7 of 52 of 2026

This was another super busy week for me at work.  I got my Year End review and was rated Excellent.  I marked myself successfull because I didnt actually lead any bodies of work. Instead I used it as a learning year and leaned in to learn Shared Services and did some Optimization and Realization work as a stretch goal.  Leaning in and assisting others led to my Excellent rating.  Looking ahead for this year im hoping to get promoted to VI and look for a new department.  We will see how things shake out. 

Saturday was my dads 92nd birthday. Its wild that hes been gone for 7 years already. I miss him and mom so much.  I really hope theyre liking what we're doing to the house.  Spent a lot of the weekend cleaning out my room and on today we painted it and laid flooring. Next weekend I'll empty my room of furniture then paint and lay flooring down in it too. Once its done Rachelles kids will move in. Then we will work on Ralph's room and moms room then the rest of the house. At least there will be people staying there so its not empty anymore. 

6 of 52 of 2026

Super busy week.  I started the week traveling to Portland for the 1st time since well before Covid.  The airport changed with a lot more improvements. The weather was cold with no rain, thankfully.  I went with a coworker to learn a new skillset for my job.  It was time worth spent and now Im more valuable at work.  The kids weren't thrilled about me traveling but they made it thru. 

We cleaned out the middle room at moms house.  Filled all the holes.    Next week I will paint and put in flooring.  Che's son will move in at the end of the month.

We took the kids to Kobey's swapmeet today. We spent about 2 hours there.  The kids scored some knick nacks.  We had lunch at Mr. Moto's.  Then came home and took Sophie a much needed bath.  

5 of 52 of 2026

It was a whirlwind week.  Work has been crazy busy.  My normal work is really starting to pick up.  The new skill set I'm learning also picked up and role in supporting a teammate also picked up.  I worked 5 full days this week.  I haven't worked this hard in a while.  

Dan turned 55 on Monday.  He's eligible for all the 55+ discounts now.  Time to take advantage.  We cooked him pork chops and made him vanilla spice cupcakes.  He blew out 2 trick candles and got to open some presents. 

Tyler worked his tail off this week studying for a Biology test on Monday.  Hopefully he does well.  We quizzed him numerous times on Sunday. He knows the bulk of it save for 2 things. 

Hannah and her friends went to the grand opening for the new Miniso shop in town.  She even got photographed by the town events organization. She may be on the town magazine when it publishes. 

I will be traveling next week for work. I haven't traveled since 2020 so I am very anxious about flying and being in a different state considering the political climate we're in.  

4 of 52 of 2026

It was a busy week for everyone.  The kids had a full week of school. Tyler had his normal week. Hannah went to a freshman counseling session on Wednesday and feels comfortable with the classes she picked.  On Friday, Hannah and I ran the Westin Trail. 

We started Saturday doing our normal errands in the morning.  Then for lunch we took Dan to Cass Streey Bar and Grill for his 55th birthday.   We ate teriyaki steak sandwiches then we got dessert at Handels.  Sunday we watched the Broncos lose so they won't advance into the super bowl.  

3 of 52 of 2026

I felt like this was a really long week. Luckily its a 3 day weekend since Monday is MLK day. 

We took Hannah to freshman showcase on Wednesay.  She got to hear about some of the programs the school offers and she was able to see some of the classes and ask questions.  Tyler volunteered for the manufacturing and design showcase.  

Today Dan and I went to moms.  I washed all the dirty laundry and folded it and placed it on her bed.  I also boxed up the air mattress things that helps to prevent bed sores.  I also boxed her CPAP machine.  The next time Im there I will box up more of her room and start taking pictures of the supplies so we can start donating the medical equipment.  

At another point we will need to go thru each of the storages behind the house so we can break them all down.   

2 of 52 of 2026

This week was pretty uneventful.  It was back to school for the kids and back to work for me and Dan.  It was a busy back to work for me.  I have 3 projects on my plate at the moment.  Good news is that I dont need to go into the office this coming week but will need to travel to Portland at the end of the month or 1st week of February.  

I finally opened my tool chests that Dan bought me for Christmas and Im loving them.  I need to consolidate my tools into them and figure out what shelves we can remove in the garage in hopes we can park 2 cars in the garage soon. 

1 of 52 of 2026

Its 2026, the year of the horse.  2025 was the year of the snake where you're supposed to shed the bad stuff in your life.  2026 is the year you're supposed to leap into what you want your life to be.  

I had high hopes that this was going to be a good year.  With all my parents stuff behind me, I have my life to look forward to living.  

But God was I so wrong.  We spent New Years Eve at one of Dan's favorite spots, OB Noodle House Bar 1502.   Here he shared his favorite chicken wings, pho, fried rice and crispy noodles.  We spent the evening watching the last episode of Stranger Things.  I even stayed up the whole night excited for the New Year.  Hannah even laid next to me before she turned in for bed. 

Tyler and I watched a movie together to bring in the New Year bonding. Then the negative energy entered and hasn't left, it's now the 4th day.  Hannah woke up all dressed to go to the mall only to be told we might not go cause of how bad it was raining. She threw attitude about it and there went all the good vibes. After the movie we decided to go to the mall anyway to have lunch and return a Lego set. Here begun her tears and silent treatment towards me. 

Day 2 of silent treatment Dan made us talk it out to which I explained how I struggled being away from the family for 5 years and now I'm back and I'm struggling to fit in. It just breaks my heart.   I thought contemplating suicide while caring for mom would go away but yet here I am again contemplating it because I dont fit in anymore with my family.  Im exhausted from trying. So this year no more trying. I will be living lonely in my own house until I get fed up of it. Then we'll see what happens next... so much for being excited for a ln awesome year ahead.  Maybe leaving them will be the best thing so they can be find their happiness again.