Normally, I would say that the month sped past at an unbelievable rate. However, this month I never felt like that. Perhaps it was greater awareness of each day and of what was occurring in the world, but January never felt rushed to me. It seemed the perfect length. Weird.
I don’t normally do month-in-review posts, but change is never a bad thing. Also, I want to be more present this year, and looking back at some of your favorite things to happen in a month is a great way to do so.
Good memories:
- The boys running in their first marathon together
- The Grand Canyon
- Connor’s acceptance letter from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Connor’s selection of Iowa State University as his college of choice for fall
Bookish stuff:
- Total number of books read: 13
- Total number of pages: 4,176
- Favorite book(s) read: The Second Mrs. Hockaday followed closely by Two Days Gone
Favorites:
- Recipes:
- Creamy Bacon Bowtie Pasta with Brussels Sprouts (I don’t even like Brussels sprouts!)
- Overnight Caramel Apple French Toast
- Breakfast Burritos
- Song:
- Skincare
- Expense, yes, but I look forward to the routine every morning and night. There is something so pampering about it.
How did I persevere?
- Meditation: Grade B – I have been meditating off and on for the better part of a decade now, but I have not had it part of my daily routine in several years. I knew that given the political environment and some work stressors, I would need every method at my disposal to combat stress. While I am still not up to meditating daily, I have been much more diligent about incorporating it regularly. The difference it makes in my ability to cope without blinding rage or stifling anxiety is profound.
- Healthy Habits: Grade C – I was doing really well about drinking my daily recommended intake of water and logging my food until we went to Arizona. Since then, I have been struggling to get back into those particular healthy habits. I experimented with CrossFit this month and finally settled on a schedule that should work for everyone. It starts in earnest this week, so February should be a great month.
- Political Activism: Grade B+ – I was unable to attend any of the rallies and protests held this month, but I have gotten to know the numbers of my representatives in D.C. very well. I have made daily phone calls and sent emails and postcards. A dear friend online knitted me my very own pussyhat, which will be worn with pride for the rest of winter. Unlike last year, when I was afraid of announcing my political affiliations, there are signs all over my office that declare my resistance to the current
dictatorshipregimeadministration. I’m done being quiet.
So that’s my January. I look forward to seeing what February has in store for us!
Yay for not being quiet! I don’t feel like I did nearly enough resistance items this month, but I did as many as I had it in me to do, so: Close enough. I’ll do better in February.
January didn’t speed by for me either, and I kind of suspect that February won’t speed by either. From now on I suspect it’s going to be a slow-ass couple of years. Unfortunately.
I think the challenge is always going to be real life – which is exhausting enough, wanting to do more, and just sheer exhaustion from constantly being in fight or flight mode. Finding a balance will be key, but I haven’t figured out how to do that yet.
I know that there will come a time in March where I will be so busy that any thought of wanting to resist will be a true challenge in and of itself. That is when the days will fly past. I look forward to it and dread it at the same time. I want to stay engaged and active, but the body and mind can only take so much. For now, I am just looking at taking it one day at a time.
I love this post!! I agree the month was slower than normal. All three of those recipes have my attention and I’m in need of some new ideas. Checking them out now!
They were certainly yummy meals, so enjoy! I love slow months, but I know I am dreading the months to come.
Hopefully February is a great month! I found January very long, but life just was crazy.
I liked the slower pace of the month, maybe because I know how hectic things are going to get towards the end of February until October…
Seeing the political activism you and others are doing is inspiring – it’s a habit I need to get myself into now both to improve things here in Canada but also just in case we end up in a similar position at any point. I love the idea of looking back over the month, seems like a great thing to do. And I love the song btw!
Thanks, stranger! I will say political activism is exhausting. The emails are flying at you and they are all predicting the end of the world. Calling politicians is not quite as intimidating as I thought it would be, but it is frustrating when you cannot get in touch with someone. I just wish we did not have to resort to these measures. It is a scary world!
I like this idea of a review for the month from books to life to your one word to favorites. For now, I think I’m keeping my month in review posts separate: for one word and then for books and life, but we’ll see. Anyway, about yours: ah, Connor did select ISU, somehow I missed that. 13 books seems like a good start to me. B, C, B+ seems pretty good to me, although I think I’d give you a higher grade with healthy habits based on what I’ve seen on Instagram and what you’ve mentioned about Crossfit. Never heard Marian Hill, but enjoying it in background while I typed this comment :).
I’m glad you like the post! I’m trying to get a little more personal and more retrospective at times. It is so easy for me to get caught in the rut of doing nothing but reviews.
I think you’re doing great with the persevering, especially given the current climate we live in! (Meaning political, not meteorological, haha!)
Ha! Thanks!
I think a monthly review is a great way to take stock of things and I love the way you tied in your progress on each of your main goals for the year.
I’ve been toying with trying Crossfit too, so would love to know what you think. I know so many people love it.
AND – I’m not big on historical fiction, but have been toying with trying Mrs. Hockaday. Catherine at Gilmore Guide loved it and now you.
So far, I love Crossfit. There is not much that will get me out of bed at 4:30 in the morning, and I have had no problems doing it this week. Talk to me in a month once I finish the onboarding process and have a few real workouts under my belt!
As for Mrs. Hockaday, I think you would like it. A lot. Think of it as historical fiction for the feminist.
Good for you! Fun list of your January favorites. Good luck with Crossfit.
Thanks, Kay!