What a difference a year makes. So many things have changed since my 2017 recap. Some good changes, some sad changes, some changes that are just life moving forward. I’m anxious to see what 2019 will bring for me and my family.
A year ago we had just moved my mother-in-law out of our home and into her own small apartment close to us so I could still help her with all of her medical issues. Unfortunately, she was there less than 3 months before her health took a turn for the worse and she passed away. As hard as the months taking care of her were on me, I’m glad I could be there for her and that we had the type of relationship that she felt so comfortable with me and trusted me.
That part time job I kept threatening to get finally happened and I now work as a barista/waitress/cook at a local, family owned coffee shop/diner. I’ve learned the difference between a latte and a cappuccino, how to steam and foam milk, and have gotten to know many wonderful people in my neighborhood. We have some regular customers that I enjoy chatting with immensely, both young and old. I only work two or three days a week so it’s really quite perfect for me.
My kids are doing great. Josh got his certification from the media arts trade school he was attending and continues to look for a substantial job in that field while working full-time and trying to pay off student loans. Griffin and Kirsten have now given me two grandkitties. They’re not quite ready to have kids but their cats are adorable. We were able to go out to Washington to visit them over the summer and had a great time. I cannot wait to see them again…hopefully soon.
The kids on the observation deck of the Space Needle
Our family cat, Reese, got very sick and passed away just before our visit with Griffin. I still find myself looking for him at certain times. But Christmas was the hardest. It was strange wrapping presents without him jumping onto my wrapping paper or attacking my ribbons. And his usual place under the tree soaking in the warmth of the lights was markedly empty. Our fat kitty is certainly missed around here.
When it comes to my reading, that has been lagging lately. Overall in 2018 I read a lot, but I’ve found it to be a struggle over the last month or so to get as much time in as I’d like. Whether it’s a temporary issue because of the holidays remains to be seen. I’ve found many a library book (both brick & mortar and e-library) having to be renewed because I haven’t gotten to it yet. Which is a major bummer when it’s something that has a waiting list.
I had set my 2018 Goodreads reading goal at 150 books. I far exceeded that number with a total of 218 books read. Since I know I was actually spending too much time reading (seems impossible, I know) and not enough time on my day-to-day chores that need to be done, I set my 2019 goal at 200 books. If I want to accomplish anything other than my reading goals I should really still try for the 150, but I can’t help it that I love to read any time any where. So instead of setting my goal to 150 again and blowing past that in the fall, I’m setting it to what I think I may actually accomplish this year.
As for 2018, here is my Goodreads year in books…
Although I haven’t been posting my statistical updates monthly as I did before, I still kept track of my favorites in 2018. I rated a whopping 31 books with 5 stars in 2018! That’s a lot of good reading. My very favorite of that bunch were the following:
The Hookup, Leave No Trace, To Be Honest, Van
Their Ruthless Sadist, Kiss an Angel, Wicked Whiskey Love, Loving Cara
Once again I didn’t quite reach my goals for the year. I’m still finding it hard to get my personal posts out. I know I’ve said it before, but I have a problem not getting wordy. That is actually what has me putting off those personal posts over and over. I just don’t know how to curb my words. But I’m going to still make that a goal for 2019. (Not the curb my words part, the trying to get a personal post thrown in every month.)
One last thing, since I’m being so honest here. This has nothing to do with reading. Well, actually, maybe it does. I’m bound and determined to get back to yoga and other forms of exercise this year. I was doing very well for a while and really fell off the wagon, so to speak, when my mother-in-law passed and I started working all at the same time. The reason this has to do with reading is I now seem to read at the times of day I used to exercise. I have to remember to take care of my body as well as my mind! So I’m putting that out there as a reminder to myself.
I know we’re a month into 2019, but I want to wish you all a wonderful year ahead. I hope you get to read the books you want to read, indulge in some glorious food once in a while, and get some quiet time to yourself in the year ahead.
All In Good Time 
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