I haven't made a resolution for 2025 because I don't want to set up the new year for failure. Instead, I'm focusing on self-care. 2024 has absolutely depleted me and I feel utterly drained. Intellectually I know that I am not a worthless loser who is unworthy and unloved. I hope that 2025 is the year that my heart can match what my head knows to be true.
Any ideas? Feel free to drop me a comment or email. I know I'm not the only one who is feeling utterly drained.
With Robby and Timmy busy with their respective schoolwork, I took full advantage of the quiet afternoon by escaping to Pennsylvania for a few hours. I was able to meet with my Mom and sister for lunch before heading to the mall with my mom. An afternoon of shopping was a welcome change from the boxes at home.
At some point I need to figure out what I'm going to do for the rest of my life now that I'm unemployed.
I guess I'll start today.
After what felt like a blink of an eye, Robby's semester break has come to an end. Yesterday we helped him pack up his bags and boxes (which are still plentiful in our home) and drove him back to his dorm. I was sad to see him go but the excitement in his eyes definitely helped to temper my emotions. He was chomping at the bit to return to his dorm and his friends.
We spent about an hour in his dorm, helping him get organized and his bed ready for another semester. By the time everything was unpacked he was ready for us to leave, so we gave him a quick hug goodbye and left. Timmy was heartbroken.
The "Chenoweth Brothers" have been conducting nightly explorations through the woods around our house. This time with Robby has quickly become the highlight of his day and I know that Timmy will miss him dearly. Robby encouraged Timmy to text him, but I know that his absence will still be felt profoundly by his little brother.
Here is to a great semester #2!
I haven't been able to locate my snow boot which has been frustrating. I know it was one of the final items I threw into a box, but that information has not proven helpful. Eventually I'll find my snow boot, but in the meantime I'm going to be tethered to the cleared asphalt and out of the fun.
Even though I haven't been able to participate, I have fully enjoyed this recent snowfall. Watching Timmy and Robby play each evening has become a nightly spark of happiness. The "Chenoweth Brothers" have taken to nightly romps in the snow. Between exploring the woods, having snowball battles and sledding, they have been thoroughly enjoying the flakes. I swear the smile on Hamlet's face when he is playing with his brother is bright enough to melt the snow!
Unfortunately the nightly snow fun is going to come to an abrupt end on Sunday night when Robby goes back to school. I swear I thought he had longer! (I really do need to get a new wall calendar because I'm going to be hopeless without one.) We are all going to miss him, but I suspect that Timmy will be especially sad.
Yesterday we experienced our first West Virginia snowstorm and it was gorgeous. Warm and safe inside the sun rooms, we were able to watch the ginormous flurries falling all around us. As soon as school ended Timmy put on his winter gear and headed outside to play. Robby, not wanting to miss out on the opportunity to nail his little brother with some snow, decided to join him.
I was super proud of myself for knowing where his new sled was hidden
within the pile of boxes in the basement, and finding the air compressor
was just as easy. We bought the tube sled about three years ago when a
storm was predicted and never materialized. I was excited to surprise
the boys with an unexpected sled. After one night, Timmy has officially sledded more in West Virginia than he ever has in Virginia.
Watching them play and sled together lifted my spirits and made my heart sing. When they came inside I fired up the new cocoa machine and we dried off in front of the fire. Everybody, with the exception of Friend who tried to play but hates the snow, thoroughly enjoyed the evening.
2025 is upon us. Thank goodness!
I predicted that 2024 was going to be difficult based upon the life changes we were conquering, but I was woefully unprepared for what the year held in store. I'm waking up this morning in our new home, in a new state and without a job. I should be terrified. Instead I'm just really tired.
Perhaps I'm too tired to feel scared. Maybe that is a good thing! I'm fairly certain that if I were to feel anything right now it would only be anxiety and fear. I suspect that tired, although still not a pleasant sensation, is still more desirable.
Today Timmy returns to class. He has had a fun albeit laid back winter break. I know that he is looking forward to seeing his 'homies' again. Perhaps the return to normalcy, whatever that may be now, is what I need to kick start me back into life.
Today we are packing up and heading to PA to celebrate NYE with my Mom and the Cousin Crew. Timmy is especially excited to participate in the NYE Cousin Crew Game Night. He had been too young during other years and has been missing his cousins terribly. I don't think the older cousins realize how much he cherishes the time that they spend with him.
While I am moderating another rousing game night, Scott and my sister will be holed up somewhere watching the Penn State game. Fingers crossed all of the appropriate teams win!
