because it brings us that much closer to the day when I can get out in the garden and start planting!

What I've Been Eating

This may come as a shock, but I laid off the bread products this month. My waistline thanks me for it.

In the meantime, I had a fantastic spaghetti Bolognese at a local restaurant; I'm counting that as my favorite meal of the month. 

What I'm Loving

The weather has taken a turn for the warmer and I have been loving the sunshine and good vibes.

What I'm Reminiscing About

The other night, I had a very vivid dream about The Girls. That prompted a long text conversation in our group chat, which resulted in us booking this year's Girls Weekend. Now, I'm reminiscing about the other trips we've taken together and about all of the years that we've spent as friends. These ladies are my lifeline.

What I've Been Up To

I attended a baby shower for Second Son Mikey and his wife. I got to catch up with Mikey's mom, as well as with the family of one of the other members of what we used to call The Fearsome Foursome. The boys were missing one member of the group at the shower, but it's awesome that the boys are all still friends, who get together whenever they have the chance.

Mom and I attended the latest play at the community theater. That's always a good time.

What I'm Working On

At Not So New Job, I'm working on a new hire, this summer's golf tournament, and the application for our reaccreditation with our national chapter. I'm busy, but hanging in there.

What I'm Dreading

I'm sort of dreading not finding a new hire that will be nearly as good as my current employee, who is leaving us for a part-time job that will allow her more time with her five-year-old twins.

What I'm Excited About

I'm really excited about the Girl's Weekend I mentioned earlier. I'm also excited for garden season! 

What I'm Watching

Mom and I saw You Can't Take It With You at the community theater. It was a great production, as always.

I watched the latest season of School Spirits and now I'm anxiously awaiting the next season.

I binged The Artful Dodger and loved it.

What I'm Reading

Y'all, I'm actually reading this month! Like, really, really reading! I burned through all three Fourth Wing books and am now fully immersed in the Throne of Glass series. It feels good to be in a headspace where I can get lost in fiction again; it's been too long.

What I'm Listening To

I'm listening to the news, and have just heard that we will hit eight degrees today. That's unheard of for late March, but I'll enjoy it while I can. It's Colorado; it'll be snowing by the weekend, no doubt.

What I'm Wearing

Nothing of interest. I have come to loathe my wardrobe and am considering a complete overhaul and replacement. My wallet is cowering in fear.

What I'm Doing This Weekend

I have no major plans. I may get busy on the closet cleanout that I just mentioned. Or, if it doesn't happen to be snowing, maybe I will start cleaning out my flowerbeds. Could go either way.

What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month

I'm excited for Easter; I always enjoy the time spent with family.

I don't have a favorite purchase for this month, so I'll end this here. 

Friday Favorites, Mid-March Edition

Because who am I kidding? A weekly post is clearly beyond my capacity, so it will be hit-or-miss on Fridays going forward. I'd be disappointed in myself, but who has time for that negativity?

One: Do you remember last May, when Mom and I attended the first White Barn Sale, and I purchased this amazing antique mirror?

Well, Hugh finally got around to hanging it for me!

I would have hung it myself, but she is heavy, and I didn't trust myself to get her anchored into the studs well enough to hold her weight.

I love how she looks hanging in our foyer, and I am now on the hunt for a pair of antique wall sconces to flank her on each side.

The thrill of the hunt is always a favorite.

Shanti and the Man-Cub recently flew to North Carolina, where they did some research on areas that they might want to relocate to. The thought of them being almost an entire continent away is not a favorite, but they are adults and I support whatever decision they make. 

In the meantime, I was on Princess Leia duty, and while she is often very standoffish, this time, she was quite affectionate.

Things at Not So New Job have been quite stressful lately, and I find myself seeking escape in literature. I burned through the first three books in the Fourth Wing series in under a week and am now devastated that I will have to wait two years for the fourth book.

Lastly, the orchid that Shanti and the Man-Cub gave me for Mother's Day a few years ago is at the height of its bloom cycle, and I continue to be amazed at both its beauty and the fact that I have kept it alive with virtually no care, at all.

Are We On a Break?

