Best Books of 2025

Here we are again at the end of the year and I’m listing my favorite books. It has been a good year for them. I finished 83 books. My top 5 genres were Historical Mystery, Fantasy/Sci-Fi, Urban Fantasy/PNR, Fantasy Romance, and Nonfiction. The majority of the books were purchased but I did also borrow from the library and from KU.  Fifty of the books were paper, which is not surprising since I love the look and feel of an actual book, and I do purchase more books that I borrow. 

My only real reading goal was to read 12 books purchased before the year started (and even better if they have been on my shelf for more than a year) and I divided it between 8 paper copies and 4 kindle copies. It was nice to finally read some of the older ones so I think I’ll do 12 more in 2026, but maybe mostly paper and not worry about the ebooks. 

The books I own paper copies of

Here they are in the order I read them: 

Agony in Amethyst - AM Stuart - The final book in the Harriet Gordon series did not disappoint. I’ll be re-reading my favorite parts of the whole series for sure.

How to Steal a Galaxy - Beth Revis -This was book 2 in the series and I loved it. Book 3 was good but not as good as the first 2, IMO.

Challenger - Adam Higginbotham - Really enjoyed this nonfiction. I want to read another of his books in 2026.

Any Way the Wind Blows - Rainbow Rowell - The 3 books series was wonderful, and I read the whole thing in a few days. So glad I finally picked these up off my shelf. 

Everything is Tuberculosis - John Green - Another nonfiction that was just so good.

The King’s Messenger - Susannah Kearsley - I re-read my favorite parts twice already, it really ticked all the boxes and is exactly the kind of historical fiction I like.

The Enchanted Greenhouse - Sarah Beth Durst - I dipped into “romantasy” this year, even though that name is dumb. This was a follow up to The Spellshop, which I read last year and loved as well.

Chained Knight - Lilith Saintcrow - The surprise of the year. I bought this on a whim and absolutely adored it. I’ve even re-read it a few times. 

Legends and Lattes - Travis Baldree - I had wanted to give this series a try and it was such a fantastic cozy read. I read the prequel Bookshops & Bonedust as well.

All of Us Murderers - KJ Charles - A wonderful gothic mystery with a gay romance. It was so good and has such a fantastic cover. 

Turns of Fate - Anne Bishop - I was excited to read this, even though it’s a new series and not part of The Others. It was really good. Definitely feels like The Others, but it’s own story too.

The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald - John Bacon - This one got in at the last second, but it was very good and I couldn't put it down at the end.

Honorable Mentions:

Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales - Heather Fawcett - Really wonderful ending to the series.

Into the Ice - Mark Synott - another nonfiction that was really interesting. I do love his books.

Unselected Journals of Emma M Lion Vol 8 - Beth Brower - This is one of my favorite series and it was a bit heart wrenching and I can’t wait to see what’s next.

A Woman in the Polar Night - Christianne Ritter - Another nonfiction! About living on Svalbard in the early 1900s. I had so many questions about all kinds of things she didn't include. 

Replaceable You - Mary Roach - I always laugh and learn from MR. I love her writing.

Night Shift - Charlaine Harris - Started this series on a whim because of something I saw on GoodReads and the library had all 3. I devoured them right before my trip and then borrowed them again after my trip. Book 3 was my favorite.

At the moment, I have a list of older books on my shelves that I want to read in 2026. We'll see what I'm in the mood for once the calendar actually turns over. Goodbye to 2025 and hello 2026! 

Holidays

It's that in-between time of Christmas and New Years. Lots of people off work, if they work in an office. I went into the office today and there are actually more people than I expected. But most of them are here because they are moving around offices so there's a lot of activity. And its weird to walk into the office when the plant isn't running. They are on a maintenance shutdown and you don't realize how much noise the production building generates until there isn't any. 

I spent the morning cleaning off my desk and rearranging a few things and getting out my new calendars. I'm not super busy, but I work this week because I feel like I have to. I can do some testing for others on my team though so that's what I will spend my afternoon on. It's not like I have anything to do at home. The reason I'm at work is so I can get out of my house. I'll be working from home on Wednesday and Friday anyway.

I'm trying to finish up one more book before the year closes out. For some reason, my brain doesn't like to be in the middle of a book when we change years, so I always finish and then start new. Usually, I'm finished before now and just re-reading, but this year I started a nonfiction book I'd like to finish up, even if it means 100 pages a night. I can do it. 

No real new year's eve plans. I never do anything and I'm happy that way. My nephew may come over for some anime watching and I'm happy with that idea. Ha ha... I might be trying to finish a book. 

Merry Christmas

Here we are at the end of the year. Hard to believe it’s another Christmas. I woke up this morning at 5:00 am with a lot of rain and wind. I didn’t mind it. I listened for a bit and went back to sleep for a few hours. It’s going to be a cloudy, but mild day. It’s ok. At least we are getting some rain. 

