It's officially fall, y'all! My favorite season of the year, chock-full of festivals, tailgating parties, antique sales, pop-up craft fairs, pumpkin patches, and fun get-togethers...oh, wait...it's 2020. Well, at least we still have What's Up Wednesday with Sheaffer and Shay. 2020 can't take that from us, right? If I'm wrong, please don't tell me; rafting down the Denial is the only trip I'm taking this year and I would kind of like to enjoy the scenery.
What We're Eating
I'm maintaining a steady diet of sugar, fat, and empty carbs, thank you very much, 2020. On the bright side, those three food groups meld nicely into Mexican and Italian dishes, with ice cream for dessert. I'm not sorry. I do, however, apologize to the waistbands in alllll my pants).
What I'm Reminiscing About
In a normal year, Petticoat Junction High would be celebrating Homecoming right about now. This year, not so much. I am extremely grateful for getting to experience all of the activities that Homecoming had to offer back when Queen B and the Man-Cub were in school and I feel really badly for the kids who are missing out on it all this year.
What I'm Loving
The Man-Cub turned 22 this month. I love seeing the young man that he is becoming. I also love these photos that he took; he's getting quite talented behind the lens and, I could not be more proud.
What We've Been Up To
Hugh and I attended an event at the local orchard this past weekend. Hugh had been asked to judge the apple pie contest, and, there was no way he would have missed out on that honor. We got some great cider out of the deal so it was a win-win.
What I'm Working On
It's that time of the year when families start to think about Christmas cards, which means photos, which means my schedule is starting to fill up with appointments for photo sessions. This past Friday, I started with this beautiful family...
...sadly, theirs will be one of only five sessions that I will be able to accommodate. I just don't have as much time to work on my side hustle as I would like, thanks to New Job.
Speaking of which, I am still plugging along. This month, I organized my first virtual 5K. It was a first for the organization as well, so, the fact that we netted over $7,000 feels like a pretty big accomplishment.
On the home front, I accomplished the task of getting my indoor Halloween decorations put up. I kind of jumped the gun a little, but, with as crappy as this year has been; I figured I would enjoy the decorations for as long as possible, just to bring myself a little joy. I don't feel the least bit sorry about that, considering that the big box stores already have freaking Christmas merchandise on display.
What I'm Dreading
October at New Job is going to be incredibly stressful (yes, even more stressful than usual!). I have several grant applications that are due, as well as several reports for existing grants that are due. In addition, I have a virtual site review with the national chapter that will determine whether or not my center will still be accredited. If we aren't accredited, we aren't funded. The stakes are high and I am anxious. Worrying about how I'll juggle everything that needs to be done keeps me awake at night, not gonna lie.
What I'm Excited About
I am dreading October for all of the reasons mentioned above, but, I am also excited for it because of Halloween. I've already said that I have the house decorated, but, I didn't mention that Hugh and I have already started working on the skeleton display for our yard as well, and, folks? It's going to be epic! I can't wait for the neighborhood kids to see it.
What I'm Watching
I'm really into mindless entertainment recently. I don't think I'm alone in that, honestly. So, hopefully, you will judge me less harshly when I tell you that I have not missed a single episode of Love Island.
I'm also watching season 2 of The Boys, which, is gory AF, but, entertaining, nonetheless.
I'm trying to hang in there to the end of this season of Big Brother, but, I gotta admit, that's been a struggle. At this point, I am having a hard time rooting for anyone. I definitely don't want Memphis or Dani to win, so at least I know where I stand on that.
I watched and enjoyed Enola Holmes on Netflix, and, not just because it stars the uber talented and totally not hard to look at actor Henry Cavill. It also stars the adorable and quirky Millie Bobby Brown, who many of you may remember from another Netflix show that I love, Stranger Things.
What I'm Reading
Sadly, I find myself with too little free time for pleasure reading again these days. I continue to hold out hope that this season of my life will eventually give way to a season in which I can focus on a good book for any length of time.
What I'm Listening To
At the moment, I am listening to Boomer Dog, snoring at my feet.
What I'm Wearing
Lately, it's been cool enough to wear layers, so; cardigans, t-shirts, and jeans have been in heavy rotation. I also busted out my supply of leggings and have been pairing them with, you guessed it, t-shirts and cardigans. I've noticed that this relaxed wardrobe is generally being worn by the majority of the professional women with whom I interact. I don't think any of us miss more formal business attire, and, I doubt we ever return to overly restrictive, uncomfortable clothing again. That may be the one decent gift that 2020 has seen fit to bestow upon us.
What I'm Doing This Weekend
Assuming the stars and planets align accordingly, Hugh and I will be completing the Halloween yard display.Fingers crossed.
What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month
I am looking forward to finally being done with Looming Project at work, visiting the pumpkin patch and corn maze, seeing the look of delight on the faces of our Trick-or-Treaters, and to scratching one more month of this horrible, terrible, no good year off the calendar.
What Else Is New
I got nuthin.