Where did 2025 go? It seems like just the other day I was typing a post welcoming in the first Monday of the year. I didn’t come close to accomplishing what I had hoped. It happens. I am not going get all depressed as that’s been part of the problem.

I have to admit I’m not exactly looking forward to the new year. I should explain. I’m not bummed out there’s going to be a change in numbers. That’s cool. Time marches on and that BS. By not looking forward, I mean I’m not making plans. I beat myself up when I make goals and totally fail. It’s like my book sales. Yeah. They sucked in 2024, but I ended up the year making almost $50 this last month.

One of the things I know about self-publishing is that while it is about quality, it’s also about quantity. Since my illness and surgeries two years ago, the energy just hasn’t been there. It’s time to stop beating myself up–figuratively–over it. It is what is. Hence, my current “philosophy” about doing what I can and not sweating what I can’t. Now…the interesting part will be whether or not I can follow through. Ahhh, my head. It really is a mystery up there.

In the meantime, I’m crunching out the last few audio books of the year in order to meet my Goodreads Reading Challenge, is is way down from my usual. I’ve adjusted the final number a couple of times–usually shifting it to more books. It currently sits at 128 and I’m listening to #126 so I’ll likely make it and might even get to up it again. I’m marathoning Kristen Ashley’s Avenging Angel’s series. The antics of this “second generation” of Rock Chick/Hot Bunch couples makes me laugh. A lot. There’s a new release in the series and since the books make me smile and occasionally laugh out loud, I figure it’s a good way to ring out the old year.

Christmas was excellent even though I had a bad cold. Everyone had “early” Christmas at home and then the Kids came here for stockings, inter-family gifts, and turkey sandwiches with pie. It was laid back, easy, and fun. I’m lucky. I have a great husband, a marvelous daughter, a great son-in-law, and a grandson who is waaaay too smart for his own good. 😉 Toby did well with all the people and commotion. Hopefully, by next Christmas we can put up a tree with presents under it.

That’s pretty much the sum total of my week and end of year summation. I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday and that Santa was good to you. Share your favorite gift! Mine is the GC to Shoe Carnival from Howie Mandel. I have a new pair of Sketchers in my future!