Spent yesterday evening at my brother’s house and we ate and played games and did presents. It was a really nice time. I was doing ok yesterday until I put on my mom’s apron to cook and then I really missed her. We are doing ok, but it’s a weird life with both parents gone. 

The rest of the day I’m taking it easy. Last year I did a movie marathon and so I decided to make it a tradition and continue this year. This year I’m doing unrelated musicals. I’m starting with White Christmas because I haven’t watched it yet this year. Then I’m moving to Thoroughly Modern Millie, Summer Stock, and Summer Magic. We’ll see how far that takes me. I have a few others picked out as well. 

I’m going to make soup a little later, do a puzzle, read some books. It will be a nice, relaxing day. I’ve been very blessed in my life with my family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. I’m truly grateful for my abundant life. 

Smells Cozy

I made up a simmer pot today and my house smells so delicious right now. 

We had a little rain last night, but the clouds have moved on and it’s a sunny, blue sky. Not even truly coat weather. I put my coat on to go to the grocery store and was way too warm. We will be having record warmth this week and it’s definitely not going to be a white Christmas. I’m kind of bummed about the mild winter, so I’m making up for it by making my house cozy. Spicy smells, lights, candles, fireplace on my tv…whatever it takes. I’m enjoying lighting up the dark as we get to the shortest day of the year. 

I did what is hopefully my last grocery shopping before the holidays and picked up some books from the library. I will be going to work on Monday and Tuesday and then I’m off for 2 days for Christmas. Then I’m working from home the last week of the year. I don’t know why I think I’m going to have time to read, but that’s kind of what I’m planning when I’m not with my family. A little readathon by myself. Plus, I have puzzles and plans to make soup. And I’d like to take some time on the 26th and 27th to clean out my closets and bookshelves. Just seems like a good thing to do at the end of the year. Ha ha ok, I may not get as much reading done as I tell myself I want to do. But that’s ok. 

Done!

I got up early this morning and went shopping. I was at Target at 7:11 am. I hate going to that section of town during the holidays, but there was very little traffic that early. I finished all my Christmas shopping and then picked up groceries on my way home. 

It’s now 11: 00 am and all the gifts are wrapped, the cards are filled out, and everything is under the tree. I am ready for Christmas. I also took a family name from Utah Kids Foundation this year and their presents are purchased (most of it was done before my trip) and I’ll be dropping them off to the mom tomorrow after church. I’m praying that they like the toys and the clothes and shoes fit. It was a fun thing to do this year. 

I’ve started my laundry and need to do some dishes and practice the hymns for church tomorrow. I’ve done a lot already today. LOL I feel a nap might be in my future. 

I’m still deciding what to do for neighbor gifts this year. I’ve been cutting out a lot of the sugar I was eating and so I haven’t bought any of the Christmas junk food from the grocery store. I’m not sure I want to make cookies this year. I guess if I give most or all of them away, it won’t be a big deal. I just didn’t want to stuff myself on them. Although, I’ve been doing pretty good with the sugar for the most part. I’ve got some treats and a Dr. Pepper planned for Christmas Day, but I’ve been trying not to go overboard. I suppose one other day of eating a few cookies won’t kill me in the long run, but still. So still deciding about that one. If the neighbors don’t get something from me this year, they just don’t. 

Europe Travels

So this year when I turned 50, I knew I wanted to do something to celebrate in a big way, but didn't know what that was. Then I saw this trip listed on the WTT website and decided this was it. I loved going to the Christmas markets in Germany and Austria with mom in 2018 so seeing them in 4 countries seemed like a good idea, and 3 of the countries were completely new to me. 

I left the day after Thanksgiving and flew to Switzerland to meet up with the group. I upgraded myself to premium with my miles on the flight from JFK to ZHR and I think I will be doing that in the future the next time I go on a long flight. It was nice to have more space. I actually fell asleep for a couple hours. 

Zurich was fun and I did enjoy our ferry boat ride on Lake Zurich. The Christmas markets were almost entirely food stalls. I did eat a good sausage and Nutella empanada though. 

Limmat river

The next stop was in Basel, Switzerland. I can't say that I had any strong impressions of Basel. Where the Christmas market was, looked like a European town. 

Rhine river

Then we journeyed into France. Our first stop was the Museum of Printed Fabrics in Mulhouse, and I must say that I would have never chosen that type of museum but it was absolutely fascinating and I loved it. We had a private tour, which is another thing I wouldn't have gotten on my own. I bought a Christmas ornament in their gift shop with is just a ball printed with a fabric pattern they have in the museum. 

Then we headed to the Christmas market at Colmar and this was by far my favorite market of the bunch we saw. Very old European, traditional looking. I bought a few more ornaments here. They are wooden circles with pictures of old fashioned Christmas scenes on them. 

After our stop at Colmar, we made it to Strasbourg, where we stayed for 2 nights. I did enjoy Strasbourg as well, but it was very crowded and a very popular place to be at Christmas. The church was beautiful and it was nice to see something besides a market. LOL  Strasbourg has a lot of the half timber houses that look like they are leaning a bit from old age, and it was fun to see them. 

