January is almost over – wow, that was fast! Here is a recap of what’s happening in my world.
Family Updates
- Jenna made the Dean’s List, turned 21 this month, and started her role as president of Towson Hillel.
- Andrew became an Eagle Scout, is having a great swim season, and is close to deciding on college next year.
- Chloe (our fur baby) is not loving the cold weather and can’t wait for spring. She isn’t the only one that feels this way.
COVID Stats
- 1 COVID-19 exposure
- 4 COVID-19 tests
- Three negative tests and one positive
- Five days of quarantine
Work Highlights
- I had a wonderful conversation with my boss on Friday as part of my annual review. I am in the middle of one rebranding project that is going well and have lots of new goals to accomplish in 2022.
Reading Goals
- Set my 2022 Goodreads goal for 35 books
- Purchased five books
- Read two
(Side note: Do podcasts count as reading? I’ve listened to a ton of them this month, so I think they should.)
Writing Goals
- Wrote 26 published blog posts (so far) and four drafts that are not ready for publication.
- 8,048 words (and counting).
- Average blog post length – 322 words
- New subscribers 3 (help a girl out here and please subscribe to my blog – #shamelessplug)
I’m also submitting one essay about friendships and middle age for publication in February. It’s my first time putting something out into the world beyond my blog/comfort zone. Wish me luck.
Oh, and I’m also writing a book. Did I mention that?
How was your January? What were some of the highlights? I’d love to hear what’s happening in your world. And, if you read this blog and like it, consider subscribing and/or sharing them on your own social media pages. Even a “like” goes a long way. Thanks!
XO,
Elisa
Jeanine Byers
January 31, 2022 at 1:36 pm (2 years ago)Sounds like January was a good month for you and your family. Congrats on submitting your article and on writing your book. I am such a voracious reader – 1 or 2 books a week – that I don’t usually bother with setting reading goals. But I do think I should celebrate more when I get one read, especially when illness or stress makes it hard to concentrate on reading.
Kebba Buckley Button
January 30, 2022 at 10:20 pm (2 years ago)Elisa, what a month-full-of-life you’ve had! I have enjoyed reading your posts and getting to know you a little. Best wishes with your book! And may your relatives now remain COVID-free!
Karen Sammer
January 30, 2022 at 7:44 pm (2 years ago)You had an action packed month. I need a nap just reading that! Good luck with the book and all your other endeavors. We have been able to stay clear of COVID in our house and have not had any need for testing since it began. I would like to keep it that way.
Martha
January 30, 2022 at 12:43 pm (2 years ago)First of all a BIG congratulations to Jenna and Andrew, how awesome!! That’s quite a recap of January, congrats on all your accomplishments and WOW how excited that you’re writing a book. My January recap was going to Indiana to visit our grandson, coming home and having a positive covid test but think Rich and I got it somewhere maybe the hotel on the way home because thankfully Alex and Lia are negative. I wrote 31 blogs and did some Ubering before grounded on quarentine. I’m looking forward to an excited February of planning our vegetable garden.
Robert Krantweiss
January 30, 2022 at 11:17 am (2 years ago)My January was like the following:
Found my keys.
Found my glasses.
Found my wallet.
Found my medicine holder
Lost one of my gloves.
Highlights:
Kissed Mom “goodnight” many times.
Had dinner with two of my long time best friends, one of whom is moving out
of the area.
Spoke to Jenna for a long conversation.
Found out that Kira is a talented artist.
Learned that Ryan is becoming more sociable and made new friends
with whom he likes to be around.
Saw my chest burst with pride as Andrew got straight A’s, became an Eagle
Scout, and was accepted to Drexel.
Thanked “Noodles” for driving all the way from Potomac to our house to take
the family to visit us.
Had the opportunity to pet Chloe.
Saw how Scott H. continue to be a great Dad by being there and encouraging
his kids in their accomplishments.
Playing Words With Friends with Karen. Unfortunately I had the first turn and
played out, but I know she will be eager to “pin my ears back” in another
game.
BY THE WAY, ELISA, I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BLOG. IT NOT ONLY WAS WELL
ORGANIZED AND MEANINGFUL, BUT IT ENCOURAGED ME TO WRITE HOW
MY OWN JANUARY WENT. Also it is an intelligent, noteworthy idea to be
working on a few blogs at the same time because it takes away some pressure of
having to do a daily one, and it allows you time to find the inspirations and
the words to include in each one to make them better. Like Mark Twain
said,”” The difference between the right word and almost the right word is
the same as the difference between “lightning” and a “lightning bug”.
Tamara
January 30, 2022 at 10:28 am (2 years ago)Looks like we have some parallels on the Covid front. Hope the family member who tested positive is feeling better soon.
Good luck with your essay, I’m sure people will like it!
What is your book about?
Elisa
January 30, 2022 at 12:41 pm (2 years ago)He was totally asymptomatic and so bizarre but thankful that the rest of us didn’t get it. My book is about my family’s connection with Parkinson’s disease. My maternal grandmother had it and my dad was diagnosed a few years ago. It’s a family story to raise awareness about PD and also contemplating getting tested myself to see if I have the genetic markers for this as I get older. Thanks for asking!