2024 - Chapter 1

Written By Wendy Dravis

As we wind down the last few hours of January, I reflect on the goals and plans I made just a month ago. How’s it going? Where am I content? Where am I discouraged? Where do I go from here?

I’m most excited about the travel plans I’ve made - or at least loosely made. We planned a family vacation for the first time in two years. It’s a new destination for all of us.

I have trips planned with two of my boys and working on a trip with my youngest. As the mom of 20, 17 and 15 year old boys, I am beyond grateful they will still do anything with me. I’m also a little bewildered by this because, let’s face it, I’m not that fun. I try, but I’m naturally an uptight and worrying mom. See, not that fun. As long as they say yes, I’ll foot the bill and make no sudden movements.

I have two trips (loosely) planned with my girlfriends. I’m also grateful for friends who will travel with me. But I’m not as surprised. “Friend Wendy” is way more fun than “Mom Wendy.” “Friend Wendy” is a blast! “Friend Wendy” is totally chill. She goes with the flow and forgets it’s even her job to worry.

I’m content with how work is going so far. I’ve been able to maintain some structure in my schedule. As a realtor, flexibility can be a blessing and a curse. I am driven and enjoy working hard. But as a mom, I’m on deck when life happens - schools cancellations, delays, doctor appointments, vet appointments, etc. I’ve learned to embrace this because IT IS a blessing.

Just last week, I was at my office when my oldest son texted me to go on a bike ride with him. I’d be crazy to pass that up. We both love biking and it’s “slim pickins” for days that are warm enough to ride in January.

I’m not gonna lie, though, that flexibility can also be frustrating. Like as I’m typing this, my husband decrees today car washing day and my job is to clean the interiors. I appreciate that I don’t have to do the exteriors - especially since it’s 38 degrees. And I love a clean car. But this wasn’t on my list. I’m digging deep to find that appreciation when I kind of want to walk outside and head butt him. For now, I pivot and rearrange my schedule to accommodate as needed.

But all in all, I have been able to keep a more consistent work schedule. It’s a work in progress.

So where am I discouraged? My house is a train wreck. I love to clean. I especially love to clean during crappy weather - snow storms, thunder storms, freeze spells. I turn on a movie or music and totally get into cleaning mode. I had a cleaning marathon a two weeks ago, but with two dogs, two cats and five people, it’s a thankless battle.

My goal was to unclutter one area a week - even just a little tiny area - but I haven’t uncluttered a darn thing yet. I love the feeling of purging unused and unnecessary items. I love the feeling of a tidy home and most things being put away. Another work in progress.

I’ll give Chapter 1 of 2024 a solid B. Respectable but not outstanding. A good start but room to grow. We all get to start Chapter 2 tomorrow. What’s your Chapter 2 going to look like?

Wendy Dravis
Previous

National Donor Day
Next

Donating Blood - You Won’t Regret It