Happy Saturday!

Looking back at this week…

1 Exercise. I am proud to report that I went to the YMCA on

Monday (cardio+strength),

Wednesday (swam laps)

Thursday (cardio+strength).

Saturday: Zumba- I survived. Barely.

I am feeling SO much better, physically and mentally. AND. I was in luteal phase this week and I noticed a difference. I was not *as* explosive or cynical, and I noticed I had more *energy*. I had typical cravings for carbs and did put my face into a plate of pasta and meatballs (no regrets) but STILL. I did not want to bite anyone’s head off and I wasn’t weepy.

Logistics: in the morning I would pack my gym/swim bag and drive to the Y straight from work. I would exercise for about 40 minutes. Less with swimming because I got cold fast.

I am so glad I joined the Y. I feel like going to the Y after work breaks the *work-home-work-home* pattern. It’s so much nicer than our basement. And, I love the fact that I can go into a nice, big pool. Water exercise feels like a meditation to me. Most importantly, my pms symptoms and my mental health are benefitting. I need to continue, I must continue, and I will.

2 Family. My son’s 6th birthday! On Wednesday we went out to Miller’s for dinner to celebrate our 6 year old. And today, we had his class mates over for a birthday party.

3 My kids’ school had their honor roll and awards ceremonies this week. Thankfully, my husband could attend since I was at work. My daughter received high honor roll and my son received “best reader” award. I know, it’s only second grade and kindergarten, and yet, I am so proud of them.

4 Reading. I am almost finished with this novel, set in Mexico City. Very character-driven, explores themes of childlessness, motherhood, and making unlikely connections in this thing called life. A little eerie but good.

5 Solo parenting stint, for a few days, at the beginning of the week. It was hard, it always is, but T flew back in at midnight to be with R on the morning for his birthday.

What DELIGHTed me this week (delight is the word of the year for 2026)

A manageable luteal phase

Pink sunrise

Tea with milk and sugar

Swimming

Chi-chi song during Zumba

A phone call from B, my sister-friend

L playing piano

Fresh cucumbers and cherry tomatoes

“A Woman in Cabin 10” film with Keira Knightly

This comic

How was your week? What delighted you lately? How is this weekend looking for you?