If we were having coffee...

via

I'd tell you that house hunting is kind of exhausting but mostly really fun. I'd mention that I keep calling what we're doing "low-key house hunting" as if that means anything to anyone. We're looking kind of casually until after December for work-related reasons on Sammy's end. Of course I found a house I kind of really like and I'm afraid it's going to be gone by December because it's so cute, why wouldn't some smart individual come along and snag it? I'd also tell you that there's a super cute shelf in the kitchen I envision my dorky vintage cookbook collection going on, and a deck perfect for stringing fairy lights with a pergola perfect for hanging grape vines (like the stereotypical Italians we are), and a front window perfect for a Christmas tree. I'm on Redfin a lot, people. 

I'd tell you we got back from Mexico this week and I'm disappointed to say that I'm not sure I need to rush back there. I loved the people and obvvv the food. But the sun, man. That sun. I mean, we're the idiots who went to Mexico in August, so maybe our experience would have been a little different had we gone in February when it's 2 degrees here in Chicago. But I spent most of our trip applying sunscreen (like every single hour on the dot) and still leaving with an entire back and upper thighs red and sunburnt. I just can't take that kind of heat. It was still lovely to get away, spend some alone time together, and take in the gorgeous views which there were plenty of. 

I'd tell you that I've thrown a new journal onto my nightstand in the hopes I would actually start writing in it soon. I'm starting with lists because for some reason writing full entries seems too daunting. I'm so disappointed in how little I've been writing (read: no writing at all) since I graduated from grad school. I can't seem to get motivated to do it but being a full-time writer is all I've ever wanted. I get so down on myself for always standing in my own way, but... I wish I would just step aside once and a while. I guess it's the fear of failing? So if I don't try, at least I won't "fail"? But isn't that failing majorly in itself anyway? Next I'd tell you that this reminds me of one of my favorite Golden Girls quotes: "the bottom line is when you you take a chance in life, sometimes good things happen, sometimes bad things happen, but honey, if you don't take a chance, nothing happens." Yas, Dorothy. #BeMoreLikeDorothyZbornak So I guess I just have to start writing. Anyone have any novel ideas? ;)

I'd tell you my motivation to be eating well is really waning. Really, my motivation for exercise and living well in general is kind of waning. Physically, I've been feeling my worst so I'm ready to get back on the wagon. I purchased the 3-Day Refresh (against my better judgement) from that company that sells Shakeology and I'm attempting to do a variation of the 21-Day Fix as soon as those colored containers show up in my mailbox. I know they're not long lasting solutions, but I need something to jump start this weight loss journey again. Usually programs like this are motivating for me because I like a schedule and rules I have to follow. Keeps me focused, for at least a few days, in order to get started. Let's hope something sticks this time around.

I'd tell you I'm kind of OK with summer coming to a close and it's a little annoying how many people I'm seeing on social media saying they're dreading it. Although, I kind of also get it. Summer isn't my favorite season, but I 100% get why other people love it. But also, fall is so great, people! Calm down! And also I read that it's going to be a "hot" fall, so you all can rejoice while I sip my spiced drinks in 70 degree weather and sulk. ;)

I'd tell you that in preparation for the loveliest season approaching (spring takes a very, very close second for me), I have several Halloween-themed baby clothes sitting in an online cart right now just begging to be purchased for our niece. Now only to convince Sammy it's absolutely necessary she have both the knit pumpkin hat AND booties. 

I'd tell you that I would love to be my own boss and maybe even freelance from home but have no idea how to make it happen. Or really, I'm too lazy to make it happen. And also I really do enjoy my job most days, so I would be sad to leave. But the appeal of working from home gets stronger as the days pass. I'd also tell you that's kind of freaking me out. 

I'd tell you that in another life (or maybe even later in this one...), I would have loved to have been a personal organizer (even though my current living situation reflects zero indication that I would be a good one), event planner, cookbook editor, calligrapher, and/or photographer. 

I'd tell you that actually, currently, right now in this life I have creative ideas, a love of food and words, a pen and ink (as I've mentioned), and a nice-ass Canon camera. So maybe I can do some of these things after all. 

I'd tell you that even though I've been feeling unmotivated lately in several facets of my life and feeling kind of in a rut, I've been feeling grateful for early bedtimes, new magazines, bowls of pasta, dreaming of the holidays, You've Got Mail, all my people being in good health, dog snuggles, and knowing that ruts only last for a short while and motivation is always there, waiting. 

xo