Suddenly we’re hurtling toward the end of the year. I had a wonderfully full yet still relaxing weekend last week. My sisters and I ran a half-marathon together, so it wasn’t all resting and taking it easy, but it still felt good (until mile 11, and the three days after the race, when everything hurt). I’ve run a few half-marathon races, but none since having the kids, so this was a big reach for me. My sister also ran her first-ever half, which is a huge deal. It was exciting to get out there and do this together. My parents even flew in to spend time with us from Halloween through race weekend. Now, I’m back into the daily routine of work, school, and kids, which also feels good.
Here’s what else I’ve been up to this week:
What I’m Reading this Week
Voting is open for the Goodreads.com books of the year!
Interesting read: Is it possible to be happy for a friend who does the same thing as you?
Coming up in December: Vanna White hosts “Wheel of Fortune.”
FYI to everyone with babies: Federal safety agency recommends consumers stop using all inclined sleepers, even the ones not recalled.
Ending screen time peacefully
Smartphones and distracted parenting
What I’m Cooking this Week
Weekly Menu Plan (in case you need ideas or inspiration):
Sunday: Leftovers (after running the half marathon, the only thing I did was nap)
Monday: Garlic & tomato confit with white bean cakes (Mark Bittman’s recipe)
Tuesday: U.S. Senate Navy Bean Soup (Cook’s Illustrated recipe (paywall))
Wednesday: Leftovers
Thursday: Out to dinner at Little Donkey
Friday: More leftovers… we weren’t excited (and we both really wished I’d made more than soup this week)
Saturday: Chicken pot pie with sweet potato casserole
