What's Up Wednesday January 2024

 

The end of January is here and I know that people often say that January is the longest month, but I don't feel that way this time. I actually feel like January has been a pretty Good month and 2024 is shaping up to be ok so far.  As this is the last Wednesday of January, I am linking up with Shay and Shaeffer for their monthly link-up What's Up Wednesday. Let's settle in and reflect on the first month of 2024.

What We're Eating This Week

This is going to be a busy week and all three of us are going in three different directions. This is what I think dinner could look like this week but is totally subject to change. We do have a house full of food so no one will starve around here.

Monday-I have acupuncture after work, Hockey Guy has late hockey practice and Running Daddy may go hit golf balls after work. We are all kind of on our own to figure it out. There is leftover pork tenderloin, soup, and all kinds of things in the freezer.

Tuesday-Baked chicken tacos, black beans and salad.

Wednesday-Chicken legs, salad and rice

Thursday-Steak tips, roasted potatoes and salad

Friday-It's senior night for hockey and we will need to figure out what we are eating after the game

What I'm Reminiscing About 

This little boy with his blonde buzz cut and his peacoat, with his nose pressed against the glass, looking at what he didn't know would be his future. A future where he would play on the team he is looking at. A team that he would help win two different back-to-back championships. A team he would help lead his senior year.  All the memories, all the feels, all the gratitude. 

What I'm Loving

This is going to sound really strange, but I am really loving my new alarm clock. I bought a new alarm clock and one of the options for the alarm settings is that you can awake to the sound of birds. The alarm sound is so delightful and so soothing. Running Daddy said that the alarm truly sounds like spring birds. I truly wake up feeling a little like a Disney princess.

What We've Been Up To

We are in the thick of hockey season and Hockey Guy is playing almost every day. He is playing really well and it has been really fun to have friends join us at the games. He has a lot of potential opportunities in front of him over the next few months and I cannot wait to see the path that God has in store for him.

Speaking of God's path, we are also waiting for a few additional college notifications and make preliminary plans for college visits for a few schools that he has been accepted at that we have not visited yet. At the moment I am much more calm about all of this than I thought I would be.

We have also been trying hard to clean out some clutter around the house. I just sent off a big bag to ThredUp and I have a few things to take to the donation center as well. 

What I'm Dreading

At the moment, for now, I feel so blessed and content that I am not dreading anything. My anxiety is more in check than it has been in a long time, yup I have anxiety, and I am sleeping really well. I am not dreading a thing at the moment.

What I'm Working On

I am currently the right level of busy at work. Not overly stressed and just keeping projects moving along. It's been a while since I have felt the right level of busy.

I am also working really hard on this site. You may have noticed that we moved to a new website goodbetterbestlife.net and that all went much Better than I thought it would. I appreciate all of you that have come along with me and we have been welcoming a lot of new readers in January too. 

I need to keep working on keeping the house picked up and also cleaning out more clutter. With our weekends so busy and the fact that I basically go into my office downtown every day, makes it a little hard to keep things as organized as I would like.

What I'm Excited About

Friday night is senior night for our high school hockey team. I am so excited to be part of senior night and celebrate Hockey Guy and the six other seniors on the team. I have helped with senior night the last three years and cannot wait for Friday.

What I'm Watching/Reading

A lot of the Good Bravo shows just wrapped up. We really enjoyed Southern Charm this season and know that it will be a while before we get another season. 

I also finished Real Housewives of Salt Lake City and I have to say that I was never a Monica fan. I did hear the potential rumor about her being Reality Von Tease but I totally screamed when it was revealed.

One thing I do have to say is that I think Heather got a bit of a pass about the black eye. You can't jokingly blame production and think that is ok. People could lose their jobs. I don't think she should be fired but I hope there were more repercussions about this behind the scenes. Plus I still don't think we have the whole story about the black eye. I think Heather knows exactly what happened.

I am also almost finished with Fool Me Once on Netflix. This one is really interesting. I do have to keep the close captioning on because the British accents are really strong on this show and I want to make sure that I am capturing all of the dialogue.

The Way Home is back on Hallmark and has even more twists and turns than season one. Oh to be in this show's writer's room. If you think this is a typical Hallmark story where everything is tied up in a neat bow you are completely wrong. I also read that Drew Barrymore is obsessed with this show.

The acting in this is so Good too. There's something about Andie McDowell that just makes me feel so calm when she is on the screen. I just like her on my screen and glad she has found a home on Hallmark.

What I'm Listening To

In addition to all of my regular podcasts, I am listening to Girls Gone Hallmark recaps of The Way Home. It's Good to get another's perspective on this show because there are so many twists and turns as I mentioned above. 

For my regular podcasts, Mary and Courtney from Two Judgey Girls make me laugh out loud with their Bravo recaps. The stories from going to the Vanderpump Rules premiere and Two Tea's in a Pod live show are nothing short of hilarious. 

In keeping with my word of 2024, I have also been listening to a lot of instrumental music, especially at work. A little Disney instrumental, Windham Hill or Nancy Meyers movie themes helps me concentrate and keeps things chill.

What I'm Wearing 

For work, I am wearing my sweater blazers a lot. They are just so easy and versatile. This black one is a little thicker and Good for when it is cold. 

I have this one-button version in a light blue that I really like. I believe that it is sold out but they have it in black and a cognac. 

The Best part is that both of these are currently 60% off right now. These are great options especially as the seasons get ready to change.

I also picked up a new pair of New Balance sneakers as it was time to replace them. I pretty much only wear New Balance as any time I try any other brand it doesn't go well for my feet. I really like this pair that I chose because I think they are cute and also super cushy. 

What I'm Doing This Weekend

Friday night we have senior night for high school hockey and I am so excited to cheer on Hockey Guy and the other six seniors. I cannot believe this night is here and I am so proud of each and every one of them.

Saturday, Hockey Guy has a hockey game for his travel team and then there is a little reception for the seniors after.

Sunday, we have two hockey games in Pennsylvania.

What I am Looking Forward to Next Month

 I think February is going to be a Good month. We have senior night and a whole lot of hockey to watch. Hockey Guy is really playing well right now and I cannot wait to see how a few things develop for him.

I am also looking forward to Valentine's Day as we just need a little winter fun and Valentine's treats. We don't do anything big for Valentine's just some candy, a fun meal at home and cards.

What Else is New

The big thing that is new around here is that we have a new real website and the name for the site has evolved a little bit. When I started this site in 2010 I was very focused on food but this site as you know as evolved into finding the Best in Good.Wine.Joy.Life so it was time that the domain name reflected that spirit.

All of my social media is still the same so if you haven't had a chance to follow me on my other social media please take a moment to do so this week. I promise that unless you seem creepy, ladies you know what I am talking about, I will follow you back. I have the opportunity to do a lot of product reviews on Instagram/Facebook so follow me there to learn more.

How was your January Besties? Update me in the comments below.