January was a really long month. Like…epically long. Like, a Tolstoy novel kind of long. I don’t think that’s unusual, exactly. I think January, for whatever reason, tends to feel like an overlong month. Maybe it’s a holiday hangover thing. I don’t know. But this January felt exceptionally long. So much so that when the calendar did, finally, get around to February, I was actually shocked.
But even though January was approximately 9,000,000 days long, I still couldn’t seem to make any progress on anything in any aspect of my life because 2024 has been a series of really tedious, annoying things. Nothing major. Nothing serious (Knock on wood…because I’m guessing I just totally jinxed myself). Just an apparently endless onslaught of really annoying shit.
But instead of dwelling upon that and the fact that I am currently so far behind that even if every month this year lasts 9,000,000 days, I will likely still never catch up, here’s what I did do in January:
—Started reading/editing two manuscripts for two totally talented authors. I love reading/editing for authors (by the way, I accidentally started an editing/proofreading business. Turns out, I am as good at advertising that as I am my own books). They’re always so creative and awesome, and I love getting early peeks at their stories and doing whatever I can to help them get their stories to the next step on their journey.
—Read 3 books. Sure, they were two graphic novels and a short collection of short stories, but I read them. The graphic novels were from the Resident Alien series. My significant other and I recently watched the Alan Tudyk-led series of the same name, and I wanted to see how the graphic novels on which the show was based compared. The short stories were a part of the Spy x Family manga with which I am currently obsessed. And I do mean obsessed. But I suppose there are worse things with which one can be obsessed.
—Walked a total of 56.82 miles. It should have been a little higher, but there was one day I took the dogs for a walk and neglected to wear my FitBit, so I totally didn’t get credit for it.
—One of those walks was in the woods. In Florida. And I didn’t die. I mean, my anxiety levels were so high I thought I might, but I survived.
—Had to get a new laptop and have maybe managed to get it up and running. The only thing it doesn’t seem to want to do (so far, anyway) is play my iPod because iPods are too outdated now. Whatever, computer. I love my iPod, I actually know how to use it, and you will have to pry it from my cold, dead hands. Or hope I drop and break it like I did the iPods that came before it.
—Had a (brief) conversation with my Favorite Author of All Time about her plans to write a new novel featuring my Favorite Character of All Time. I was, of course, super calm, cool, and collected during said conversation and almost probably definitely didn’t inspire my Favorite Author of All Time to file some kind of restraining order against me.
—Snuggled with my puppies. Always a good way to end the day.
It’s also a good way to end this post. So here now, for your viewing pleasure, is a photo of Charles Edgar Cheeserton III all cozy in an insane number of blankets and my sweatshirt because my puppies are not at all spoiled:
So, that was my January. Not sure what February will bring because so far, it’s been eerily similar to January in the annoyance department, but be sure to tune in next month to find out…
How’s 2024 treating you thus far? What are you working on?
Be safe and well, all.
I do the whole knocking on wood/jinxing things, too.
I got a new computer but haven’t set it up yet. I have visions of losing everything I’ve ever done on the old one, and I know I don’t have the patience right now to make sure I complete all the correct steps, etc.
So curious and intrigued about the Favorite Author and Favorite Character conversation!
My fear that I would lose everything on the old computer was part of the reason why I took so long to get the new computer up and running. My anxiety could only attempt to do so much in a day. The other part is I HATE having to learn how to use new versions of Word. Other software, too, I suppose, but Word was the big one.
He does look cozy.
So, how do the graphic novels compare to the show? Our household digs Resident Alien.
They’re very different. The books are far less of a comedy. I read somewhere (IMDB, probably) that the show had intended to more closely follow the books, but then Alan Tudyk came in, and it was decided they had to take advantage of his comedy skills. I’m glad they did because, IMHO, is hilarious.
That sounds like a pretty productive month, especially considering your run of icky things!
I didn’t know you were doing editing/proofreading! You’ll be awesome at that!
Here’s to Feb being a fabulous month!!
Ahh, puppy snuggles…
Wait, what? I was supposed to comment on something else. Um, I do love a good graphic novel, and walks are usually good, although through the woods with no other hikers around, then… less so. Happy February – TGIF has a new meaning. No more January.
So, you “accidentally” started an editing business? I’m sure there’s a story there. I’ll keep you in mind if I ever actually finish one of my novels (or, um, start working on one again).
Oof on the month length. My January kind of sped by, but I didn’t have a bunch of small things thrown at me (save for the rock that put a crack in my car’s windshield *scowl*).
That’s awesome on your new business venture! I might have to employ your services… assuming I ever get my book finished. I mean, it’s only taken 10 years. *sigh* But if I get there in a reasonable amount of time, I’d love to know your rates.
My daughter’s laptop is dying. It won’t charge above 12%. Her replacement should arrive on Thursday (opted for a mini-computer and monitor since she doesn’t need the mobility). But she feels your pain on the whole having-to-replace-your-machine thing.
I hope your February is better than your January!
It seems like in spite of everything, January was successful for you. Yay?
It seems like January should have flown by. You are so busy! Love the snuggling pup and good luck with the new computer. I mourned my ipod a few years ago. So sad.
Puppy snuggles were just the right way to end. Here’s hoping February feels as productive as you want it to! @samanthabwriter from
Balancing Act
My January was the complete opposite! It seemed to fly by. I hope your February is productive.
That’s not a bad month. I mean, you could have done less, so you might as well celebrate what you did. =P
Wow! I’d say that is quite a list for the month of January–anyway it would be for me… Congrats on 56 miles of walking!! whew…You can be assured February will be not as long as January–only 29 days! hee hee. Love the puppy photo. Have fun.