It's A New Year - Life Updates/Books

Happy New Year! 

Hello! 

After a long break towards the end of the year to focus on family I thought I'd jump back in with a little check in with a brief December recap and updated book stack. 

December was a very full month! We kicked it off with our annual early December getaway. This year we ventured up to Tofino, BC, Canada which has been on our bucket list for ages. Definitely worth the trek! Such a beautiful and rugged place. We slept in, walked on the beaches, explored, hiked, and drank a lot of coffee. We loved it! 

On our return home we were able to stop in Port Angeles and celebrate my step-dad's 85th birthday. It's always so good to visit with my parents at their peaceful property there. 

Once home, I checked off some annual medical appointments, one being my mammogram, which I did not pass. This is the second time I've been called back for a more in depth diagnostic scan and ultrasound so I'm managing fairly well at being at peace with it. Getting an appointment was much more challenging than it was in the past. I started out being able to schedule an appointment in June, but after calling multiple providers found one in March, then in February which I booked. I was put on a waiting list and was able to move up to late January which is such a relief. I will keep you updated as that whole scenario progresses. 

The rest of the month was filled with a lot of pivots between all of our little family's moving parts but everyone was in good spirits. We even managed to get gingerbread houses decorated (which were a triceratops and a sea turtle this year), and celebrate Christmas multiple times. 

By New Year's Eve everyone was back in the air or back at work. I had seen that there was a NYE candlelight service at St. James Cathedral in Seattle and that seemed like just where I should be. It was so lovely. I'm not Catholic, so stumbled though parts of it, unfamiliar with certain call and response, but took it all in. As a fan of history, art, and music it was really so beautiful. I'm so glad I went. 

What's in store for January?

I'll be joining my husband on his annual work trip to Kona for a few days of (hopefully) sun and warm temperatures this week. We are bringing snorkel gear, and hopefully the weather cooperates and allows for paddle boarding. 

The following week we will head to St. Louis for a few days to connect with family after the recent loss of my sister in law to share memories and hugs. 

And then of course, my scan after we return. 

Bookstack Update

First up, Audiobooks (I use the Libby app) -  

I've recently finished: 

"The Correspondant",  by Virginia Evans.

"Stolen Focus", by Johann Hari".

"Do You Remember", by Freida McFadden.

In the queue:

"Remarkably Bright Creatures", by Shelby Van Pelt.

And, Paper Books - 

Recently finished:

"Wild Dark Shore", by Charlotte McConaghy

"The Names", by Florence Knapp

In the queue:

"A Murder In Paris", by Matthew Blake (a holdover from last month that got pushed back due to library book return dates on other books taking precedence.)

"Come Sail With Me", by Wendy Leo-Smith