Winter this year has left some to be desired- there have been many bright spots and the weather hasn't been terrible, but a particular shadow of ennui has cast a pallor on the last month or two especially. It is time for spring! True to my nature, when I'm lacking the sufficient motivation I need to forge onward I take stock of what there is to look forward to (and if there isn't enough I start planning!).. I highly suggest it- what's the point in working so hard if you don't have any sort of fun on the horizon? And the anticipation is part of the appeal! A few things I'm looking forward to during the next few months:
More light at night- I think this is something most people can get on board with about the time change. Sure, losing an hour of sleep is unfortunate, but I am willing to pay the price to have it be light when I eat dinner at night. We've made a change to my son's after school situation that is also giving me a little bit of extra time in the afternoons now, so I am super optimistic about this combination.
A few trips- Right now I have three little trips on deck- visiting my family in the Central Valley for a quick weekend trip to celebrate some birthdays (my sister is about to be forty and my feisty little niece two!), the Grand Canyon during spring break, and then a quick trip to Yosemite to celebrate the end of the school year. I haven't been outside enough in the last month or two, so I am especially excited to get some hikes in! I’m a little concerned about the National Park situation, but we generally arrive early in the morning, so that will help. I am also going to be working to plan our summer trip, which is something I love doing.
Sewing classes- I was moved off the waitlist for a sewing class and just had my first class! I know how to do the very basics, but I want to learn how to do things like gather waistbands and sew in zippers so I can make more structured skirts (this is my short-term goal, my long term one is making myself knock-off Anthro dresses). The instructor is incredibly experienced and I left feeling really confident that I’ll be able to complete some great projects with her help.
My son's 11th birthday- In lieu of a party Sawyer's dad and I generally do something special for his birthday and this year is no exception! The brother of my good friend is a magician at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, so he got the three of us passes for the all-ages brunch they do. I'll probably take him and his best friend to dinner or something, as well. I am so proud of my not-so-little guy- he's doing great in school, he's taken so many huge family changes in stride the last few years, he's a kind person, he's responsible, and I love his creativity. I can't wait to celebrate him!
More yoga- I found a yoga studio that works with my schedule and budget, so I am trying to go once a week right now. It motivates me to practice even more at home, too, which my body definitely appreciates.
Seasonal events- The LA Times Festival of Books is coming, and even though it hasn't been great in terms of their author lineups the last few years, it's still fun to be surrounded by readers. There's a local rodeo I've never been to, but after watching the last season of Yellowstone I promptly texted a friend suggesting we "buy cowboy hats" and go. There are also lots of things at work that end the year, like our IB program's big Celebration, a department book club meeting, and graduation.