a day in the life of a latvian mom

As the year’s first month comes to a close, I’m reflecting on everything that has happened—both the highs and the lows. I hope to do this every month, but we will see, I’m not good at this!

Highlights of the Month:

• The biggest milestone: I reduced my work schedule from 5 days to 4 days a week—128 hours a month! This has been on my mind since August 2023, and I finally made it happen. It feels like such a relief to prioritize my well-being.
• Progress on the house! The living room is now fully plastered, sanded, primed, and crown molding installed. Every step brings us closer to making this house feel like a home.
• A not-so-fun highlight: I had to visit the dentist. Normally, my teeth don’t give me trouble, but this time has been rough. Fingers crossed for smoother visits ahead!
• I had a lovely evening celebrating my name day (and also Jānis’s mom’s name day – yes, her name is also Ilze) with his parents. That was special for me because I usually leave such gatherings feeling drained and sad. This time, I felt a bit connected and happy.
• I sowed seeds using the winter sowing method for the first time! It’s exciting to experiment with new gardening techniques.

Challenges:

• Struggling with my sleep cycle has been tough this month. I’ve felt tired and drowsy almost constantly, which makes it hard to stay energized and present. It’s something I know I need to work on.
• The living room renovation feels like it’s dragging on forever. I’m caught between excitement and frustration—living in the dream of how it will look when it’s done, but also realizing this endless daydreaming might not end well for my patience or mood.
• I changed my mind about the wallpaper for the living room. The bad news? I’ve already spent a lot of money on the original choice, and I can’t return it. It’s frustrating, but I’ll figure out how to make the new plan work.

Looking Ahead to February:

• February is my birthday month—something I’m definitely looking forward to!
• I’m excited to start a few seedlings indoors, including leek and paprika. These plants need a long growing season, so it feels good to get an early start.
• The living room transformation is nearing the finish line, and I can’t wait to see how it all comes together.
• On the less fun side, I have four dentist appointments lined up this month. It’s overwhelming, but I’m staying focused on getting through it.

Thank you, January, for all that you brought. I’m ready to step into February with an open heart and mind!

Ilze