Time for another What's New With You link up with Gretch & I! It's actually our one year anniversary of doing this link up, isn't that nifty? Time flies when you're having fun, right? Thanks to everyone who has linked up with us, I have loved reading your posts each month.
So lets get to it shall we? No real rules, all we ask is that you link back to us somewhere in your post - easy peasy. I'll be doing another monthly recap, though there isn't much to recap this month.
So lets get to it shall we? No real rules, all we ask is that you link back to us somewhere in your post - easy peasy. I'll be doing another monthly recap, though there isn't much to recap this month.

I had high hopes for January.
I never expect to wake up January 1st and have my life completely change. I know it's not the flick of the switch and I have to do the work if I want something to change. But, I still had big dreams in my head of this will be my year. I am gonna eat healthy, exercise, lose weight, save money, pay off debt, be happy and do all the things.
2017 started off great. My blahs from December were gone - a fresh clean slate does wonders for my soul. Unfortunately, in the first week of January I got horrible news. I've mentioned it previously, but something happened to someone back home and it's been quite hard.
Thankfully, things are improving every day. There's still a long road ahead and we have no idea of the long term repercussions yet, but I am feeling more optimistic and confident.
All that being said, I did things in January. I read some books, ran with my friend, did my first spin class in 4 years. KC hurt his back and we had to go to the ER (he's okay) and we celebrated birthdays. I didn't take any photos for a few weeks though. Just wasn't feeling it, so I don't have much to share.
A girl at work got me a gift - a kitty notebook & bookmark.
and Chelsea was a weirdo.
I mentioned this fish back in August but I couldn't remember what it was called, only that it was in a box in the freezer section... and then Costco didn't have it for MONTHS LIKE HOW RUDE IS THAT but they finally brought it back and here it is, it's delicious.
So, what's new with you?
All that being said, I did things in January. I read some books, ran with my friend, did my first spin class in 4 years. KC hurt his back and we had to go to the ER (he's okay) and we celebrated birthdays. I didn't take any photos for a few weeks though. Just wasn't feeling it, so I don't have much to share.
A girl at work got me a gift - a kitty notebook & bookmark.
and Chelsea was a weirdo.
I mentioned this fish back in August but I couldn't remember what it was called, only that it was in a box in the freezer section... and then Costco didn't have it for MONTHS LIKE HOW RUDE IS THAT but they finally brought it back and here it is, it's delicious.
So yep, that's what's new with me. Not much! I'm hoping with things improving as well as they are at home and February being birthday month, normal will find its way back to me soon.
If you'd like to link up with us, please do so below:
If you'd like to link up with us, please do so below:
So, what's new with you?
We've talked a lot. I really don't need to leave a comment to tell you that I'm still thinking of you & yours everyday...and I fully expect if I can do ANYTHING here, then you'll let me know. xx
ReplyDeleteIt's always hard when things happen back home and you can't be there. I'm lucky that I don't live as far from my home. I'm glad to hear things are improving though, and I hope February is an amazing month to make up for all the worry of January.
ReplyDeleteHow is this link up already a whole year old? That's insane!!
I somehow completely failed at spending less this past month. I have no clue how, but we FAILED at that. #shrug
ReplyDeleteWell happy anniversary to the link up! And let's hope February will just turn this year around! Only good things allowed from here on out!
ReplyDeleteGood tilapia is hard to come by. I understand your pain because I used to get this delicious stuff from the commissary, but that is no longer an option.. Meh. I'll have to try this if I see it.
ReplyDeleteSpin class is like getting punched in the crotch. I did not like it.
February is a great month! It's BIRTHDAY MONTH!!!!
I'm sorry about what's going on at home, and hope things look up soon! I will be thinking of you!! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI need to try that tilapia! I know fish is good for you but I feel like it never tastes good when I make it-- so this might be the solution!
Your kitty notebook is awesome! I'm sorry January was NOT awesome for you. You've done a great job of just hanging in there and staying strong in accepting the crappy hand life has handed you. Sometimes we just have to get through it and there's no upside. Hoping February and your birthday will be MUCH BETTER.
