What's Up Wednesday-February 2024

 

February, I am not going to lie, was a little weird. There were a few ups and downs with a few things that made us really scratch our heads. We are all doing ok and we got some Good news as we headed towards the end of this month.  On this the last Wednesday of February, I am linking up with Shay and Shaeffer for their monthly link-up What's Up Wednesday. Let's do this.

What We're Eating This Week

Monday-I have acupuncture after work so everyone is on their own. I have frozen meatballs, french bread pizza, Niman ranch barbeque and berries in the fridge. No one will starve around here.

Tuesday-Marinated chicken thighs and veggies sheet pan meal.

Wednesday-Mini meatloaves, roasted potatoes and salad.

Thursday- Tacos with black beans and salad.

Friday-We have wine pickup for wine club and then we are stopping by a party. Definitely need to figure out food for Friday night.

What I'm Reminiscing About

With the end of Hockey Guy's high school hockey career we are looking back on such a wonderful experience over the last four years. We have been on a lot of teams and had a lot of coaches since Hockey Guy started playing at age five, but this experience as a Cardinal, something he has worked for since age five, was truly something special. 

Yes, they won two different championships in four years, but the development as a player, friend and team leader is what really stands out. When Hockey Guy was a freshman, he was one of four freshmen that might, and I mean might, get a chance every week to play varsity. This was during COVID and the only way I got to see him play that year was on Facebook live. Those four players would pick up the pucks, put them in the bag and then lay low. They earned every shift, every game and then we would wait to see if they were on the varsity roster. Hockey Guy is the player he is today because of his hard work and his coach.

This team, and especially the seven seniors, is special. I adore these kids and their families. We check in on each other's kids when they are sick and celebrate every goal no matter which kid makes it, there is no jealousy in this bunch. We've been spoiled and I know that to have had this experience for four years is truly a gift. To have a coach that your kid can reach out to when things are going a little sideways is a blessing to a parent. 

What I'm Loving

I have always said that one of the things I miss the most about being gluten-free is a chocolate glazed donut from Dunkin. There's really nothing like it...until now. Trader Joe's just came out with these gluten-free donut holes and they are very very close to a Dunkin Munchkin. 

I keep them in the freezer and just take out two at a time to heat in the microwave, otherwise these could be very dangerous. They are so Good I sent a text to my friend in Florida who is gluten-free to alert her to this culinary masterpiece. 

What We've Been Up To

We started the month with senior night and it was such a Good night. 

As hockey is winding down we we are starting to have real weekends again and we are all really enjoying a little downtime.

This past weekend I also went to a salt cave for Halo therapy. It was pretty amazing and around the corner from our house. I found it super relaxing and I cannot wait to do it again.

What I'm Dreading

I am hoping that the weather will stay mild but I am dreading some random storm we may get in mid-March that happens every few years around here.

I am also dreading the clutter I need to clear out and the pile of used uniforms I need to try and sell on our school's Facebook group. This stuff needs to get out of the house stat! 

What I'm Working On

Honestly, there are a few things that I need to work on and I am calling on the Lord to help me with these things. I am spending some time in prayer and looking for guidance. I know it will come and things are already getting a little easier.

What I'm Excited About

We have some trips this spring for some final looks at schools for Hockey Guy. I am excited about these trips and what's to come for him. 

I am also super excited that spring is around the corner. We have a little bit of fake spring going on at the moment and I can't wait for the warmer temperatures and the flowers to start popping out.

Mostly, I am excited about the news that Hockey Guy made All-Conference for the Washington Catholic Athletic League (WCAC). This basically means that he was recognized as one of the top hockey players in the Washington, DC area Catholic high schools. We were so excited that three other teammates also received the same honor including his Captain who has been a friend for a long time.

What I'm Watching/Reading

I watched American Nightmare on Netflix. It's Good but I would not recommend watching this right before you go to bed like I did a few weekends ago. 

I am also loving Feud: Capote vs. The Swans. This is for mature audiences just a heads up. I am loving this and all of the costumes. I also love this cast of women being on my television screen. 

Finally, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is wrapping up and I have a lot to say.  First, there is a new Queen of Beverly Hills and that is one Miss Sutton! She has really carried the show the last three seasons and she solidified her number one place as far as I am concerned this season. She is iconic.

Now as for Kyle, I heard someone use the term that they were a "tenured professor in Housewives University" and I pretty much think I could be at that status after all of these years of watching Housewives. Therefore I ask you, are you finally seeing what I have been talking about Kyle after all these years? The gaslighting, the manipulation, the everyone else has to be honest but Kyle???

What truly gave me the icks was her and Mo filming themselves talking about their separation with their four daughters. Putting Portia their 15 year old through that on camera was beyond horrible. Am I the only one who is outraged by this? And yes, I blame both parents for this. 

What I'm Listening To

I am not really listening to anything new. Just my usual podcasts, country playlists and Taylor Swift.

What I'm Wearing

I am not wearing anything super exciting, just my usual winter clothes. I did pick up this cute gingham shirt in pink that I am wearing as a layering piece now and then also will be a Good early spring option. 

What I'm Doing This Weekend

Friday night we have our wine club pick up and then we are stopping by a birthday party after that. Dr. Denise is a leap year baby so she only has a real birthday every four years. I missed the one in 2020 so we want to make sure we celebrate her this year.

Saturday I am going to take Stormy for a long walk to work on our Lenten Healthy, Spirit, Body and Mind challenge. I need to make sure that I keep on track and use my weekends to pick up mileage. We have another event on Saturday night that we are looking forward to.

Sunday will hopefully be a chill day and a day to get things done around the house. 

What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month

In March, I am looking forward to Easter and spring weather. I am also looking forward to some of my early spring bulbs coming up that I worked on in the fall.

I am also looking forward to Hockey Guy hearing from some more schools. No matter what happens with the ones we are waiting to hear from, March will bring more clarity and the ability to book some April travel for him.

What Else is New

Don't forget that tomorrow Holly and I are hosting Monthly Musings and while we are getting a taste of fake Spring here in Virginia, we are talking about surviving the final weeks of winter.

If you want to join us as a writer, follow the prompts for your own post, link back to the both of us and then link up in the link party. As always, make sure that you check out the group of talented ladies who join us every month. I always learn something from them.

That's a wrap on What's Up Wednesday, February 2024 edition.