January, a month of challenges and blessings…
January 2025 has come to an end, and it certainly was a month of challenges for me, but also a month of blessings. An unexpected snow and ice storm made getting out and about rather difficult this month, but with a little help from my friends, I got everywhere I needed to be 
With this week’s warmer temps and today’s rain, I am finally seeing more driveway than snow, yay! A nasty bout of cold and flu has also knocked me down this month. I went for a checkup yesterday and discovered I have a double ear infection. My doctor prescribed a strong antibiotic, so I am hopeful that I will finally start feeling better soon.
I set two goals for the month, No Spend and No Sweets. I did surprisingly well with both and was able to make a double payment on one of my debts this month, which was such a good feeling!
I read five really good books in January and am very close to finishing a sixth, which is about twice the number of books I normally read in a month. I am also working my way through the Old Testament. I am currently reading the book of Numbers. This is a challenging book and one I have not spent nearly enough time in. I am struck by how hundreds and hundreds of years can pass, and yet human nature remains the same. I think of the Bible Greats as being superheroes, but reading their stories reminds me they were just regular people, chosen and enabled by God to do amazing things!
Speaking of Superheroes… my new book is on track for a 2025 release! I got my cover art last week and as usual, it is gorgeous! I will share it when I have a firm release date. Unless I decide I can’t wait, lol. I know I say this every time, but I’m so excited about this book. Having worked for many years in Special Ed in the public school system, and having a nephew with special needs, I have always wanted to feature a special needs person in one of my stories but struggled with how to do so with dignity and gentleness. As I sat down to write Superheroes, my hero’s younger brother, Ollie, came to life before my eyes and I knew the time had come. He is loosely based on my nephew, who loves Superheroes and coloring books. By the time I finished writing the story, I had fallen in love with Ollie. I hope my readers will too 
So I have set a couple new goals for February. I want to keep saving as much money as I can and keep being careful about sweets. I am hoping the weather will shape up enough that I can get Miss Emma down to the park for some walks. I have a to-do list of appointments and tasks I have put off for far too long, so I want to knock at least a couple of them off my list.
How did you do with your January goals, and what are your plans for February?
