Best (and worst) of January

Guys, we've made it! January is done in a few short hours, and boy, what a relief. That one was a long one, wasn't it? I decided to revive my Best of series, because it's such a great way to remember all the little things that are good in life, but that are easily forgotten.
However, this time I'm adding the other side of the equation: the not-so-great moments. Because they are part of life, too!

Let's start with the good, okay?

The January blues

Anybody else having the January blues right now?
I have them big time. January is my least favourite month of the year, and I have now reached the point where I feel like I can't stand it any longer. I know it's only one more week, but ahhhhhh!!!

January, I hate you, please go away right NOW!

This month, I've cried 4 times already (1. Lyme-Disease-related, 2. hormone/depression-related, 3. weather-related, 4. dog-related), and there might be more coming.

I also slipped and fell on the sheet of ice that's covering our entire fricking town, resulting in a very ouchy-arm for me, and many broken limbs for the less fortunate. Which also translates into many more middle-of-the-night callbacks than usual for me, which means: not enough sleep=grumpy Miriam. 

Yeah, I can't wait for this f&$%# month to be over.

But, in the meantime, I'm trying to find joy every day, because I chose 'Joy' as my word of the year, and inconveniently, I take this shit kinda seriously.    

Fortunately, I have great role models handily available!

Like my dogs, who simply refuse to ever be in a bad mood:

Or our guinea pigs, who're living their best lives every single day:

Amidst the grey days, we had one of brilliant sunshine yesterday, and thankfully, the corgi dragged my lazy ass out there to enjoy it. 

Not only was it a real treat to get some exercise that had nothing to do with chores (hallelujah!), but I also managed to snap a few photos along the way:

I looooove where we live. 

While the current situation may be very blah and drab, there is something ridiculously amazing on the horizon: the realization of a dream I've had for over 20 years. 

I mean - aaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We're entering the final stage of my book project, which is printing - which means, my baby will soon be released into the world!

Since it's not only my first book, but also my personal story, I'm equally excited and terrified by this prospect. 

But until the birth (excuse the comparison, but that's what I imagine birth feels like) of my baby (=book)  actually arrives, I try to enjoy every day as it comes. Even with all the ice and slipperiness and greyness.  

I hope you can find some joy in every day too!

Spring will be here soon. 

xoxo Miriam

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One month post diagnosis

Hi friends! I thought it's about time to update you on Rich's Lyme Disease status. 

Last time I talked about it on the blog, we had just received the diagnosis, and we were relieved beyond words. After months and months of being in the dark, of worsening pain for Rich and constant worry for me, we finally had an answer. 

At that moment, we cared little what that answer was, and more about finally being able to put a name to his mystery illness. 

What a difference a year makes

One year ago, I didn't have a job. 

I had no idea that I would soon find my dream job in a hospital where all the doctors look like McDreamy (it's true! and one of the perks of the job 😍).

One year ago, I cursed less and worried more. 

Our living room walls weren't yellow yet, and we didn't have a single palm tree. 

I also didn't have my awesome pink walls. 

It just keeps getting better

"Have I told you today that I love you?"
Me to him, every single day.
"Have I told you what a beautiful woman you have become?"
Him to me, every single day.

We joke about how he raised me, how I was still such a child when I arrived 15 years ago, red suitcase in my sweaty hand, with no idea who I was or what I was supposed to do with my life.
"I even sent you to school!" he laughs, and yes, he did; 10 years ago I went back to college for the third, and blessedly last, time.
He did, in a way, raise me.

Bring it on, 2018!

Happy New Year guys!!

Sorry for joining in late in the general "Best Year Yet!"-frenzy, but I have a good reason. 

First, I was a bridesmaid for the first time in my life over the new year. I had a blast! I got my make-up done for the very first time in my life (it was a time of firsts, it seems), and I have to say, even though I'm a strong supporter of being natural, it was a great experience.