Random February Thoughts

How is February almost over? I know it’s shorter, but still. I have definitely enjoyed being cozy through the dark months and am getting to the point where I can welcome spring. I hope it’s a rainy one, since we didn’t really get a winter and need the water. Rainy days can be cozy as well. Plus, spring brings flowers. 

I’m going to put away some of my electric candles once the batteries run out. I’ve decided to leave 2 of them out, but will turn off the timer. I have my scented wax warmers on all year, so there’s no reason why I can’t have a candle on here or there. And when the summer gets really hot and bothersome, I’ll just close the blinds, turn on candles, and put a rainy autumn day ASMR scene on the tv!

I’ve been doing a bit of reading this year. Twenty books and over 4,310 pages in the 2 months. I think I will take a bit of a break (or at least read only one book at a time) for a little bit and try and finish some craft projects and maybe catch up on some podcasts or something. I need to get some more walking in as well, although with water aerobics, I’m not feeling quite as much pressure to get out. The warmer, longer days will help that though. Leaving the house for 1.5 hours 2 days a week makes me feel a little bit like I’ve lost some time at home. And technically, I have, but it’s still “me” time and it's doing me a world of good. It feels good to move my body, and talk to people besides my family and co-workers. Plus, I love being in the water, and so far, the chlorine is not bothering me or making my skin or hair drier. I’ve got a routine down now. 

Last week was a high sugar week, with the birthday, so I’m trying to get back on the less sugar eating plan. It’s hard since I’m addicted to the sweet stuff, but I’ll keep going. I am sneaking in one more gift to myself before the end of the month, but then birthday shopping is over and done for the year. And I have too much stuff as it is. LOL Maybe March will be a clean-out-the-closets month.

Snow Day!

We finally got snow! I was skeptical this morning when it was mostly rain. I took the morning off to celebrate my birthday and when I left my house around 9, I did not think we would truly get much in the way of snow. However, when I came out of the first store, my car was white. And it's been coming down ever since. 

I got a cute little bud vase and found some flowers for it.

My original plan had been to take the morning and drive to Salt Lake to some indie bookstores, but then I decided to stay around town. It turned out to be a good idea. I ended up with a new pair of walking shoes and a tall plant stand for my bedroom. It's white, but I got a can of spray paint at Michael's as well so when it dries out, I can change the color. My plant is now much higher up and closer to the window where it can get a lot of indirect light. I had my birthday Dr. Pepper at lunch and I have tickets to a play this evening. I think the snow will be stopped by then. 

I may still hit up some bookstores this weekend. I've got a few I'm looking for. We'll see. I've got a ton of laundry to do. I'd like to find a pair of water shoes for water aerobics so the pool doesn't keep taking the skin off my big toes. I'm loving water aerobics, but that part is annoying. But with that, I think I'm about done with birthday shopping month. 

And the snow is still coming down! This makes me so happy. 

Home, Sweet Home

I love being at home in the quiet. 

I spent last week in North Carolina, traveling for work. The trip was fine, and it was nice to see my team. I got home Thursday night around 8:30 and then worked a half day on Friday. I packed my bag again (differently) and left Friday at 12:30 for a road trip to Escalante, UT with my sister and the twins. 

We had a good time. I don’t think I’ve ever stopped in Escalante before and it was very small. The hotel was good, but there were not many options for food and pretty much everything was closed on Sunday. We had planned ahead and had ramen and other options. 

We did a few small hikes to some Petrified Forest state park, and the Devil’s Garden. And played in the hotel pool in the afternoons. We also did the short hike to Mossy Cave this morning and because it is Presdent’s day, the national parks are free. We stopped at Bryce on the way home. We didn’t stay long, but the wind was blowing and up at 8000 ft, it was cold! Still, it’s beautiful to see and we got our free dollar’s worth. 

Now I’m just sitting here enjoying my quiet, clean, and chaos-free home. I love the kids, but it can be a lot. I have a busy week ahead and this will actually be my only night home until Friday. I have things every night this week. 

We passed the 2 year milestone for mom on the 14th. Still can’t believe she’s gone sometimes. She did love a good road trip though.