Then we left France and went to Luxembourg. I was excited for this one because it's not a country (or city) I would have ever chosen to stop at on my own. I loved it. The city is beautiful. During our walking tour, I got to hear all about their history, which was great for my history loving self. 

Bock Casemates - WWII tunnels

Palace of the Duchy

And after Luxembourg, our final stop was in Brussels. It was a big city and while the markets were fun, I didn't have any strong impressions, other than construction and traffic, and by that time I was ready to sleep in my own bed. I did bring back a lot of chocolate and ended up with a great bowl of pho one night. 

Besides, all the different countries and Christmas markets, I also took a macaroon class to see how they were made. That class included tasting and taking home some delicious macaroons (which I ate along the way since they don’t stay good for that long). We did a chocolate class in Belgium, which I wouldn’t exactly call a class. We didn’t learn much about chocolate but we got to fill molds with chocolate to make our own to take home, which was fun. I have no idea what I’m going to do with all that chocolate, since I also bought so much. Terrible problem to have, and I’m sure the kids will eat it. 

All things considered, it was a pretty good trip. 

I'm Home

I've spent the last 10 days in Europe and now I'm home. I'll have to put some details here later, but for now this will do. 

I went to Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, and Belgium. The stops in France (Milhouse, Colmar and Strasbourg) and Luxembourg (Luxembourg City) were my favorite. 

Now I'm home again and sick. LOL at least it waited until I got home to feel actually sick. I've lost my voice and have a terrible cough. And a few sinus problems. I don't feel great, but not truly terrible either. 

Luxembourg on a misty morning. 

Here It Comes

It’s been such a nice day. Today was the day my sister and I picked out our poinsettias at a local greenhouse. Even though I already had 2 small ones from our trip to the bigger nursery last weekend, I bought 6 more. Ha ha I’m not keeping all of them, but they are such beautiful plants and there are so many varieties. I also love the original deep red ones, so I just decide not to choose between the different ones. Much. :)  Truly, this is when the holiday season begins for me: when I have poinsettias in my home. 

I also ran some errands and picked up some groceries. I had a gift card to See’s Candies so I stopped by and spent it. My contribution to Thanksgiving dinner is rolls and chocolate!  Next week is my staycation and Monday is my big shopping trip with my sisters. I’ll see if I can’t get most of my presents bought on that day. Plus, I picked up a family from Utah Kids Foundation and I’m getting some gifts for them as well. My sisters are pitching in with that, which is nice of them. I just felt like I needed to do a little more this year. 

I haven’t exactly decided when to put up my tree, and I keep thinking I should just get it out and set it up so at least it’s ready to be decorated. Knowing me, that’s what I’ll be doing at bedtime tonight. 

Now if only it would rain and snow! We’ve got some snow in the mountains but I’d like to have a white Christmas. 

November 15

It’s been unseasonably warm recently, but I’ve been loving the late fall feeling. All the leaves on the ground and dark nights, even if it isn’t terribly cool. Not really sure what I’ve been up to, but I haven’t actually read a new book all the way through yet this month. I’m close to finishing a book, and I’ve done some re-reading, but it just wasn’t a good month for new reads. That’s ok. I’ll be going on a trip in a few weeks and will load up my kindle.

My sister and I got out this weekend and went to our new Trader Joe’s and favorite nursery. We’ll be going to our usual place for poinsettias next weekend as well. We have the primary program tomorrow and then that will be over with too. The year is really winding down. 

Since I turned 50 this year, I knew I wanted to take a big trip but wasn’t sure where to go and was browsing the website of the tour group I used before and found another Christmas market trip to countries I’ve never been to so I signed myself up.So that’s coming up in a few weeks and I’m getting excited. Still a little too early to pack and all that, but I need to start doing a little research for the downtime they give us. I’m looking forward to Thanksgiving. Because of my other trip, I’m not taking the entire week off, but still going to do a girls shopping trip the Monday before. Then my sister, Anna, is hosting this year so she gets to cook the turkey. I volunteered for rolls, no surprise there. About 6 weeks left in 2025 and I’m looking forward to them. My only wish is for a lot of rain and snow. 

One Week Later

I spent this past week in North Carolina. It's nice there this time of year. A bit warmer than we are here and the humidity is manageable. When I looked out my window this morning in the daylight,  I couldn't believe the difference a week makes. My trees are now almost entirely yellow/red and dropping leaves. Only a few green leaves remain. Many trees have dropped all their leaves completely. 

It was a long week; it always is when I travel for work. I ran into a few co-workers Monday evening in the hotel and went to dinner with them, which I rarely do. I prefer to relax after traveling all day. It was fun to catch up with them though. Then as an extra activity, a bunch of us purchased tickets to the musical Six which was playing in downtown (or what they call uptown) Charlotte on Tuesday evening. I had missed it when it came here and I liked it more than I thought I would. I can see myself listening to the soundtrack one of these days when I'm looking for some Broadway musicals to listen to. Then on Thursday we went to Game Show Battle Rooms and had a team activity. I though it was going to be awful and ended up having a good time. And then work and meetings during the days. 

