It’s only January 15th, and I’m putting up the white flag!
How is it already Thursday?!? (Or for that matter, how is it already January? Or 2026?!?) Literally, Paige had to remind me that today was Thursday and that I have a column due! Not only would you think I’d know that after so many years, but also that I might have something ready to go – or at least an inkling of an idea?? No such luck! I hadn’t even thought of it yet, and I hadn’t even gotten a chance to go through my messages and find a good query from any of you. I can’t even claim it’s because the holidays were so stressful – I mean, after all, I just got back from a lovely ski trip and returned seemingly without a care in the world. Or so you’d think by my laissez-faire attitude about jumping back into the swing of things.
So instead of scrambling, or coming up with something half-baked, or pretending that I’m actually on the ball when I’m not – I’m going to fall on my sword and admit the truth. We’re only two weeks into the New Year, and already I’m feeling swamped, overwhelmed, and struggling to get it together, girl! Anyone else relate to this??
January is always tough. It’s difficult to come back from the spirit of the holidays and the joy and promise it brings, and feel like you want to head back into the grind of schedules, appointments, and commitments – without any fun! It’s why they call it the doldrums of winter. OK, it’s not “they” – it’s me – I call it that. (And this year, I can’t even claim it’s because the weather has been so bad.) Maybe it’s the lack of sunlight. Or maybe it’s that I secretly just want an eternal party. But whatever it is, I’m definitely stuck in the middle of it this year.
That’s probably why I look forward to something so silly as Catholic Schools Week at the end of the month. (Although, I must admit, I don’t have to get costumes or other theme items ready for children like you parents do – that might send me over the edge if that were the case!) Or probably why our SMOS Trivia Night is almost sold out (it almost is, actually – if you’re hoping to go, you’d better get on it soon before the tables are gone) – a lot of adults looking for anything fun to do on a Saturday night in winter. (All for a good cause, of course… it’s for the kids, right?!?) I even look forward to Lent – ok, maybe it’s Mardi Gras really. I know, I know – I’m a saint, and I’m supposed to love Lent anyway, right – but it’s something to do that’s not mundane. And at the end of those 40 days… woohoo, Spring! Or at least the hope of it. And then, Summer. Ah, Summer!
Maybe that’s what I need to do. Just pretend it’s another month that begins with “J”, and trick myself into thinking that it’s Summer break, and another vacation is just around the corner. Just the thought of it has me in a better place. So, that’s going to be my mantra for 2026 (I’ve already given up on my New Year’s resolutions!) – brutal honesty, no faking it, and focus on the future. You’ll find me at Shrewsbury Pool with a mai-tai in one hand and an inflatable raft in the other. At least until a cold winter wind snaps me out of my daydream. Brrrr. Back to my messages… next Thursday is just around the corner.
— Maggie 🥶
