Three confessions
1) I really enjoyed doing my Week in the Life series this year and I’m happy that the rest of you guys liked reading about my mundane little life. It’s really fun to read back on my posts from other years because my life has changed so much!
2) When it comes to dating apps, my toxic trait is connecting with someone, sending a message, getting a message back, and then completely forgetting to respond for days and days. Something I need to explore in therapy, probably.
3) I bought a standing desk so I could have the opportunity to stand throughout my day. Sitting all day isn’t good for anyone! Do you know how many times I use the standing part of my desk? Barely ever. Maybe I need to set myself a schedule? Like, I must use the standing portion every day at 9AM, 1PM, and 4PM for however long I want to. I dunno.
Three apps I recently downloaded
1) Mixtiles – Mixtiles is a company that makes 8×8 canvas prints of your photos that can be easily stuck (and unstuck!) on your walls. I have a whole photo wall in my living room with Mixtiles and I have some empty spaces that need to be filled out. I re-downloaded the app over the weekend so I could find out what sorts of sales they’re running now (they often have amazing sales – like buy 12 prints, get 12 free.)
2) Cooking Fever – Cooking Fever is an app game that I was obsessed with earlier this year. But then I found myself spending too much money on in-app purchases (since it seems to be the only way to move forward through the levels, ugh), so I deleted the app. But I missed playing the game, so I redownloaded the app and have set myself a budget for in-app purchases.
3) Etsy – I haven’t used my Etsy app since I got my new phone a few months ago, so I had to re-download it in order to start doing some Christmas shopping. If you’re seeking a seamless app experience, collaborating with an ios app developer could be a wise consideration.
Three of the lowest-rated books on my Goodreads TBR
1) Imposter Syndrome by Kathy Wang (3.29 stars)
2) A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Mayhem by Manda Collins (3.44 stars)
3) The Verifiers by Jane Pek (3.51 stars)
Three things I’m looking forward to on my cruise
1) Stepping on the ship for the very first time – Is there anything more exciting than those first few moments on the ship? I think not! It’s a little overwhelming, for sure, but all I need is a fruity cocktail in my hand and I’m good.
2) Not having to make any decisions about where to eat for a whole week – I know so many people love this part of a vacation: deciding what restaurants to hit up each day. For me, as someone who is a picky eater and not much of a foodie, it’s just stressful and not fun. That’s what I love about cruises: I don’t have to make these decisions! I just show up at the dining room and choose my meal from a pared-down list.
3) Spending my birthday in another country – I always have high expectations of my birthday, and spending it on Royal Caribbean’s private island doing a hot air balloon ride? That’s going to exceed all my expectations! (Hopefully.)
Three goals for 2023
1) Move to a two-bedroom apartment – It’s tiiiime for me to have a bigger place where I can have a separate room to use as an office. I’m so excited to make this goal happen in 2023!
2) Have $3,000 saved in an emergency fund – The general consensus is that you should have a six-month emergency fund saved up at all times. For me, that would be about $12,000 on the low end. And while I have an emergency fund, it is sure as shit not at $12,000. But it’s time to work on that, so that’s going to be one of my goals for 2023.
3) Buy a new mattress and bedframe – I have over $1,000 saved for a new mattress, but a good mattress typically runs over $1,500. So I have a little more I need to save up and then I also want to replace my bedframe because my current one is a little worn down.
Three things I’m doing this weekend
1) Getting a pedicure – It’s time for my pre-cruise pedicure! Gotta get those toes lookin’ pretty for the ship. 🙂
2) Recording a few episodes of the podcast – We released our final episode of season 2 this week and will be taking the holidays off. But we’re going to start working on season 3 over the next month and a half so we’re ready to release our third season in early January!
3) Shopping for Thanksgiving – We’re not doing a big family Thanksgiving this year for a variety of reasons, so instead, Mom and Robert will be hosting me and my brother and his family at her house. I’ll be helping with the meal and will accompany Mom on her trip to Publix this weekend to buy what she needs.
Three TV shows I recommend
1) Brooklyn 99 – I think Brooklyn 99 might be my favorite comedy series of all-time. I mean, I love The Office but my latest rewatch of the series has shown me how poorly that show has aged. And maybe I will find that Brooklyn 99 ages poorly in another decade or so, but it’s my go-to comedy recommendation.
2) The Baby-Sitter’s Club – Oh, you guys. I am so sad that Netflix canceled this delightful series. It was everything I wanted. The actresses were perfectly cast, the episodes were heartfelt, and I just wish we could have more seasons.
3) Revenge – If you’re looking for a soap opera-like thriller TV show, Revenge has everything you need. There are rich people behaving badly, a girl-next-door with a crazy secret, and lots and lots of hooking up. I would love to rewatch this show someday.
Three things in my Amazon cart
1) A new mouse pad ($9) – My current mouse pad has served me well, but is getting a little dingy. It’s time for an upgrade and this flowery one looks perfect.