I'm now ready for a slower paced weekend. Family dinner is at my house on Sunday so I'll be praying for patience and itching to clean up after everybody leaves, but that's ok. I bought apples and will be making instant pot applesauce in the next few days. I love it. I think tonight calls for book and cozy blanket. 

Ah, November

November doesn’t get as much love as October, but I do love it. We just had the time change so the evenings will be dark, even as we head to the shortest day of the year. It’s been nice to be home today so I can see how the sun is moving and creating shadows. The time to get cozy and hibernate has come, even as I do try and enjoy the last bit of evening light. Leaves are falling all around. Even my trees are getting a lot more brown/yellow.  Winter is coming, as they say. While I’m not quite ready for the snow, I wouldn’t mind some good rain storms. What a glorious time of year. 

I made soup and homemade rolls for dinner today. My house smells fantastic. I can’t wait to dig in. 

Goodbye October

It's that time of year when even the trees at my house are turning and leaves are falling all over. It's gotten much colder as well. I haven't gotten my coat out yet, but definitely hoodie season. 

Last weekend I had a sleepover for 5 of my nieces and nephews. I believe they had fun. I did keep my cool most of the time. I was very cool during the 2 water spills so I do get some credit. We went bowling first and then I made them a sweet/salty Halloween treat, which one of them promptly turned into art.

Tonight, I will be carving my pumpkin with the twins. I've been wearing all my Halloween-ish shirts to work. I didn't realize I had so many. I have enough for the whole week.  I'm truly starting to feel the urge to hibernate and cozy up for the winter. I love this time of year so much. 

Nice Day for a Walk

I took a very early lunch break this morning and went for a walk. I had to wait for the sun to come out, but it was wonderful. 

The sun was warm and the leaves were making noise. But the flowers are still out as well because it hasn't hit super cold in the morning... just kind of cold. ha ha  There are 2 more weeks until Daylight Savings and I'm trying to take advantage of the light after work as well. 

I listened to a podcast on the history of Halloween and learned about soul cakes, which were handed out to children and poor people going door to door, and which seems to be the origin of trick or treating. So of course, I googled to see if I could find a recipe. 

They turned out pretty good. The recipe called for British mixed spice, which seems to be like the US pumpkin pie spice, but I used my King Arthur Flour yuletide cheer spice instead. And then I didn't have dried currants so I used my dried tart cherries from the farmer's market. It's no chocolate chip cookie, but tasty in their own way. I froze most of them to take to family dinner. 

Again, just trying to take a little time each day to appreciate the season. 

Lovely October

Can't believe we are at the halfway done with October mark. I feel like I'm doing a good job of noticing each day and having a moment to just enjoy it. I have an unplanned weekend coming up and I'm hoping to get out and do a few things and just enjoy being out and about. To that end, I've been getting laundry and other house things done so that I have the chores out of the way. 

It was a lovely drive to work today. Rainy and cloudy and dark. 

So far this month I've read a werewolf romance, a zombie war story, and a gothic book. I feel very good about my reading choices for Halloween month. Coming up, I've got a historical mystery and maybe a little more paranormal romance and some light horror. 

Fall Vibes

I’ve been wanting to get to Midway for a while, mostly to check out the indie bookstore, Folklore, that has been open for a few years now. So this weekend my sister and the twins and I headed up there. We actually spent the night in Heber, just thinking that it would be easier to be a little closer to explore. I think in the spring I would head up there again just for the day and be happy with that, although we did have fun. We left town Friday around 10:30 and got to Heber by lunch time so went to eat at the Dairy Keen. I told myself I’m going back one day to get a chocolate shake. It looked so good. I did have gelato later that afternoon, but still. 

Then we went to the fall festival that Heber Valley Cheese put on. Basically, they put kids games in their fields and the kids had a lot of fun. I was happy being outside. The forecast had rain, and it had rained before we got there, but it was actually a tiny bit too warm for my long sleeve shirt. Then we wandered around a little shopping area of Midway, including the bookstore. Oddly enough, I did not buy myself a book at all. I did buy the kids each a Taylor Swift sticker book, but that was it. LOL not sure what got into me?

The next day, we went to some thrift shops and then took a little walk by the river. I had wanted to go back to the little covered bridge we saw. It truly fell like fall and was so nice. 

We’ve had some rain again and I’m baking bread today for family dinner. I’ve been putting on old (pre 1970) horror movies and have puzzles and books and embroidery to do. This week I have a bit of a laid back week with nothing planned after work. I’m trying to reset my attitude about work and deal with the things I get paid to deal with. But after work, I’m going to make the most of the rest of October. 

Conference Weekend

This weekend has been just what I needed: a break from the stress and worries I’ve been carrying. I decided that I actually needed to listen to conference a lot more than I did 6 months ago. I missed whole sessions of that one. 

