It’s October!
I will not talk about how quickly time is passing, I will not talk about how quickly time is passing, I will not talk about how quickly time is passing.
…
Okay, I’m going to talk about how quickly time is passing.
It’s cliche! I say these things all the time. Also, they’re true! I just cannot believe it’s October.
I had a dream last week that it was 6:30 pm on Christmas Eve and I didn’t have a single present purchased or wrapped for anyone in my family. Also, I had no ideas what to get anyone. In my dream I was wildly driving around and all the stores were closed—because, hello, it’s 6:30 pm on Christmas Eve—and I couldn’t enjoy the evening’s festivities and I was astonished that somehow I had gotten to this point of oversight.
Let me rephrase that. This was not a dream. IT WAS A NIGHTMARE.
I woke in an utter state of panic and then proceeded to feel immense relief that I, in fact, have several months to prepare for Christmas.
And another Christmas anecdote. On September 11th, I stared off into space for a minute and thought: a month from today we will be putting the tree up. That seems so soon. (We put the tree up the evening of November 11th). It took me a lot longer than I’d like to admit to realize I had skipped an entire month. October!
Anyway. Enough talk of Christmas and dreams and my challenges with time/space continums.
It was another busy, full week. And I’m here to talk about Happy Things.
CROWDSOURCED WARMTH (HEART + BODY)
Friends, you delivered. Not only do I have a GIANT list of suggestions for new ways to keep warm—including specific brand recommendations for slippers, merino wool layers, socks, etc—my friend Nicole has THREE pairs of slippers that are like-new, in my size, that she no longer wears because they’re… wait for it… TOO WARM. And she has offered to mail these to me. As a gift.
Every single comment was helpful and appreciated, but here are a few specific mentions:
- I need a heated lap blanket. This MUST happen. So many of you have (and love) your heated blanket. I love blankets. I love heat. The solution is obvious so thank you all for pointing out this is an important next step.
- I am going to try wearing TWO layers of socks.
- I need to have a charging station for heated sock/vest batteries so I plug them in at the end of each day and they’re ready for me in the morning. (This suggestion came from Engie who walks her dog, Hannah, in all sorts of weather and I think it’s genius.)
- UGG, L.L Bean Wicked Good, and Glerup slippers all come highly recommended (multiple mentions of each). Also, camping booties that are rated for outdoors in the winter!
- Down-filled vests!
- Scarves (I will admit I don’t like the sensation of a scarf, but some helpful workarounds that were suggested were fleece neckwarmers or something made of silk.)
- I received several reminders that I can wear my beloved ski pants in the house during the day. They’re warm! They fit me again (they were just a smidge too tight last year and weren’t comfy for day-to-day wear).
- I need to get a set of fleece-lined leggings and I should wear tights under normal pants.
I also loved Jenny’s encouragement. Outside of moving to Florida (I certainly understand the appeal of snowbirding), she thinks “this will be [my] best winter ever.” I love her optimism!
CAMP DAY
Our all-day youth event was great. I played seemingly endless games of Dutch Blitz. I’m competitive and boy does that game bring it out in me. I chipped TWO nails, I was slamming cards down so aggressively. Then I moved on to Scattergories where I remained incredibly competitive; there were multiple rounds of UNO in the mix, too (a bit tamer).
There were outdoor games and chapel. Seeing a giant group of kids have fun while learning about Jesus truly warms my heart. Their insights on giant existential topics is incredible.
There was pumpkin carving, and singing Old Lady Leary and Great Big Moose around a campfire at the top of our lungs, and bouldering and canoeing, and capture the flag after dark, and roasting marshmallows. It felt… very wholesome and fun and wonderful and I’m so thankful I got to be a part of it. This group of tweens and teens is going to grow up to do great things in the world.
The weather forecast originally called for heavy rain, but the sun came out for part of the day, and there wasn’t a drop of precipitation.
Two thumbs up!
FESTIVE DRINKS
Another week, another trip to Starbucks. One of the kids has a deepening friendship (Ahem) and it was a Hangout with Mothers Along For the Ride.
While Starbucks is NOT frugal, Belle buys her own things most of the time (three cheers for teen jobs; if you’re curious, this is how we handle giving/saving/spending). And I still had a Starbucks credit from the gift card Jenny sent me last year! Woot, woot.
Closer to home, I couldn’t resist picking up this fall mug I spotted at a thrift store. It’s a racoon!!! And falling leaves!!