ReplyDeleteThe book hangover definition is perfect. I hope birthday month will be far better than January! Glad to hear that things are at least looking better.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to a spin class in so long, I remember being totally exhausted afterwards but also feeling really accomplished! Hope February brings you lots of good things.
ReplyDeleteSorry for what's going on - can't imagine how hard it is being so far from home. Thinking of you and hope this is a great month for you!
ReplyDeleteI've kept you in my thoughts about your home situation! Continually sending love and peace and good thoughts.
ReplyDeleteHere's to a fabulous birthday month!
Mmm, that fish looks delicious.
ReplyDeleteBirthday months should always be wonderful - so I'm hoping things continue to rally for an awesome month & things at home keep improving. It sucks to have a whole month of suck, but maybe you just got all of yours for 2017 out of the way...
January is just feeling like 2016's 3rd cousin... the genes are still there.
ReplyDeleteHoping your February perks up (mine too!!!)
Loving that bookmark BTW
I can't believe this linkup has already been going for a year! It's always one of my favorites, so I'm so glad you guys started it. Ahh so sorry to hear about KC hurting his back, but glad he is okay! That cat notebook and bookmark are so cute and so you! I hate when you find something you love at the store and then they stop carrying it, so glad you found the fish again!
ReplyDeleteI know that January hasn't been the best month for you and I am hoping that you get some awesome news from home that will turn everything around!!! That is a super sweet present from your coworker! Here's to a great February and Birthday Month!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday linkup! Happy birthday to you for next month! I do hope things continue in a positive direction.
ReplyDeleteI cooked tilapia once but absolutely butchered it and it was gross, which put me off trying again. Maybe I need to give it a second chance. To be honest you could put a lot of things in a parmesan crisp and I'd love it, so maybe that's where I'm going wrong!
Ohh that tilapia sounds so good - I need to find that! Do they sell it in regular stores (aka not Costco because I'm too cheap to have a membership lol)? Also, your cats are so cute!!
ReplyDeleteI hope everything is OK and that you all are doing well. They have a Costco opening up soon nearby and I am so excited! I've never been in one as the closest one to me is over 2 Hour Drive away but I am super excited to get in there and see what they have. I will be checking out that fish for sure!
ReplyDeleteKeep the faith and hang in there! Cute notebook, btw! Happy Anniversary for this linkup, too!
ReplyDeleteHoping for a better February for you! On the bright side, that is a really cute kitty notebook, and a really cute real kitty. :-)
ReplyDeleteI know 2017 started supremely sucky for you but hopefully the worst is behind you and things get better for you and your loved ones back home. Sending you love and positive energy! That kitty notebook is freaking fabulous because hell ya cats are royalty!
ReplyDeleteTilapia? Seriously? Girl, you're adorable! I was expecting something like Argentinian whatever and it's tilapia. I eat that stuff weekly. Soo good right?! I hope all mends and heals quickly back home. And I love this link up. Forgot to post this month but it's definitely one of my faves.
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary to this link up! Thanks again for hosting it :) I hope February is a better month for you! I generally approach January with a bunch of goals to be better, healthier, etc, but this year I couldn't so it seems weird. Oh well! No reason I can't start that in March ;) That tilapia looks delicious - I will have to see if Canadian costco carries it (ha, doubtful!).
ReplyDeleteLike Brie, I'm going to check if we can get that tilapia here in Canada! Sorry January was a bummer month in so many ways but here's to good news and fun in February! Wow, I didn't realize it was the one year anniversary of the link up.... Yay! I look forward to this one every month.
ReplyDeleteStill thinking about you with everything that you have going on, but I'm glad that things are starting to get better! I love that bookmark that your friend got you! It describes me so perfectly sometimes!
ReplyDeleteI hope your February is so much better than your January, friend.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear things have been tough!!! Hopefully February is the month where it continues to improve and get lots better. And happy link up anniversary - so glad I have found this one!
ReplyDeleteWow, it's been a year already? How time flies!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're able to look at the situation back home with confidence and optimism now. Keeping everyone in my good thoughts! Here's hoping February brings more of life back to normal :)
Love that bookmark! How true is it, right?!
