Loving… how Christmassy my apartment is! Right now, as I write this post, my living room is awash in pretty Christmas lights. My tree is lit up and filled with ornaments, and waiting for presents to be stacked neatly underneath it. I’ve got garland and lights strung up over my sliding glass doors. My TV stand is filled with Christmassy decorations, a Christmas countdown, garland, and lights. And my door has a pretty wreath and a “Merry Christmas” welcome mat. In short, I am full-on the Christmas crazy train! I’m interested to see how my Christmas decorations will hold up once I have kittens next year. 😉
Loathing… the fact that I’m getting sick. Womp! I’ve had a scratchy throat all week and yesterday, I started having some chest congestion and sniffles. After work, I went right to the grocery store to pick up medicine (Mucinex, which usually works quickly and wonderfully for me!), soup, and ice cream. Fingers crossed I can nip this in the bud and it doesn’t morph into a full-blown sickness.
Watching… season seven of Friends. Ah, this show. It is exactly what I need right now. I’m nearly done with my rewatch, and I think I may just restart the series when I finish it. I just love it so much!
Listening to… How I Built This with Guy Raz. It’s all about the origin stories of big companies – I’m talking Spanx, Airbnb, Southwest Airlines, etc. He interviews the founders of these companies to learn how they got their ideas for it, all the times they failed, and how they became a success. It’s so interesting to learn how much these people had to hustle and be creative with new ideas and learn from their failures.
Anticipating… a Christmas cookie bake-off at work! We’ve been asked to wear ugly Christmas sweaters and bring in a batch of cookies for everyone to taste. I am excited to participate! I’ll be honest: I haven’t been the best at attending work things this past year. I’ve hidden behind my social anxiety to avoid things like potlucks and happy hours, which isn’t something I want to do. I recognize my social anxiety for what it is, but I don’t like for it to hold me back from things. I’ve also been really bummed about all my friends resigning and so I think I feel a little lost in my office right now. But I’ve made a decision to cut that out and be a more active participant in my company. I know I’m happier when I do so!
Grateful… that I was able to do another “Day of Stephany” for my birthday. Since my work graciously gives us our birthdays off, I made sure to make the most of it. I documented the entire day on Instagram (saved in a highlight!), but the best moments of my day were getting a massage, strolling through a bookstore, having lunch and also dinner with my mom, and taking a wonderful two-hour nap in the middle of the day. Next year, my birthday falls on Thanksgiving, so I may have to do my “Day of Stephany” the day before. 😉 I just adore my birthday so much and it’s really important to me to make it special. We all deserve a special day like that, and I feel grateful that it’s something I can do for myself.
Needing… to watch a sweet Christmas movie this weekend. I know some people were watching Christmas movies throughout November, but I’m a strict “no Christmas anything until after Thanksgiving.” No Christmas music, no shopping… none of that. But now the season is most definitely upon us and it’s time to get in my delightful Christmas movies. I am debating getting a Hallmark Movies Now subscription if only to have copious Hallmark holiday movies to indulge in over the month. Anybody invest in that? Thoughts?
What are you currently loving, anticipating, and grateful for?
I cannot wait to decorate this weekend – ready to feel all festive and Christmassy (seriously about to board the Christmas crazy train haha).
That is great that you get the day off for your birthday and that you made it special.
Your house sounds so fun and Christmasy! I’m kind of bummed about the lack of decorations in our house but I know it’s just not the year for decorating with a crawling baby that doesn’t understand no. Hopefully next year we can put our tree up. I am looking forward to not having to take it down after Christmas, though! 🙂
I’m loving hearing Paul’s giggles! It’s been a rough month for sleep between ear infections, teething and pain from his surgery but he’s still in pretty good spirits during the day and it’s pretty easy to get him to giggle which is the best sound. I’m anticipating celebrating Christmas at my parents’ lake home. I’m a little nervous for how Paul will sleep there, especially since there are a lot of cousins who aren’t always great at being quiet but oh well! I’m grateful for health insurance! It’s been quite year for Paul and me!
I did a Lifetime subscription last winter for all their cheesy Christmas movies. BEST decision.
Are you for sure getting kittens?! Eeeeee!
I love that your office gives you your birthdays off. That is amazing. I usually take mine off, but not always. I have to take vacation time though. Wahhh.
Your office gives you your birthday off?! That is such a great perk!
You will have to share on instagram or your blog what Christmas movies you watch! I want to watch tons of corny Christmas movies this season. I love them so much 😉 So glad you had such a special day on your birthday, I totally agree that birthdays are meant to be celebrated and I love that you spoil yourself. So deserved!!
YES! I’ve been rewatching Friends and it makes me so damn happy!