Oh, Blog, what's going on with us? You've been so quiet, and I've been distracted. We aren't connecting like we used to. Are we okay? Will we ever get back to our normal rhythm?

Le sigh.

This may be our new normal; after all, my life has grown stale, so why would that not be reflected in this space? It's not you, Blog, it's me. I'm the problem. It's me.

I'll soldier on, though. We've come too far together for me to abandon you now, although, it must feel like that sometimes. But, hey! If you can tolerate mediocrity, we'll be just fine.

So, what have I been up to while I've been away? Well, Mom, Kristi, and I joined thirteen other friends for Bunco last week. The theme was St. Paddy's day, so I had one of my coworkers whip up a cute sticker for my water bottle.

I should have a t-shirt made; that's how much I like it.

The signature drink this night was a lime and coconut margarita, which while tasty, didn't exactly scream St Paddy's to me. Don't let the rainbow fool you.

Of course, Kristi was in heaven; Bunco and small dogs? Sign her up!

And Mom was a good sport, as always. She and I have signed up for our hosting months (June for me and August for her) and are working on our themes. Next month's theme is Rolling With My Peeps, which is such a cute nod to Easter! 

I don't have much else to report, dear Blog. I promise to be better about visiting. We may not be as close as we once were, but I'll never quit you.

A Berry Sweet Shower

The Man-Cub and I just returned from the baby shower for Mikey and his new wife. Shanti had to work, so she couldn't join us, but she sent her well wishes and the gift that she and the Cub had picked out for the baby. 

Three out of the Fearsome Foursome were together again (Tones was unable to make it), and it was such a joy to see these boys (men, now) back together again.

It was also nice to spend time with Miss Shelly and Trace's mom, Kathy. Kathy was delighted to hear that Tonia and I have a Bunco group and would like her to join.

Miss Shelly is not interested in Bunco, but is definitely interested in spending time with her first granddaughter when she is born in April.

The theme of the shower revolved around strawberries...

...so you can bet your behind I went all in on strawberry-themed baby items.

The basket I put together held a strawberry-patterned bathrobe, a set of bath towels, including one with a hood made to look like a strawberry stem, washcloths, a travel set of bath products, a travel pacifier sanitizer, a strawberry-shaped teething ring, and the book Going on a Bear Hunt.

As we left the shower, the couple gifted us each with a tiny jar of strawberry jam, which was a sweet and thoughtful party favor.

It's hard to believe that Second Son Mikey is old enough to be a dad, but then I remind myself that Hugh and I were 25 and 26 when Queen B was born and it doesn't seem quite as unbelievable since Mikey will be 28 in October.

I guess the most unbelievable thing is just how quickly time goes by.

Friday Favorites, February Edition #2, Which Should #4, But I Suck

So much for my goal of posting 52 Friday Favorites posts this year.

On the bright side, I'm here today, so, without further adieu, I bring you favorite number one:

I went to Marshalls today and found my favorite Martha Stewart faux tulips in a brand new color, which, brings me to favorite number two:

The text conversation I had with Queen B, who was also shopping today; and who found the same tulips a mere eight hundred and ninety-five miles away.

Favorite number three is somewhat related to favorites number one and two:

The large car tumbler that Queen B brought me from Texas when she visited last weekend. Which is related to the first two favorites by virtue of being the larger twin to the smaller tumbler that I purchased myself several weeks ago.

Favorite number four, and perhaps the most favorite of all the favorites, is how much my daughter and her mother think alike.

And, finally today, is favorite number five, which has absolutely nothing to do with my daughter.

I bought this sourdough starter warmer/fridge to keep Doughlores, my sourdough starter, at the optimal temperature. I had an issue with my house being too cold for her, and this appliance solved that issue. It will also come in handy during the summer, when my house is too warm for Doughlores. She's a picky bitch, and we want to keep her happy.

This favorite thing has nothing to do with Queen B because she doesn't even like sourdough.

And that wraps up Friday Favorites for February.

Let's all hope I can pull it together better in March.

What's Up Wednesday, February 2025 Edition

 

I am riding the struggle bus when it comes to posting, as evidenced by the abysmal number of entries this month. I have lots of excuses, and none are terribly interesting or important, so I won't bore you with them; I'll just consider this post a win because, Lord, did I have to psyche myself up just to write it. 

