Saturday, January 31, 2026
It’s time for “Share 4 Somethings” where we recap the month with Jenn.
Something I loved
My reading life! I used to hardly read at all in the winter! TV was my jam in the winter. I just completed book number 7 of January yesterday and I had a celebratory glass of…. prosecco. Not quite champagne. I also thought I would treat myself to Veuve Clicquot. I’ve never had it. Maybe soon? It is a true story that a widow ran the most prestigious champagne business in the region. “Veuve” means widow in French and Clicquot was her last name. “Viuda” is widow in Spanish and “Viudo” is widower. I had to teach my students the different between widow and widower and my hint was “Violet and Victor were widows and widowers” – “Vi” at the beginning?
Here are the 7 books I read in January – I have started my 2026 book blog post.
Fires (I typed “fries” first so I guess that is my subconscious saying I’m craving them) in my living room fireplace
Sunshine and some mild weather and watching snow come down when I had all my people in my house – that was a big surprise to have Jack come and spend the night and it was awesome. It was nice to have some mild weather and it was nice to have some true winter weather. Both things can be true.
Something that sustained me
Coffee and making my own creamer a few times – that hot cup of coffee in the winter – ahhhh
Sweet potato cubes roasted in the oven – obsessed with the avocado combo
Sweet texts and phone calls – I love when someone thinks of me. I got a sweet one yesterday that my niece wanted to show me her prom dress – already!
Something I’m carrying forward
The attitude of fun! I did a post on having fun and I really felt that a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders at the beginning of January. We sold my mom’s house right before Thanksgiving which was such a blessing. We didn’t want to be responsible for a vacant house through the winter. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I prepared for Christmas, so I was busy with that. Then, when that was over, I felt that I could plan for fun. Yes, you do have to plan for fun! Did you read my blog post? I like the above picture of myself because I can remember feeling happy. I was happy to be in a beautiful space with the sun shining and with friends.
Fiona Ferris books. Jenn talked about one she read this month. These are the only books I buy. I use the library exclusively for my reading, but these are books that I go back to because I find them so inspirational. This goes hand in hand with my fun goals. Fiona is a great role model for living your life to the fullest.
Something I’m making space for
All the feelings! This may not make sense to some but I’m still mourning my beloved career of 31 years. It brings me all the feelings. Many days I am so happy to not deal with the administrative bs, the emails, the meetings, the stress. I hardly cuss anymore and I attribute that to not being as stressed. When you are a teacher, it feels like more than a job. I am not saying that we should be revered and that we are special, but being a teacher is an encompassing. I absolutely feel that it was my calling and I loved so much of it. I was actually excited many days to get to my classroom and get things set up. I loved laughing with the kids and just the general banter. I loved coming up with ways to explain a concept or to help them remember vocabulary. At the same time, I also think it was the perfect time to close that chapter for a few different reasons.
We just had the one-year anniversary of the passing of my mom so that feels big. What does my family look like without either of my parents? We are figuring that out.
Mason is planning to move out next month albeit just here in town but that will be a big change. I will officially be an empty nester, and I will probably not have kids living with me again.
I’m sitting with my feelings and sometimes that can be uncomfortable. I also know it’s a privilege to have time to process them.
I honestly started 2026 feeling grateful, blessed, and lucky to have the life I have.
As a final note, I miss the feeling of helping people. I hope my little ol’ blog helps someone out there. That would fill my cup!
I didn’t plan to go so deep on a Saturday!
Amy
Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa 
Oh that is both so exciting and a bit scary I bet to be staring down an empty nest! That sounds like a great book and I love you celebrated.
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I know! It’s time but it will still be emotional. Mason helps so much with the dog and we also have a really good relationship but I know he’s ready and honestly, I am ready for him to spread his wings. This was my fave or second fave book this month.
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Lots of feelings in this post. I can understand that you are mourning your career, whilst fully happy with your decision to retire. I have a little challenge for you: What were the good bits of teaching that you miss? Can you implement these in a different context? Either in a paid job, voluntary role or starting your own business? Could it perhaps even involve Spain or travelling to Spain regularly as part of a new role? I believe that you have so much to add both as a person and a teacher, not only to kids, but to the community at large. I am curious and excited to see what your future brings.
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Yay for more reading in the winter! I was on a flight yesterday, and I got SO much reading done. It felt amazing. Congrats on selling your mom’s house. I remember when my mom’s house sold (which was also my childhood home). While it was really sad in some ways, it was also a big relief as well so I understand.
