The new year kicked off without a hangover, and honestly, that felt great! With time before work resumed and the kids went back to school, there was plenty to look forward to—even in that strange post-holiday limbo where days blur together.
A Cozy Girls’ Night In
Hosting isn’t my forte, but I started the year with a goal: more gatherings! So, I planned a pottery and grazing board evening with the girls. We hadn’t seen each other in ages, and instead of just eating and drinking (which we all did plenty of in December), I thought we’d add something fun.
The fire was on, the sofas were too inviting, and—truth be told—we barely got up to do any pottery! But seeing each other, catching up, and making new memories was worth it. Luckily, we now have a follow-up session planned to paint and glaze our creations, so another get-together is in the books.
A Midnight Snow Surprise
Just before midnight, a light snowfall graced us. Jon, always the one for spontaneous adventures, grabbed the kids and whispered, “Shoes on, coats up—let’s go play before it melts!” Unlike me (who might have said, “Wait till morning”), he ensured we made the most of the fleeting flurry. By morning, it was gone—but we had our magical late-night snowball fun.
Back to Work, Back to Reality
I’m lucky to love my job and the daily conversations with clients, both old and new. While not every day is perfect, most are spent feeling fulfilled, which is more than I can ask for.
Chasing Winter Sun
January had me longing for warmth, and Jon and I tried searching for a last-minute getaway. Tenerife promised sun but not heat, and while I dreamt of skiing, Jon reminded me that “skiing isn’t winter sun.” Fair point.
Meanwhile, I got back on the bike and hit some golf balls—surprisingly, I wasn’t entirely rusty! Golf is something I want to improve on this year, and maybe even enter some events.
Staycation Adventures
Instead of jetting off, Jon and I embraced a different kind of holiday: exploring locally.
Monday:
- Van Gogh Interactive Experience: A mesmerizing look at the artist’s technique and life. I captured a 360° video in the final room—an unforgettable experience.
- Hotto Potto: Authentic Sichuan hot pot, full of rich flavors and a cozy atmosphere.
- Omescape VR: Arizona Sunshine experience—vests, guns, chaos. Thrilling and slightly terrifying!
- Clays: Indoor clay pigeon shooting meets cocktails—a fantastic (and hilariously competitive) time.
- The Anchor Bankside: A drink at the historic riverside tavern where Shakespeare once roamed.
Tuesday:
- Lancaster Bomber Flight Simulator: A surprise for Jon! He amazed the instructors—who even encouraged him to come back as an instructor himself.
- Beach Walks with the Dogs: A refreshing, peaceful break by the water.
- Dinner (Takeaway-style): A perfect kebab—the lamb was the best it’s ever been.
Wednesday:
- Spa Day: A Christmas gift meant for relaxation, and wow, did it deliver. Sauna time, poolside reading, and the most calming massages ever.
Illness Hits Hard
By Thursday morning, I felt terrible—achy, exhausted, and unable to move. Golf, bouldering, wellness retreats, and gin-making plans were all canceled. The days blurred into medication and recovery mode.
Wrapping Up the Month
After a tough few days, I finally started feeling better. A much-needed breakfast catch-up with my neighbor was the perfect reset. We’ve promised to make this a monthly routine—because life gets busy, but meaningful connections matter.
January, you were eventful—equal parts epic and exhausting. Let’s hope that’s not the theme for the rest of 2025!
