Right Now- Jan/Feb Recap

 I'm listening- to my heart that says you've got to pull yourself out of this Covid-funk.   As we round the corner to 1 year of living in a Pandemic- I feel like this is a good time to  reflect on where I've been (nowhere-at least  literally speaking), what's worked, what's not and what next.   

I'm loving- that we are moving forward

Whether that's in the form of "Taking my shot"

or

Hanging with my friends....

I'm loving that some normalcy seems to be returning to our lives

I received my first shot on 1/14, my 2nd on 2/4 and as of 2/19, I am no longer required to quarantine after an exposure- only if I myself am symptomatic.   I can't begin to describe what a feeling of relief this has offered to me.   No longer am I timing every encounter with a student, being skeptical of all around me (especially if they aren't wearing a mask).   I feel like I can breath.  

In January- my tribe and I gathered for a belated Christmas celebration and gift exchange.   This is our 2nd year doing an after-the-holiday gathering and I have to say- I much prefer it.   It gave me something to look forward after the Holiday rush was over and well, it's always a good time when the BAGS are involved.   

In February- I gathered again with friends to celebrate Mr. B's milestone birthday.   Good eats, great laughter and even some wine was greatly enjoyed by all!   I had done "dry January" (giving up alcohol in an effort to get my health back on track-I'd found that the alcohol was causing my RA to flare with persistent swelling and soreness in my joints).   Bring on that glass of wine come February!

The ladies and I ventured out for a day of shopping and lunch.   We commented that it just felt so normal!   I found myself going for some retail therapy- picking up this adorable set from the Polish Pottery Factory.   Much like when I first discovered Longaberger, Creative Memories, Pampered Chef...I felt like I wanted one of everything.   But instead- settled on this cute starter set.   Hoping the pretty pottery will help inspire me to put some good but healthier eats on my plate.  

I'm feeling- weary.  

 Usually the January blahs hit me hard and then February I pull out of it.   But this year, the blahs were a little delayed in arriving.   

 In January- I was committed 100% to some wellness goals- and then February hit and I was thinking "why bother" and reverted to a more sedentary and snacking mode.   

Then, this past weekend- this showed up on my Instagram feed.   Talk about divine inspiration.    

And this transitions perfectly into my final prompt

I'm needing- to make some changes. 
 The days are getting longer, the weather is stabilizing (forget about that mini-blizzard we had last week- dumping some unexpected 10 inches overnight).  

Owen was not amused by all that snow...

But he found a way to cope with his annoyance...when all else fails...take a nap

I shall take a lesson from Owen-and find some better ways to cope.   Regular exercise, planned meals, hydration and less coffee are all actions I can and should be taking. 

So for now- I shall hit the publish button...having clearly stated my intention-

.