Some January Fun

What a crazy weather start to 2018, right? Snow in Florida, wacky snow hurricanes (or cyclones or whatever they were called) out east, and it's just plain cold here in Shafferland. I am so, so grateful, though, for a warm home. I've thought of it many times as I worked in my office last week. And I'm also so, so grateful for all those who have been out and about in the last week, making sure life goes on as normal: our trash and recycling guys, USPS and all package delivery folks, and first responders who did a lot of responding in some really cold temps.

Since it's so cold, I thought I'd join up today with this fun little Q and A from The Blended Blog. Play along if you'd like! :)

1. Resolutions or no resolutions?

I used to write them down in great detail, and I no longer do that, but I definitely made some goals at the start of this year. I'm doing a new Bible reading plan (Ryan's doing it too, and so is my friend, Julie), I got back on a cooking-healthy-at-home regime, and I added a little side workout to our regular routine. I've also been working on some new work-related goals. If any of those things count as resolutions, then yes, I make them!

2. Love snow or no snow?

I thoroughly love the beauty of snow, and if I could truly hibernate and look at it through the magic of a window, I'd love it with no hesitation. However, I loathe driving in snow, so four years of commuting sort of killed it for me. And though I don't commute now, I do drive kids to school in the snow, and that absolutely freaks me out. So until I can figure out the hibernation thing, I'm going to have to go with no snow.

3. Name a new place you want to go this year.

Boy, this is a toughie, because Ryan and I haven't made our dream list for this actual year. Obviously we hope to cross a few more counties off our tour list, but beyond that, I don't know our travel plans. It would be fun to check out Mackinac Island, Michigan or Prince Edward Island. I fully intend to see both of those places someday, but I don't know if 2018 is the year.

4. Would you rather have a new hair cut or hair color?

COLOR!!! I have been growing my hair out for two years and finally have it where I want it, so let's not mess with that. But I dearly miss my highlights. They're just not in the budget right now. :( And I am about the only person I know (perhaps others are just being mercifully quiet) who doesn't like the blonde. 

5. Name one special thing you want to do for yourself this year.

I turn 40 in May (gulp!!) and I am working on a writing project that coincides with that milestone. I have no idea the final audience of that project, but it is certainly something I want to do for myself to observe these 40 years I've been privileged to be part of God's story on earth.

6. Least favorite thing about January?

Paralyzing cold/ice/snow. I feel like only a week into this month, I've already had to change a bunch of plans, many of which are weather related. I enjoy looking forward to things, and I feel like January makes me hold my plans so loosely, they really have no choice but to fall through my fingers!

7. Most favorite thing about January?

Ironically, the return to routine. Whatever the weather doesn't mess up is beautiful! I love my new day planner, having regular office hours, tackling my projects, and getting back to normal! My heart is happiest when it gets to follow a schedule, so I'm going with that! 

8. When do you take down your holiday decorations? 

Usually a couple of days before the new year arrives. I like to leave them up a few days after Christmas, to maximize the joy of soft, twinkling lights. But nodding to question #7, I do love for everything to be back in its place come the start of the new year, so I try to make sure everything is back to normal in the house before January 1!

9. Do you diet in January?

I don't diet at all anymore. It doesn't work for me. We've made some big changes in our lives in the last two years, and that causes us to pursue clean eating most of the time. Usually I let myself indulge a bit in December, so I work hard to be more attentive in January, but no, I do not diet.

10. What area of your home do you want to organize the most?

THE OFFICE! I have done some work on it, but I really want to change it up even more in the next few weeks. I need to do some purging, some sorting, some labeling...and if I had unending dollars at my disposal, I'd add a new closet organizer system to make it a bit more practical for office storage.

11. Favorite winter comfort food.

Soup. I especially love any recipe that can be tossed in a slow cooker so I can smell it simmering all day and just - POOF - have it all ready come dinner time!

12. Favorite guilty pleasure.

Binge watching shows on TV. We are so busy in the fall that shows pile up, and then we spend the frigid months wading through them. Under the Sherpa blanket. With coffee. :) 

Linking up with Tamar today!