Monthly recap | October

READ 

October was busy and reading was slow. I finished one book. 

COOKED

I tried a new ravioli dish that we liked okay but isn’t necessarily worth sharing. However, I did bake a nice apple pie for Jon’s birthday that we both loved. It was delicious and I’ll have to share the recipe in a future post.

WATCHED

We watched the season finales of ‘Before the 90-days’ and ‘90-days – The Other Way’ because it’s just the brainless TV I need at the end of a long day.

I also watched a couple of German movies when I was in Germany and a dubbed (*shudder*) version of ‘Mrs Doubtfire’ (the things you’ll do for your niece and nephew! Haha.)

LISTENED TO 

As always, not much new. I listened to a few episodes of  Pod Save America. 

BOUGHT

Of course, we brought back some food items from Germany. I also purchased a couple of birthday gifts for Jon, a TubShroom, more NUUN, and some new Jockey shirts for Jon. I also ordered pair of ankle boots for me online that haven’t arrived yet. I rarely buy shoes online (unless I have previously tried them on somewhere), so I hope these will fit and are somewhat close to what I am expecting IRL.

RAN

I ran 25 miles and cycled 48 miles this month. I had good intentions when I was in Germany to go for a run or two, but we got a lot of rain and to be honest, I had other priorities while I was there. That’s how it goes.

GOING-ONS

+ As you already know, we spent the first half of the month in Germany, surprising my parents for their birthday party! It was the best decision and I still relish every minute that we had with my family.

+ We went to dinner at my favorite pizza place back home and I had the best (I am not exaggerating!) tomato soup and my favorite pizza with tuna. Yum. I also got to eat some Italian yogurt gelato (which is totally different from frozen yogurt) while I was in Germany. 

+ Shortly after our return, we celebrated Jon’s 37 birthday. I baked a birthday (apple) cake and we had a nice and lazy day (as per the birthday boy’s wishes). 

+ I went for my first mammogram ever this month. I guess, I am at that age now. It wasn’t as horrible or painful for me as some women make it out to be. Just one extra preventive care measure that I am happily picking up.

+ I had my performance review at work, my first annual review with my new supervisor. It went very well overall. I am still frustrated with my work situation right now (I don’t have enough work to fill my time), but I am hoping that will change again soon.   

+ I am back to my gym routine. It’s hard to get back into, but it’s always worth it (and necessary, I might add).

+ We’ve been enjoying the first glimpses of fall. Cool nights and mornings, sunny blue skies during the day. We haven’t been impacted by smoke/bad air quality from the fires so far, which – I am crossing my fingers – will hopefully stay this way.

+ My niece turned 11. I still remember when she was a toddler, forming the first hilarious words and sentences, and here she is, sassy and so grown up, and almost on the cusp of puberty. Can someone slow down time, please? 

+ It was my 9-year Instagram-iversary. I can’t believe I’ve been using this platform for almost a decade. When did you post your first Instagram picture? Go look and tell me what it was! (Mine was coffee.)

How was your October?