January 2020 Reflection
After a whirlwind start to the year, we’ve come to the end of the first month in 2020. I’m actually posting this on February 2nd because I spent the whole last week of January at jury duty which was a WILD experience that, in a way, changed my life. So, hope you’ll forgive me on this delayed post.
How was the month for you? I’ve spent most of it wrapping up some BIG projects and making some substantial life changes, including starting a new job this coming week. Much of my goals for the month were tied to these, and I’ve comfortably checked off almost everything on my January to-do list. Huzzah!
My goals for February are mostly personal. I’m eager to get outside more so I’m planning to make more time for daily walks and weekend trips to the mountains. I’ve committed to better meal-planning. I want to take more pictures just for fun! I’m in the midst of curating my wardrobe (capsule wardrobe!) and have been experimenting with different outfits to get the most out of my clothes.
Professionally, I have more to-do tasks than “goals.” Like I mentioned, I’m starting a new (technically old) job, returning to a company I’ve worked for in the past (and I’m very excited to return). We’ll be releasing Uncaged Vol. IV this month, as well as a new course for the RPG Writer Workshop by yours truly. Additionally, I’m turning in a project I’ve been writing for months. So I think I’ll hold off on big professional goals this month since I have enough on the agenda!
Let’s reflect on our month together!
Pull out your notebook or favorite device, and answer the following questions to close the door on January and look toward the next month.
What is one great memory from January?
I have several, which makes for a really wonderful month! One was getting a job offer to return to a company I’ve loved working for in the past. The other was getting the Uncaged Vol. IV print proof and holding all four volumes in my hands. I had dreamed of that moment for more than a year so that was pretty special!
What was one moment that made you sad?
During jury duty for a murder trial, a 12-year-old boy had to take the stand and testify against his mother. It was truly heartbreaking. The whole trial experience was a rollercoaster (and very educational) and I’m still processing all of it. I definitely ended January on a reflective note because of it.
What was your favorite song this month?
I absolutely LOVE the album Asylum by A R I Z O N A. I listened to the whole thing on repeat all month! I especially like “Problems” because the lyrics are very relatable.
What shows/movies did you watch this month?
I’m a TV fiend but I did see some movies in January. I watched A Quiet Place which was very good although anxiety-inducing. I saw 1917 in theaters and absolutely loved it (I love war movies, especially about WWI and WWII). Show-wise, I’m mostly into YouTube content lately. (I’ll write a separate blog post about my fave YouTubers!) I did, however, watch the whole first season of What We Do in the Shadows which is the bessssst.
What did you read/listen to this month?
I read three books in January: Crosstalk by Connie Willis which was technically a reread; I’ve Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella; and Version Control by Dexter Palmer. The first two were lighter reads and Version Control was much denser (terrific book!). I’m still on a contemporary/near future sci-fi kick and probably will be for a few more weeks. Since I’ve had a lot going on in other aspects of my life, I’ve been enjoying lighter and easier reads. I tend to dive into romance novels when life feels hard or heavy (I just started The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai). Reading for me has always been cathartic and I read whatever I’m in the mood for at any given time.
What outdoor activities did you do this month?
I didn’t do as much as I wanted to this month, but while I was at jury duty, I spent a lot of time walking around downtown Reno which was really enjoyable. I love the downtown area near the Truckee River and feel lucky to live in such a great little city!
What’s one thing you can do today to set yourself up for a good February?
A couple days ago, I put a bunch of books on hold at the library using the best app ever, Libby, so that I always have something to read this month. I’ve been decluttering and keeping my house really clean so that I feel calm when I spend time at home.