What's Up Wednesday: November 2019



I blinked and it is the end of November. I do love so many things about November. It's a busy week for all, so let's join up with Shay and Sheaffer for What's Up Wednesday! Let's talk November Besties!

What We are Eating This Week

Honestly, I don't have much of a dinner plan this week but here are some ideas.

Monday-I taught a class, so the boys were on their own and they hit up Noodles & Co.

Tuesday-Sausage, polenta and steamed broccoli

Wednesday-Could be burger night or could be pork chops

Thursday-Thanksgiving

Friday-Pizza night


What I am Reminiscing About

All of the Turkey Trots from years past. While I am only a spectator, Hockey Guy and Running Daddy have done the local Turkey Trot for years. Beginning when Hockey Guy was in a stroller and then there were some years when he would jump in and run a mile or so. He has run the full five miles for years. Some years even Stormy comes.  Still trying to decide if I am bringing Stormy or not this year. 


Image may contain: Patty Catano Richey, shoes, basketball court, child and outdoor


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What I am Loving

Neutrogena Bright Boost


I picked up the Neutrogena Bright Boost a few weeks ago and it has been a really Good addition to my nightly routine. I definitely think it helps make my skin look Better and it does not irritate my skin which is a total bonus. 


Starbucks® Cinnamon Dolce Ground Coffee

I am also loving Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce coffee. I picked this up a few weeks ago and it has been the perfect flavor to bring me into November. 

What We Have Been Up To

We have been up to a whole lot of hockey. We have a really Good team this season. We have the same coach as last year which is a prefect fit. We also have really Good kids and totally normal parents. 

We are also deep in the high school application process. We have had high school tours, placement tests and we are in the application phase. Hockey Guy has worked really hard this year. School does not come as naturally to him as other kids, but he totally embraces help and his learning differences. We are hoping and praying hard that his hard work will all pay off in a few months and that he ends up just where he is supposed to be. 

I was also a guest lecturer for a graduate class on fund raising and advocacy for a Advocacy and Lobbying class at George Mason University. It was a little out of my comfort zone but it was really fun. The students were engaging and I really love talking about how fund raising is a very important part of the public policy process. 

What I am Dreading

Honestly, I am dreading gift wrapping. As much as I love Christmas, I so don't love to wrap.  All you wrapping lovers are welcome to help me out any day.

What I am Working On

I finally feel like I am in a Good groove at work and not totally over loaded. I am getting ready to finish up for the year and then dive right into a big election year.

I am also working on the parent part of the high school applications. While Hockey Guy is working hard on the actual applications and essays, there is still some parent parts that I need to pull together such as reports, birth certificates and Baptismal certificates. 

I am also working hard on balancing out some work and time off in the next few weeks. Hopefully the Best balance I have had in a long time. 

What I am Excited About

I am honestly so excited about the whole Christmas season. I am getting ready to decorate over the next few days and trying out a few new looks for the holiday season.

What I am Watching/Reading

Honestly, the only thing I am reading is a whole lot of emails related to eighth grade and high school applications. I really want to try and start reading some books more, maybe in the New Year.  I need to start making time to sit and read.

I am watching a whole lot of Hallmark Channel. If you do not start your day early in the morning with coffee and Hallmark, you are truly missing out. Running Daddy and I start our day with a little bit of news with our coffee and then switch over to Hallmark. It's a really Good way to start the day. 

There are a lot of Hallmark movies this year and it is going to be a little tough for even me to catch up. I think there are some really Good ones this year. For a few of my reviews click here

What I am Listening To

For the most part I am listening to a whole lot of Christmas music. I had an extended dentist appointment this week and a little Christmas music helped ease my nerves.

I am also listening to the podcast Fatal Voyage: Princess Diana and honestly I am about half way through and just don't know what to think about what really caused that crash. 

What I am Wearing

I am so loving my Helly Hansen coat. I have been wearing it way more than I thought I would be at the point in the year, but it has been down right cold. It's been Good for work as well as hockey games. 

I sized up to a medium
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Both this skirt and this sweater look Good paired and with other separates. The sweater is on mega sale right now and is perfect for gifting and keeping one for yourself too. I love pink and leopard. 

Skirt//Size 6
Sweater//Size Small
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I also finally found a black long cardigan that doesn't look like a bathrobe on me. I am loving this cardigan and have been wearing it both casually and to work. It is perfect and doesn't look like it is wearing me.

What I am Doing This Weekend

Honestly, we have no plans. We all have four to five days off and we all really need it. I am looking forward to decorating for Christmas and also meal prepping. Hoping to sneak in a movie and some time with friends too. 

Since we have five days off, Hockey Guy and I need to work on some of his high school applications. He has to work on his essays and I need to pull together some paperwork.

I will also get up early on Friday morning to hit the outlets ...alone and get a jump start on my Christmas shopping. 

What I am Looking Forward to Next Month

I am looking forward to all things Christmas and cannot wait to decorate. I am also looking forward to selecting the perfect gift for people. It brings me  a lot of Joy. 

I am also really excited about a trip we will be taking for a few days after Christmas. It will be a Good way to extend the Christmas season. More on that to come. 

What Else is New

I think I have covered it all! 

Wishing you all the Best Thanksgiving. Please don't forget that if you blogged about gratefulness or thankfulness this month to link up with Holly and me on this post. 

4 comments

  1. My husband wraps all the gifts at our house because I HATE wrapping. Ha!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow! You are so lucky to have someone to wrap for you. Some years I hire a high schooler to wrap for me...not sure I will have everything purchased this year to get that done.

    Thank you for reading and commenting. Have the Best thanksgiving!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Happy Thanksgiving Friend! I am right there with you with gift wrapping- ugh!

    ReplyDelete

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