A Busy Start, Even for Me
January 17, 2026 felt extra busy—more than my usual "busy," which already tends to be a lot. I started the day the way I often do: rotating between cleaning, playing games, and a little computer work. It's a rhythm I've fallen into over time. Part focus, part distraction, part coping mechanism.
The house needed attention, and I kept moving.
A Neighborhood Full of Kids
Around noon, I took Isabella to Sebastian's house for a birthday party. I stayed for about an hour while more than ten kids showed up. It reminded me how lucky we are to live in a neighborhood where kids still play outside together—running around, laughing, being loud in the best way.
Our house is usually open to the neighborhood kids too. They come over often, and I don't mind. I feed them if they're hungry, keep an eye on things, and try to make sure everyone stays safe. It feels like community in a way that's becoming rare.
Sebastian's dad, Brian, was grilling cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and chicken. I skipped the burgers and hot dogs and waited for the chicken, which turned out to be surprisingly good—marinated in something simple but done just right.
Two Celebrations in One Day
I asked Brian if Isabella could stay at the party while I went home to help my mom prepare for my aunt's birthday. Two parties in one day—it felt like a lot, but manageable.
A little after 2pm, I went back to pick up Isabella and then returned home to finish cleaning. Not long after, people started arriving for my aunt's birthday. It was small and traditional—Swiss steak, mashed potatoes, homemade gravy, and peas. Comfortable food. Familiar faces.
We ate, opened gifts, and sang happy birthday. And while all of that was happening, I kept cleaning in the background, knowing it was also a planned sleepover night with Eve and the girls.
The Night Continues
After the party—but before everyone had fully cleared out—I went to pick up Eve and the girls. I brought them back to my place and we tried to get the kids to sit down and watch a movie. That didn't work. Not even close.
So Eve and I played a few games instead while the girls burned off energy in every other way possible.
Once the kids were finally asleep, Eve and I watched Mr. Deeds. Nothing deep—just something easy. After the movie, we spent some quiet, affectionate time together, the kind that doesn't need words or explanation.
Sitting With the Day
Today wasn't chaotic, but it was full. People, movement, responsibility, and connection layered on top of each other from morning until night.
Some days don't give you a pause—they just ask you to keep adjusting.
And somehow, I did.