And while I’ll likely only buy the one bottle of Pumpkin Spice Silk Creamer (PLEASE TELL ME THEY WILL SELL PEPPERMINT MOCHA IN THESE LARGER BOTTLES THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON), it feels decidedly festive.
BONUS HAPPY THINGS
- Our family loves Formula 1. It is such a delight to watch the races. Most of them happen on Sunday mornings when we’re at church, so it’s relatively rare for us to get to see a race in it’s entirety. But because of the location (Baku) and a national holiday (on Sunday), the race was shifted to Saturday morning and we got to watch the whole thing!
- This book is heavy, but gripping so far. Indy had another team formation session for soccer and when he was subbed off the field, you know how I spent my time. *Update: this ended up as a DNF. After I made it through the first third of the book, it transitioned into having pervasive strong language—not surprising since most of the book is set inside a prison. I did read the ending because I was attached to the characters and this book is not for the faint of heart. There are content warnings galore—and I didn’t actually read the middle section of the book for that reason—but I can also understand why it’s so highly acclaimed.
- One day when Belle was at school, I sent her a few silly “dad” jokes. My favourite is:
- Why are mountains so funny?
- They’re hill areas.
- Why are mountains so funny?
- When the kids were little, a few times a week we’d have what I called Hodge Podge for lunch. Basically it was a little of this and a little of that, depending on what I had in the fridge. I love these meals because no advance planning is necessary and I can use up odds and ends and it doesn’t have to necessarily feel “cohesive”. One night this week we had Hodge Podge for supper: I finished the final half of an English cucumber, washed the last handful of grapes, used the last slice of cheese, the final two ciabatta buns, and leftover meatballs (which I skewered with toothpicks so they became finger food). The fridge looked so much cleaner when I was done and people got fed. Win, win.
- I tend to tidy as I go. If I see a cup hanging out on a surface, I will put it in the dishwasher. Much to the dismay of my family who is constantly looking to reuse the same cups for their water. In John’s words: You have to nail things down in this household. Anyhoo, apparently Belle had enough of my over-eager cleanup and put labels on her cup in painters tape. Belle’s cup. DO NOT REMOVE UNLESS OTHERWISE INFORMED. It made me laugh and… point taken.
- Belle picked my manicure colour for the week and she opted for Essie Expressie Spray It To Say It. This is a quick dry polish (for real! it’s so fast!) and lasts so well. It says you don’t need a base coat or a top coat with this polish, but I do use both. Mostly because I LOVE the Essie Gel Couture Top Coat. It’s so shiny and really helps at-home manicures last (and also seems to dry very quickly. I am not overly patient, if you couldn’t tell.
That’s a wrap from me this week. Happy weekending, friends.
(And to anyone joining me for the Cool Bloggers Walking Club, happy walking!) I left my phone home while I went for my first walk (1 October), but it was a lovely 5 km spent with John!
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Less of a happy week due to a stupid airway infection which made its way to my sinuses. But it does mean that I’m pleased to live in a place where I can call in sick and not fear for my job. Also, grateful for lots of tea (chamomile and ginger), steaming, painkillers, showers, etc. My husband, who’s been supportive (good thing he’s only travelling next week).
Sitting on the sofa and watching Gilmore girls. Sunshine!
Hopefully walking will commence today.
Argh. I am so sorry about this horrid infection. I hope you’re feeling better soon. These things can linger for a while, but it sounds like you’re doing ALL the right things: steam, tea, staying warm, reducing inflammation.
Enjoy Gilmore Girls 🙂
love your opening sentences! time is flying, especially when things are good.
love your nail color. I am soooo overdue for a manicure, it has to happen this weekend.
our cats give me lots of joy these days, just watching them play and make funny moves.
I love this nail colour AND the fact it’s quick dry is a huge bonus. I love that I can be finished a fresh manicure in under 15 minutes start to finish.
Let the walking begin!
I have enough info to know that I will never read Wally Lamb. Obviously I’ve heard great things, but I just feel that it is not the right “heavy” for me.
We’ve barely started fall, and I’m very much going to enjoy the season, but dare I say that I’m kind of looking forward to winter? I dunno, there’s just something about cosy that appeals to me right now. I might be singing a different tune in February, but that’s my story as of right now.
I love the raccoon mug!
Oof. The River is Waiting is definitely VERY heavy.
