If we were on a coffee date, I’d tell you that I’m loving Blogtember so much. I had already gotten myself back in the habit of a very regular posting schedule last month, but the challenge of sharing for thirty consecutive days has helped me make it an even greater priority. It has sparked a few posts that I might not have thought to share otherwise, has introduced me to several new favorite blogs, and helped to solidify my love for post scheduling. My editorial calendar is quite rounded out through mid-October and I’ve kept to my commitment of no midnight posting for the following day. Thank goodness for new habits.
If we were on a coffee date, I’d be gushing about Downton Abbey. In full disclosure, I’ve just managed to watch 52 episodes in just under three weeks (I’ll let you do the math). If I weren’t so unbelievably smitten, I’d be embarrassed. And lest you think I abandoned my family or my job over the course of those weeks, I got up at five o’clock every morning to squeeze in two episodes before work and I’ve burned the midnight oil every single night since I started. I’ll admit that two days at home alone sick, certainly helped. I never imagined I would love a series so much, but I know how drawn I am to historical novels, so it really shouldn’t surprise me. I don’t want to give anything away if you haven’t already watched, but at the same time I want to discuss all the things! I fell in love with all three Crawley sisters and the Dowager Countess might be the best television character of all time. The costumes and set were insanely gorgeous and the writing was so witty. Do yourself a favor and wait until the Christmas holidays to watch, because you won’t be able to draw it out much longer than I did. Cross my heart.
If we were on a coffee date, I’d want to talk books. After a very slow July, I’m thrilled that my reading habits have picked up again. I’ve come to terms with the fact that in this season of life, it’s unreasonable to expect myself to read more than a single book a week. I should consider that a win amongst work and children and keeping my house in order. I’ve read some really great ones this year and I’m looking forward to reading many more before the year is over. In case you’re looking for a few books to add to your arsenal, I thought I’d share a few on my list. Secrets of a Charmed Life and The Kitchen House are still my top ranking books of the year so far. Both historical novels, but both very different, they captured me within the first few pages! I’m currently re-reading Catcher in the Rye for the first time since college. Reading a banned book is the criteria for this month’s Collaboreads link up, so I decided to pick it back up. I remember loving it as a teenager, but I can’t remember if it’s because I actually loved it or because I wasn’t supposed to. You’ll have to wait a few more weeks to find out! Still on my list of things to read is The Nightingale. I downloaded it from Audible months ago, but haven’t started it yet. I’m thinking now that my runs are getting longer (thank you, double digit temperatures), I should start listening while I train. Any other books you recommend to listen to? I’ve let my audible credits accumulate and now I need to make some decisions!
If we were on a coffee date, I’d want to talk about criticism. I’m sure I’ll get just a little bit more for even mentioning it, but that seems to be the way it goes. Opening up and sharing on the internet, whether about silly or serious things, seems to invite people to comment on almost everything. I know I’m encouraging you to engage in the comment section, but that isn’t ever where the criticism is found. I strive to be genuine here and present the most accurate picture of my life that I can, but I’ve learned you can’t possibly please everyone. I like what I like and I act how I act and we’re just going to have to agree to disagree. Okay?
If we were on a coffee date, I’d tell you that I’m happy my husband is home. After a very busy July and August, eating dinner together and having in-person conversations is just the best. I never have to be reminded how much I love him, but all of those average, everyday moments do remind me how much I like him. And it’s a lot.
If we were on a coffee date, I’d tell you that I’m welcoming fall. Sure, it’s still topping out in the nineties most days in Alabama, but it already looks and feels different outside. I’m switching out a few of my favorite clothing items and planning to go for a darker shade on my nails this month. Football and the return of fall inspired drinks is certainly playing with my head. As sad as I am to see summer go, I can’t wait to pile on the layers and enjoy a mint chocolate mocha (after Whole30, obviously). I pulled out my fall decorations yesterday (they are admittedly few) and made this delicious slow cooker potpourri after church (I might keep it going until the whole thing burns away).
If we were on a coffee date, I’d tell you that I am happy with myself for the first time in a long time. After several weeks of regular running, continued gym dates with Josh, and almost nine months of whole foods, I am finally seeing major life changes. I’d want you to know that this year was never about getting skinny or changing the way I look or impressing anybody else — it was always about changing the way I see food and pushing myself to be the best version of me. After three quarters of a year it’s finally all sinking in. I’ve made a lot of good choices this year and even a few bad ones, but overall I’m starting to really see how food affects so many aspects of my life. I ate french toast a few weeks ago (for the first time all year!) and while it tasted delicious going in, it left me feeling terrible for the twelve hours after. Sophie had a similar encounter that same day with chocolate. She’s been dairy free for six months and her sneaky overindulgence triggered a nasty migraine. She and I had a major conversation about how the food wasn’t worth the feelings and I’m hoping she’ll remember that the next time she finds herself in the presence of candy. I might not look like a bodybuilder, but I have lost all of my extra weight this year and I’m very happy in my skin.
If we were on a coffee date, I’d tell you that I’m still recovering from Ella’s birthday. I might not have thrown a “pinterest-y” party this year, but it was probably the most fun we’ve had at a birthday to date. The girls were hilarious and so well behaved and nobody ever got bored. We had to catch up on our sleep Saturday afternoon, but it was well worth it.
If we were on a coffee date, I’d tell you that we are on the cusp of selling our house. We had two more great showings this week and have had so much encouragement from our agent. I’m hoping and praying and hoping some more that we’ll be celebrating Christmas somewhere else this year!
If we were on a coffee date, I’d tell you that I love coffee dates. Let’s do it again next month, okay?
