Homestead Update #24

Hey friends! I'm back with another weekly update! I'm so happy to be back in this space and looking back on the past week...regardless of whether it was a good week, a not so good week, or somewhere in between. I think this will help me see what all I'm accomplishing and help keep me on track of things I'd like to do and get done. So. This past week was hard. There were a lot of emotions to work through but I really feel like I've come out on the other side of everything. That feels good. I'm hopeful that I can move forward now and really start to settle into my 'new' life and start looking towards the future. So, let's chat about this past week. Before we get going though, I've come up with new categories, but I'm not sure these are the ones that will stick. We'll see. Anyway....

Currently

I wanted to keep a list of things that I'm currently watching, listening to, or really into. First up, I've been watching the TV show Felicity. Do y'all remember that show?!?! I remember watching it in the '90s but didn't remember a ton about it. When I ran across it on Hulu I was so excited! Before the BIG MOVE I would watch bad reality TV at night, but I felt like my brain was screaming at me to watch something with more depth to it. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE bad reality and will continue to watch it on occasion, but I really, really needed something with more depth. And Felicity fits the bill! Anyway, I'm watching at night when I want to knit.

I've been trying to find another 'good' book. I say it that way because there are lots of good books out there, but nothing has been keeping my interest lately. I went through a period over the past few weeks before I moved where I was reading one book after another. In fact, I accomplished my 2021 Goodreads Reading goal back in early September. Then I read a few more books and then nothing. Until now. I just picked up High Achiever by Tiffany Jenkins and it's really good. It's based on the author's life of being a drug addict and her time spent in jail and rehab. It's a really good read. She's funny. She's insightful. She's honest. It's good.

While we're talking books. Do you remember Beck Dorey-Stein? Friends. She is an absolute fantastic writer! I highly recommend you read her first book, but. Her newest book? It has so much parallel to what I'm going through, it ain't even funny, as they say. Go grab a copy and start reading. Right now. I'll wait....

Making

I'm not making too much at the moment. Most of my attention has been focused on settling in, finding a routine, and applying for jobs. Speaking of, I haven't heard back from any yet, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that that is because of the hiring process (i.e. it just takes time). There are a couple of jobs that have me very intrigued so we'll see! But I have been keeping up with my meal planning and shopping accordingly. I've been cooking most of our dinners. I keep laughing because I think my parents haven't eaten this many vegetables for a long time (my mom has been having some health issues that keep her from doing too much so I'm happy to help out and cook some yummy meals. My dad said to me the other night that he's eating things that he's never seen before. LOL. No complaints though, just all compliments).

But, if you read last week's update you'll know that I have been knitting. In fact, I started taking a sock knitting class. Tomorrow is week 3 and I need to start the heel turn. But I'm not quite up to that point yet, so, sigh, I guess I'll just have to spend today knitting. hehe. I also made some Halloween baskets for the nephews. Stay tuned for a post later this week on those.

Speaking of knitting, the youngest nephew asked for a handknitted item for Christmas!! And I'm really crushing on this sweater. I think I need to add it to my queue.

The Rest of the story

I don't think there's too much more to report back on. I did get our new-to-us vehicle all set up and ready to roll. Anna and I have been making short trips to different places and she's loving being on the go with me. She goes to the nephew's ballgames with me. She went on her first store visit this past weekend. And she loved it! I know she still misses her life in PA but she's starting to settle in just fine.

Oh. And friends. I went trick-or-treating with the nephews last night! Y'all. I haven't been trick-or-treating in years. Literally years. We haven't ever lived anywhere where we get tricks or treats. And, if you know me, you know how much I love a good reason to decorate and celebrate. Unfortunately I've never made that a priority before. But not anymore. From now on, I promise (to myself) to decorate and celebrate! I might not get to do the 'full on' Chicken Librarian version of decorating right now, but I will be working on it. I had so. much. fun. It's just what I needed. We started out out my brother and SIL's BFF's house for a chili dinner and then I went with the parents and the littlest kids around the neighborhood. It really helped ease my soul. That's is all, friends. It was good. It was needed. It was enjoyed.

I'm also looking for a new exercise/healthy living routine. That's one of my big ticket to-do items here. I've set a goal of 10,000 steps per day. And some gentle yoga before bed. I think I can do that! Easy goals to start. And I've also set the goal of 2 blog posts per week. I've even set the goal of finding a coffee shop to work at once per week. Now that's a goal I can definitely get behind! And I definitely think I can handle both of these small goals. So. Stay tuned! Things are starting to settle down. I'm feeling good. Now to focus on me for a little while and accomplish these little goals while trying to figure out the future. No problem. LOL.

'tile next time
-k
xoxo