Saturday I got up and did some cleaning, but made sure to be near where I could hear the tv. So some cleaning and laundry in the morning. My sister had a weird health issue pop up on Friday and so on Saturday after the 1st session of conference I went and picked up some prescriptions for her because she can’t drive yet. Then I took her twins with me to Hobby Lobby. I have made enough wreaths that I needed another wreath hanger. I got 2 just to be prepared. LOL Then we went to lunch and I had the kids out for the 2 hours between the sessions. I can’t do a lot for Amy and the kids like my mom did because I work full time, but I can periodically give her some alone time and space. It rained all day Saturday and I actually had fun getting out in the rain. 

By the time I got back home, conference had started so I did miss a lot of the first talk. But then I listened and started baking. Yesterday was pumpkin chocolate chip bread. After it cooled, I cut into it and it’s delicious. The recipe made 2 loaves so one is wrapped up in the freezer. By the evening session I was just finishing laundry and did the dishes and a puzzle. 

Last night it got cold! I don’t know what the temperature was but I was under my heavy blue jeans quilt for part of the night. I wasn’t really thinking I’d bake more today. Two loaves of pumpkin bread are plenty. But the cold got to me. I made a puffy pancake and homemade hot chocolate for breakfast. During the first session of conference I made up some no knead peasant bread dough to rise. And then….I made up a batch of mom’s chocolate chip cookies. Ha ha I do not need cookies or cookie dough but oh well. It will freeze and I can take it to neighbors or something later. My house has smelled heavenly all weekend. 

I’m really glad I cleaned on Saturday. That leaves Sunday free for rest. The only chore I had is dishes. During conference today I’ve been cross stitching. I do like it. I should get it out more often. I’m stitching pillow cases that mom had bought. I have 2 or 3 different ones. This one is straight cross stitch so nothing fancy and I almost finished it. I’m leaving it out for this week. If I put a movie on one night I can get it all the way done. 

As for what I learned in conference? I think the message I heard is to love everyone and treat them kindly and with respect. To serve where I can and to not forget my Savior and what he has already done for me and for the world. None of the crazy is a surprise to Him and the plan has been in motion since the beginning. I can take comfort in that. Basically, I need to show by my actions that I am a disciple of Christ. 

Bring on the Cozy!

It’s only October 2nd but it’s glorious! I am feeling the cozy fall vibes and am trying so hard to make the most of it. Fall is way too short, IMO. 

I have been adulting this week. It does feel good to get a few things taken care of. I had to get new tires on my car, along with the regular service, so there went my house payment that I didn’t have. Ha! It feels good, even if I spent the money on something else. Plus, that’s money I didn’t take out of savings.

We are celebrating mom and dad’s birthdays by having family dinner at Maddox tonight. They will be paying for us one last time. Bittersweet. I’ve also got a few fun things planned throughout the month. I’ve also started on some Fall/Halloween type of reading: light horror, mysteries, gothic, and urban fantasy. That definitely helps the mood. 

I am feeling a lot better, mentally. This is such a weird time of life. I know it’s all hormonal and related to whatever cycle I’m on, but man, it’s crazy that I was so tired, sad, angry, emotional and then just snapped out of it. 

General conference weekend is coming up. I feel like I should probably try and listen as much as possible for my own peace. There is rain in the forecast, so the plan is that I will be baking and doing projects and sitting under my minky and just have a nice, cozy weekend at home. Can't Wait!

Fan X

I had a fun time at Fan X last Friday. I went down to SL on the train with Spencer and Livi and a few of her friends. They were dressed up as Berdly characters. I didn't know who/what that was until they showed me and then I actually saw quite a few of them that I could recognize at the con. 

I only made it to 1 panel and that one was about Snow White and the influence the cartoon has had in 75 years. I wanted to go to others but then my sister came down with the twins and we just hung out and people watched and wandered the vendor floor. It was still fun. 

I've decided next year I may buy a 2 day pass and go to more panels on my own one day and then have fun with friends/family the other day. Or, I talked to one of the volunteers and I might consider volunteering as well. We'll see. 

I didn't spend much money, but I did get some fun chocolate at one of the booths. I ate the Han Solo and it was mint chocolate cookie truffle and very tasty. 

It's cool and feels like Fall this morning. I love it.

September 25

It’s a silly title for a post, but I can’t think of anything else. I actually can’t believe how fast September has gone. I blinked and we are at the end. I need to make sure I really take time to stop or slow down through October and November so I don’t miss my favorite season. 

I paid off the mortgage on my home this week. I went to the bank and wired the money and the next day got an email from them saying it was paid in full and I’ll be getting other papers, etc soon. It feels good. It will feel even better next Wednesday when the money does not come out of my account for the payment. I only get to enjoy it for tomorrow’s paycheck though, because I’ve already upped my 401k amount so the next check I get will actually be smaller. It’s ok. Of course, I can’t predict the future, but I’m on track to be able to retire without too many worries. 

I’ve had a few snags this week with crazy emotions, but am feeling better overall. More leveled out. I hope I can continue like this for a little while. 

Better?

