January Wrap Up

slowlyHere's How The Month Of January Went For Me

January has been a relatively quiet month for me. I didn’t have any big events or appointments. The year has started pretty slow for me. My focus has been to establish healthy and productive habits and routines.

Reading

It wasn't until mid-January I finally finished reading my Christmas novel, "Hercule Poirot's Silent Night". I then moved on to Sarah J. Maas's "A Court of Thorns and Roses", which has been a captivating read. The imagery is stunning, the dialogue is engaging, and the descriptive storyline is superb. This was my first time reading a book by this author, and she will certainly be added to my list of favorites.

Up next on my list is the third installment in a series written by James Patterson—the first two were spectacular. I wasn’t certain there would be a third as the second seemed to tie up all loose ends and provide a sufficient conclusion to the storyline. Discovering a third was an exciting surprise. I must admit I ordered it right away and will be starting it immediately after finishing my current book, and it has been placed above my existing to-be-read pile.

Listening

In the last few months, I have discovered a love for lo-fi music. It is the greatest background for times when I don’t want the TV on. I listen to it while completing my morning devotions, reading, and getting ready for the day. When I am settling in for bedtime, it makes a great backdrop for winding down.

Watching

In January, I saw two movies: Moana 2 and Mufasa: The Lion King. Both were exceptional, I enjoyed both of them very much. Since these were both connected to an existing storyline, sequels, and prequels have a high bar set before them. They performed quite well for the expectations placed on them.

Moana 2 picks up with an adult Moana, who is the leader of her village, She must voyage to find the lost ancestor and reunite them to save her village and save Montufitu.

Mufasa reunites many of the beloved characters and provides the background for the characters who set the stage for the events that shaped the well-loved characters. We get to see Mufasa as he grows up and moves toward adulthood. The relationship between Mufasa and Taka (Scar) is seen as it develops and how it deteriorates, setting the stage for the chapter

Binging

Currently, I have been binge-watching “Bones” and, “Macgyver” on the ION Mystery channel. It provides me with a pleasant background while I am going through my day. I wasn’t too interested in “Bones” when it was originally airing, but I am enjoying it now. The storyline is creative and engaging, characters are very authentic and well-produced.

Loving

Right now, I am loving the iced coffee made by Starbucks. It comes in two flavors: vanilla and caramel Macchiato flavors and I keep both in the house at all times. I am also really loving ice cream right now, dutch chocolate and cherry vanilla. The half pints are the perfect size for me and I eat about half the container at one time.

I have also been enjoying my decaf green tea again since the weather has been cooler. Most days, I have a mug or two. For Christmas, my sister gave me an electric kettle, and it heats water rapidly, which has made drinking tea easier. Sometimes I will have a cup of sleepytime green tea a few hours before bed. I find any kind of tea helps me relax and wind down for the night.

Starting

The main habit I am trying to start in the new year is getting up earlier than the time I’ve allowed myself to fall into. For the past few weeks, I have been moving the time up by 30 minutes. Last week I successfully got up at 10:30 every day. The goal for next week is 10:00 am. I would eventually like to be getting up at 8 am.

Quitting

As part of my New Year goals, I have been making an effort to spend less time scrolling on social media and put my time toward more productive activities. I have been spending more time reading, with a goal of reading two books each month. I have a goal of three chapters, morning and bedtime each day.

I hope everyone had a great first month of the New Year! Let me know what your goals and aspirations are and how your goals are progressing.

That’s all for now, I’m just here trying to change the world one story at a time!

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© Sarah Tagert 2025