What's Up Wednesday, February 2026 Edition

 

Am I the only one who blinked and missed all of February? How did that happen? I know it's the shortest month, but come on.

Anyhoodle, thanks to Sheaffer and Shay, here's what was up this month, captured in the only post I'll write all month. My continuing suckage is becoming legendary.

What I've Been Eating

I enjoyed several restaurant meals this month, a couple of which I actually managed to immortalize in all their digital glory. Oh! And a truly delicious hard-egg sandwich that satisfied a weird, random craving one fine weekend morning.

What I'm Loving

Well, I was having a momentary love affair with ChatGPT, until I educated myself on the waste that is produced by data centers across the US, then I quit. Still love this caricature rendering of my personality on full display, however.

Loving big time is the fact that Queen B was able to be with us on her birthday; it was a big one and I'm glad she chose to celebrate it with her family.

Speaking of family, I also love, love, love the painting the Man-Cub commissioned for Shanti.

 

What I'm Reminiscing About

Obviously, with Queen B turning the big 3-0, I've been reminiscing about her birth. I wrote a whole post about it once upon a time, so I won't go into the details now. 

What I've Been Up To

Well, I traveled to Las Vegas with Queen B and eight of her friends to celebrate the weekend before her birthday. We had a great time! I failed to hang with the youngins at the clubs, but I made up for it during the day. You know, when they were tired and easier to keep up with.

I even managed to break my lifelong losing streak to win $18! The thrill was real!

What I'm Working On

I'm working on motivating myself to get back in shape. So far, this consists of purchasing a walking pad and trying to convince myself to walk every day. Baby steps. Like, literally.

What I'm Excited About

Shanti and the Man-Cub are getting a puppy! A male black lab, whom the Cub hopes to train for shed hunting (antlers, for those of you who are confused). I can't wait to meet the little guy!

What I'm Dreading

I'm not dreading anything new. Still have some lingering concerns about the site visit I need to prepare for in April, but I'm doing a fantastic job of procrastinating on that worry. I mean, why buy trouble? Right?

What I'm Reading

I recently discovered Jennifer Hartmann's work and have powered through several of her books. I started with Still Beating, which was hauntingly beautiful, dark, and gritty, and ultimately hopeful. 

 

The second book, Lotus,  was equally heart-wrenching yet ultimately satisfying.

The third book, The Stars Are on Our Side, did not disappoint, which is impressive because, in my experience, third books often lose the allure of a series for me. Although, to be clear, this isn't a series, per se, but a collection of interconnected stories that share characters.

I am currently reading the fourth book, The Thorns Remain, which is slightly less closely connected to the first three but still features crossover characters. So far, I am loving the premise.

What I'm Watching

Still not tuning in to the television much these days, but I did watch The Housemaid with Queen B the other night. Queen B had already read the book and was curious to see how well the movie was adapted. She wasn't terribly disappointed. I have the book on my TBR list, and I still plan to read it even though I've watched the movies.

What I'm Listening To

I'm actually in need of podcast suggestions, if anyone has anything they'd like to recommend!

What I'm Wearing

Still nothing of note for this particular question. I'm hoping that changes someday.

What I'm Doing This Weekend

I really need to get caught up on housework, which is about as exciting as my life gets these days.

What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month

I am looking forward to longer days, more sunshine, and the flowering of the bulbs that are starting to poke their heads up from the barren earth.

Favorite Purchase this Month

I recently discovered an affinity for White Buffalo turquoise, which surprised me. I'm not hugely drawn to traditional turquoise (unlike Queen B, who owns a ton of pieces), but the black-and-white color scheme of the Whit Buffalo calls to me. Too bad it's a little harder to find than traditional stones and more expensive.