I’ve now reached the point where some of my work pants don’t fit me. I guess it’s inevitable since I haven’t bought new ones since pre-COVID, but I was hoping I could still fit into some of them. I’m an avid wearer of the pixie pants from Old Navy, so it looks like I’ll be planning a trip there soon. So far I’ve only found one pair that really doesn’t fit me, but it’s a bit discouraging because I hate pants shopping.

I’ve been listening to Midnights pretty much on repeat. And have any one of the songs stuck in my had at any given time. My favorites so far? “Anti-Hero,” “Labyrinth,” “Lavender Haze,” and “Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve.”

I’m on a red wine kick lately. I don’t know why but fall always makes me think of red wine. My wine of choice is usually $10 or less—I’m a big Barefoot gal—so the other weekend I stopped at a package store to pick up a bottle. And since I looked like I was a college student, I got ID’d—hoodie, leggings, no make-up, and a baseball hat 🤷🏻‍♀️ A consequence of having a baby face.

I’m not going to complain about the weather. It’s the first week of November and it’s still mid-70s and sunny. The warmer temps have made it a bit harder to dress for work—it’s cold when I leave at 8:00 a.m. but it’s warm when I get out at 4:30 p.m. It’s supposed to be 75 this weekend, and I’m hoping I can sit outside on my balcony for one last time this season.

I’ve read 66 books so far this year. My goal was 50, which I reached over the summer. I only read 48 last year, but that’s mostly due to buying my condo, moving, and starting a new relationship—I was busy. I’ve settled into a groove this year, and reading on the couch with the TV on in the background is something I look forward to after a busy or social day at work. And I really enjoyed sitting outside on my balcony over the summer and reading. I’m thinking I could get to maybe 75 by the end of the year… we’ll have to see.

I’m looking forward to the holidays. This is my favorite time of year, and unlike last year, I’m really hoping I don’t end up with a nasty cold around Christmas time again; I tested negative for COVID but I’m convinced it was COVID-lite. I’ll be going home again for Thanksgiving and Christmas, sleeping over on an air mattress in the living room since my old bedroom was made into my dad’s WFH office/workout room. Josh is going to help me decorate again for Christmas in my condo, and we’ll have our own little Christmas celebration around the holiday depending on his work schedule. I’ve been putting together a spreadsheet of Christmas gifts, and I’ll have to start ordering them soon.