Continued dealing with the ramifications of receiving a vegan leather jacket I did not order à la Friends’ Phoebe Buffay (IYKYK) style, much to my chagrin AND delight. Eventually the virtual customer service reps understood my predicament. With nothing to lose, I negotiated a tiny, disappointing, future discount to compensate for my time and hassle. Realized I actually lost money trying to do the right thing. 🤦🏼‍♀️

Gathered all my important things to take downstairs upon waking up one morning. Items included: my current book, Stanley water bottle, phone, AirPods, charger, the previous night’s snack bowl, coffee mug, and sweatshirt, prompting a stare and a rather accurate, “she doesn’t travel light!” quip from Brian. One must minimize the trips up and down the stairs, me thinks.

Questioned a joke made about a problem I was encountering after Brian innocently suggested it was 90% my fault. This resulted in the fastest backpedaling ever witnessed. In the end, we agreed that said problem was only 25% my fault.

Discovered my health insurance has a Rx savings app with Brian shrewdly observing, “What makes Brittany Eilers happy? Discovering she can save money on prescriptions.” Damn straight. A Saturday night well spent.

Received the compliment of a lifetime. A donor told me that I was so good on the phone that if I were selling hammers and nails, he’d buy them from me, even if he already owned them. Tada! I’ve made it. 🤣🎉😁

Noticed a definite uptick in sponsored compression sock ads on my social media feeds. TBD if it’s my age that makes me the targeted demographic or if these influencers really think they can make them cool.

Had Brian serenade Frozen’s “Let It Go” to me after I crabbed that the local news featured stories about meerkats writing letters to Santa instead of info about things like the proposed changes to Montana’s election system. The story about Christmas tree hunting in a regional forest with young children was entertaining, however. See for yourself: https://www.kpax.com/out-and-about/out-and-about-head-outdoors-to-find-that-perfect-christmas-tree

Was given advanced notice by The Scientist that his annual N95 mask fitting appointment would be happening soon (avian bird flu season, don’t you know) and he would need to completely shave his beard. He didn’t want me caught off guard, i.e. thinking there was a stranger in the house and scream. A distinct possibility, given that I have done so, not only in childhood when my dad unexpectedly went clean-shaven, but last year. 🤣

Decided that Brian struggling to put an absolutely massive pumpkin into a seemingly much too small trash bag to eliminate mess while getting seeds for his father’s 2024 garden, was an appropriate metaphor for my day. Much effort, laughter, head-scratching moments, questioning of life choices, creative problem solving, “why the hell not” rationaling, and finally, success.

Celebrated the birthdays of two precious loved ones by reminiscing, sharing How-Did-I-Not-Know-That?! stories, their favorite foods, tears, and plenty of guffaws.

Made it to the play-offs in my Fantasy Football league thanks to complete luck, hand-wringing, prayers, sheer determination, Brian’s mentorship, badgering of our Commissioner, a growth mindset, and my obsessive nature.