January 2022 Monthly Wrap-Up
January started out with morning podcasts and Wednesday Bible study and novel writing, all framed by fresh orange roses, new fairy lights, and Jen Lauren vlogs serving as productivity inspiration. Then my month went off the rails due to medical issues, as it so often does–this time, three tube replacements, an ER visit, and a hospital admission in less than two weeks, plus some other complications at the end of the month. I was very sick and needed a lot of time to recover. Somehow I still pulled off hosting a brunch and speaking at the Diamonds Conference.
This month I’m…
Reading: Clockwork Princess, Cassandra Clare (reread). Article 5, Breaking Point, and Three, Kristen Simmons (rereads). Adorning the Dark, Andrew Peterson. An Emotion of Great Delight, Tahereh Mafi. A Castle in the Clouds, Kerstin Gier. The Swallows’ Flight, Hilary McKay. Bones of a Saint, Grant Farley. My Broken Language, Quiara Alegria Hudes. A Little Princess, Frances Hodgson Burnett (reread). The Year We Were Famous, Carole Estby Dagg (reread). When the World Was Ours, Liz Kessler. The Orphan Band of Springdale, Anne Nesbet. When You Get the Chance, Emma Lord. Bored and Brilliant, Manoush Zomorodi. Rebel Spy, Veronica Rossi. My Vicksburg, Ann Rinaldi (reread). 18 total.
Listening to: Albums–The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical; Nine Track Mind, Charlie Puth. Podcasts–Theology and Apologetics; Dare to Self Care; She Chose Hope. Artists–Lennon Stella; Valley; Vivaldi. Playlists–WIP: The Art of Staying; late night driving; night light; morning coffee; my classical favorites. Songs–Living My Best Life, Dream On, and Supernatural, Ben Rector; Damn It Feels Good to Be Me, Andy Grammar; S.L.U.T., Bea Miller.
Watching: Movies–Ready Player One; The Map of Tiny Perfect Things. TV shows–The Queen’s Gambit. YouTube–Jen Lauren; old Frey Life vlogs; Natalie Barbu; and Joyish.
Writing: I started drafting my next YA contemporary novel, The Art of Staying! Despite being rudely interrupted in the middle of the month, I somehow managed to get down 15,000 words. I also volunteered with People Hope and the Diamonds Conference, where I’m a staff member and speaker; this year I spoke about how to connect with a local church as someone who is chronically ill.
Buying: A ring holder. Music theory workbooks. A ring light.
Grateful for: Having Olivia as a drafting buddy this month (although she wrote WAY more words than me). The way my church supported the Diamonds Conference. My favorite nurse on the endoscopy unit (we spent lots of quality time together this month…). Cozy Harry Potter pajamas. Getting snow.
What did you do in January? Did you watch any movies? Discover any good music, or new favorite books? Did you get snow? Talk to me in the comments!
