Pittsburgh

How We Started 2018

Hey hey! How is 2018 treating you so far? I can’t believe it’s Thursday already. Mavis and I are walking four dogs together today and it’s currently 14 degrees (and dropping…!) and snowing here in Pittsburgh.

You better believe I’m going to look like the Michelin Man with all the layers I put on and Mavis will be wearing her winter coat.

Cocker spaniel and chocolate lab in winter coats

I have a minute to blog today, so I thought I’d share how we started out the new year! Actually, I’ll start with New Year’s Eve.

Jimmy and I went to church in the evening and stayed after for a New Year’s Eve fellowship. Everyone brought along food (I brought chili and corn muffins!) and hung out until around 8:30 pm, when we all discussed the past year, the one ahead, and then had a group prayer.

It was a really great way to ring in 2018! Afterwards, Jimmy and I went home and read (I’m still reading and loving this book) on the couch until about 11:00, then went to bed.

Since Jimmy and I both had the day off on New Year’s Day, we were able to sleep in a little and have a slow morning. We took Mavis to Starbucks (puppuccino for her, blonde roast for me, and tuxedo mocha for Jimmy!) and Lowe’s.

Dog in Lowe's

Jimmy wanted to grab some recessed lighting supplies for our basement and I wanted to practice therapy work with Mavis! I walked her around Lowes and lots of people pet her, which was a great opportunity to work on her social skills.

I’m continually impressed by how well she does with kids. A toddler grabbed her ears really hard and she simply cried (I thought she would growl, lol) and backed away. Go May May!

In the evening, we headed to Mavis’ fourth adult level 1 training class, which was a fun way to kick off the New Year. We spent an hour working on loose leash walking, the “leave it” command, and meeting other people and dogs politely.

On Tuesday, it was back to “normal life” post-holidays. It’s feeling good to get into somewhat of a routine again!

How did you start 2018?

Currently: January 2018

Current book Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. I read this book in high school and it has remained a favorite to this day. So excited to be rereading it!

Current drink Starbucks blonde roast. I love taking Lola and Mavis with me when I go through the drive-through so they can enjoy a puppuccino.

Starbucks holiday cups 2017

Current beauty product EOS Strawberry Sorbet Organic Lip Balm. I’ve always wanted to try EOS and now I’m hooked!

Current excitement Snow! If it’s winter, it might as well snow, right? We got a few inches on Friday night, so Jimmy and I took the girls out in the snow on Saturday afternoon and they had a blast running through it!

Current obsession Dogs in jackets. So stinkin’ cute! They have been much needed, though, as the temperature here in Pittsburgh has dipped down to zero. Brrr.

Cocker spaniel and chocolate lab in winter coats

Current need Either snow boots or salve for the dogs’ paws. Lola and Mavis have been limping if they get salt in their paws or if they get too cold. Poor gals.

Current blessing Thinking back on how amazing last year was.

Current craving Adopting another pet! Just kidding (but not really…). I think Jimmy might smack me if he reads this. I just love having fur babies 🙂

Black cat laying on gray rug

Current procrastination As always, finishing writing my book. So many things seem more pressing than writing, but I know I just need to make the time.

Current goal I really want to paint our office. This has been a goal of mine since last January. I think Jimmy and I are finally going to start working on it this month, though!

Current indulgence Lighting a candle each evening and cuddling on the couch with a good book!

Bath and Body Works Cinnamon Caramel Swirl three wick candle

Current food Cracker Barrel! My mom and dad took us there recently and it was great, as always. Does anyone else love Cracker Barrel? I’m a big fan of their rainbow trout and cornbread. And country store. I could spend hours looking at everything!

Current prayer Praying that God would be front and center in my life this year and always ❤

Current mood Happy. Jimmy has the day off work!

Excited to spend time with this guy today!

Current confession It was too cold to walk the dogs yesterday, so I made a little obstacle course for them to get their energy out. I’m not sure who had more fun with it, me or the dogs?!

Current question What are you up to today?