Taking Stock – January 2019

taking stock January 2019

Well, I don’t know what happened to January but February has taken me quite by surprise! I am sure there is a correlation between getting older and time flying by faster. January was a mixed bag – happy times, sad times, time at home and time away – although I’m a bit miffed to report that the soaring temperatures were a constant. Anyhoo, before we get stuck in to February proper, I thought it was time to reflect back on January and take stock. Why don’t you grab a cuppa and join me?

Welcoming: 2019 with favourite friends.

Taking: Down the Christmas tree but I’m looking forward to seeing it again in July.

Deciding: To fly by the seat of my pants in 2019 – no word and no resolutions – because every day is a new beginning.

Working: Almost full time.

Melting: In the summer temperatures.

Needing: Some cooler weather.

Noticing: That summer gets hotter every year. Or is that just me?

Liking: Air conditioning. A lot.

Disliking: Humidity. It’s my nemesis.

Starting: The year as I mean to go on with a totally delicious recipe! This Ultimate Caramel Kit Kat Cake is totally extra!

the-ultimate-caramel-mud-cake-2

Trying: My first Lamington Scone. Yes, that’s a thing! Now all I have to do is recreate it at home.

Revamping: Another 10 recipes in this month’s 10 on 10 photography project. The Turkey Burgers with Cranberry Onions were one of our faves!

turkey-burgers-with-cranberry-onions

Baking: This Jamtastic Lamington Slice – how very Australian!

Making: This month’s reader recipe: Authentic and Easy Tiramisu. I am proper addicted!

authentic-and-easy-tiramisu-4

Crossing: Making lamingtons and Tiramisu off my list of 101 Things to Do in 1001 Days.

Flying: To Hobart.

Staying: At the Ibis Styles Hobart.

Smelling: (And eating) all things lavender at Port Arthur Lavender Farm.

Touring with Let's Show You Tasmania Port Arthur Lavender scone

Eating: My way around Hobart.

Drinking: My way around Hobart.

Loving: Hobart. One day I want to go back and explore more of Tasmania.

Touring with Let's Show You Tasmania Port Arthur

Touring: Port Arthur and surrounds with the lovely Heather from Let’s Show You Tasmania.

Running: In the Cadbury 10K in Hobart. Don’t know what I love more, the chocolate goody bag or meeting Freddo Frog in person!

Cadbury 10k Freddo Frog

Brewing: Kombucha like a boss.

Visiting: The library. A lot.

Reading: 9 books this month – I think that’s a personal record!

Sharing: What’s been on my bookshelf in the latest instalment of 101 Books in 1001 Days.

Completing: The A Box Of Holiday Reading Challenge.

Watching:  The Bureau on SBS on Demand.

Improving: My French while watching telly.

Enjoying: Being back at work.

Teaching: The most delightful group of students – I will miss them so!

Thinking: Of friends who’ve had really tragic news this month. My heart hurts for them.

Wondering: Why life is so cruel.  Sigh.

Feeling: A bit heavy hearted.

Listening: To Anthony Ray Hinton  (author of The Sun Does Shine) on the Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversation  podcast.

Finishing: The Teacher’s Pet podcast. That’s investigative journalism at it’s finest.

Seeing: Mary Poppins at the cinema. I have to admit I feel a bit disappointed.

Singing: Along to Nickelback’s What Are You Waiting For – it’s my Samthem for 2019.

Battling: An invasion of flies. It’s Sam 0 Flies 1

Sticking: To the 5:2 diet. No one is more surprised than me!

Packing: My fast day lunch box like a boss!

Loving: The museums in San Francisco – here are five of my favourites.

Remembering: How much fun we had watching Beach Blanket BabylonIt was definitely one of our San Francisco highlights.

Hoping: For a repeat performance of San Francisco and Beach Blanket Babylon later in the year. A girl can dream, can’t she?!

Opening: These books from my real life author friend. I can’t wait to read them!

taking stock Jo Tracey books

Gifting: Tuesdays With Morrie. I loved it so much, I want to share it with everyone!

Admiring: Mary – she’s so inspiring!

Coveting: Everyone else’s dog. I’m just so poody!

Applying: For a British passport and getting one in record time. Nice work Passport Office.

taking stock british passport

Enjoying: Long weekends.

Booking: Some trips for the coming months because everyone needs something to look forward to.

Looking: Forward to seeing my mumma  in a couple of weeks. The cold weather will be a definite bonus!

So tell me about your January. Did your year get off to a flying start?

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