It is time for me to reflect on past week! The post is broken into “themes” of sorts, things that are important to me and that I *try* to keep at the forefront each day.

Exercise. Getting better! Did two 15 minute yoga sessions very early in the morning during the week, and one 30 minute session today. I am on my cycle so today’s session was especially beneficial. That is an improvement since my usual exercise tally is zero. Walked plenty at work. Started using a standing desk at work.

Mental Health. Meditation of different lengths (with the longest one being 15 minutes) every morning. Journalling- three days. Planning: planned on a Sunday for the week, and then planned out every day. Mood: generally low since that was a week before my cycle. Add all the joys that come with that – bloat, cravings, being in DA mood, etc.

Physical health. Feeling better!! No more sore throat, and my cough is pretty much gone. Ugh, what an ordeal it was this past November but we all are feeling better, it seems. Energy levels: so-so (luteal phase, see above) but not terrible. Vitamins: every day. Specifically, probiotics, vitamin D, B-complex, and an easy-to-swallow multi. Water: had a drink after every bathroom use. Made sure that I stayed hydrated at work, even if I had to teach three classes in a row. Plus, tons of tea! Mainly green but English breakfast, too.

Social connections. Apart from regular interactions with students and colleagues, not much. BUT. It was L’s aftercare teacher birthday last week (they put their staff birthdays on the calendar) so we got her flowers. She is so good to L, and she knows R, too. Every time we pick up L, this teacher has to say hello to R, gives him a hug, asks about his day. He is not even her student! She is amazing so we felt we have to wish her a happy birthday with a small bouquet. It was sweet.

Family. Both kids had a full week. Celebrations at R’s preschool with crazy sock day, crazy hair day, Christmas sweater day, wearing blue and white for Hanukkah, and sporting his plaid shirt on Friday. L made student of the month at her school! So very proud of her.

R and I have been working on supplemental activities from his pre-school. Those are optional but I thought it’s good to extend what he is learning in pre-school right now. Once a teacher, always a teacher; that’d be ME! In other words, they are doing unit 2, animals and plants in their environments, so we found some of his plushies and did a “report” of sorts. Rather, R played with his lion and fox, and I asked him questions and looked up information.

I had some parenting moments I am not proud of. Every week, it’s the same. I get tired, and cranky, and snappy, and cynical, and, and… Then I feel guilty for yelling at the kids. Then I apologize and continue feeling guilty and berating myself on the inside.

Food. I made an awesome pot of chili this past week and served it over egg noodles! It was delicious. In addition we had roasted chicken, and ordered McDonald’s yesterday to celebrate L’s student of the month award 🙂 There were a few nights last week when T had a work thing and I had dinner at 4PM and didn’t eat till the next morning. I go to bed at 8 the latest, and I was not hungry at bedtime. I also slept better!

Because of his position at work, T has started receiving these holiday food packages from Harry and David and other corporate food delivery services. UGH. I am grateful, I really am, but HECK, it’s hard not to have it when it’s just there on the counter, looking at you. Well, I should backtrack. Harry and David package had pears, cheese, and nuts, so that was amazing, but then the rest of it… Chocolate bark, chocolate-covered pretzels, cookies, caramels, dried fruit, chips, jams… Well, you get the point. It’s hard to stay disciplined with that stuff lying around.

Little things in life. Coloring with L before bed. Reading about trucks and building a garage with R. Kids opening their advent calendars every morning: so cute. An incredible sunrise one morning and a beautiful moon the next.

Work. All is well! My work continues to be my bread, butter, water, and my grounding place.

Hobbies. Reading before bed, connecting with fellow bloggers and commenting when I can, also writing (posted on Tuesday about exercise dilemma and crazy hair day). Podcasts on my commute, of course. This month I am drawn to episodes that cover how to beat overwhelm and enjoy this season, in spite of busyness.

Alone time. Every morning, evening, after the students leave for the day and before doing the pick up I had pockets of time that I used to be alone.

House. We had about four loads of clean laundry lying on the floor in the laundry room (2 floor) for about two weeks. I was gonna take a picture but then felt shame lol Finally, last Thursday, T and I buckled in and folded everything. Guess what? It’s now full again. It just NEVER ends!

Holidays. A good friend, more a sister to me, celebrated Hanukkah last week. T put the wreaths out but still no lights. Christmas lights are SUCH A PAIN to put up. And take down. I know, I know, you can hire people but we don’t want to pay the money. T also ordered some real Christmas tree wreaths from Maine (his home state). We hung one up on our front door, and gave others to neighbors.

Leaving you with a picture of L from today, when we made sugar cookies! I’ve had the recipe from MyBakingAddiction in my backpack for about two weeks. We finally made the cookies today.

After I re-read what I wrote, I want to hug myself and say “well done, Daria. You did your best, you really did. Could you have done better? Of course. But you did what you did, and the week is over.”