Hi friends, it’s great to be back linking up with Shay for What’s Up Wednesday. The last time I joined was back in September last year. Then everything got on top of me with work, and I had to put a pause on blogging.
After a lovely summer break, I’m excited to be back and hoping for a much better year at work. We’ve had two staff development days, and tomorrow we meet the new children starting preschool. Not going to lie, I’m a bit traumatised after last year, but it’s going to be okay, isn’t it?
Anyway, I’ll stop the nervous babbling and let’s get onto sharing a little about January. Thanks so much for stopping by.
January What’s Up Wednesday
WHAT WE’RE EATING
One of the best things about staff development days is getting to enjoy a catered lunch as a team. This time, we had salads, mini chicken schnitzel burgers, and fruit. My insides are already thanking me for all of these fresh, healthy choices.
Last night, my husband cooked Veal Chasseur with mashed potatoes and green beans.
Tonight he made a chicken stir fry with vermicelli noodles.
Tomorrow night we’re going out for dinner, and after that I have no idea what we’re eating on Friday or over the weekend. I think I’m taking a break from meal planning this year. With Steve cooking three nights a week, we just chat about those nights, and the rest of the time, I’m winging it.
WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT
I’ve been missing the days when my kids were little, and we all lived under one roof. Wow, those days flew by so fast! There’s an eleven-year age gap between my boys, and when they were younger, I often wondered if we had rocks in our heads for waiting so long before having another baby.
It wasn’t always easy having a teen and a toddler at the same time, and they weren’t always the best of friends back then. Thankfully, that all changed. Even though my eldest has moved out, they love each other, are in regular contact, and my youngest looks up to his older brother for all things life advice, world political news, and, of course, anything to do with gaming.
WHAT I’M LOVING
Sitting on the verandah in the warm sunshine.
WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO
We kicked off 2026 by booking a trip to Singapore and Japan. Yay!
I painted the living room with a fresh coat of white paint.
Over the summer holidays, we enjoyed eating out at our favourite places and tried some new ones too.
We tried Jimmy’s Kitchen, a Greek restaurant at the rocks, and I think this was one of our new favourite discoveries. The food at Jimmy’s Kitchen was delicious, and walking around Sydney Harbour at night was magical. Seeing the Opera House lit up never gets old.
We enjoyed a small Cousin Connect at our place in January, as most of the cousins were away.
WHAT I’M DREADING
Sam’s off to Bali for 7 days with his friends tomorrow. I wouldn’t exactly say I’m dreading it, but I know the worrier in me is going to be… well, worried. I know he’ll have an amazing time, and he’s doing what young people do—enjoying an adventure with his friends. It’s all part of life, and I’m really happy he has this opportunity. But I’ll be so glad when he’s back home.
WHAT I’M WATCHING
I’ve been watching The Nanny, and now I’ve got my husband hooked.
WHAT I’M LISTENING TO
I’m back to listening to Lovefly podcasts to get ready for our Cousin Connect adventure. Did I mention I’m scared of flying? Probably only about a million times.
WHAT I’M WEARING
Now the holidays are over, it’s back to work clothes for me. I have a capsule summer wardrobe made up of comfortable pieces from Uniqlo. It’s usually a black, white, or green t-shirt with linen pants or shorts… and then repeat.
WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND
I have zero plans at the moment.
WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH
It’s birthday month for me, and I’m keeping up the tradition of doing something special every week for the whole of February. Just a few spontaneous things I wouldn’t normally do, nothing big. I started this after my work buddy, who celebrates her birthday the day before mine, told me all about how she does it. She shared it with me after I was complaining about getting older.
And just like that, January is almost over. How was your January? I hope it was a good one 😊
Oh yes, I’m always happiest (and worry the least) when the boys are at least close to home. I do worry when they travel but I am excited for them when they can. Bali sounds amazing and I hope your son has a wonderful and very safe trip!
I hope the best for you for the new school year! So your school year starts in January? I know you’re wrapping up summer, but I didn’t realize you started school in another month than we do in the States. I love that you have a summer capsule wardrobe! I also enjoyed reading about your sons; it’s the year of travel for all of you, it sounds like. I love that! I hope you have a great day, friend.
I love that you celebrate your birthday all month long! Your summer pictures and outings are such a lovely break here where it is 13 degrees. Enjoy all the summer weather even though you’re back to school.
Your birthday tradition sounds fun! All your food always looks so good.
I love your plan for the capsule wardrobe, and Uniqlo always has good simple stuff.
Those photos of your boys are so sweet, I am glad they have remained close as they have grown up.
Good luck back at school, if the catered lunch is any indication, it will be a great term!
I love the idea of planning special things to look forward to. That’s a very good way to lessen the blue feelings. And a capsule wardrobe has always sounded like a good idea to me, I’m just not there yet!
I hope meeting the new children went well and you are settled back at work!
Yum! What a fantastic lunch and that Veal Chasseur looks amazing! How great to have Steve cooking!
Oh wow! An 11 year age gap is big but I bet life was interesting back when the boys were younger!
You have had a busy January, how exciting to be planning the trip and I hope Sam has a good trip to Bali.
Happy early birthday month! All of your food looks absolutely delicious!