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I completely understand…I teach in a women’s prison, sigh. That has its own challenges, as you can imagine. Wishing you a lovely day, thanks for the many smiles. (Just Linda)
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Good job with the reading and thank you for the Spanish lesson. Violet and Victor are a good way to remember it.
How great to have all your people at home and I am looking forward to some milder weather.
You are bound to have all the feelings with the end of your career, your mom passing and now Mason moving out. I am dreading my girls moving out but it’s going to happen some time, hopefully not too soon though.
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I loved reading all of the answers to the prompts! I also love that you are making space for your emotions. It’s hard to give up something you loved! You’re doing so well with that and with the big anniversary that you had last week of your mom’s passing. Actually, you’re doing amazing at all of your current life! I’m proud of you, friend.
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Oh I feel allll of this. I am still figuring out my life with loss of people close to me and birds that have flown the nest. Retirement looms. Choices are piling up.
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You are doing good work here with your blog! I enjoy reading your posts. They are like getting a letter from a friend.
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Oh, I love that picture of you!! You look beautiful and happy! I loved reading this post. You bring me such joy and encouragement! You are blessed and so healthy to sit with your feelings as so many changes have happened this past year.
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This was such a reflective post! I love a fire (and fries!) on a winter day. I bet every season is so different the first year being retired…(& after losing a loved one) you’re definitely making the most of it. One of my friends, who could retire at any time, texted today that if this week had taught her anything, it’s that she shouldn’t retire soon… she hasn’t been super productive. I joked that this week has taught me the opposite. I’ve loved having some extra time to do whatever I want. Ha ha ha. Being an empty nest soon… That will definitely be a change, but how rewarding to have raised two productive members of society!
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I know what you mean about missing time in the classroom. Even though ti has been many years since I left teaching, I still remember how fulfilling it was. Every day was something different and most of the time rewarding. Your reading is so impressive since it was all physical books. I do a lot of audio, and I think that makes it easier to fit more in. Hope you have a good weekend.
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You have had so many changes and things to adjust to, it is okay to just rest in the feelings and process them. Our daughter moved out in July of last year, but our 20-year-old son still lives with us. It is hard navigating these transitions, and all that comes with them. I tried to click on the post of the books you read and it said the post was not found. I hope you have a great week!
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I have – but so have many others before me. Life is ever changing, too. I hope you can see the book post today! Sorry!
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I can definitely relate to the feeling of just who am I since retiring from teaching. It took me a long time because I truly believe teaching is in the blood. It’s who we are, not just as an occupation, but as people. We love to teach. We love to give out information, and when that outlet is gone, we go through a period of grief. We have lost something; we have lost parts of our identity. I did all kinds of things that were not teaching, thinking that would help. It didn’t. Eventually, I began helping with the teaching of a group of adult special needs students. I recently “retired” from that because life is just lifing away right now, and something had to give.
I’m trying to have more fun. I’ve got this wonderful group of docents with whom we plan little get togethers. It’s amazing how God put the four of us in the same place at the same time as we all needed something extra in our lives. I want to laugh until I cry more this year instead of just the latter. Yes, your blog does that for me. So, a huge thank you to you! Some day, I’m coming to Louisville just to meet you, I swear, and give you a humongous hug for making my life brighter.
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
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Thank you for your kind words and you are an inspiration to me to see how you are taking on this stage with gusto. I don’t want to be out of the house for an 8 hour day yet so whatever I do next will have to be Amy Lite. I am hoping to manage my home renovation projects very soon.
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Lots of changes! It’s something I’m feeling as well.
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Yes! It’s hard to accept sometimes.
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I remember someone saying to me once, “The only thing certain in life is change” and, boy, is that true! You’ve experienced a lot of change this past year and even the joyful shifts bring grief with them. At least that’s what I’ve found. I still miss the joy my students brought to my life and the ways in which I felt like I made a difference. I can honestly say, that while there were days I was tired or stressed, I always loved my job. What a blessing!
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“I hardly cuss anymore” cracked me up! I am a Spanish teacher and this could be my last year to teach. I haven’t decided, but know that I will look for another job after teaching, whenever that happens! I enjoy your blog so much! I have thought about starting a blog someday. It sounds like you are enjoying retirement, and it’s always great to have things on your calendar to look forward to!
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Congratulations on embarking on post-teaching life, but I’m sure there are lots of feelings that go along with it. Those big life changes take some time to navigate and adjust to.
Sorry I’m so late in commenting – I haven’t had a free night all week! Hope you’re having a great weekend!
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Thank you! So true! That’s ok and same to you!
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