We made it through the first full week of work and school of the new year! How did you do?
Jim’s first week back to work in two weeks started out with his first business trip of the year. I know he is working diligently to build his team so that he could potentially stop traveling so often. With at least two other trips scheduled for the month of January, I cannot wait until that happens.
Connor had a big week this week. Not only did he finally get his learner’s permit to start the behind-the-wheel sessions for driving, but we scheduled his very first college visit. Given how busy he is in the fall and knowing that our time during the summer is equally limited, Jim and I thought it was a good idea to have him visit potential colleges while he has more free time, which means this winter and potentially spring. Unfortunately for us, none of the schools which offer his degree choice and which interest him are in-state. Then again, all the more reason to look closely at his choices now rather than later so that we can all prepare for that particular bill.
Holly started right back into dance classes and had her audition for this year’s ballet recital yesterday. We won’t know the results of those auditions until later this week, but she came out of auditions happy and tired. I don’t need any more proof that she danced her heart out and did her best.
After the rush towards the new year, my work week was blissfully quiet. I am sure things will heat up again because that is what happens when you work in business, but for now, I am enjoying the less intense atmosphere and ability to breathe a bit.
On the home front, I started meditating again. This was something I was doing pretty regularly about five to six years ago and loved it. I, unfortunately, got out of the habit of doing so. Just one week back into the practice and I feel much more calm and centered. Perhaps this contributed to my relatively peaceful work week? I have no way of knowing, but it was a welcome experience all the same.
I did post some real reviews again and not the little snippets I have been writing for a while now. The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend was such a great way to start the year with its charming story. The Guest Room is a stunning piece of fiction, and After the Crash is just a fun thriller. I got back into the swing of things with my updated weekly reading summary, another Fabulous Friday with the ability to link your own posts, and a What’s For Dinner post. Coming up this week is one of my new features. A lifestyle blogger, I am not, and it definitely shows, but I am excited for a few new things I have cooked up.
As for today, Holly has more dance rehearsals. Jim will be flying out on yet another business trip, Connor has homework, and I will be doing some cleaning, cooking, and organizing for this year’s taxes. I have my trusty label maker and am way too excited to get started. I complain about working in Finance but then get excited about doing my taxes; I picked the right field after all, I suspect.
I hope everyone is having a wonderful Sunday and is able to enjoy themselves. Have a relaxing and stress-free week, and I’ll see you back here next week!
I’ll keep my fingers crossed for Holly!! I’m waiting eagerly to get my W2s so I can cross taxes off my list — I have relatively simple taxes to file so I like to get them done early and have them off my plate.
I am waiting for my last few W-2s and bank statements and then I should be all set. I do them early and either get the refund as soon as possible or wait until the last minute to pay. 😀
Good luck to Holly, I hope she hears good news this week!
I’ve never tried meditating, but sounds like something I should be doing. I hope you have a calm week this week!
I added The Readers of Broken Wheel to my list thanks to your review. It sounds so cute.
Have a great week, Michelle!
Thanks, Brandie!
I do love meditating. It is a practice I found so useful but dropped for some reason. Sad.
I hope you love The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend!
I can’t wait to see what you have in store! I have got to try meditating. I have been meaning too but never seem to do it. I bet I would feel more calm if I did.
Thanks, Hillary! Meditation is not difficult, but it can be daunting. Once you get the hang of it though, it does not take long to notice results. Good luck!
I’ve been in “little snippet” review mode for awhile now and am really having trouble getting back on track with real reviews. I find myself just reading and not thinking at all about things to say about said book! Which is kind of refreshing until it comes time to write…
Exactly! It was too easy to get into the very brief reviews. I could keep doing them, but honestly, I don’t necessarily like them. They are easy to write but not what I think a book deserves, if that makes any sense.
Glad to hear your new year has started off on a much more relaxed footing. The meditation certainly couldn’t hurt. Good luck to Connor with the driving and Holly with audition results!
Thanks, Lisa!
I think meditation sounds wonderful. I’ve not ever done meditation as such, except as part of yoga or I guess just regular prayer. If it helps you be more centered and calm, I say ‘good for you’. Have a good week! And, yes, I confess that I’m itching to start getting things together for taxes as well. Once an accountant, always an accountant. LOL
Meditation is wonderful, and yes, I can see it being very similar to prayer or yoga breathing.
I do love tax time. I am always slightly disappointed when I finish mine. Of course, you never want to say that too loudly to other people.
Having a son driving and making college visits is surreal, isn’t it? James made his first college visit and started driving last spring, and I still haven’t wrapped my head around it.
Definitely surreal. I think it is one big trip down the rabbit hole after this.