Hello, Monday.

How are we this week, friends? Last week I had a gloriously easy week at work and it took me back to the early days of my career where I wasn’t part of “leadership” and everyone just kinda left me alone to do my thing.  Being middle management has perks for sure but why are there so many meetings? Why?!

Anyway, I didn’t have any this week and it was truly the best. It was a good week to try and kick the remnants of this cold I picked up a few weeks ago and prep me for the long weekend ahead and my trip across the pond.

London, I can’t stay away.

C, H and I are popping over for the Oxford – Cambridge boat race. I have no skin in this game, but C has always wanted to go and I am nothing if not easily persuaded to pack my bags for a good time.  It might behoove me (or at least my bank account) to do it less often. 

Anyway, I feel like the big news of the week hit hard on Friday, and Kate’s big announcement left me gutted and breathless. We are the same age. Forty-two. Not old. How?!? A reminder to not take anything for granted.

As for the rest of the week? Let’s go.

I could really relate to this. The joys of chronic rewatching. I’m more likely to rewatch something I already have then start something new.  My faves?  The West Wing.  Friends.  Bones. Suits. Gilmore Girls, occasionally.  Pride and Prejudice (both of them). Always Bridget Jones. There’s something comforting about knowing what will happen, and knowing that I won’t get sucked into some binge that leaves me saying “one more episode” at 3 am…

If you do need a new show, my friend R is obsessed with Palm Royale. 

I just found out about this documentary and it apparently spills ALL the tea on our fave Nickelodeon shows.  Adding it to my list.

Paris’ approach to public housing – is it a model that other large megacities should adopt? “Our guiding philosophy is that those who produce the riches of the city must have the right to live in it.” An interesting read.

I’ve really gotten into the mindset of having enough.  I guess it goes with my overall theme of striking balance in my life and also with this year’s word of REFINE. It’s not always about having more stuff, making more money, doing all the things, stretching oneself beyond comfort. Sometimes enough is just the right amount. 

Say it again- age is just a number.

The first animal-human kidney transplant! I hope this works, and can provide hope to so many desperate for a transplant.

Looking for homemade goodies for your Easter baskets? Loving these black sesame macaroons, but also this Pacoca is amazing. 

Don’t forget brunch! These poppyseed rolls are OMG, as is this French toast.

That’s it! Have a great week!

Hello, Sunday.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

I can’t even believe we’re mid-March. Mother Nature seems somewhat confused by offering up 70 degree days combined with almost 8 am sunrises. I’m confused.  Crawley is really confused (and keeps waking me up at 3:30 am and 7 am for first and second breakfasts, respectively).  But it’s the midwest and March and we should be used to the seasonal confusion that comes with this time of year.

Mom and I had our Broadway day yesterday and we saw To Kill a Mockingbird. Damn, it’s been probably 30 (?) years since I’ve read that book or watched that movie and the play, written my Aaron Sorkin, is just so, so powerful.  I really think we all need to revisit the story…a lot of lessons learned in those 2 1/2 hours. Just so, so good.

My busy spring is about to keep on keeping on, with Delta reminding me that I’m set to check-in for London in 11 days.  Two weeks after that is Nashville, and two weeks after that, back to California.  There she goes…

As for this week, let’s check it:

Let’s get the Kate Middleton stuff out of the way up front. An interesting take.

Royally related- what do we think about American Riviera Orchard (besides the fact the name is weird)? I have no doubt that I will actually love the style of it all and will probably want everything.

That stupid walk for my stupid mental health that I take every day really does matter.

Ooh, harsh words, Professor Sprout.

This salad may be my go-to this spring!

Tennis season is upon us and I couldn’t resist this cutie.

Why are billionaires delusional?

There’s something about this grandaughter’s tribute that made me awww. Sometimes we just need a feel good read, right?

Tomorrow is the day for hash. Or sandwiches.

Hello, Monday.

Hello, March!

Can you believe we’re in March?  The year is already flying by, and the warmer weather we’ve been having almost makes me believe that spring is here. I’ve lived in the Midwest long enough to know that it’s not true, but hope springs eternal.

I’m kicking the month off out west for work, mostly, where weirdly enough the weather has been cooler and crankier than back home. Isn’t that just the way it happens? Anyway, I spent the weekend playing with D at Disneyland and nothing beats the winter blues quite like spending time with one’s most fun friend in Neverland. Good for the body, good for the soul.

Anyway, here’s what I’m looking forward to as I come at March like a lion:

wishing: on stars, always.

hoping: my taxes get done soon. gah, grown up stuff.

thinking: of my spring cleaning task list.

praying: for the health of my friends and family, for good measure. and for those suffering around the world.

planning: summer travels. french open anyone?

dreaming: vividly and without remembering them in the morning.

traveling: london, baby! 

wearing:  hats and scarves and shorts and tshirts. it’s wild.

reading: the burnout

watching: one day. grab the tissues.

thankful: for all my bests.

have a great month!