Tanya Patrice here! We’re going “Off the Books” for month end to share a look at what I’ve been up to (besides reading).
January was a shit show in the US, but I’ve been feeling that way for a few months now. So please don’t take this post as everything is rosy, but what I’m going to share here is some of the good stuff I did experience during the month.
6 Joys This January
1. Polar Plunge on New Years Day. Started the year off going to the beach near our house and going for a dip in the Ocean. A group was supposed to be there, but my husband and I didn’t see anyone so we just did our own thing. It was COLD but such an amazing way to kick the year off. I will definitely be doing the bigger one in Jacksonville next year.
2. Trip to Aruba! I love that I did an Off the Books January 2025 post, so I can see the similarities between how I started the year off then compared to now. Last year we went to Jamaica, this year – Aruba! And we celebrated my husband’s birthday. Beautiful place and where we stayed there was a running / walking / scooter strip – gotta get my outside runs in on my travels. I haven’t done that in many countries, but I’m starting to count – Barbados, Puerto Rico and now Aruba.
3. Running races x2. I did a 10 Mile race on the beach at home in Florida and this tested me in the best way. I was more prepared than when I ran it 2 years ago, but that last mile – I was done! I also 5K Race (supporting Breast Cancer awareness) on the 31st.
4. Friend time. From Bookmarked 2026 Week 5: Operating Principles and Anticipated Books, I shared that I wanted to go to more events with friends, and we kicked it off in January by going to the Legends of Laughter Comedy show. Hilarious of course!!
5. A Favorite product discovery. Harney & Sons Dragon Pearl Jasmine Tea. A light delicate flavor and perfect with just a teaspoon of honey. This has been my winter go to lately.
6. Shows!
- I re-watched Bridgerton (TV series). And I’m waiting for all the episodes to be out before I watch Season 4. ★★★★★
- Knives Out. A really good whodunnit movie. Daniel Craig is excellent as private detective Benoit Blanc. ★★★★★
- Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. This follow-up I also loved although it’s a bit more … out there. ★★★★
- Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. Also really good. ★★★★
Checking in on my Operating Principles for 2026, which I mentioned in Bookmarked Week 4 – I’m keeping up with my hobbies – running and I started cycling again (indoors on Zwift for now – but I have signed up for a duathlon in April), and I went out with friends to the comedy show I mentioned above. Next month will be heavy on the community involvement, which I spent some time looking into already.
— On to the next. How was your month?