What I'm Eating

I'm still hanging with the sourdough folks, which is shocking when you consider how quickly I lose interest in just about every new hobby I start.

Anyhoodle, in addition to some really pretty and tasty loaves, I've also been experimenting with discard recipes. So far, my favorites are crackers, specifically homemade goldfish, and crackers with everything seasoning. I'm also loving my bagel recipe.

What I'm Reminiscing About

Earlier this month, I celebrated my five-year anniversary at Not So New Job (which is really not so new anymore). I celebrated the fact that I made it through the first month, let alone the last five years. This job has challenged me in so many ways, and it really is a testament to my fortitude that I have made it this far.

Last week, the new District Attorney came by to observe an interview; she replaced our previous DA, who stepped down before his term ended, leaving behind a dumpster fire of a mess, not unlike the one I inherited in 2020. She was twenty days into the job and told me that she goes home every day and cries; I told her that I did that for the first month, so all she needed to do was hang in there for ten more days or so. I was lying; I probably cried daily for the first year, but girlfriend needed some encouragement.

She's already doing a great job and is going to be a kick-ass DA, but man, did I feel her pain. 

What I'm Loving

The orchid Shanti and the Man-Cub got me for Mother's Day several years ago is blooming again! I have done absolutely nothing to care for this plant, yet it rewards me with blossoms.

Queen B came home for her birthday this past weekend, and we loved having her here! We celebrated the big 2-9 with brunch at a nice restaurant in Hooterville, where they surprised us with a slice of cake and a candle that took three attempts for Queen B to blow out.

What I've Been Up To

Mom and I convinced Shanti's mom to join us at Bunco this month, which was a lot of fun.

And I've been practicing self-care, including indulging in a fabulous ninety-minute facial at the day spa.

What I'm Working On

I'm embroidering a replica of the kids' wedding invitation, just for funsies.

What I'm Dreading

We are making some significant changes to our biggest fundraiser this year, including a change in venue. There are going to be some hurt feelings for some people who won't agree with the change, and I'm dreading the hard conversation that is going to have to take place.

What I'm Excited About

I'm excited for spring! The weather has been unseasonably warm the past couple of days and I am already giddy at the thought of planting my garden.

What I'm Watching

Queen B convinced me to watch Yellowjackets and I am equal parts traumatized and obsessed.

I also watched The Gorge, which was a nice departure from cannibals.

What I'm Reading

I don't know if this counts as reading, but I am poring over my newest seed and greenhouse catalogs. Close enough!

What I'm Listening To

I've been tuned into the Candace Owens series on Brigitte Macron, and it is wild. I'm not saying I believe Brigitte is a man, but I have questions. Also, does it matter to me if Mrs. Macron was born a man? No, no, it doesn't. Do I take issue with the undisputed fact that she, at the age of 40, "fell in love" with a 14-year-old child? Yes, yes, I do. My day job kind of requires that I take issue with such things.

What I'm Wearing

Fewer layers than usual, thanks to the sunny days we are having!

What I'm Doing This Weekend

I am going to Mikey's baby shower with Shanti and the Man-Cub. What's that? You didn't know that Second Son Mikey was having a baby? My bad! In my defense, he and his new wife kept it a secret...along with the fact that he had a new wife.

There's some drama there, not gonna lie.

But that doesn't mean that we aren't going to shower this new little princess with gifts! 

What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month

I am getting a haircut. While this may not seem all that exciting, it has been approximately seven months since I went to the salon, so I am more than ready. I broke up with my previous hairdresser when she canceled on me less than 24 hours before my scheduled appointment and right before she went on a three-month maternity leave, during which she was supposed to have scheduled me with one of her colleagues but did not. I would have been charged if I had canceled on her less than 24 hours before a scheduled appointment, so it was pretty shitty for her to do it to me.

The new stylist I am seeing came highly recommended and I am more than ready to meet her.

Favorite Purchase This Month

I bought a pair of beeswax bread bags in which to store my sourdough loaves. So far, I am pleased with how fresh they keep the bread.