Oh, very well. Time to finally put away the holiday mugs- but at least I have my new one from Birchie! It actually lifts my spirits to drink from it. I’ve been feeling a little down lately, and the mug reminds me that it will all work out! Or, as John Lennon said, “Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”
I haven’t blogged in a couple days because I’ve been on a mini-reading retreat. I decided to buckle down and finish this book before my son leaves, because he really wanted to discuss it:
Wow. Every time I read really great science fiction, I’m struck by the mind-blowing possibilities. With any regular fiction, even if it’s a mystery, you know all the ways it could end. They’ll either live, or die. Laugh or cry, stay or go… in sci fi, things happen that you never could have dreamed of in a million years. Barack Obama was right- this book is “Wildly imaginative.” Next up- third book in the trilogy!
So I keep mentioning that I’m in a weird mental slump, and it even pertains to running (gasp! Who am I???) To be clear, I’ve been doing all my runs, but I just can’t get excited about them. Yesterday I did a long run on the trail:
It’s pretty, right? But the ENTIRE THING looks like that, for miles and miles. No wonder I’m not excited.
I need to find a new place to run… or, i just need January to end. Let’s just skip right over to February! Blah.
Are you embracing the January vibes? Or are you ready for this month to end?
13 Responses
That trail looks pretty monotonous! Do you listen to podcasts or books while you run? I found that helped me a lot when I had long straight stretches of running or biking. Or if it was really bad, I would put on some Metallica! Lars to the rescue! Anyway, I am glad you are running and hope that your day/week gets better! I am doing good, but can’t help but think about what I would be doing if I were home. MLK weekend is always a something weekend; last year I went to Santa Barbara with my parents, the year before that I went to Austin with a friend, etc… The holiday weeksweekends always remind me that I miss my routines and friends and family!
January is…not my fave. I know people love the New Year Energy, but I think I prefer September. It feels like a fresh start, I’m so excited to get back to routine (where in January I’m bummed Christmas is over) and, for me at least, January is the start of a few months of cold, dark weather. I also think I’m just generally not a high energy person, and so I feel extra “less than” when everyone else is making big resolutions? That said, I’m embracing a return to routine which is only happening now since Christmas felt extra long this year since we had company for almost 4 weeks straight. It was lovely and I wouldn’t change a thing, but it also made the first half of January just feel like an extension of December.
On the plus side, we’ve had small amounts of snow off and on, so it hasn’t cancelled school but it does make the world look bright and glistening. Now all I need is sunshine. It has felt like literal weeks since we’ve seen the sun!
Yes please to fast forwarding through January and getting to February. Shhh don’t tell anyone but I have something very fun on the calendar for Feb, and then winter will be getting out of here so that I can do stuff again. We’ve had a ton of snow which is pretty, but the roads are so slippery that it’s hard to walk the dog.
I have a ton of great running routes from my front door, but I used to get burned out on them. It’s a real thing. I don’t have the answer except I think that when the January blues pass the running route monotony will pass.
I think January and September are my favorite months– I love the fresh start energy. Maybe start loading up on little treats for V-day?
Aw, Jenny. My friend. I just want to give you a big hug. Also, that trail looks super boring! I don’t blame you for not being excited about it.
I might be OK with January if the weather outside looked like that! I’m not a huge fan of January, but that’s mostly because of the weather. I am usually in the dumps when I have to get back to the daycare thing and say good-bye to college kids. This year I found myself sort of ready for the return of the schedule. Who even am I? For instance, on Fridays I get the day off and now that school is back in session – I get the house to myself. Ahhh. So nice.
I am a fan of fresh start September, too. January is set up to be a bummer to me – down energy from the holidays, gross weather up here, and just days and days of meh. But, I love how you’re diving into that book and staying with your runs. Sending you good vibes and hopefully the blahs pass soon!
I have to admit, I’d probably find a trail like that challenging, especially during a long, solitary run. But it’s also a great chance to try something new – maybe listen to a podcast or audiobook (I never do, but on that trail, I might!).
Even better, how about finding a running buddy? Is there a local running club you could join? That could make those runs a lot more enjoyable!
I normally don’t love January but this year I had (have? since it’s not until tomorrow!) my race to look forward to so that’s been helping. I’m hoping next month we’ll get some much needed rain — we usually get rain in December and February, but we’ve gotten none since August and I’m worried about wildfires this spring.
I don’t blame you for being bored with that trail! I think I could tolerate it for a couple miles but I need some variety in scenery & elevation. I think it could be fun if you find a new trail to run on, just to mix things up!
Clouds, ice, snow, wind, frigid temps… I’m hating the run. LOL
I can’t wait until Florida… not the race but the weather. and seeing friends, of course.
It has been SO COLD. But I’m trying to tell myself that it’s all better from here. The days are getting longer, right?
Up next you should read The Expanse books by James. S.A. Corey. They’re so good!!
I love that mug! Good reminder not to be too anxious about things. January is my summer so often involves some holidays, new year and back to school energy, which is good. What is less appreciated is my daughter has school holidays for the whole month, which is a long time, and it’s hot and humid and often rains (subtropics). So I like January, but I don’t LOVE it.
Jenny–I’m so sorry you’re feeling a bit of a slump, friend… I hope it passes soon. You’re certainly doing all the helpful things like running, treating yourself, reading, etc.
I know what you mean about great Sci-fi! The last time I had that feeling was with Ted Chiang’s short story collection “Exhalation.”