Some of the words of the hymn we sung in sacrament meeting today gave me some hope.

How great, how glorious, how complete

Redemption’s grand design,

Where justice, love, and mercy meet

In harmony divine!

While I can’t sit around and do nothing, God’s plan has been in place since the beginning and He knows how it ends and has already taken care of everything that needed to be done. It helps to remember that.

My yarrow bloomed twice this year. This makes me so happy.

I got out my 4 Fall decorations a day early ha ha. I’m switching my letterboard this afternoon. I will be turning on my electric flickering candles. I changed one lamp to have a Victorian gaslight colored lightbulb. I’ve already had fall scents in the wax warmer. Bring it on, I’m ready for official Autumn.

And I do feel a lot better than I did on Friday. 

Nope

Man, I have hit my wall and I hit it hard. Actually, I hit it yesterday. The week did not get better at work and I’ve been weepy and depressed and exhausted. My well is dry and I have no **** to give, as the saying goes. And we still have a problem so even though I won’t be working a lot, I will be checking in and getting some stuff ready for an early Monday morning meeting. 

I have next Friday off and I think I may take the following Monday as well and give myself a 4 day weekend. I’m getting my permanent crown that day so I can’t go far, but the point is to not be at work. 

I’m not really sure what my problem is. I know there is definitely some perimenopause going on. I get upset and weepy at some stuff I know would not usually bother me. And there’s some stress and sadness for my job, my family, the state of the world in general. 

I’m doing stuff this weekend that I’m looking forward to, so I’m not depressed enough that I’m not leaving my house or whatnot. The cure is always the same: get enough sleep, not too much caffeine, get enough exercise, blah blah blah…. 

For now I’m taking the evening off. I’m out of milk so I’ll remedy that. And I’ll see if I can get some rest recharge this weekend. I’ll be off of social media again until Monday.

Retail Therapy

Hello self! Remember when I said I wouldn’t spend any more money? Ha ha ha ha ha ha 

I had a really nice weekend. I stayed off of all social media for 2 whole days and it felt wonderful. I spent some time with my family and spent some time outside. I even tackled a big project I didn’t know I wanted to do: I cleaned out all my piano music. It felt so good to go through it all and get it organized. I had 2 copies of My Heart Will Go On and nobody even needs 1 copy of that song. I have some to donate because I’m never going to play them and then a bunch of printed off copies of things to shred. I had more duplicates of songs than I care to admit. So things started out well.

Monday, I drove to my office to find that the plant had no water. I made it about 45 minutes then drove home to work. I had brought peaches for breakfast and with no way to wash my hands after I peeled them, it just wasn’t going to work. And then the day got worse and yesterday was even worse. I had a project go live and just had a lot of issues to work through. Finally, after a really long day, I can say that only one of the issues was actually our system. Everything else was people not using all the information we gave them or watching the training that we recorded. So it’s been frustrating and I expect another long, frustrating day today. But today, I feel a little better prepared to deal with it.

Last night after work, I got some exercise and finished a puzzle. Then I took myself off to the bookstore. Mary Roach has a new book out and I decided to buy it rather than borrow from the library - still not borrowing paper books from them since my fine. ;) I ended up with 3 books. Oops! Then I got some chocolates and a 1 liter bottle of Dr. Pepper. Retail therapy!

Anyway, I did feel better and got some sleep last night. I may be doing a few breaks to take tiny walks today. I’ll do what I need to do to deal with the stress. It won’t be this way forever. 

 

Money, Money, Money

Ug. I am my own worst enemy. Ha ha, I recently went on an online shopping spree and bought absolutely nothing that I needed. Shirts, sheets, a book, perfume samples, and a few other things. I’ve decided that I need to net zero a little bit here so I’m going to try and clean out my bookshelves and my closet for a D.I. run. It’s almost the weekend and that’s a good activity. 

I’ve put myself on a spending freeze until my savings account gets back up. It’s the lowest it has been in a long time because I just paid for my Europe trip later this year. It’s only 1 account; I have more savings (this is the one I can spend from) but I do hate to see it getting so low. And honestly, this one account probably still has more money in it than most Americans have saved, if you can believe the news.

So I have made up a budget for Christmas spending and giving. And I have so many things already at home that I can do instead of sitting on the couch bored and spending money. Puzzles, books, cross stitching, blanket making, rag wreath craft, adult coloring books, playing the piano, walking, yoga, strength training, cleaning, sorting, cooking…I think I’m going to stick this list in my calendar notebook so I can refer back to it. LOL I don’t really like to sit and watch tv, but I should absolutely not be bored. Plus, over half this list can be done while listening to books, tv, podcasts, and music. 

I’m a spender. I know it. It’s my natural inclination. I also have to be the one to save because nobody is going to do it for me. I’m still not in debt. I still have a nice savings account. I’m still going to do some fun things by myself and with friends and family. But I’m also going to try and curb the impulsiveness for the rest of the year. I can have impulsive fun next year for my birthday.

