What's Up, Wednesday (9/26)

Ready for WUW this week! 

What We're Eating This Week

I made a big pot of chili this week as the temps are starting to drop. It was good, but I feel like I'm still missing something. On the hunt for that perfect chili recipe.

But I did make what I think is the perfect cornbread recipe. I knew we didn't have cornmeal in the house, so I searched for recipes sans cornmeal and was surprised at how many there were. This recipe is SO good, people. Highly recommend.

And meals around the office have been looking a lot like this recently...

There's no cafeteria in my new building, so I've been in our cafeteria every day this week soaking it all up haha.

What I'm Reminiscing About

Since Sammy and I are officially one week away from getting on a plane to Paris, I've definitely been reminiscing about the trip I took there with my mom a few years ago. Can't wait to be back.

What I'm Loving

This guy even though he's been kiiiiiiind of a pain in the ass this week ;) we're in the teething/chewing phase and it is NOT a joke.

What We've Been Up To

All things Henry, first and foremost. Trying to keep the progress going on potty training, leash training, crate training, skill training, and the blessed chewing... ALL the trainings ;)

Sammy has been working on our basement. He mounted the TV with his dad last weekend and is in the process of figuring out his shelving and bar situation. Right now he's digging something like this and I'm here for it.

And I'm working on not losing my shit in the next week as I prepare to change jobs, handle a packed weekend, and pack for our trip.

What I'm Dreading

I'm mostly super excited about my last day on Friday, but I'm also a little bit dreading all the goodbyes. In part because there are some serious things I want to say before I leave regarding some concerns I have and feel a responsibility to call out, but mostly because I don't want to say goodbye to these tremendous people I work with. There are several I'm going to see often, especially one who has turned into one of my very best friends, so I'm not concerned about those folks, but I'm sad about leaving others I'm sure I won't see again unless by accident. They've made the hard days a little easier and are such a bright light in my day.

What I'm Working On

Currently working through my never ending to-do list as I wrap up 1458 loose ends at work.

What I'm Excited About

PARIS.

I woke up to both of these emails this morning (!)

What I'm Watching/Reading

I watched the first Fall Harvest Hallmark movie last weekend and thought it was pretty cute! Definitely gearing up for the Christmas movies to start. I've also been watching Seinfeld from the beginning. 

I currently have two library loans checked out on my Kindle:

The Paris Apartment -- this isn't a difficult book by any means but I'm having a hard time explaining, so here's the plot from Amazon haha.

Based on the fascinating true story of a treasure-stocked Parisian apartment opened for the first time in seventy years.

April Vogt, Sotheby's continental furniture specialist, is speechless when a Paris apartment shuttered for seventy years is discovered in the ninth arrondissement. Beneath the cobwebs and stale perfumed air is a goldmine, and not because of the actual gold (or painted ostrich eggs or mounted rhinoceros horns or bronze bathtub). First, there's a portrait by one of the masters of the Belle Epoque, Giovanni Boldini. And then there are letters and journals written by the very woman in the painting, Marthe de Florian. These documents reveal that she was more than a renowned courtesan with enviable decolletage. Suddenly April's quest is no longer about the bureaux plats and Louis-style armchairs that will fetch millions at auction. It's about discovering the story behind this charismatic woman.

I'm really liking this one so far and am excited to get further in. I already know I'm going to be reading more of Michelle Gable's work.

Meet Cute -- this is an anthology of "meet cute" stories written by popular YA authors and I'm super excited to get into this one.

What I'm Listening To

Pretty obsessively listening to either Lauv, Cardi B, or Parisian cafe music ;)

What I'm Wearing

Transitioning into fall over here. Trying my best to use some of my summer pieces as fall pieces, like throwing a long sleeve under a sleeveless jumpsuit. Really loving the combo. 

What I'm Doing This Weekend

On Friday night I'm going to run a few errands with my mom and then stop by my girlfriend's for girl's night game night! I'm excited to have many drinks and spend time with my best girls. 

On Saturday I'm participating in an apple pie contest, so I'll up early baking and then we're spending the day in town at the Johnny Appleseed fest. The evening plans are still up in the air although, I hope I can get out of them and spend a quiet night at home ;)

Sunday we were maybe going to do something with Sammy's family, but I'm not sure those plans stand anymore. I would love to have the day to prepare for my first day at work on Monday, but we will see how it pans out.

What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month

Paris (how many times can I say it?), starting my new job, Halloween (especially with Henry) and some other festive events, seeing Elton John in concert, and seeing my girlfriend's townhouse for the first time.

What Else Is New

People keep texting me stuff like "Omg, so many things are happening for you lately!" New job, Henry, license, going to Paris, etc. It's all wonderful stuff and I'm so grateful, but I'm also looking forward to not having any "new" stuff happen for a little while. Excited to let all of this sink in.

Bonus question: What’s your favorite way to eat or drink pumpkin?

Any and all ways. Seriously, I'm not picky when it comes to pumpkin. Give me your muffins, your cookies, your coffee, your chili...actually, chili might be my favorite way. So damn good.

That's it for me! Excited to see what everyone else is up to! xo