Weekend Musings | March 14, 2026
In my heart and in my cart + other things
In My Heart -
It’s been a doozy of a week, guys. I think I’m prone to say that, but for real this time.
+New things are hard and it’s humbling to start over, even though I know it’s good for me. I’ve talked about this at length, but being in one job for 12 years and starting over at something new has been a journey this week. I was good at my old job. I was expert-level. I was confident. Now I’m the new girl. I’m slow because I have to double check my work, and then ask other people to review it. And everyone is so nice! But I’m antsy to get up to speed. I want my confidence back!
And really, the thing I keep thinking about is how bored I was at my old job. I was stuck in a role that had nowhere to go, and I’m not regretting my decision to move on. It’s good to be out of my comfort zone, especially one that was stifling. But it’s also hard. Gah! Such is life!
+Oh and as a note, last week I mentioned that my new office works exclusively on PCs, while I’ve been a Mac user for the last decade. I am starting to get over that hump! Lots of googling “how to….” but I’ve sorted out the basics. My mic works and I have a working camera for all my Teams calls now haha.
+In much sadder news, my 16 y/o Lhasa apso, Jack, passed away this week. He’d been puttering around, noticeably slowing down in the last few months, but had a swift decline over a couple of days. Our vet prescribed pain medication and we set up an appointment for her to come to our home when it became clear he wouldn’t get better, but he passed in his sleep on Tuesday.
I got Jack when was I was 21 years old. I found him on a random craigslist post (remember craigslist!) and bought him from a stranger for $20. He was my little road dog, going with me and following me everywhere, for my entire adult life. That’s the thing about dogs though, it’s not fair that their lifespan is so short. 16 years is a long time for a dog, but not nearly enough time. My little Jack Jack Snack Attack. I keep forgetting and thinking I hear his collar jingling or that he’ll be curled up in his bed next to mine in the morning.
My other dog, George, seems a little mopey too. I think we’re all missing Jack this week.
+I don't want to end on that sad note, so can I get a pass to talk about the weather? Fools spring, as they say, recharged my batteries last week. But then winter came back to remind us whose season this is. We got a good winter storm on Wednesday afternoon. I pulled into the parking lot at work and the Jeep next to me was covered in a layer of ice - yikes! School was closed on Friday and we have a weekend-long winter weather advisory on the forecast. Already expecting a snow day on Monday.
Getting that first peak at warm weather though, I think it gave me the gas I need to power through this last batch of winter storms. Onward!
In My Cart -
+I have two work trips booked this spring and I am woefully without business casual attire. I ordered these wide leg trousersand these kick-flares to rotate. Should dress up (and down!) nicely.
+Wowza!
+Considering these $25 sunglasseswhile I noodle on which Raybans I want to really invest in.
+Anyone tried the cloud spun yarn sets from J Crew Factory? These pants and matching top look like a treat!
+Two cookbooks on my radar: Caro Chambers doesn’t miss and her first cookbook is a staple in my kitchen. I’m excited for Make it Fast, coming later this summer. More instant gratification, I have 50 Things to Bake Before You Die in my cart. Wouldn’t it be fun to bake your way through an entire cookbook full of desserts?!
+A real crowd pleaser at my house. I get my kiddos slime for Christmas and their birthday and they love to watch the corresponding videos on IG. Thinking of adding a few to the easter baskets this year.
+Jewelry I am shopping for: I would like a traveling wedding band. Which is to say, I don’t want to travel with my real (priceless!) wedding ring, but I also don’t want to travel bare handed. Any recommendations for an inexpensive fake that doesn’t tarnish immediately?
+Related: I am also interested in getting something in memoriam of my sweet Jack Jack. A pinky ring with a “j” initial perhaps? Accepting recommendations!
+Completely unrelated: Would love this print in the entry way of my home.
Other Things -
+Some recent saves this week:
+I’ve been on a real curry kick lately. This is the next recipe on my list to try.
+Something to think about: when I cared less, things sort of just work out from Wit & Delight.
+I hope you have the best week.
Addendums -
Recently Enjoyed on Substack. It’s a short one this week, because as Hilary Duff says, life is life-ing.
Weather appropriate content for this weekend: The Coat is the Outfit.