ReplyDeleteThat bookmark is too true! lol
ReplyDeleteAnd OMG Chelsea is SO cutteeeee :)
Oh friend, you deserve a much better February after all you've been through, especially with it being birthday month! Woohoo! Love that bookmark. Chelsea is just so adorable. I can't remember if I've asked you this lately-have you started house hunting, or are you waiting for a bit?
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about what's happenig back home - its so hard to be far away in those situations. Hope February is a better month!
ReplyDeleteI truly hope your February is better than January. Love and best wishes to you and loved ones back home.
ReplyDeleteThat notebook is adorable.
I'm so sorry about your news about a loved one. that is never easy and my thoughts are with you. xoxoxo hugs. Chelsea is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe notebook and bookmark are awesome!
ReplyDeleteThat notebook and bookmark are SO perfect for you!
ReplyDeleteI am hoping February is craaaaaaaaaaaaaazy good to make up for January! <3
The bookmark is adorable and the notebook so you! Sorry that some bad news happened to dampen the start of 2017 but I do hope that person is on the up and up! Hopefully February will have brighter things in store for you xo
ReplyDeleteI need that tilapia!! Adding to my Costco trip for this weekend!
ReplyDeleteHello Kristen! I just discovered your blog via Rachel @ Nesting Nomad, and am so glad I did! Thanks for hosting such an interesting link-up, it's a nice break from usual travel link-ups. Your cat is absolutely adorable!
ReplyDeleteAs for tilapia, I really like it, it's light and very healthy. I usually steam eat, and put it in a tomato & basil cream sauce over spaghetti. Usually turns out really good. Let me know if you are interested and I'll gladly share the recipe.
Looking forward to reading more of your posts in the future. xoxo, Nano | www. travelwithnanob.com
Sometimes, I just like to write January off as a chance to regroup from the last year and then begin the year in February. Well, at least that's what I'm saying to justify all the hibernating I have done for the last two months.
ReplyDeleteHere's to hoping that February is a better month! I'm glad to hear KC is okay! We couldn't find the tilapia on our last trip to Costco either, ugh!
ReplyDeleteooh I need to check out that fish and of course, love the notebook! sorry to hear about your sad news.
ReplyDeleteI hope everything at home works out ok!
ReplyDeleteOh man. I'm sure you were feeling terribly helpless and sad. I'm glad things have started turning around a bit. I hope February is filled with good news and health and adventure and relaxation for you guys!!
ReplyDeleteGlad that things are getting better day by day. That notebook and bookmark are so YOU.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear that things have been a bit rough. I'm even more sorry that I've been so MIA from blogland that I didn't even know. I like hearing how your month went (even if it wasn't all rainbows and butterflies). Making a note on my cal to participate in this link up next time! <3
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear that you had bad news at the beginning of January. I hope it turns out ok.
ReplyDeleteSo far 2017 has completely sucked... but I'm trying to stay positive that the rest of the year will not be as grim.
So sorry to hear that things aren't great back home, keeping you and your family in my thoughts! I need to try that fish. I've never cooked fish on my own, but I think I could get down with some Gordon's. And that book hangover is so true- I usually need a day or two between picking up a new book. Yay for birthday month!
ReplyDeleteSame, girl! We made it through January though! :) YAY! That fish sounds great, we do a Parmesan Red Pepper recipe that's super easy and I love. Sounds similar... though it's less battered looking than the frozen picture? I dunno! Random... but our cats LOVE that toy by your feet. LOVE IT! :) XO - Alexandra
ReplyDeleteSimply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
Here's hoping february is way better! I love that book hangover bookmark!
ReplyDeleteI fee like everyone was in a really bad funk in January - myself included! In fact, here it is half way through Feb and I'm just getting out of it. I wanted to quit blogging. I wanted to quit social media. I wasn't excited for anything. But I feel like the air is starting to clear out or something and things are getting back to good! I hope your friend is ok and that you're turning the corner to get out of that funk soon too :)
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you've been going through a rough bit, but I'm hoping your Feb is much better. And now I've got to find this fish and try it out. And yes it's only 7am!!
ReplyDeleteI always love your cat photos - they are sooo photogenic!
ReplyDeleteYou know I've never tried tilapia, I think that needs to change! Sending magical fairy dust love your way for a better month <3
ReplyDeleteGreen Fashionista