It’s back to reality this first week of January as the kids go back to school and the adults go back to work on Monday. The snow doesn’t seem too magical now and thus, the countdown to Spring has begun. Christmas has been coming down slowly in our house as decorations and lights came down yesterday. Today, the trees were put away and everything is back to normal. It’s never easy to go back after a long holiday break, but you know you’re ready anyway.
This December was colder than average and we had more snow than the last two years. Just five years ago during COVID, we experienced a very white Christmas. This holiday was actually very mild. Therefore, 2020 comes out ahead in that department. The weekend will be cold, but we are going to experience a nice thaw this week. That should help make that transition back to school and to the office a little less painful.
Providing my own feedback from Christmas, it was a good holiday. Not spectacular but not disastrous, either. I didn’t expect to have the first weekend of December off, but I took advantage of that small victory. All I really wanted was to be off for Winter TLI, and could have made the necessary adjustments if I had to work Saturday night. I was able to visit with everyone Christmas Eve and the later start helped. I did get my hopes up wondering if I would have had plans for Christmas Day but it worked itself out. I went to the hotel to visit at night and then had breakfast with my cousins Friday morning at Waffles INCaffeinated.
I started my Christmas music listening early, keeping up with the Pittsburgh radio stations. While some of us wait until after Thanksgiving, others are ready November 1. I did well with the Christmas menu at my favorite coffee shop. I believe the final count was 11 times between November 8 and December 23 that I was at Cutie’s. In addition to Cutie’s, I’m going to visit the other local shops this winter (White Rabbit, Steep Mountain, and maybe Nico’s). My cousin and I will get together at Cutie’s at some point this winter, so I’m looking forward to that. Planning in advance may even drum up the idea of doing a coffee flight.
I began celebrating early, having successful Christmas shopping trips, and doing everything else. Still, that FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) hung in the balance. While I love shopping in Pittsburgh, one missed opportunity was shopping at my local mall which holds its own with Ross Park Mall and South Hills Village. Going to Westmoreland Mall also could have resulted in a stop for dinner in Ligonier. I never got the opportunity to see the beautiful small town decorated for Christmas.
I didn’t get to watch all the movies that I wanted to, and I could have read a few more books from the basket. Next Christmas, the plan is to make a checklist, and not to worry about being consumed by FOMO. One thing will always get skipped, and that’s OK.
With Christmas out of the way, it’s time to begin new routines. Now that I have my schedule for the week, that opens up gym time for me. Afternoon/evening on Sunday and Thursday, and morning on Monday and Friday. Those days will be adjusted if and when my schedule changes. The goal is to get into a routine of going three or four days a week. Easier said than done… most of the time.
Finally, I have been hinting at going back to church. I was going to go tonight and then just felt too tired. This week was difficult with the weather and also, getting over the holidays. I may watch the livestream on YouTube sometime tomorrow. For at least the next few months I’ll be visiting Community Church in Harrison City. My challenges to myself next week will be to get back into the Bible. Also, if I go to church in person next week, to talk to at least one or two people.
Stylish 🍒 