I’m doing it!
I’m sneaking in this post before the end of the month!
I’ve challenged myself to post at least monthly, if only for the self-reflection.
I think that’s what I miss most about daily blogging–the self-awareness I gained by reflecting on the day. I would love to start doing it again, but truth be told, I know I don’t have the energy right now. I even abandoned the new video series I started earlier this semester.
Everything just feels harder and more exhausting lately. I fear if I blogged daily, it would just be a big whine-fest anyway and who wants to hear that? We’re all struggling, aren’t we?
At least that’s what it feels like.
Then I took a peek through the photos on my phone from this month, and, well, I realized something. I’m totally not giving myself credit. It was a pretty kick-ass month, even though we kicked it off with our first family case of COVID.
Every day I get a letter from one of the kid’s schools letting me know there was a case, and those who were in close contact were notified blah blah blah. The letters come home so frequently you tend to ignore them. Then you become one of the people notified of actual close contact, and the quarantining-testing-circus begins.
We were a week from getting The 10-Year-Old vaccinated when we got the letter. We got him tested, and boom… positive. Franky, we were shocked. The kid barely showed any symptoms.
Not a great way to kick off the month, but we felt fortunate he had such a mild case. We talked to his doctor, who recommended we still vaccinate him, so we did, and, bonus, The Husband and I were able to get our boosters at the same time.

After he recovered and got to go back to school, we needed to get over some academic humps, but he’s managing well. He’s still my little artist too.

He’s also following in his brother’s footsteps and taking trombone in music class.
Oh! And he’s the family pet-whisperer.

Speaking of his brother, the 16-Year-Old, well, he is in full-fledged teenagerhood. He has his driver’s permit even though he doesn’t really want to drive. He’s trying to find a job. I’m on his case about his grades. You know… all the good stuff that comes with being a teen. I have a few photos I could share of him, but I honor his desire not to be online much.
This one, though. This one needs to be shared.

Look how cute/old/handsome (I can’t pick one adjective) my baby is! He was posing in front of the Thanksgiving turkey he helped carve. He also made the mash potatoes this year and did an outstanding job.
There are days I absolutely want to murder him, and other days I feel blessed beyond measure by having such an awesome kid. I’m sure anyone with a teen can relate.
So that’s the kid updates. As for me, well, I’ve been cooking up a storm as usual. Here are a few highlights from the month…
Then, of course, there was Thanksgiving!
Most of the family was able to make it this year, and it made me so happy.

I made a giant bird as I do.

And all the fixins.

After quite a few years and quite a few experiments, I think I have finally settled in on my menu: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, corn, green beans and bacon, Brussels sprouts with walnuts and cranberries, and homemade cranberry sauce with clementines.
Besides cooking, I’ve been killing it in my other passion as well, lifting. I’m back to going to the gym first thing in the morning before work. I lift heavy Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. I still run my mile every day, and I don’t think I’ve missed a Sunday Trail run in well over a year!
Here are some photos from some of my November Sunday trail run adventures…
Today was day 622 in my mile-a-day run streak. Here is my November Stats…

Notice that I “only” run a mile most days, but you know what, that mile matters. I look forward to it every day. It’s the bare minimum I do for myself, and it keeps my going.
I also started another streak I’m proud of!

That’s 123 days of Spanish lessons on Duolingo. The Husband and I are learning together, and it’s so fun!
He’s a few days ahead of me as I did need to use a streak freeze on some hectic days, but I’m not bitter or anything. Nope. Not me.
Let’s see, other November highlights…
We had friends over for a family game night.

We got our eyes back on the fridge, albeit he’s a little sideways.

And we put up our Christmas tree!

Oh! and I forgot Marsh. Here he is staring intently on a treat as I try to take his picture with a Santa hat.

He’s as awesome as ever.
See, a pretty awesome month, right?
Yet, most days, I feel like I want to cry. I guess that’s what they mean when they say the days are long and the years are short, or in this case, the month.
How about you guys?
I hope everyone is fairing well in this current state of crazy.
8 replies on “November Reflections”
Looks like a great month! I can’t believe how big your kids are. Been following since that teen was The Baby!
Thanks, Gina! I can’t believe how big they are either. It blows my mind daily!
Feel like you’ve captured my life – days are good lots of positives but I also feel like I could cry most days and things feel harder. Thanks for taking the time to share. It’s nice to relate.
I often question if it’s the times or just my stage of life too. ?♀️
Looks like you squeezed so e fun in there. Just checking in R U ok? Sometimes that everything feels hard everyday can be tipping into depression. With all the things going on in the world you wouldnt be the only one! A trip to gp is always a good idea and something mums often put last on to do list. Cant hurt to see what gp says.
I have actually been considering seeing a therapist. Something I’ve never done. Maybe my gp is a good place to start.
I really enjoy when you write Roni. Hearing about your family, run streak, cooking.. I want to tell you, you are enough.. enough for your family, friends and us readers. Do you think it might be the job that has frustrated you. Not trying to be prying into your life; but you have so many talents, your kids are getting older.. your hubby is exercising with you, you are taking the Spanish together..you run, you lift, you cook, you entertain…all things you love and a variety of interests. Do what makes you the happiest.. and most fulfilling. When I made that a priority I began to really love life fully! Happy Holidays!
Thank you, Reese! Yes, right now my job is really draining but I also think it’s a product of our current times. I really enjoy teaching but lately, there are so many obstacles and issues in the classroom environment. I am working on finding that balance so my job doesn’t suck the life out of me. I’m getting there! Thank you so much for your comment. I really appreciate it!