I found the racoon mug at Valu Village, where you spotted the nurse mug for Kristen 🙂
I did not like The River is Waiting! I felt like it had so much promise- the beginning was good (but so, so sad of course) but then I felt like the middle got weird and the ending was strange. I guess I just had different expectations for that book.
Anyway, so many happy things! I love all the cozy fall vibes here. That mug is so cute (don’t you have a raccoon Christmas mug as well?) And I love the trip to Starbucks- what is this “deepening friendship?” ; )
I’ve had that same Christmas nightmare. Eesh, it’s making me anxious just to think about it. I think the universe is telling us that it’s time to start the Christmas preparations! Never too early.
I love the nail color!
I also LOVED the beginning of the book (I mean it was hard to read and tragic, but so well written, but the prison part was rough and felt… very long.
I DO have a raccoon mug and I am so excited to pull that out of storage soon.
The “deepening friendship” is exactly what you’re reading between the lines, Jenny. In fact, he came over to our house after school today. Our first “family” dinner!
Your Hodge Podge lunches were what I called “snack pack” meals. When no one could decide on what to eat we put together whatever was in the fridge that inspired us. They were a nice break from the structured meals that I usually did.
Fall walks are the best!
Snack pack meals! Love that. And I agree that it’s a nice break from more standard, thought-heavy meals.
Ahh! I have had that dream before, it is so scary! I actually bought some Christmas presents this week to ease my mind a little.
I have a heated cushion which I keep behind me on my armchair all year round and it is great for easing an achy back too. What great ideas to keep warm!
Yum to the drinks! We love a treat from Starbucks.
I missed most of the Baku race because it was on Saturday. What a treat you could watch it all though.
I have finally bought my first gifts of the season and I literally felt like a weight came off my shoulders.
I forgot you loved Formula 1!
That is so funny about the note on the cup 😆
The Christmas nightmare, whew! What a relief to wake up from that! I’ve had some gift ideas rolling around in my brain that I need to write down soon so I don’t forget… also I have a tendency to have ideas, but then never act on them, then scramble right before the holiday. Do not recommend.
Happy things- my job is going well, I feel useful and appreciated there; we were all healthy this week after a cold made its way through the last two weeks; the garden is winding down which is a relief because it takes a lot of time; I finally cut my hair after that task being on my radar for over two months; and finally, the weather is turning very fall and I love it!!
Have a great weekend!
She can be a hoot!
I finally sat down and got some ideas on paper. Now to start ordering things.
Hooray for all your Happy Things!
I really liked A River is Waiting but it is a very very heavy read and just so very sad. But I could not put it down. I liked it more than Jenny did (but I wouldn’t have picked this book out for Jenny!). It’s my first Lamb read but I plan to read more of his books, but not until I’m retired most likely as they are quite long!
This week was pretty good, all things considered. I had a good trip to NYC. I was so very tired so only worked out once and opted to sleep in 2 of the mornings and even with sleeping in I still felt so dang tired! But I did a lot of peopling. My high was meeting up with Kira for dinner. I always feel like such an adult when I take the subway in NYC because I have that “I know how to do this” sense which feels kind of empowering? And that’s all thanks to google maps (although I would figure it out from a subway map if need be).
I’m so glad you were able to see Kira. I’m sure you’re such an encouragement to her and the two of you can connect on a unique level.
Google Maps for the win.
Ok, the dad joke “what ou call a pony with a cough? A little horse“ had me LOL.
I cannot believe it’s October. I mean, I know October comes after September and I am very glad we’re NOT skipping it, but also WTH?
I was „late“ to the party and didn’t get a chance to chime in on your request for help to stay warm, but I’d suggested furry slippers, fingerless gloves (I have some at work) and LAYERS. I really enjoy long sleeve shirts underneath.
I also second: down vests (I run with them, but they don’t do anything for cold hands and feet. Haha.)
On a different note, A RACOON MUG! *allthehearteyes*
I LOVE “dad jokes.”
Isn’t the mug so cute. I always feel so seen by you when it comes to the mug situation!
A chill ran down my spine when you mentioned Christmas presents, so maybe I need some of those warm ideas, too, haha! What a lovely list and so excited to continue with my CBWC walks this weekend!
Happy walking.
And yes, thankfully Christmas is a bit further away than I thought for a minute… but it will be here before I know it!
The slippers are going into the mail tomorrow (hopefully!)
