THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

VIA

FEELING: On Monday night, my sister gave our family the green light to share some really exciting news. You guys, she's PREGNANT (due March 2020)!! That means I'm going to be an aunt. I get to spoil the child absolutely rotten—but without the enormous responsibility part. Haha! Many of you asked Max's thoughts on the big announcement and in true Maxwell fashion, he was mostly relieved the baby was growing in her tummy and not mine. Me too, kid. Me too.

THANKFUL FOR: Flyboy is out of town for a while, so Max and I have a short trip to D.C. planned and the timing couldn't be better. It's hard to believe we haven't visited their house since the end of June. Say what?! I'm looking forward to retail therapy and some possible museum hopping, but mostly three friendly faces (Fergus too). A change of scenery will do Team Fine some good right now. The "reading" portion of today's post ought to explain it all.

THINKING ABOUT: I couldn't help but laugh when I received a handful of comments regarding my laptop a few weeks ago. I'm very aware it's far from new, but I didn't realize it would be considered "old school." When I think of a retro Mac, I see an Apple IIGS. That probably shows my age, doesn't it? Anywho, a week after sharing a snippet from my morning on Instagram, I had at least three people stop me and say something at Starbucks as well. Haha! I went ahead and blew their minds AGAIN when I shared that we have an Apple desktop that's also eleven years old. Now that I put this out into the universe, anyone want to take bets how soon before one (or both) of the machines crap out on me?

READING: A month into preschool and Max is doing awesome! I couldn't be prouder, except for the fact that the push back aimed at Moi has been a giant ass pain. Woof! Pardon my language, but it's really the only way I can describe it accurately. Max thrives with a routine (just like his parents!) and I really believe this little change has been enough for him to act out and push boundaries at home. He's working through his emotions and I'm doing my utmost to help him navigate his anger and anxiety. Throw Flyboy leaving for two weeks on top of it and our soon-to-be five-year-old is a glass case of emotion. I'm aware this is all developmentally normal, but it's exhausting. I've Googled it all, reached out to friends and family with experience, and I'm currently reading The Explosive Child. I'm not sure what more I can do other than giving it time, setting boundaries, and being consistent. Also, prayers and gin. So many prayers and gin.

WATCHING: Sometimes I watch endless hours of Bravo, but then I redeem myself intellectually by watching a three-part series on Netflix called Inside Bill's Brain: Decoding Bill Gates. It's called balance, y'all! Life's not all diamonds and Rosé. Hehe! All cheekiness aside, the documentary is FASCINATING and I highly recommend giving it a view. 

DRINKING: Is there anything more "basic" than talking about how basic you are whilst sipping on something pumpkin-spiced in the Fall? Welp, it looks like I'm going to go there and tell you that the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew at Starbucks is quite delightful. Since we're headed into October next week, but it's still too hot here to comfortably wear a sweater, I'm fond of sipping on this for a little taste of Autumn. Have you tried it? What are your thoughts?

LISTENING: In lieu of handing Max a device or playing endless rounds of the "I Spy" game en route to preschool, we've started listening to kiddie podcasts and it's been a game-changer. This past week, Chicken Little was the story du jour and I could tell Max was very invested in the folk tale. He was quiet and attentive, which was great until I glanced in the rearview mirror and found him looking concerned and disgruntled. "What's wrong?" I asked. He pointed to the moon roof and replied, "They keep saying that the sky is falling, but I just don't see it!" I couldn't help but chuckle.

LOVING: I tried the famed five-star underwear from Everlane and WHOA are they good! I think it's the compression part that really sets them apart from the rest. The high rise is a nice addition as well, although I'm thinking it might be nice to have a set of this style too. A few trusty options are essential depending on the pants you're wearing.

How are you feeling today? What are you up to? Thanks for stopping by!!