Happy New Year! I’m easing slowly into new rhythms and routines. I never had a real break from work and my kids go back to school this week. I’m searching for a bit of normalcy, making room for rest, and thinking about what goals will support my long-term dreams. If you’re not one to hit the ground running on January 1st, welcome to the club.
R - Reading
I found my groove with the graphic audiobook version of Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros and knocked out Part 1 and Part 2 of the dramatized adaptation this week. The last scene in the book will haunt me until Onyx Storm comes out later this month.
Southern by Design by Grace Helena Walz has helped me warm up my new Kindle Paperwhite. This upcoming debut is set in Charleston in a world I’m very familiar with — historic preservation. So far I like the complexity of the characters and the budding second-chance romance.
Next up on audiobook for me is Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson. I pre-ordered a physical copy ages ago but when Libro.fm had the audiobook available, I decided to reach for it in that format. I loved Lana Ferguson’s previous paranormal romance The Fake Mate so we’ll see if she hits the mark with this one!
E - Eating
Sauerkraut and pork sausage, hoppin’ john with black-eyed peas, and cornbread for a bit of New Year’s luck. It hasn’t seemed to bring me much money or good fortune in the past but tradition is tradition.
We met up with an old friend at a new-to-us Mexican restaurant for dinner after the New Year and it was a welcome distraction from the heaviness of real life.
I’m also trying out LMNT in my water.
P - Playing
O - Obsessing over
The Logitech POPkeys mechanical keyboard I got for Christmas. I previously bought the mouse. The duo makes writing on my laptop much more enjoyable.
R - Recommending
Welcoming Maxwell to Substack. I’m always looking for different perspectives on books and I love that he shares some 2024 statistics first. Who doesn’t love a data dump?
T - Treating myself to
A quiet journaling practice in the new year. I’m one of those who loves collecting paper supplies but can be too much of a perfectionist to get started. I plan on sharing more of what tools I’m using this year in a Substack newsletter but for now, I’ll say this— I’m going into it with an open mind and no set format, seeing what each day brings and documenting parts of life I want to remember.
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Hope you’re having a great weekend!
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I can't wait to hear more about your journaling process-- I want to start this year too! Happy New Year!
Paper people unite 🤍 I’ve always struggled with making a journaling habit stick- really interested to see your take!