Happy things: I just got home from a pedicure, we have friends coming over for wine tonight, and we are doing an early celebration for Rob’s birthday SO THAT MEANS CAKE!!! He chose a chocolate cake with ganache and raspberry filling, who am I to deny such deliciousness?
That cake sounds AMAZING!! Cut me a slice (I’ll let you have my allotment of wine for an extra slice).
And hooray for a pedicure. I need to do that today, too!
I leave tea mugs and water cups out all the time- I re-use my tea bags until the tea just barely counts as tea. It drives me NUTS when *someone* puts the cups and mugs in the sink! I was saving that! And now I have to get a new tea bag or pour a new cup of water.
I’m sure I drive my Husband equally nuts.
We’ve travelled over Christmas the past two years so we haven’t really done presents in a while. (i mean I think taking you across the world is enough, right?). I can say I’m not looking forward to having to really think about presents.
Haha. Well, Belle has gotten around this issue by clearly marking her glass 🙂
I feel like both kids are hoping for one expensive thing (Belle’s only request is replacement headphones, but she DOES want iPods… so that’s not cheap; Indy has his heart set on a pair of Nike shoes but he is SO hard on footwear, so unless I can source them on eBay, that will not be happening). Overall I think things will be a bit more streamlined this year as I don’t need to get too many little things. But the big things will be pricey… eeks!
The raccoon cup is a delight! Dad jokes are the best! It gives me such a sense of hope and joy that you say, “This group of tweens and teens is going to grow up to do great things in the world.”
Yes, I am walking!
I wish I could bottle up these kids’ enthusiasm and love. It really is humbling. I think the group we get to interact with is especially mature. Also… SO FUN! It’s just a blast to be with them.
I am the person who scoops up random cups and puts them in the dishwasher all the time. It drives my husband nuts! Maybe he should take a page from Belle’s book and label his cup…
Your church camp event sounds so fun! Old Lady Leary and Great Big Moose are huge favourites in this house. One or both of them is frequently stuck in my head!
I didn’t know Old Lady Leary… but now it’s in my head every single day, haha.
I have been “forgetting” October as well! I keep thinking “OMG there are only two weeks left in the year” but I think it’s because my mind knows October is full so it just “skips”… which is obviously the opposite of living in the moment lol. But I’m so glad I’m not the only one!
I love Belle’s cup label! Genius.
Once October is done it feels like a high-speed train straight to the end of the year. It happens FAST!
I’m kidding myself that I’m ahead of the game because I have bought Christmas gifts already, but in truth I have bought Christmas Gift already, meaning 1. One has to start somewhere, right?
I love that Nicole is sending you slippers, and I hope that some of these tips come in handy and keep you from freezing this winter.
I did not walk today, my gluteal tendinopothy was very painful and it felt like a bad idea. I did some weights and a bit of yoga instead, so I’m counting that. I walked a lot yesterday, maybe that was part of the problem.
Happy things…well, my SIL is down visiting family from Alaska, and came out for dinner last night. We spent about 1/2 of the day together, did some chocolate and bread shopping, etc. She got to come on boring errands too – charging the electric car, and getting my annual mammogram. It was fun to have her along!
One is better than none and I feel like the first one can feel like the most monumental!
I’m so sorry for the pain. Ugh. Weights and yoga most certainly count as intentional movement!!!
That time with your SIL sounds great; delicious things and mundane (but important!) errands. It’s always nice to do everyday activities with someone else and welcome them into your life.
well I’m very late to this party but I choked laughing on the “hill areas” joke. HAHAHAHAHA. just sending <3!!!
ISN’T IT SO GOOD!!! I love dad jokes… though I sent these, so I guess they’re mom jokes??
I’m so happy that you found some great ways to stay warm this winter!
Dad jokes are the best—these were all new to me.
Love your manicure color. I rarely use color on my nails because I’m 1: sloppy and 2: impatient! I might need to try the express fast-drying colors.
We are a family that uses one cup/glass per day (aside from coffee), so it’s a given that there will be at least a few cups or glasses on the counter each day. Funny, I included this in an upcoming post in one of my drafts because it’s interesting how every family is different about their use of beverage drinking cups.
The express-dry colours are SO nice. They truly dry in a flash. Like I paint one hand, then the other, and the first hand is dry and ready for the second coat. The Expressie line doesn’t have the broadest of colour options (a pale whitish pink, for example), but I think it’s a great product.