On the last day of November

We got back from Houston last night and I go to DC tomorrow, but it's the last day of November and I am determined to get one more update out before December punches us in the face with its sparkles and joy.

(To be clear, I LOVE being punched in the face with sparkles and joy.)

When we left off it was way too hot in Dallas for mid-November, Cora had just turned 12, and things were pretty solidly fine.

(I had to do a faux TV fireplace while we decorated our tree a couple nights ago because it was way too hot for a real one.)

But today it is finally cold out (I'm wearing my coziest sweatpants, sweatshirt, and fuzzy socks while typing in front of a partially open window because this is my happiest combination), Cora is still 12, and things are also pretty solidly fine!

I celebrated a dear friend's birthday by going to a new restaurant with the best gluten-free pizza I've had yet (Perch!) and then staying out past my bedtime at a nearby bar club place I'd never heard of because I am usually in my cozy clothes before it opens.

It was a good time! In other me-related news, I have an exciting new opportunity at work that I'll be pitching for this week while I'm in DC. I love my new firm so much- I've been so busy and I love it.

I just really like my job and I love being able to do it.

Not really related, but it appears I'm in my maxi skirt era. These are all fall versions.

Landon had his senior night at his last high school dual meet.

He's talking to several Division I college coaches right now. It's such an exciting, mildly crazy time. Recruiting is so different now from when James and I were going through it... he's done a great job navigating it. He has a meet next weekend that is his final opportunity to qualify for Nationals the next weekend where every coach he has been talking to will be in the stands to watch and make offers.

No pressure.

Claire is doing well. She has her permit and is my driver on all local errands. I pay in the occasional Starbucks and lots of quality time.

Cora slept in our room for a few nights while her room was undergoing a few projects.

We designed some built-in shelves and a desk, her walls were being repainted, and her bathroom was getting a few personalized touches like a new mirror and light fixture. Cora didn't change anything about the room when we moved in 3 years ago and now she was finally ready to... use the exact same paint color the original owners used. My sweet girl does NOT like change. But the room looks great and I can't wait to finish arranging it!

As I think I've noted before I promised Landon zero vacations before March this year so that he doesn't have to miss any practice in this final push of college recruiting.

So our Thanksgiving was a little different this year.

My parents spent the last month in New Zealand and Australia and only got home a few days ago. We decided to do a belated Thanksgiving (which was actually a delicious spread of bbq and sides because that's what the kids voted on) at their house over the weekend. We left Friday morning and got back last night.

Maggie got to meet her new dog cousin (my brother's recently adopted gigantic chocolate lab), my kids got to play with their tiny cousins, and we all got to catch up with my parents and brother and family. It was lovely.

On actual Thanksgiving we enjoyed a lazy day at home, going to see Zootopia 2 (which was very good! recommend), decorating the tree, and playing cards.

(Landon felt the garland also needed some ornaments. He wasn't wrong.)

Our meal (again, kids' choice) was a charcuterie spread at home (again, kids' choice) and then we watched Home Alone.

It was pretty great actually. I'm liking our low key holidays this year.

So that's where we are!

I'm not working out as much as I probably should be - I do my steep incline walk almost every day, but I haven't done yoga or stretched or anything else that is undeniably good for me in forever. I lift weights in my room maybe once a week. I'd like to make it at least 3. A glass of wine at the end of the day is something I love more than I wish I did. I should eat more protein and I definitely need more fiber (going gluten-free makes that harder). I don't know. Every day I feel torn between the disciplined me I wish I was and the one who found some incredible gluten-free cookies I now keep in the freezer (Trouvi! if you're in Dallas) and for some reason feel I deserve most days for just, you know, living this life I genuinely love. But I sat at my desk for 72 straight hours last weekend and finished my photo books, which feels like a lifetime achievement award every time I manage it, and my house is sparkly and my husband, kids, and pets are good so I don't know, on balance I feel pretty good. Even if under-fibered and mildly squishy.

And that's the deep thoughts without conclusions we're left with on the last day of November! Pressing publish and getting back to the sparkles, Christmas shopping, work prepping, and packing!