2) A new insulated water bottle ($25) – I love Camelbak’s insulated stainless steel water bottles, but I only have one. It can keep my water cold for more than a day, which is quite a feat in my opinion. But why do I only have one? If I had a second one that I could keep at my desk, I think it would improve how much water I drink exponentially.
3) A pack of headbands ($17) – This feels very pricey for a set of headbands, but there are eight headbands in the pack and this brand comes highly rated. Plus, free returns if I hate the way the headbands look on me.
Three things not on my bucket list
1) Getting married – I’m not saying I never want to get married. I’m open to it happening. But it’s not something I’m striving for anymore. There are way more interesting goals to reach than that! If you’re planning to get married, you should consider meeting with attorneys like Fedor Kozlov to help you draft a pre-nuptial agreement.
2) Writing a novel – I always thought I’d be a world-famous novelist when I grew up. But it’s one of those goals that I’m not longer working towards. Maybe one day, well into the future, but it’s not a goal that affects my day-to-day life anymore.
3) Retiring early – It’s just not in the cards for me! And that’s okay.
Three things that made me happy this week
1) Getting tickets to Taylor Swift (!!!) – Bri was the kind soul who braved the Ticketmaster site to get a group of us tickets to see Taylor when she comes to Tampa in April. I am so glad I didn’t have to wade through the mess. It was nerve-wracking at first because she kept getting kicked off and her code stopped working at one point, but she got back in and got us tickets. I am so pumped!
2) Lila snuggles in the morning – Tuesday morning, I laid in bed for probably 20 minutes after my alarm went off, snuggling Lila and petting her soft fluffy fur. It’s the only time she’ll snuggle with me, and I take full advantage.
3) Cooler weather – We’re getting a “cold front” this week. (In Florida-speak, that means we’ll get lows in the 50s for a few days.) I am so looking forward to enjoying some cooler temps because it’s still godawful hot outside and I am over it.
What’s a TV show you recommend? What’s something that made you happy this week?
Oh yeah, we’re getting down to 62 tonight, woohoo! I wish we would get down to the 50s, but I’ll take 62. I also wish it would be cold for Thanksgiving, but looks like that’s not going to happen.
I’ve never been on a cruise. I think it’s because my husband used to work on cruise ships (before we were married) and he just doesn’t see it as a fun thing. I would probably love it though- I’m sure I can convince him someday. Or, I could just tell him I’m going by myself- at which point he would immediately say he’s coming with me. I’m looking forward to hearing all about yours!
I responded to your comment yesterday- YES, I will be in Tampa!!!!!! I would LOVE to see you. I’ll have to see what my schedule it like though- it will be a quick trip. I’ll let you know the dates when we get closer and see if I can work it out. If not this time, we can do it the next time- now that my friends have moved there, I expect to go more frequently.
You should definitely book a cruise, Jenny! Especially since you live so close to the GOOD ports, haha. I can sail out of Tampa, but we only get the smaller ships since they have to sail under a bridge and even the small ships come way too close to the bottom of the bridge for comfort! Ft. Lauderdale and Miami have the best ships. 🙂
We can definitely chat about your trip to Tampa when the dates are closer!
My daughter got tickets to see Taylor Swift as well, so she and her friend will be going to see her in July in San Jose. And my sister and my niece are going to see her in Seattle. Yay! I’m not one for huge concerts, so glad she is going with a friend and not me.
Your birthday cruise sounds like it is going to be a lot of fun! I have never been on a cruise, perhaps someday.
I heard so many horror stories about people not being able to get Taylor Swift tickets, so I’m glad things went well for your daughter and sister/niece!
I despise deciding where to eat so having it figured out sounds AMAZING!!!!!
OMG I forgot about the show Revenge. I wonder if I ever finished all of it?
That is so awesome you are all going to see Taylor Swift!!!
And yay for Lila cuddles<3 What a sweetie!
Hmm. I don't think I have a show to recommend. We don't watch that much TV! I can recommend lots of movies! Getting my mani made me happy this week. Enjoy your pedi!
It’s also very easy to eat vegan/vegetarian on a cruise ship – you just have to let them know about your preferences!
Revenge was such a crazy show. I still think about scenes from it to this day!
I never have been on a cruise and I am hoping you share a little about your experience. I probably would have to find someone to go with because I know my husband would hate it (he constantly needs to move but we both love road trips so hurray for that).
I enjoyed watching Bones and was kind of sad when it was over, Bridgerton – but I guess you already watched that? Last but not least The Mysterious Benedict Society – we enjoyed watching it as a family.
The thing I love about cruises is that they are perfect for every type of traveler: the people who like to take it easy and be a bit lazy, and the people who like to keep busy. There’s always something to do! I will definitely be writing about my trip in December. 🙂
Ahh, Bridgerton! How did I forget about that one?! I love that series so much. I can’t wait for season 3!
