Dearest darlingest January,
I want to thank you for being a wonderful month. I normally don’t have favorite months, but it’s going to be pretty hard for the other months to top you. Why were you so wonderful? Well, here are a few reasons:
- I read (or listened to) 11 books. Three of those books were from the Shelf of Doom (The Memory of Love, Rooftops of Tehran, and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close) and one was from the pile for the Classics Challenge (The Stranger). Unfortunately, February is lagging when it comes to books.
- I sold $75 worth of books to Powells for store credit. And I only bought one book this month. Which means that I’m totally rockin’ my first 12 for 12 goal: Spend less money on books. And I bought that one book from Powells, so I sort of supported goal 2: Spend more time at indies. And with that $75 in credit, I expect to spending more time at indies, even if it is a virtual manifestation. But I’ve been to the real thing, so I can picture it as I surf its online shelves.
- I also made some damn good progress on goal #3: Stop going to Starbucks. I did go to Starbucks once, but it was when I was sick and in Fresno (not that I’m blaming you for my sickness…that’s the fault of my sick co-workers who brought their germs to work). I ordered a large mint tea and the county paid for it…so I figure it doesn’t even count. I did cave and buy a latte one morning on the way to work, but it was from a local coffee shop, so I’m not counting that lapse, either. So…sayonara Starbucks!
I also planned some excursions for Febraury, so I should have some fun things to thank February for, too.
Usually, you’re a cold, rainy month, but for some reason you decided to be exceptionally sunny and warm this year. So even though we need the rain (maybe February can deliver?), the warm weather was appreciated and I took full advantage of it by going on some fun hikes and walks. I’ve seen parts of the county I never even knew about, and I’ve lived here for 36 years! And the sunsets! Dude, you’ve outdone yourself:
And then there’s the new job…that’s another reason why you, January, are going to be a banner month. For the first time in a mighty long time, I’m actually enjoying my job. And I’m accomplishing stuff (sometimes bureaucracies make it really hard to get stuff done…it’s sad, but true).
Anyhoosie, I just had to thank you for being such an awesome month. Maybe you could put in a word for me with the other months? Because I’d love to have the year continue like this.
Thanks bunches!
softdrink
Glad to hear your January was such a charmer! Mine was also pretty great, though too busy too. You’re doing great at all of your goals so far, how impressive that you’re already read 3 from the shelf of doom! Here’s to February somehow even topping January
I hope January was just the start of a fabulous year for you!
Yay for great months! I hope the rest of the year follows the same pattern for you.
I had to stop going to Starbucks when I got pregnant, apparently caffeine and the crap chemicals they put in to make coffee caffeine-free are both bad for you. Bah. Now that The Floppy Alienette has escaped, I’m still trying to be at least mildly good about not overdoing the Starbucks.
January has been decent around here, too! Much better showing than in some previous years. Hope February kicks January’s ass. Because wouldn’t you be surprised by that?!
Glad to hear January was so good to you!
wow, sounds like you started the year on the right foot! i wish i could say the same.
i’ve been buying books willy-nilly and generally spending lots of money on travel, eating out, and entertainment. i’ll have to reign it in this month!
ps. tell me more about your photography class….
YAY! My January turned out to be not the usual pain in the … it usually is as well
Weather was nice, I did not freeze together in the usual cruel January Minnesota ice castle. Here’s hoping that is just the kick off to a fantastic year!!!
So glad to hear your January rocked and yes, the weather here in California has been awesome!!
Lovely way to start the year. I’m trying to read more off my own shelves. There’s not just one Shelf of Doom, around here. There are many. Not sure how I did, actually. Love the sunset. Now, if you could just get civilization to get out of the way of your sunset, it would be absolutely perfect and frameworthy. I even had that problem in Alaska. Come on, people! Last frontier! Bury the power lines, for crying out loud.
You really stuck to your goals for January. So happy 2012 is starting off so well for you.
Yay you!!!!!
Those other 11 months better listen to January!
I’ve never been a Starbucks girl, but my daughter is the poor thing. She won’t have to worry about the calories for a few more years. The weather in Florida has just been bizarre. Last year we had all kinds of cold weather, but I don’t think there have been more than a handful of days below the 70′s. Global warming!
It makes SUCH a difference when you enjoy your job. That can make everything look brighter and better. Good job on meeting so many goals.
Congratulations! Happy February!!
Good luck on quitting Starbucks! I don’t have a problem with Starbucks, but with all drive throuhg coffee places. Way too much money wasted.