I struggle with slowing down - but am just wrapping up a really nice week and a half off. I did spend several days of that backpacking, which maybe is not so much relaxing or slow haha. But it was a good mental reset! Especially since I adopted a new kitten right after getting home. Which has made lazing around at home a lot more appealing 😌.
My two older cats are doing well but, well, they are getting older. They're lovely and sweet but not as playful these days - so got the new guy as a playmate for my younger boy Benji. The new kitten is named Copper. The other cats are still adjusting to having him in the house, but no one's too upset and he and Benji are already building a nice friendship. I'm excited to see how he keeps settling in! Have plans to build a catio soon, now that I actually have the space and ability to do so.
Things otherwise are also going well. While I'm enjoying the time off, new job I started in September is still going well.
Health stuff is still a work in progress but has been stable and consistent enough I've been able to start working with a running coach again which I'm stoked about it. It's been really fun and challenging in good ways to have someone else help push me and observe the bigger picture/structure in my training. I'm registered for another marathon coming up at the end of January, and am a signed up for a couple ultras later in the year. I'm looking forward to all of it, and just hoping I can stay on top of the medical routine and keep the health stuff improving the way it has been.
I've already been volunteering with a local wilderness reserve for several years, but also have been getting more involved in some local advocay/politics around public lands. Which is not really a direction I saw myself going at the beginning of the year but has been really fulfilling and has opened some interesting opportunities for me.
All in all - in so many ways this has been an absolute shit show of a year. A lot of loss and struggle. But a lot of good things too, and I feel like I have a really solid foundation going into next year. I'm actively excited for 2025, and life in general right now - despite how heavy the world is becoming in other ways. I hope the joy hangs around and that I'm able to find good ways to share it.
Just feeling a whole lot of gratitude right now.
