Christmas Break

My last written post of 2016 was my Five-Year Writing Plan. I laid out my intentions for all the world to hold me accountable.

Then I took the month off from writing and reading.

And I don't feel bad about that at all.

First I took some time away to go to Kid 3's Army boot camp graduation. Hooah Army! For those
keeping track, that's one kid in the Navy and one kid in the Army.

Immediately upon returning home Christmas festivities, parties and baking began. I didn't make near the amount of cookies and fudge as I have in years past. And since I never really enjoyed cookie baking all that much anyway, I'm very grateful the kids are old enough now that if they want cookies they can make them themselves with minimal supervision.

I was sick as a dog on Christmas Eve with strep throat and a respiratory infection. But, again, very grateful my doctors office was open for a few hours that morning. And even more grateful that the antibiotics kicked in and I felt better Christmas Day.

The Navy kid didn't get leave until December 27 but it was a very chaotic homecoming that night. All the kids together again for the first time in 9 months and the puppy and kitten running around like crazy in the midst of the chaos.

Oh, the puppy! Yes, in a moment of weakness, I agreed to a puppy for Kid 5.

We think she looks a bit like a Jack Russell Terrier, but really she's just a mutt. But a very sweet little mutt. She's 12 weeks now and so far knows the commands sit, paw and down. We are working on stay. And still working on house training. I'd really really like her to pick up the house training a little faster, but like I keep reminding the kids, she is still just a baby.

But, now it's January and back to work. I am working a lot of extra hours in the fitness center this month. January is a crazy busy time in the gym so I'm able to pick up just about as many hours as I want.

And, now back to writing.

I have two writing assignments due very soon. I should have worked on them during the Christmas break. But my kids were home and we have a new puppy. So the work could wait.

Tonight is the first night back to a regular schedule since the holidays. I'm in my usual spot in Starbucks while Kid 4 is at dance, waiting for Kid 6's dance class to start. I had intended to begin work on one of the assignments, but, I think tomorrow is a better day to start.

This is us!
Kids 1 - 6, Stryder the kitten, Echo the puppy and Casey
the wonder dog that we regularly dog sit. Kid 1 looks
like he has his eyes closed but really he is
just trying to get the cat to stay still for the picture!