What's Up Wednesday, September 2026 Edition

 

Soooooo....it's been a while.

This post is my attempt to catch up on everything I have neglected to post about for the past, um, several months. I'm hoping that the writer's block I have been struggling with has finally disintegrated, but no promises.

Thanks, as always, to Sheaffer and Shay for hosting the link-up.

What I've Been Eating

Hugh and I have been on opposite schedules a lot this summer; he is working to finish paramedic training while holding down his full-time position at the fire department, which has kept him from home four days a week. I'm still plugging along at Not So New Job, so we have been like ships passing in the night. When we do have a chance, and the stars align, we have made an effort to grab lunch or dinner together, which has led to some truly great restaurant meals. I have also cooked a few decent dinners, baked a couple of treats, and enjoyed the famous donuts that the Mennonite ladies bake for Pickin' at the Pea. So, clearly not starving over here.

What I'm Loving

This. Full stop.

Our little Goose entered the world last Friday, and we could not be happier. Shanti did such an amazing job bringing her into the world, and the Man-Cub has proved to be natural at fatherhood in a way that I think surprised him (I'm not surprised at all).

I'm officially in my Lovey Era, and I'm so excited to watch this sweet baby girl grow.

What I'm Reminiscing About

I would have a hard time not reminiscing about when Queen B and the Man-Cub were born right now. It is amazing to me how quickly time goes by; it really does seem like just yesterday that Hugh and I were in delivery rooms ourselves.

What I've Been Up To

Hugh and I celebrated our 33rd anniversary with a road trip to a hot springs resort a few hours south of Petticoat Junction. We got in a lot of quality time, soaking, massages, and fine dining. It was a nice break.

I've also been gardening, which became an exercise in frustration when a horde of rabid squirrels invaded my backyard. Ok, probably not rabid, but still, destructive. Bastards. I managed to enjoy my new greenhouse, despite their reign of terror.

In August, Lexi Lou got married, so we got to celebrate with Jana and Co., and we loved it; we don't get to see them all as often as we would like.

What I'm Working On

I recently had an opportunity to join a local podcast, which was a first for me. I got to talk about Not So New Job and the work that we do for the children in our community. It was a lot of fun and cemented that I have a voice (and face) made for radio. Not sold on the video part. Also, the production team did me dirty on the AI rendering of my likeness for the episode promos, but I'm willing to let it slide.

On the home front, I have been working on my Halloween decor, which I wanted to finish before Goose arrived so my time could be spent on baby cuddles and helping Shanti and the Man-Cub. I decided to put up my Halloween village, which I hadn't done for the past several years.

What I'm Excited About

I'm about to be a record on repeat, but spending time with this child feels pretty exciting right now.

I'm truly excited to introduce her to all the family holiday shenanigans we get up to, and I can't wait to see her in all of the cute seasonal clothing that she got at her shower. 

What I'm Dreading

I'm not allowing myself to dread anything today. Or tomorrow, for that matter. Life is too short.

What I'm Reading

Hugh would tell you that I am reading a lot of trash. Hugh would be correct. I have been on the hunt for a new series that holds my attention, but haven't really struck gold. In the meantime, I am reading fluff that doesn't require much brainpower. In other words: nothing to note here. Suggestions would be welcome.

What I'm Watching

Since my last What's Up Wednesday post, Mom and I closed out one season at the local community theater and started a new one. In May, we saw Sweeney Todd, and in September we saw Misery. Both were excellent, as we have come to expect from our community theater.

I'm still not watching much on television, but I made an exception for the adaptation of Off Campus. I was pleasantly surprised, since I don't always think adaptations stay true to the original source material. Some of the casting was not what I would have chosen, but I still enjoyed the series and will tune in for the second season.

What I'm Listening To

I turned off my car radio and played some classic CDs for several months. Not mad about it.

What I'm Wearing

You all know I never have a great answer to this question. Right now, I'm wearing a big smile on my face, which is probably the best accessory I own. We'll leave it at that.

What I'm Doing This Weekend

Queen B is home for several weeks to help with the baby, and we are planning to take advantage of her time by enjoying everything Colorado has to offer in the fall. Texas fall just doesn't compare, and Queen B has missed the color show of the aspens turning. If Hugh has a few moments to spare, I am also hoping to get started on our annual skeleton display in the front yard. It's been raining pretty much non-stop every day all month, though, so that may have to wait for a drier week. 

And, of course, we'll be visiting the baby (told you: broken record).

What I'm Looking Forward To Next Month

Y'all know October is one of my favorite months! I already have the house decked out for Halloween, and, as I mentioned earlier, Hugh, Queen B, and I are starting the annual skeleton display this week. Kristi will be in town for a few days in October, and we are hoping to hit a haunted corn maze while she's here.

Favorite Purchase This Month

I purchased a flower subscription from a grower in Pixler and have been enjoying them all summer. This month's bouquets have been gorgeous. Money well spent.