1- Working on my Golden Hours this week.
I’m really trying to use the time between work and bedtime in a way that does not feel like spinning my wheels/running down the clock.
One unexpectedly fun combo:
2- I finished Big Time!! Obviously I’m biased, AND obviously I loved it. I think this one will be a big hit and help a lot of people.
(Laura did not ask me to say that – seriously it’s a great read!)
One of my favorite things Laura does is help dispel myths about time with actual NUMBERS. People are always telling themselves stories but the truth is you CAN get some data. And that data can reveal unexpected things and new ideas.
(Reflecting on this, I see parallels with the nutrition post I wrote yesterday.)
(AND while we’re on the subject of books . . I started Sky Daddy (credit Caroline for the rec). OMG you guys. Unhinged, but fascinating.)
3- WE GO TO DISNEY IN A WEEK OMG. I realized that we have to do our Lightning Lane signups this Sunday! I did a little bit of reading about various strategies but at the end of the day I think we will be pretty fine because I don’t think we will be going on some of the more popular (read as: more thrilling/scray) rides. Think Slinky Dog Dash level as our thrill limit, lol. Thankfully I think there will be plenty to do! At least one of my kids (maybe 2? but maybe just 1?) does enjoy faster rides so I will plan accordingly for them (and they can go with Josh; I will happily stay with the tame crew).
Fun fact: once I got vertigo after going to Disney (I also had a cold, so maybe it was just a bad combination of factors). I am a wimp.
4- While we’re on the topic of hobbies . . . I got a little tired of playing Taylor Swift only and bought a piano book! It’s honestly very easy but I plan to just go through it and continue moving up levels until it gets harder . . .
If nothing else I like G seeing me practice!
I was even thinking about rehabbing my violin at some point mostly because playing stringed instruments can be a lot more social (vs piano which is kind of a lone pursuit). I don’t think I’m ready right now but I feel like this could be fun when the kids are a bit older and I have more time my hands (like when Kae talked about the driving-kids-around phase being largely over in her family — literally CANNOT imagine at this juncture!).
Anyone else enjoying hobbies they were attempting in 2026? The only one not really happening for me right now is fountain pens but the year is (relatively) young . . .
5- Weekend outlook: I need to do my own fun audit (though maybe a weekend filled with more cross-stitching, Euphoria, Sky Daddy, and piano will be fun in its own right). Plus, Disney planning and Pilates — honestly sounds decent. However, one highlight (I think?) will be the official Konmari Decluttering Session #2. I feel pretty motivated to keep working on the kids’ clothing before she comes too . . . wish me luck!
18 Comments
I have heard much about Sky Daddy. So curious what you think! I also have my old violin waiting for me to find the right moment….sigh, life is filled with many wonderful things and it is a shame they can’t all be done (at least not at once).
Oh I love hearing about people’s hobbies. My son commented that I never have my hands still, I should probably pick up a hand hobby instead of just folding little pieces of paper/deconstructing orange peels. I do draw a bit, and love fountain pens, but just them for everyday life. I’d just order a Faber Castell sparkle and see how you get on. Or the Kaweco sport.
My husband keeps threatening to reclaim his violin, and I’m not ready for that. We have a beautiful upright piano (acquired for free, b/c you can barely give pianos away these days) and I’ve been nudging him that way.
My 8 year old started guitar lessons in August, and I started guitar lessons in February! I’m already ahead of him since I’m an adult, and I already played French horn and self taught piano.
ooh that’s so cool! FRENCH HORN – that is quite a cool and unusual skill to have, too!!
Violin is such a tough instrument, but the social aspect is very nice. I love playing in my community symphony.
I finished Big Time this week too! I am working on improving my breaks from work and have an intention for my golden hours.
yes!!! Love it! If you need a golden hours accountability partner send me pix of fun activities 🙂
I long for a day in the future when I have time for the cello again! I played for something like 15-17 years, including in a community orchestra after grad school – which is what I would love to do when time allows!!
My oldest started playing the string bass through school so it’s been fun to be able to pick up my instrument again since we read the same clef and he’s more inclined to practice if I play with him.
I think you should definitely give the violin a go and see how much comes back! One thing I have noticed is that the more accessible the instrument, the more likely you are to play…this is easy for a piano, of course. But when the bass and cello are out of their cases and in instrument stands with music open on a stand nearby…much more inviting =) Maybe you just need to have the violin out on display!!!
I don’t feel ready yet 🙂 But eventually!!!
I wish I had learned to play violin. It was not an option in my tiny rural town in ND. Maybe I will learn when I retire! I’ve been playing piano more, too. Paul’s preparing for his recital in May. He’ll play a Beethoven piece which I am very excited about. It’s pretty challenging for him as both hands play Treble Clef but I know he can do it – but oof he had a meltdown when working on it last night!
Cross stitching looks like such a calming activity. I used to do that when I was a tween! I’d like to get back into knitting again. I like to have something to do with my hands while watching a show!
I bet you would like it IF it doesn’t bother any of your RA issues! I got my kit on Etsy . It sounds like Paul is really progressing, that’s amazing!
I started watching Euphoria two weeks ago… and WHOA. My husband found it “uncomfy” so now I am watching solo. Also, I am never letting my 14yo leave the house again. Kidding… sort of. TY for the rec!
This weekend we are renewing the daughter’s passport. Womp womp. Also sushi. But the weather is supposed to be in the 60s and sunny I think, so I think an open schedule may be ok for once. Have a good weekend!
it’s VERY UNCOMFY!!! i’m on S2. I am also watching alone (I think josh already watched it years ago).
Came here to say this too! I’m surprised this is your choice of shows, it’s so grim and dark, I really stopped watching it. Nothing good happens on that show, it’s like watching the news. Bad for my psyche.
it is extremely dark, but I do like it. I think the acting is great and it is done in an artistic and interesting way. But you’re right — I totally get that it would not be for everyone!
I hadn’t planned on this, but my library offered a course to learn to play American Mah Jongg. A friend and our husbands said they were also interested, so once my set comes from Amazon we’ll try a game night!
My hobby is exercise (after years of not exercising), planning travel, travel, reading and writing. Never learned to play any musical instrument and don’t really feel the pull. My daughter is 8 and has been taking piano for three years.
Totally get not wanting to start fresh with music as an adult (though it’s awesome you did that with exercise!). I definitely appreciate having my childhood/adolescent music background to draw from . Though I think it’s awesome when adults also approach it from total beginner’s perspective I don’t know that I am patient enough!