2026 has arrived with change and momentum.
I’m still refining my goals for this year and making them more achievable. And as you have guessed, dry January was a bust. But that’s fine because life is a learning process of trial and error.
I spent the first two weeks of January in a total funk because Eric filed for divorce. Although I knew it was coming, it was still an emotional blow. I had my pity party, and this is the first week I’ve felt back to normal. It’s amazing how counting your blessings can change your attitude. And as I write each Favorite Five Friday post, I’m reminded how wonderful my life truly is. I’m reminded that although there are many hard things in life, there are so many other good things.
My Friday Favorites…
The Power of Prayer– This school year has felt particularly draining. I think it’s the combination of my hectic schedule and discipline issues that are so prevalent in teaching these days. I am mentally tired of constantly correcting behaviors. Maybe I’m just old and tired? This past Monday, I prayed that I would bless my students in some way. And twice in one day, they blessed me. One student gifted the most perfect art earrings. When I thanked her, she gave me the biggest hug. It was one of those teaching moments that just stays with you. I’d gone to kindergarten with this student’s mom, and it made me remember that special childhood friendship. Several times this week, I had dreams of my elementary school and how much I loved my years there. My student unknowingly gifted me those memories.
Later that day, one of my students walked up to my desk towards the end of class. He asked if I had time to listen to him recite a bible verse he’d learned. He asked if I was a Christian, and I confirmed that I was. The verse he chose to quote was Joshua 1:9. He said that he was trying to work on himself. He wanted to become a better person. He confessed that sometimes, he has a difficult time. I assured him that I was right there with him! The quote and his words about himself were so heartfelt. And honestly, I’ve never needed to hear a verse so much in my life. I have no doubt that God put that out there as the reminder I much needed.
A Treat at School– We, teachers, live for treats. I’m serious. During our weekly meeting, we were treated to breakfast because our team won a Christmas photo contest. Although I would never seek out Bojangles because of the carbs, I gladly indulged since it was a gift. I mean, really, I was obligated. Gift food surely doesn’t count! I had forgotten how tasty a ham biscuit is. And I ate the whole thing. With no regrets….. On a side note, the coffee from Bojangles was so good, too. The time with my teammates and the breakfast made my whole day!
Thursday Date Night-I’ve recently started a new tradition. On Thursdays, I have a date night with myself. When you live alone, it’s so important to plan things in which to look forward. It’s so mundane to have the same day every day. This past Thursday night, I took a hot shower and put on my favorite cozy bathrobe. I ate my “girl dinner” by the fireplace, listening to jazz. After that, I journaled with a glass of wine. (This is my favorite journal and my favorite dish from Amazon.) I felt so relaxed, and it was the perfect Friday Eve. Here’s a reminder that you are important. Date yourself!
A Special Surprise-Honestly, I’m not much for surprises. I’m a planner, and I appreciate knowing what to expect. On Christmas, Bruce surprised me with a YSL brooch and a purse that he had picked out. I adored the brooch. I wear brooches often, and I’d been slowly saving for the one he chose. However, the purse was a failure. He thought he’d ordered a larger purse, but it turned out to be one of the trendy micro-purses. Why would anyone ever choose to buy a micro-purse? Have you seen those? Google it and laugh. You can’t even fit anything in it! I really wanted to love it, but considering the price, it just wasn’t practical. I laugh as I write this, realizing that no YSL purse is practical. This I know. But, since the money was spent, I wanted it to be something I would use often. We made the online exchange (which was anything but easy), and he brought it over on Wednesday afternoon. Y’all, it was so perfect! If you are in the market for YSL, this is the best little purse. It’s large enough to hold a card case, a phone, and lipstick. When I go to NYC in February with Bruce, it will most definitely go with me. I always order directly from the website because the packaging is so luxurious. And you can be sure you aren’t receiving a replica. We named her Victoria because getting through the return process was a victory. Yes, I name all of my most loved things. The box is still on the floor until Little tires of it.
My Nespresso- I LOVE this little machine! My first experience with a Nespresso machine was at the 21C hotel in Durham. It made the best coffee from a pod I’d ever tasted. Since I’ve been on a mission to save for one. I loved that it was small enough not take up much valuable countertop space. Because the pods are a little pricier (I prefer the Starbucks Blonde), it’s not an everyday drink. I use it with my glass cups because it makes the prettiest foam. It’s a little piece of luxury in my world! There are no regrets on this purchase! Also, check Ebay if you are in the market. You can find them there, too!
As we go into the next week, remember to count your blessings. Find your favorite five!
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