I feel like a lot happened in January. We spent 1/3 of the month exploring the north of Argentina, followed by “hard” adjustment back to school and work. I encountered a flip moment with strength training and fueling strategy, setting the tone/plan for the year to come. signed up for NYC marathon, enrolled Sofia to an advanced course summer program, and had an aha moment on financial planning. Quite a lot for a short period of time and really good start for 2026.
I also did 90% of what I set to do in term of habits, tasks, goals, which is quite encouraging. For instance, I meditated every morning, did free journaling for 10-20 min, and did 10 min post-run stretching. I also got used to take supplements and finally trust they will work.
READING.
Show, Don’t tell. I liked it more than I expected this collection of short stories. They are diverse in theme and engaging, with a subtle point to chew for a while.
Perfection. Short story about youth expectation of life, going through changes, getting disappointed, peer groups, setting up in a new city, etc. Not my usual type of story but somehow the writing made it a enjoyable read.
Bestiario, Julio Cortazar. I bought the book in buenos aires wanting to read a classic book by argentinian author. I am ashamed/proud to say that I didn’t understand it at all, but I finished it.
Inhale, exhale. PURE bliss and loved it!
The correspondent (audio). I enjoyed the audio version, the cinematic performance, the ways writing letters differ from other form of communication. I used to correspond letter with my husband when we were teenagers, and with other classmates from China too when I left China in 1994. I know many loved it, I enjoyed it but not necessarily loved.
WATCHING
F1 the movie. Absolutely loved it. I am adding watching F1 in Sao Paulo to my goal list.
Sprint session 2. We watched it over the weekend and gosh… despite knowing the outcome of the Olympic, i was still so nervous watching they compete. The sport adrenaline is amazing.
People we met on vacation. Watched it with husband alone during a rainy day in Iguazu. Enjoyed it.
LISTENING
Mostly music for runs. Both Sofia and Lizzy creates their own playlist and it’s fun to listen to those from time to time to know what they are up to.
Started listening to podcast in portuguese, this one where my sport doctor gave interview and I enjoyed it a lot learning about his background, his views on sports, athlete care, and how to tune out noises.
Audiobook mostly during evening walks.
Ask Lisa for parenting advice. I enjoy most of their episodes as they provide a non-prescriptive framework to think through issues.
EATING
I made the best pizza last weekend! I followed the recipe and almost throw the dough away because of how wet it was. But the end result worked soooo well that everyone loved it, including Lizzy’s friend who came for a sleepover. the next day i made it again and it was perfect too. I also made sweet and sour chicken, not pretty but the taste was great, according to the tasters.
plenty of veggies for every meal in this household
FEELING.
Amused by Bubble often.
Hopeful for the year to come.
Excited for our summer plan.
Lost with the world events.
Surprised by how much serious topic I can talk with Sofia. She is preparing for the next MUN and she’s representing Canada. I reviewed her position paper and was surprised how good it is, strong evidence based arguments, well researched and well articulated.
Sad for the lost of a family acquaintance in China.
Unsure about professional path given internal turmoil still happening.
Q: How did you start the year? Anything surprising?
Our New Journey 