Friday, December 19, 2025

Ok, this is crazy! How are we so close to Christmas? I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika to share some favorites and some thoughts. I will post Monday and Tuesday and then I will take a bloggy break until Tuesday, December 30th.

Shoes – I have always loved shoes. Can’t help it. My mom told me that from the minute she put a pair of shoes on me that I was in love. A favorite this week is my new Dr. Scholl’s insoles. I wear an 8 or 8.5 in shoes. I ordered an 8.5 in these shoes and they were a little bit big. I went into Macy’s (where I ordered) and tried on the 8 and they were too tight. The helpful salesperson suggested that an insole might help.

Much better now! But, isn’t that weird that I am probably like an 8.25 in these shoes? Here are the insoles. I didn’t trim mine down at all. I just stuck them in and they worked.

Gym – It’s been hard to go to the gym at 6 am when there is snow and ice. I can do cold, but snow and ice in the dark as I’m trying to get out my back door – nope. By Wednesday it was gone and I was so happy. It’s such a great feeling to get it done and to see the Christmas lights in the dark as I am driving there and back.

My bestie doesn’t understand why I go first thing when I literally do have all day. I can find a million excuses not to go as the day goes on. I also think I get a better workout when I am fresh in the morning.

Reading life – I finished this and I liked it, but it did deal with some tough issues, and I wouldn’t say I really liked any of the family members. I always have trouble recommending books like this. I’m glad I read it and I couldn’t put it down because I wanted to see how it would play out. Anyone else read this?

I started this and it’s such a cute premise – a knitting retreat held at an inn along with a bachelor party. I needed something lighter. No Christmas themed book for me right now.

It got up to 56 and it was sunny on Wednesday and I’m on my patio reading! That was good for the soul! I’m just happy to have a stack of library books to choose from. I love my library so much.

Christmas Music – I have asked Alexa to play “soft classical Christmas music”, Michael Buble Christmas, Diana Krall Christmas, Josh Groban Christmas, and Tom has asked her to play Elvis and Bing Crosby Christmas. She picked a John Legend compilation that I really liked, too. I’m enjoying this music more than I have in many years! Send any other recs my way. We usually play this in the early morning and early evening.

Eddie Otis seems to really like the music. He lays beside me while I write my blog as shown in Example A:

I love his soft snoring and his contented lip licking sounds. I think the music drowns out the school commute noise for my baby. After I blog, we walk around 8:30 after his morning nap.

Spanish Tutoring – It’s going really well! I arrive at Starbuck’s a little early and treat myself to a drink. I tried an iced gingerbread chai this week and it was good.

My student has their midterm today and I’m nervous and hopeful! I hope that I have helped. I think we are continuing next semester, but it might depend on the results of today’s exam – lol. We have only met four times since November 24th.

Cooking/Eating – I’ve been trying to keep the sugar to the minimum and eat more protein and eat cleaner. Amylu chicken sausages from Costco and sweet potatoes are a favorite.

I made egg bites in a mini muffin tin with 6 eggs, 3/4 cup cottage cheese, bacon bits, chives, a bit of shredded cheese. You have to bake them with a 13×9 pan of water in the oven to give them some steam.

Mood/Attitude -Wednesday morning was mild and the sun was peeking out and I was so happy! If you read my Fashion Files post yesterday, the green Christmas tree sweater was the only festive piece I hadn’t worn yet so I put it on for a Trader Joe’s/library run. They are close by each other, so I try to do them at the same time if timing works out.

Still remaining in the TJ’s parking lot. Nasty black snow!

Ahh, the sun!

Current Events – I started getting a daily email of the news called 1440. It is called that because…

“In 1440, the printing press sparked a knowledge revolution. We carry that spirit forward, cutting through the noise and algorithm-driven feeds, to bring fact-driven knowledge to everyone”

I am enjoying getting my news this way because it is straight and to the point. It includes fun news, too, and isn’t only the dark and horrible stuff.

Blogging Break – I will be posting 12/22 and 12/23 (Monday and Tuesday), and then I will take a break and be back 12/30. As much as I love blogging, I do think I need to take a little break. I will miss you!

Hosting my first link up ever –

Currently will be 1/7 so I would love you to join me as this will be my first time hosting! Jenn is passing the torch and I’m flattered that she asked me. It will be the first Wednesday of every month. Each month I will give you 5 present participles (-ings) for you to talk about. In January it will be loving, resolving, planning, eating/drinking, and watching/reading.

Happy Friday,

Amy