I keep forgetting to contact Blogger about why the photos upload in reverse order, but here's another backwards trip through January. We ended the month with a new President and started the month with a deadly riot. I always say I'll write another post about politics, but it's taxing to think back over the last four years. But again, maybe in another post.
January was mostly a good month for me. I started recovering from what seems to be seasonal depression and Nacho's death, and I started working on donating and organizing again. The Buy Nothing Facebook movement is a great idea. I got a free gift bag organizer and I was able to give away Nacho's opened bath items and diapers, etc. I've had no Pampered Chef virtual parties in a while. Hopefully can get some going by March with the new product launch. With things were bad across the country and being busy with holidays, most other consultants on my team were seeing major drops as well. I haven't done a whole lot of reading or online things in recent months, but picked back up again in January. I am determined to finish these books. When I'm short on time, I just put myself aside, but I am trying again to make more time for things I enjoy.
During the month, we also lost Manny's aunt. My best friend also lost her uncle to Covid. I will post about her in the next post. Her birthday would have been the day of the Inauguration. I miss her very much, and I haven't figured out how to tell the boys yet. I did a terrible job of telling Naomi. Neither of us handle death well.
My friend hosted a Zoom party where we cut pictures out of magazines and put them together into an everyday item, representative of being put back together after we've been shattered by something. It was therapeutic and fun for me. This is me as a broken vase that God put back together.
She showed Bible verses and played relaxing music during the party. Speaking of which, a childhood favorite singer of mine hosted an IG Live concert the next evening, and it was very fun. He played my request, too.
Isaac and I watching a documentary on the making of Frozen 2. I was offering to watch a Lego cartoon or animated movie, but his is the type of show he likes to watch.
Coming back from a walk with Isaac. The sky is so beautiful these days.
Isaac said this puddle looked like a portal into another world.
On a Saturday morning walk.
The little ones are handy for getting under the table! And I put the sweeping slippers on him, too, because why not?
Some Indian chicken, avocado ranch salad (from Costco), and an butterscotch oatmeal pizookie.
Taiwanese beef and noodles, chicken stir fry, leftover beef barley soup, and spring rolls (from Costco).
Chicken tortellini soup in the Instant Pot.
Proverbs 31 only Bible Study: Forgiving What You Can't Forget
The Bernie inauguration meme
Amanda Gorman's poem was a highlight for me, as was the national anthem. I appreciated Garth Brooks' rendition of Amazing Grace and call for peace.
Inauguration was different this year, especially seeing the Capitol after what happened.
We had some strong winds here. Not sure if that contributed to the streetlight being knocked down, but I didn't see anything that indicated a vehicular impact (well, except the light being down lol).
Air-fryed chicken and homemade fries and salad.
Getting my annual Dog Show fix. I love Spitz breed dogs.
Signed up for Break Fit, a breakdancing exercise app.
Another bread pudding! This one was Caramel. Yum. After this I started making savory things with leftover croissants, like stuffing and Indian bread (I don't remember the name).
The Brownie Pan is great for making frittatas from leftover ham or bacon.
Homemade jap chae (Korean noodles with vegetables) was a success.
Beef stew
French toast
Chinese Lion's Heads in my Pampered Chef ceramic pan. And my drugstore fake nails.
Homemade apple pie pockets
Watching one of Trebek's final episodes. I grew up watching him, the years we had a TV or reception. RIP
I think this was Manny's smoked tri-tip. Whatever it was, it was delicious!
Manny made some meat in the smoker.
Cheese fondue per Naomi's request and homemade wonton soup for New Year's.
Menudo from some cans for New Year's. Next year I'm going to make pozole since that's a little easier for me, and I'm the only one who eats tripe here.
