As expected, the week before winter break was challenging.  Only because everyone was getting more restless and tired as we got closer to the weekend.  It’s how it always goes at both work and home.  So, I am surprised that I accomplished anything, especially since tensions are still high from my son not going on his trip.  He’s doing better thanks to his friends, but the whole incident is still a source of frustration.

Last weekend, I was able to get a lot of April blog posts set up.  I’ have 4 to go and even came up with some for May, which involve art and mental health.  This might not sound like a major accomplishment, but I really couldn’t bring myself to do any writing because of my mindset.  Even after my son was here for two days, I didn’t have it in me to try to outline ‘Phi Beta Files’ much less write chapter sections.  Needed to make sure he was okay and keeping up with school since he had a bunch of tests.  We did the best we could with all of that.

It wasn’t until Thursday and Friday that I managed to open up Darwin & the Joy Path once more.  I got a section done though.  That leaves me with 10, which I could finish before my son comes home Wednesday night.  I’m still nervous about how the penultimate challenge takes place in one chapter and goes right into the final one without any pause between them.  Part of me feels it’s rushed, but I also know that there isn’t any logical delay to prevent Darwin and his friends from going right into the finale.  There’s nothing to discuss or plan.  So, it’s going to be a chaotic sprint through a barrage of enemies who have been converging on the area.  On the plus side, the sections I will get to over the weekend are easier to figure out.  Gives me time to think about the rest while I do a daily Pokemon Go outing.

I guess I’m lucky that I already caught what I wanted from the current Pokemon event.  I only have to go out for a bit this and tomorrow afternoon for a bit.  After the weekend, I have even less of an interest in going out more than once to do the daily stuff.  I might even be able to get 3 sections done on Monday and/or Tuesday.  I shouldn’t get too greedy, especially since I’m supposed to get together with a friend to hang out.  Really should reach out to him at some point to figure out a time and place.  Worse case scenario, I can write the final sections while my son does his own thing.

My main goal for winter break really is to finish writing Darwin & the Joy Path.  I want this project done before things get chaotic for the rest of the school year.  The weekend after break is a big Pokemon event too, so not having to juggle writing and participating in the season finale weekend would be nice.  I think I want to spend a few months outlining future ideas too.  ‘Phi Beta Files’ isn’t too far from completion and then I have to decide on the next series involving a group.  Keep looking at ‘Coven of the Gray’ only because I can’t remember the overall concept beyond ‘witches in Windemere’.

The temps are starting to rise, but not enough to rapidly melt the ice and snow.  I think some of it does melt, but freezes on the road overnight.  Makes me worried about driving around, so I’m being careful.  Hoping that my son and I can make a trip to the zoo like we normally do.  Winter trips there are fun because you have fewer guests and some of the exhibits are closed, so you move through faster.  Overall, it’s simply nice to get away with my son and spend the day chatting . . . Or me talking while he catches Pokemon or texts with his friends.  I’ll be happy if I get a grunt of acknowledgment, but at least we’re spending time together.

Winter break is always a downer anyway.  The weather is never nice or comfortable, so you can’t do much outside.  Inside activities are crowded if you can get into them in the first place.  That’s why it’s the perfect time to get home projects done, causally get together with friends, and simply recharge.  The next break isn’t until April 1st too, so it’s 5.5 weeks of school without a rest.  That stretch always wears on the students and teachers to the point where people are nearly dragging themselves to the finish line.  Really wish a federal holiday would be made in March.

So, what are the goals of the week?

1. Rest during my break.
2. Finish writing Darwin & the Joy Path before returning to work.
3. Time with son during my half.
4. Finish the April blog posts.
5. Finish a Lego set.
6. Start a puzzle.
7. Tinker with ‘Phi Beta Files’.
8. Make food at home more than bring in.
9. Catch Pokemon to get fresh air.
10. Buy ‘Castlevania Bundle’ for Nintendo Switch since it’s really cheap.