What's Up?

Today marks our last monthiversary in double digits!! 99 months of marriage today, and I'm so happy to have the entire day to spend with Ryan! After the last couple of weeks we've had, filled with shock and hurt and decisions, we are looking forward to celebrating the life we share today. 

Because my brain is maxed out on deep topics, I'm borrowing the What's Up Wednesday lineup (and yes, it's the wrong day AND week for it, but it's okay!) for today's post. 

What we're eating this week: Yesterday I made this buffalo chicken salad, which was both delicious and oh so pretty and colorful! Later in the week I have a chicken cheesesteak skillet recipe in the lineup and a healthy homemade lasagna, too! 

What I'm reminiscing about: All our reminiscing has been wrapped up in remembering Allen over these past couple of weeks following his death. It's been two weeks today since we were awakened in the night with the news of his passing. We've had so many great memories and stories in those times. And of course, remembering Allen leads us to reminiscing about Nita, too. This week will mark two years since her death, and we're remembering those last few days of caring for her and the day we said goodbye. 

What I'm loving: Sunshine and warmer temperatures! January and the first half of February were so so so cold and gray. Days on end of dreary weather. But the last couple of weeks have been sunny. In fact, sunshine woke me up yesterday! (Our apartment came with blackout blinds in the bedroom and I recently asked Ryan if he would mind swapping them with blinds in a different room because I was having such a hard time waking up with the room so dark. I loved waking up to brightness yesterday!) We've had a few warmer days, and I've even heard the birds singing. Oh, the hope of spring!

What we've been up to: Grieving. Working. Sorting through the steps that are coming next as we figure out all the things we need to do after Allen's death. Processing. 

What I'm dreading: Sorting through the steps that are coming next as we figure out all the things we need to do after Allen's death. It's a huge task, and even though I am not personally responsible for it, I know it's going to require so much for those who do have to work on it. Maybe I'm dreading it for them! 

What I'm working on: Undecorating the house from winter vignettes and bringing in touches of spring. Yesterday I went around the apartment (and building) taking down all the trees and snowmen and other winter-themed items. Hopefully today we can find the boxes they all go in and put them away for another year. Then I need to pull in some spring and Easter touches. 

I'm also working on thank you notes for gifts and gift cards we received over the last couple of weeks. I love writing them!

What I'm excited about: Abby is almost done. We have just a few finishing (necessary) touches to put on her and then I can get busy decorating. I'm so excited to see her before and after pictures! She has come such a very long way since the day we drove her off the lot!

What I'm watching/reading: Lots of food documentaries. That seems to be the season we're in right now. Ryan watched on the other night on the history of processed cheese. It wasn't the most riveting production, but it was informative! 

What I'm listening to: Gaither Vocal Band in the car. We almost never drive our own vehicles anymore, because anytime we're on duty, we drive work cars. But we've had so many days off recently for weekends and bereavement that we've actually been in our own car more often. I've been cranking up the music and belting it out in my head!

What I'm wearing: Comfy clothes while I can! We go back on duty tomorrow, and then it will be back to regular clothes! 

What I'm doing this weekend: Well, I'm on my weekend right now! And today's order of business is celebrating the monthiversary! The rest of the weekend has been filled with resting, scrapbooking, house chores, cooking, and even some work. 

What I'm looking forward to next month: Trying our first overnighter in Miss Abby! Oh my. Are we prepared? Are we going to end up with rookie tales?

What else is new? I learned to get a water ring out of furniture with a towel and an iron. Impressive! I really didn't think it would work. Any of you ever tried this?