Peach Days 2025

It's been a nice weekend, and Brigham City's annual Peach Days. I met up with my family on Friday night and we all had dinner at Peach City since my niece works there. She wanted to wait on us ha ha. It was fun. Then we walked a couple blocks downtown to the carnival and other stuff set up in the street. The temperature was in the 80s so not as bad as some years. By the time we were walking back to the car, it was dark and very pleasant. 

Saturday I slept in and couldn't decide if I wanted to go back to the big parade. Then my sister told me she had bought a dozen donuts and got one for me. I couldn't pass that up ha ha. I stopped by their house and got a ride with my oldest nephew and we were late to the parade, so we didn't get to see my niece with the high school but that's ok. Also, seeing only part of the parade is not a bad thing, in my opinion. Then my sister and I went to the quilt show at the USU extension. It was fun to see all the different quilts. Not a talent I have, or truly want to have. I'll stick with embroidery. 

So yeah, it was fun. When I got home I did laundry. I also switched out my bedding for the fall bedspread and sheets. Peach days is kind of the last summer thing we do and now I'm most definitely ready for cooler temps and darker evenings. My brother gave me some more fresh peaches and now I need to freeze them so they don't go bad. That will be my evening activity, maybe tomorrow night. I'll eat a few more fresh ones and then freeze the rest. 

And Now, September

Yay! It's finally September and my favorite 4 months of the year are upon us. I know it's still hot but most of this week should be in the 80s and barely hit 90. Finger's crossed yucky heat is gone. 

My plans for Labor Day fell apart and I'm ok with that. I'm doing some things around the house, taking care of my plants, little things. I might go to a movie with the twins this afternoon. It will just be a relaxing day. 

I'll be getting out my fall bedspread and switching to fall scents in my wax warmer and then waiting until the official autumn equinox before I try and get cozy and in hibernation mode. Some of the leaves are already changing because we haven't had enough water, so I don't feel bad getting into fall mode starting today.  

We went to the farmer's market on Saturday and I've been eating fresh watermelon, berries and have a bunch more peaches in the fridge. And a neighbor gave me a little jar of fresh salsa and I've been eating that on taco salad. While I don't want to grow a garden myself, it's really nice to live in a place where I can easily get fresh fruit and vegetables. 

Relief!

So yesterday afternoon, I got some saliva or something on my hurting tooth and the pain ratcheted up even more. So I called a random endodontist from my insurance list. They couldn’t see me until Sept 23. So I went home and cried when I tried to eat dinner because it hurt so bad. I ended up taking 3 Advil and laying on the couch all evening, just being miserable. 

This morning I called the office of the first endodontist I had visited earlier this year who told me it was a sinus infection. They told me they were able to get me in on Friday so I said yes. And then about 11:00 they called again and said they had a cancellation and now had today at 1:15 open. I took it!

It was a different doctor that works in the same office and he didn’t even really bother to test the tooth out after talking to me. He tested the ones next to it to make sure. And then he numbed my mouth and did the root canal. It’s possible that I’m still a little bit numb, but I feel so much better. Yes, there is definitely some soreness around the tooth, but the throbbing, awful pain is gone. He said I definitely needed the root canal and apologized that the other doctor had been so conservative in his consultation. I’m over that. I just really wanted the pain to be gone and for my mouth to heal.

So now I have a crown that will need replacing, but otherwise I’m hoping this is the end of it. 

I’ve decided to take the evening for myself and have some relaxing downtime. I had comfort food for dinner.  I’ll read some of my favorite books and eat some ice cream a little later. I’m going to work from home tomorrow just in case I hurt, but also because it’s supposed to rain and I want to enjoy it. 

Monday, Monday

My favorite food blogger posted a recipe for summer corn chowder using fresh corn and since I’m impatiently waiting for soup weather, I decided to make it. The forecast is calling for rain over the next few days. That’s cooler weather, at least?  The soup was delicious and now I have a bunch of soup in my freezer. I do love to make and eat soup. And I also want more corn just to eat. I will probably be making another trip to the stand on the side of the road. 

Also, my face is killing me. I don’t want to go back to the same endodontist, but I think I might find a different one for a second opinion. I’ve talked to my regular doctor and he gave me an antibiotic to see if we could get rid of a sinus infection, but it’s not getting rid of anything. It goes in waves and I’m ok until the really intense pain and then I just sit there until it leaves and then I feel kind of yucky but better. I can’t live like this though. I have plans for the rest of the year and they don’t involve lying on my couch in pain over something that might be a relatively simple fix. 

New Week, New Day

I know I’ve been complaining about the hot summer, but I won’t complain too much this week. This past weekend I went to the farmer’s market and bought myself some peaches. This morning I had a bowl full of fresh peaches for breakfast and it was glorious. I’m going to eat as many as I can over the next few weeks. Yum! 

I feel a little better about life this week. Trying again to get some things right. I’ve already walked this morning and I’ve eaten pretty healthy. I made a veggie tray and mom’s dill dip for family dinner yesterday so at lunch I had a plate full of leftover veggies and dip. Truly, I did not eat very well last week either. 

