Q1 2025 Update

How have things been going?

At the end of each quarter, I revisit my personal goals for the year and do a gut check on how I’m doing against my targets.

As part of these checkpoints, I look back through my camera roll, my calendar events, and my journals for meaningful highlights and lowlights.

Here are some things I’m reflecting on as I look back at Q12025:

Out of step

Right now, I am way behind on my steps goal for the year, averaging less than 4,000 steps per day against a daily target of 8,000. What’s going on with that?

First, I have been sick 30 out of 89 days so far this year. Surprise viruses, colds, and allergies have had me absolutely wrecked. Second, there have been a few weeks of relentlessly rainy weather where it has felt too gross to get up and go for a long walk.

I’ll get back to my morning walking routine this week and trust that I’ll make up the difference over time.

Spending money on fun

For the first time I can remember, my monthly spending for Entertainment outpaced my spending on dining and groceries. How did that happen?

I’ve been working my way through The Artist’s Way with a small chat group. If you’ve ever attempted this 12-week program, you know that Julia’s weekly homework tasks can inspire a good amount of cash outflow. You must take yourself on an inspiring Artist’s Date every week. You are encouraged to buy yourself trinkets and new socks.

It started with a sketchbook. Some magazines to update a vision board. Then it was watercolor paints, a trip to the High Museum, and some concert tickets. A dreamy pink stone sphere to add to my rock collection. A quirky mushroom mug from a stand at Marietta The Gathering. An 8x8 acrylic landscape painted by a neighbor.

Did you know you can just sign up for painting classes if you want to?

Suddenly I have become a person with hobbies!

Block prints of cherry tree blooms One of the many art projects I attempted in March.

The joy of gathering

One theme of the past quarter has been catching up on time with friends and loved ones. It’s the little things like:

  • Taking my grandmother out to dinner
  • Get a mani-pedi with a girlfriend
  • Babysitting a sweet bebe niece
  • Catching up with old friends and their kids over a playground date

I’ve also met so many cool new people over coffee and Zoom rooms, in-person at conferences and events. I’m developing a deep appreciation for the art of a well-designed gathering. Gracious hosts are out there doing the work!

Poppies An arrangement of poppies at Cafe Clement.

The joy of grief

Two weeks ago, one of my favorite people died. My Uncle Raymond was a special human in my life. He was my Sunday School teacher in those tricky years between elementary school and middle school. He always checked in with me and asked me smart questions about my life and my work. When I got sent to Australia back in 2013, it was my Uncle Raymond who recommended the coolest hotel bar to visit. A few years ago, we hiked in the Smoky Mountains and went to Dollywood together.

Raymond was a quiet, thoughtful, and generous person and an important part of our family. It’s unfair that cancer cut his life short.

At his graveside service, instead of reading a traditional eulogy, my uncle who is a minister read a goodbye letter from Raymond written in his own words to his wife and children and grandchildren. It was witty and patient and comforting. I wish I could embody Raymond’s faith and steadfast outlook on life.

We love you. We miss you. “All is well.”

Being slightly more alive

In February, Alan wrapped up his last day at Mailchimp after more than 10 years with the company. It’s amazing what a reprieve from deadlines and performance reviews can do for a person!

In the past, when each of our careers were in their most stressful phases, we had many nights where we went out to dinner after work and just sat there staring at one another, practically catatonic, unable to string sentences together, in shared understanding. Lately we’ve been going out to eat a lot, trying new places but also revisiting our favorite local haunts. Everything feels new all over again, like a cloud of fog has lifted.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been tackling small projects around the house. I deep cleaned the bedroom and found a pair of shoes I hadn’t seen since before Covid. Alan has totally rearranged his office, making space for new synthesizers and repaired amplifiers. There’s a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle almost complete on our dining room table.

As my work continues to ramp up, I’m not sure how many more slow Monday mornings we’ll get to enjoy together in our “practicing for retirement” era. But, I’m so grateful when I come home from running errands and hear music playing from the back room. This is the whole point of being alive!

Sorting shiny objects

Today my creative energy is overflowing. I can feel the dull weight of ideas and half-started projects in my shoulder blades. I am trusting the universe to send the right opportunities my way, and I’m trying to sort out shiny objects from answered prayers.

I know that part of living a fulfilling life is doing new things for the first time. I am keeping my heart open to challenges and following whatever feels the most fun.

Reading / watching / baking

This year our cherry tree bloomed on Tuesday 18 March and kept its petals for 13 days.

Cherry tree blooming