January 2nd: The Universe Sends Bills… and I Send Eye Rolls
When the Calendar Turns, So Do the Bills
January 2nd always arrives with the same energy as a cat knocking things off a counter: unbothered, unapologetic, and perfectly timed to remind me that the holidays are officially over.
The first envelopes of the year have already marched in — life insurance, car insurance, and the annual renewal for Around Dusty Roads. Nothing like a stack of bills to say, “Welcome to 2026, hope you enjoyed that week of cookies and denial.”
Dreams, Dial‑Up, and Digital Hustles
I had hoped Welcoming Haven would be covering at least one or two of these by now. Not a fortune — just enough to make me feel like the wheels were turning. But apparently the universe is still buffering. Maybe it’s on dial‑up.
And because I love a challenge, I’m also hustling to get my printable shop on Etsy up and running.
Another adventure, another learning curve, another chance to mutter “other people make this look so easy” while I drink my coffee and stare at my screen.
The Job Hunt: Now Featuring Dragons
People say, “Just get a job.”
Sure. And while I’m at it, I’ll adopt a dragon and learn to juggle flaming torches.
At my age, employers get nervous, and no one believes me when I say I’m not trying to run the place. I’m the former manager who wants the quiet corner job with no drama, no meetings, and no responsibility for anyone else’s meltdown. Is that so wrong?
Resumes, Missing Socks, and Writing Dreams
I’ve sent out more resumes than I care to admit. Most of them vanish into the digital void — probably hanging out with all my missing socks. I see ads for blog writers and think, “Well, I do write… but would I like writing for someone else?” Hard to say. I loved writing the Redfin newsletter, and now I have two blogs of my own, so clearly the writing bug is alive and well.
I once considered being a travel writer back when I was jetting around. But the Boston Globe wanted international stories, and newspapers were already starting to fade. Timing and I have always had a complicated relationship.
Jobs My Knees Would Like to Speak About
As for local jobs, Hannaford is hiring, but every position requires standing for long stretches. My knees have filed an official complaint about that. If I stand at the stove too long, they lock up like a rusty hinge — so even short shifts are out.
Still Moving Forward (With Coffee)
Which leaves me here: looking for remote work, building online projects, and hoping one of these seeds decides to sprout soon. I’m not panicking — just navigating. With coffee. And maybe a cookie.
So here’s to 2026: the year of trying, learning, adjusting, and laughing at the absurdity of it all. And if anyone has suggestions, encouragement, or a spare magic wand, I’m listening.
Excuse me now — I need to go buy my lottery ticket.