I finished a book yesterday that annoyed me at first because the main character was not super excited to be on her adventure - basically she was transported into fairyland. But once I put my expectations aside, I ended up loving the book and gave it 5 stars. I’ve already read my favorite parts over again. It’s funny how some phrases or events in a book just stick to you and elevate it to a book that you love. I’ve been waiting for months now to have that book hangover feeling and so it was nice to finally get it. 

Bust

Oh my gosh, perimenopause strikes again! I just got irrationally angry at the library, as opposed to mildly annoyed, which is all the situation warranted. They sent me an email this morning that I had a $10.00 fine for damage to a book I just turned in. So I went in to look at it and there is a tiny water spot on the last few pages. I didn’t even finish the book. I maintain that it was not me. I don’t spill on my books (the horror!)  and if I had, I would certainly let them know. Anyhow, I paid the fine and left and was so furiously angry that I opened my app on my phone and deleted all my holds… for paper copies, the ebooks will be fine. That will show them! 

For the record, I have a very good library and will most definitely be going to their book sale next Saturday. But I will also be careful about borrowing paper copies of books for a little while and check them before I return them.

Honestly, this week has been a bust. I had so many plans on Sunday of things I wanted to do and I was going to be productive. Then I didn’t feel good for a few days, and I haven’t actually slept through the night at all this week. Or even fallen asleep easily. Or stayed asleep. I’m exhausted. And Wednesday night I lost my power for 5 hours. The power company cut it to de-energize the lines while a fire was near a bunch of houses a bit north of me. I don’t fault them for it, I just didn’t do anything that night either. I’m taking a nap after work and then I’m going to do any cleaning tonight when it’s not so warm. Tomorrow I’m going to get out and do something. Maybe buy books! Ha ha ha Truly, I don’t know if I’ll go North or South, but I need to get out a bit. Pretend like I’m a person who has their crap together instead of the actual mess that I am. Messy is good, right?

 

August

I spent last week in North Carolina. I don’t love going there when it’s hot and humid, but they ended up with rain so it was a little cooler, but still humid and rainy. I have to admit the one day I got water in my shoes and my socks got wet on the way to work, I was not so in love with the rain at that moment. Wet socks are nasty. 

We’ve been very dry and we have new fires starting all the time. We could use some of that rain the south and east is getting. Although, it has been a bit cooler. I think we were in the low 80s yesterday. Last night, I actually had to put a blanket on with my window open and fan on. It got me in the mood to bake bread. I’m not going to, but I will be very happy when that day comes. Today is for enchiladas. Those sounded good as well. 

I have been doing terrible on my walking challenge this summer. I’m really far behind. I can change the end date, so it’s not that I can’t complete it, but even that won’t help if I’m not walking. So this week I’m committing to 5 miles. It should be simple, it doesn’t even have to be outdoors. Indoor walking counts as long as I’m walking. I’ll try for more outdoor walking as the weather actually cools down in a the coming months. 

So I’m going to enjoy this lazy Sunday and try to make this week count. 

Too Soon?

Is it too soon for fall scented candles and books with vampires? Today I am very ready for cool days and nights and cozying up with puzzles and books and cocoa. Also, being able to wear my fall perfume scents and favorite long sleeved t-shirts. I mean we’ve had a beautiful blue sky today, but I wouldn’t mind a few grey clouds. 

I know I shouldn’t wish my life away. And to be honest it’s been a fun summer and the year has gone by so fast already. Today I’m just ready for a new season?

Book Anxiety

The book anxiety is happening because I have so many books to read and not enough time to do it. I went on a little book binge this month. I only bought 6 books, but 4 of them were complete impulse buys. Plus, I have 10 books on the hold list at the library. Two of them have come up and I just haven’t been able to read them right then so I sent them back to the hold list. The anxiety will fade and I’ll be left with a bunch of books I haven’t read, and probably won’t get to for a while. Ha ha this isn’t the first time. 

I am feeling pretty good about book purchases this year. I’ve actually borrowed 14 books from the library. Since I’ve been tracking, my yearly amount has only ever reached 18 so I’m very much on track to surpass that. One book that was on my buy list was at the library and available so I borrowed it and it ended up being a little bit of a disappointment, so that turned out to be a good decision. Once the 2nd book comes out, I can decide if I like the series well enough to own, but for now I’m very happy to have borrowed it. 

I’ve also gotten on the “Romantasy” bandwagon lately. It’s a silly title, but no worse than Fantasy Romance, I suppose. But since it combines 2 things I love, I’m all in. I have not really been interested in contemporary romance for a long time, and even historical romance only interests me for a few authors. I’m also loving the cosy aspect of some of the Romantasy. Not that they are all that way, but I’ve found a few lately that have just been nice and easy and calm and that’s good for the mental health. 

I have a few things to do this week, but I can dedicate one evening just for reading. If I make a dent in at least 1 or 2 books, maybe I will feel better about the stacks.