The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

Thirty Reflective Questions As I Leave 2023 (Thank Goodness) and Enter 2024 (Bring It On?)

I’m a bit behind on pulling together a reflective 2023 post; I don’t think I did anything like this in 2022, but it feels like a helpful exercise. To sit and ponder; to reflect…

Life, Mental Health, Personality Insights, Planning, Random
Jan, 01, 2024
21 Comments

My 2023 Ta-Da List (Or, It’s Okay to Pat Yourself on the Back)

It’s December 31st. I’m stoked; tomorrow I get to turn the page on my calendar, crack open a new planner, and start fresh. For the briefest of moments I’ll be able to channel my…

Goals, Gold Stars
Dec, 31, 2023
32 Comments

Christmas 2023: A Gift Recap

I feel a bit embarrassed by the number of gifts that get exchanged each year at Christmas within our supposedly minimalistic home. That said, Christmas is our main gift-giving event of the year. Mother’s…

Happy Things Friday: The Christmas Highlights Edition

This is my last Happy Things Friday post for 2023!! It’s hard to believe that Christmas and all the related events and experiences are behind us for another year.

We had a long day…

Christmas, Happy Things Friday, Holidays
Dec, 29, 2023
20 Comments

Paris Day Four: Arc de Triomphe, Champs Élysées, Musée de l’Orangerie, and Saying Goodbye

I wanted to get these 2019 trip recaps finished before the end of 2023…which brings us to our final day in Paris.

*Sob*

I was not ready for this fairytale to end, but we had…

Paris, Travel
Dec, 28, 2023
13 Comments

Watches, Bedsides, Socks and Handedness: Some Random Questions

I was reading one of Jenny’s posts last week when she was discussing a painful (though thankfully short-lived) arm injury. As part of her healing process, she wondered if she might have to switch…

Christmas Treasure Hunt 2023

About five years ago we came up with the idea to create a Christmas morning treasure hunt for the kiddos – a series of clues leading to a joint gift. They loved the experience…

Thirty Reflective Questions As I Leave 2023 (Thank Goodness) and Enter 2024 (Bring It On?)

My 2023 Ta-Da List (Or, It’s Okay to Pat Yourself on the Back)

Christmas 2023: A Gift Recap

Happy Things Friday: The Christmas Highlights Edition

Paris Day Four: Arc de Triomphe, Champs Élysées, Musée de l’Orangerie, and Saying Goodbye

Watches, Bedsides, Socks and Handedness: Some Random Questions

Christmas Treasure Hunt 2023

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