Hot Wheels Monster Truck Live

Zac was online a few weeks ago and found out about a monster truck event that would be local. Elias is obsessed with all the vehicles so we nabbed some tickets. It did not disappoint. All the kids loved it, even Cole, who didn't even get upset with being startled by loud engines. It was such a cool experience. I've always wanted to go see monster trucks demolishing cars and am so glad we could.

Playground

It's been cold for a consecutive amount of days, which is strange for the south but also kinda nice? We're actually having a real winter during winter, complete with jackets and mittens and central heat. I hate being cold, but the kids love it, so we thought why not spend today outside in the cold at the park?

I wrapped Cole in my sweater, walked toward the swings and said, Nope! then headed back to the car to breastfeed and snuggle in front of the heater while sitting on my heated seat. Meanwhile, Zac stayed within sight and pushed Elias on the swings while Jac and Leah ran around. They insisted they weren't cold, but 10 minutes later, they were all shaking like nervous Chihuahuas to get back in the car. I'm ready for spring. I think I mentioned that when autumn was over, that I was excited for winter but would be hoping for spring, ha.

Family & C Spire

Aunt Trish invited us over to her house for some late Christmas family time, but it fell on C Spire day. I told Zac to take the big kids to C Spire and I'd take the boys with me. It was a nice visit, aside from a cousin I've never cared for, ha. She treated Elias with disdain for wearing purple nail polish. He's four. Big deal.

Anyhoo, it was nice visiting with Papaw and Mamaw. I haven't seen Mamaw since Dad's memorial. My boys were on their best behavior and the drive was great. Elias watched a movie and Cole slept the whole way there, the whole way back. I listened to My Favorite Murder podcast and enjoyed some Starbucks. Zac said the big kids had fun at C Spire, though he didn't take many pictures since they were all busy doing their own things. And omg, it rained the whole day. I've been weird about driving in the rain since my wreck in 2013, but it wasn't too scary today.

Family stuff

Mom had a get-together at her house this afternoon. Granny, Jason, and Jason's new wife, Jennifer, all came to visit and hang out. Rachel cooked a bunch of junk food, so we ate and hung out. It was... interesting. Mom started on some drama, which changed the atmosphere of the house, but I went because I wanted the kids to see Granny and I've been getting chummy with Rachel. Plus, OMG, the boys loved their gifts. I almost cried when they hugged me. Aside from the drama, the visit was nice. I probably ate too much junk food, but oh well. I'm starting my workouts tomorrow.

January

It's a new year. I guess I'll post some resolutions?

-No fast food. Try to make healthier meals at home and only eat out on special occasions.

-Work out or at least get more active. Get to 135 pounds by the end of the year (honestly, that's only about 5-7 pounds away).

-Drink more water.

-More quality time with the kids: board games and such.

-Take more walks and go to the playground more often.

-Don't spend so much on Christmas. Get them clothes and things they don't have to keep (candy, soaps, etc.) and maybe ONE thing from Santa.

-Purge things we don't need: dishes, clothes, toys, stuff, etc.

-Make more art.

-Create more DIY products like candles, disinfectant, soap, etc.

-Less time on social media. I already deleted my Facebook.

It looks like a big list this year, which makes it more intimidating and less practical, but I'm hoping to see how it goes.

2020 - A year in review: 2019

A year in review: 2019.

See also:
2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 and 2009

1. What did you do in 2019 that you'd never done before?

*Grew vegetables in a garden I started from scratch.

2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions and will you make more for next year?

*I had pretty good self-control with personal purchases, I think. I definitely was more neat and I definitely removed excess clutter.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

*We aren't very close, but Hilda had Olivia.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

*No, thankfully.

5. What countries did you visit?

*None, still.

6. What would you like to have in 2020 that you lacked in 2019?

*A house that isn't in Pississippi.

7. What events from 2019 will remain etched upon your memory?

*I acted in a play! Also, concerts.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

*A mildly successful garden and making my own candles.

9. What was your biggest failure?

*I almost ruined two friendships.

10. Did you suffer an illness or injury?

*A cold that lasted too long.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

*My laptop.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

*Elias broke his leg, but didn't let that stop him from having fun in Tennessee.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
*My mother... basically.

14. Where did most of your money go?

*Christmas. I'd like to make that not happen next year.

15. What did you get really excited about?

*World of Warcraft: Classic.

16. What song will always remind you of 2019?

*Bad Guy by Billie Eilish... I think I've heard it once a week since the beginning of the year.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

-Happier or sadder? Happier, I think.

-Thinner or fatter? Thinner!

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?

*More outdoor stuff. It seems we stayed indoors the majority of the year.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?

*Technology.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

*We went to Louisiana to see Zac's family and some friends.

21. Did you fall in love in 2019?

*In love with the theater.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

*Friends forever. But, we started watching Hot Ones on YouTube, if that counts.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

*Not that I know of.

24. What was the best book you read?

*Recursion by Blake Crouch and The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides.

25. What was your favorite musical discovery?

Billie Eilish.

26. What did you want and get?

*A doll house... reveal on that when I get the missing piece and finish putting it together.

27. What did you want and not get?

*A refrigerator. We actually ordered one and they delayed it three times, so we cancelled the order and are planning to get one after our refund. And a French bulldog.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

*John Wick 3.

29. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?

*We went to Gatlinburg, even though it was after my birthday. I turned 36.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

*Moving would have been cool. Maybe next year.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2019?

*Pretty much 90s grunge.

32. What kept you sane?

*My friends, Zac, whiskey.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

*Shirley Manson forever.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

*The current governor of Pississippi, but on a positive, the impeachment of the "president".

35. Who do you miss?

*My sissy. Always.

36. Who was the best new person you met?

*My cast mates were pretty rad.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2019.

*Be a better friend.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

*Ehh... I really can't think of anything. "Say, what's in this drink?"