The only two shows I’m watching are Taskmaster and Great British Bake-Off. If you’re not already watching them, though, I’m sure this millionth suggestion from me won’t sway you.
It’s interesting to hear you say that marriage isn’t on your bucket list. I never really imagined my life as married until I met my husband and then it seemed like something that absolutely had to happen. But I totally understand that it’s not for everyone!!
For me, it’s less that I don’t ever want to be married and more that I am not worrying about it. For a long time, marriage felt like the end-all, be-all, but I am becoming more and more okay with being single for the rest of my life. I’m not saying I will never get married. I just know there are better goals for me to work towards.
Yes, love Brooklyn 99. It was the one TV show the whole family loved to watch.
Brooklyn 99 is so good! I’m looking forward to doing another rewatch one of these days.
I love how intentional you are about your savings and budgeting goals! Saving for a new mattress and an emergency fund sound very smart and useful.
I love Brooklyn 99 so much. So, so much. Captain Holt is one of my all-time favorite TV characters. And I am also so sad about Baby-sitters Club! It was SUCH a great show!
Captain Holt is one of the all-time greats. I love the way he loves his dog. In the final season, I was DEVASTATED when him and Kevin broke up and so glad when they got back together.
My Husband and I would watch Revenge together every week when it was first out. Such wack-a-doodle, so-bad-that-it’s good tv. Also – when we discovered it on Hulu, we were like, “Did we ever finish that series?” so we decided to watch the last season, only to discover that, oh yeah, we did watch it…. that was just the insane way it ended. Brooklyn 99 is also one of the few shows we watch together.
My current favorite series to watch are all lighter fare: Acapulco, Only Murders in the Building, and Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries. Oh also This is Us and Better Things.
Oh man, Revenge was such an insane TV series. It was really insane the way it ended!
I still need to watch season 2 of Only Murders in the Building. It’s my goal for December. 🙂
This was very fun to read! Your cold front cracks me up. I could use a cold front like that!
So much to look forward to – a cruise and a concert! That’s awesome.
I enjoyed your week in the life series so much, I did a day in the life post today! I’m a copycat!
I figured you would enjoy our little Florida version of a cold front. It was nice to have a few days of “cold.” We’re back into the 70s now.
I love that you did day in the life!
I am glad things are cooling off! We are in an awful cold stretch right now – high of 19F. Not cool. It’s too early for it to be this cold. And Paul has a park birthday party to attend tomorrow. Definitely going to need to get a coffee or something on the way there. At least Will won’t be with to spill the coffee like he did last week at the library – I’m still bitter about that!
I’m so excited that you are seeing TS! I really wanted to see her but wasn’t registered for the pre-sale. And then I heard what a sh!t show the presale was so I didn’t even consider trying to buy tickets when they opened to the general public. And I heard this morning they won’t be selling to the general public now. Oh well. I will see her someday!
I honestly had no idea about this presale until Bri told me she was buying tickets for a group of us! One of her friends had a presale code and I’m really glad she did because I would have had to give up my dream of seeing Taylor Swift! I’m so sad for all of the fans who won’t get to see her.
A high of 19F sounds MISERABLE!
I have a standing desk (or VeriDesk that sits on top of my desk) in my office and before the pandemic, I loved it. I usually would start working standing up in the morning, then sit for a couple of hours and start working standing up again after lunch. So, I’d basically work in four blocks. That worked well. Since I wasn’t allowed to take it home, I’ve now been sitting for the last three years (HMPF). I don’t have the space currently to buy a standing desk, but I also contemplate moving again at some point as we really need a 2nd bedroom/office now that I know I will continue working from home.
I also will need to buy a bedframe. We have a supernice Tempurpedic mattress that is 10 years old and LIKE NEW (seriously!), but it’s currently sitting on the boxspring on the floor. I know, embarrassing.
I’ve heard of Mixtiles and I am intrigued. I have to check out the app.
Yeah, I’m also in the camp of needing a second bedroom to use as an office. Having my desk in the corner of the living room has worked well for the past 3 years, but since working from home is my future, I really need to have an office so I don’t have to see my desk every time I walk into my living room!
The eating decision is a pain. I could easily do it for myself but the husband and I have so very different tastes and he is a picky eater so I feel like I always end up with. his choice. And that is never really what I want. so buffet style sounds like a good choice.
Hope your birthday will be everything you look for. You seem to be setting yourself up for success….
I am not a cruise person, despite never having been on one. The idea of being tied to someone else’s itinerary gives me the heebie jeebies. 🙂 BUT BUT BUT I am so glad you took one and that it was over your birthday and that you were with your mom and apparently (per IG) had such a good time. real life, in my opinion, is a good thing!
Your “cold front” made me laugh – thanks for that!
So glad season 3 will drop in just a few months… LOVED season 2! And YAYAYAYAY for TS tickets – go, Bri! That’s persistence.
No TV so can’t contribute there, but you knew that. 🙂