judy ann marie
- Jan 15, 2023
- 4 min read

a time for resolutions

Resolutions by definition is a firm decision to do or not to do something. It's also the quality of being determined or resolute. I'm not one for resolutions, I legit just googled that. Is it me or does it always seems like no one ever keeps them? Actually, I don't think I've ever known anyone to have kept them. For those that have or do... I have so many questions, one more than anything: How did you do it?! It always seems like it's the same old cliché e.g., have a better diet, or exercise more... we all see those gym commercials ;) I think this year more than ever is the best time for a resolution for me.

Personally I've had a rough couple of years, I didn't even write a single post last year. I started this blog years ago as an outlet- to write about whatever, especially about exploring this city after we've moved here. Every year since, I've focused more on my career, getting even more busy and have put this blog off- among other things. As much as I love my job, I've decided to take a step back on some EXTRA work duties. I've always been an overachiever so being in so many different organizations was home to me. This year I've made a resolution to have a better work life balance, which has NOT been balanced at all since Covid hit. Two weeks in... not doing so hot already.

Work balance. I started as fully "Remote" and wrote this post but clearly, I didn't follow it myself. Two months later, we bought our new home and I couldn't order any new office ANYTHING due to the entire world's shut down. I had no permanent place to work just yet, so I moved all over the house. A year after that I was "Hybrid" where I had specified days to go in to the office. Today I'm considered as "Field", which means I have no set days to be in office, at home, or out on sites, let alone set hours to get work done. My workload never seemed to cease since I've been home, there were times I would forget to eat, and/or take a bathroom break. It took (still taking) a toll on me physically, and mentally. My neck and lower back have been in pain due to multiple pinched nerves. I just become constantly drained with my head going all over the place all day and never have the energy to do anything else. This year I'm setting my own office days, home days, and site visits. Without all the "extracurricular" activities I shouldn't** have too much on my plate this year and focus more on my initial role. Easier said than done. For the most part I know I put this all on myself because I do have a hard time saying no. At this point, I have no other choice and I know it's just going to get worse if I don't.

As for my life balance, I've started some new habits to hopefully help me in this area. Habits for myself, my family, and my home to make my everyday better- starting with this post. The winter blues have officially hit me, this weather sucks. I'm going to start sharing (as much as I can) on here, some of our favorite foods, places we ride to, adventures when we travel, and even home projects that we may have coming up. I may also even share some past projects, or trips that I never had time to post. I'm going to stick to an 8 hour work day. We started and going to continue to eat ALL of our meals at the dining room table. I am going to read more books, currently on my 4th already this month! I really need to make up a little bit of life I lost during my rough 2022 and making this year one of the best.

Below are some snapshots of what my work spaces look like. I have more/other plans so (to me), our office looks like a mess right now because I'm not quiet finished with it. It has room for my work and Adam's freelance. Huge thanks to my amazing husband for building me the shelf and L shaped desk that I wanted instead of ordering during Covid. Work office... yes I liked gold in 2018 lol. Unfortunately I have folders everywhere for now until I get them all scanned electronically.

Tip to have at your work office: keep a mug/tumbler at your desk. I use my witch mug for coffees and teas and a tumbler for water- a reminder to hydrate. Some sort of earbuds for music - luckily work gave us a new Bluetooth set for our work calls, which I also use for music. I keep a blanket just in case it gets cold, and a sweater and a rain jacket in my locker too.