#3021 the first week

Okay, yes, I have been retired for several weeks now, but this first full week of January hit a bit different. The menfolk have gone back to Idaho to work on the new rental property. Everyone I know is back to work, so this really felt like the first week. It's when the reality that I don't have anywhere I need to be really sank in. I filled my days, but it felt like a long week. I'm gonna tell you about it.

On Monday I spent much of the day making phone calls and paying bills. I also did some art, did some Spanish lessons, exercised with resistance bands and had a FaceTime conversation with my mama and my sister.

On Tuesday I sat out on the deck in the sunshine and drank some coffee in the morning. This simple thing may well be one of my favorite things to do. The big dogs usually sit in the sun with me, and Stella brings me her frisbee to throw over and over and over. I also made bread!

I made this loaf of bread!

It was super easy with just four ingredients. There was no kneading. I just mixed the ingredients together, let it rise for a couple of hours, shaped it into a tidy ball, and baked it. It tasted good. I plan to make another loaf this week, and I think I will add Everything but the Bagel seasoning to zazz it up a little..

On Wednesday I puttered around the house. It was first Wednesday, so I went to Dutch Bros for coffee and a sticker. I did mess around outside in the morning because the sun was shining. Sometimes I don't drink coffee out there, but I do sit and listen to the birds and the traffic and contemplate life in between frisbee tossing. 

Thursday was a big day. I texted with several work friends. I had my teeth cleaned and picked up my new glasses.

new specs and clean teeth

I took myself out for lunch after the errands were complete. I've been wanting to go to El Habanero, a Mexican restaurant down the road from my house. I haven't been there in ages, and it really hit the spot.

enchilada of beans and cochinita pibil

Friday was nice, so I drank coffee outside.

good morning!

I had a couple of fun phone calls with my BFF LA and my beloved sister. I watched TV. I finished the Taylor Swift docuseries, so now I'm ready to watch the final concert video. I also watch the first two episodes of season 5 of Emily in Paris. Those first two eps are in Rome, and seeing the city made my heart go pitter-pat. 

Yesterday I put away the Christmas ornaments, swept and dusted. I had football games on the TV, and I had quite a bit of couch time. I also went to bed early, which was just wonderful.

Today I laced up my Hokas and went for a walk at Centennial Park.

invigorating!

 After the walk I went to Starbucks for coffee and reading time. The rest of the day has been really quiet. I wrote in my journal mostly, and started reading a new book.

Every day I do art, writing, reading, learning, and exercises. I also spend a bit of each day tidying up the place, including cleaning up the office. My office is the first room I am tackling to get rid of stuff. This first week I cleaned out a couple of filing cabinets and put a bunch of knick-knacks in a sack to donate. Starting tomorrow, I'm gonna tackle the closet. I'm weirdly excited about it. 

What else is coming up? On Thursday I will go to the Red Butte Garden volunteer dinner. I'm hoping that MT will make it home so he can come with me. I'll be getting my 10 year pin! Can you believe that? I've been volunteering there for 10 years already!

On Friday, Stella is going to the dog spa. She is super shaggy and doesn't smell very nice. One day, maybe Tuesday, I'm going to take myself out for coffee somewhere new. I haven't decided where yet. 

I'm keeping myself entertained. Mostly I like to say home and putter around in cozy sweaters, soft pants. and warm, thick socks. I do something, then I read or play a game on my phone. I stay hydrated and don't snack too much. 

Have a nice week! Do something fun!

xo