What’s Up Wednesday (vol. 1)

Joining a new link up this week! Along with Mix & Match Mama and Sheaffer Told Me To I’ll be sharing: what we’re eating this week, what I’m reminiscing about, what I’m loving, what we’ve been up to, what I’m dreading, what I’m working on, what I’m excited about, what I’m watching/reading, what I’m listening to, what I’m wearing, what I’m doing this weekend, what I’m looking forward to next month, and what else is new!

What We’re Eating This Week:

I haven’t gone to the grocery store in a while and didn’t meal plan yet (eek!), so I’ve been throwing together quick dinners based on what we already have in the house. On Monday night we had chili. On Tuesday we had nachos. Tonight we had paneer tikka masala and chicken tikka masala with garlic naan from our favorite local Indian restaurant. That is currently my favorite meal and I’m already looking forward to the leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch. 😉

I have zero clue what I’m going to make the rest of the week. If all goes to plan, I’ll finally meal plan and grocery shop tomorrow.

What I’m Reminiscing About:

Lately I’ve been daydreaming about our past vacations and wondering if/when we’ll be able to travel freely again.

What I’m Loving:

I’ve been loving how much this lady loves the snow! Arwen is like a little kid on Christmas morning when she notices its snowing outside. Part of me wishes we’d get enough for her to really play in and enjoy, but the part of me that worries about my husband on his commute to work disagrees. 😉

What We’ve Been Up To:

We’ve mostly been staying home aside from going to Church. We have been visiting my side of the family and went to a game night at my sister’s last weekend, which was really fun. If you haven’t already played the game Qwirkle, I highly recommend it!

What I’m Dreading:

I’m happy to say I’m not really dreading anything. <3

What I’m Working On:

I’ve been taking an online calligraphy class with Hoopla Letters and it’s been so fun! It is much much more difficult than I anticipated. The thing I’ve had to practice the most is the amount of pressure I put on the pen, when.

What I’m Excited About:

It will be Spring in 52 days. I am looking forward to some sunshine!!

What I’m Watching/Reading:

Right now I’m reading two books.

American Royals II: Majesty by Katherine McGee

This is the second book in a series based on an alternative history of the United States, where George Washington becomes the King instead of the first President. It follows the modern-day Washington royal family including several love story lines.

I really enjoyed the first book in the series. The whole concept of American royalty was interesting and different. However, this one has just been ok. I’m not crazy about the ending, but I won’t ruin it for you by sharing why in case you haven’t read it yet. 😉

Spiritual Survival in the Modern World by Andrew Swafford

C.S. Lewis wrote a great book called the Screwtape Letters. It’s about the demon equivalent of a guardian angel, whose job is to “help” people get to hell. The whole book is a series of letters from an experienced demon to his demon-in-training nephew, advising him on how to ensure the downfall of his human subject.

Spiritual Survival in the Modern World highlights the specific ways in which the demon in the Screwtape Letters, and those in our daily lives, will try to tempt and push us further from God. Then it goes a step further to share some tactics for combating these.

I’m about half way through it so far, but it’s been so so good. I can’t remember the last time I took this many notes while reading a book!

What I’m Listening To:

The Pillar podcast has been one of my go-to’s since it was released. The hosts discuss news and events specific to the Catholic Church in a really fair and balanced way. The hosts are around my age, so most of the cultural references are really relevant for me as well.

What I’m Wearing:

My work-from-home uniform consists primarily of athleisure wear (I’m looking at you sweat pants!), so on the rare occasion I leave the house I’ve been trying to dress up more. I wore this dress to church recently. It’s so flowy and comfortable.

It’s been freezing here lately, so I also wore some leggings under it with a pair of wool socks and boots.

What I’m Doing This Weekend:

Aside from going to Church, I hope to: spend some quality time with my favorite guy and puppy, get in some quality reading time, and to attempt to bake more homemade bread. My first batch from the recipe in this cookbook turned out pretty well, so I think I’m ready to try one of the variations.

What I’m Looking Forward To Next Month:

Is it cheesy to say St. Valentine’s Day? Every little holiday feels worthy of celebration amidst the world’s chaos right now. Wherever we can find some joy, right?! I’ll be decorating with hearts and making a fun dinner that night for sure.

What Else Is New:

We have a meeting related to adoption coming up next week, and we’d love your prayers for God’s direction. More on that in the future!