Tomorrow it’s the first of February. As most people probably say, I’m glad to see the back of January. It reared it’s ugly head and I was confronted by the January blues from the offset. It was the month of new beginnings, New Years resolutions and new doubts creeping in.
Jobs
I started a new, part time job in December so I’ve been getting to grips with working weekends, trying to build relationships and dealing with the realisation that (if it’s true what the agency has said) in March I may or may not still have a position there and, more specifically, that I have no idea what I’ll do next. University put me in a good position to be considered for jobs but, I’ve learnt since I left uni, the job market is fierce and the interview process is nerve wracking. Days are now spent on Indeed and other job sites, in the hope I’ll find a job in an industry that allows me to do something I’d like or just something creative. I’ve spent a lot of this month fretting that I’m not in my “dream job” but, from next month onward, I’m just going to keep applying, keep trying in my current job and be thankful for whatever career opportunities come my way (even if they do end up being interviews I never hear back from!).
Dating
If you’ve been someone who’s followed this blog from the start, you’ll probably know a bit about my dating experience . I dabbled with Tinder a little bit in 2018 and 2019, had a few dates and even thought I could write to them about my “success story”. It’s safe to say, it didn’t end up successful and I abandoned Tinder altogether. I’m chatting to people on Hinge now (because I fully support and app that obviously is so good it is “designed to be deleted”), getting to know them and seeing where it goes. I haven’t been on any dates this year, as I like to give myself time before I commit the time and energy into the dating process. It’d be nice to connect with someone on that level, but I’m going to go into February without that expectation. It’d be nice to fancy someone again, go out with them and add them to my life, but it’s equally nice to be with family, friends and on my own for a bit.
Reading
One of my goals for 2020 was to read more. I read a lot when I was at uni but I wasn’t letting me being a graduate stop me from reading. If you’ve been following my recent posts, I’ve written a few reviews of books I’ve been reading as part of my Classics Challenge. So far this month, I’ve read Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, Emma by Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen as well as Living Your Best Life by Claire Frost. Obviously a bookworm never stops reading so, in February, I plan on getting through more of my Classics Challenge as well as reading some more up to date books.
Writing
As far as writing goes, my main focus is still the project I put actual thought into during Nanowrimo , a short, YA book all about dating. I made a fair dent in the project during NaNoWrimo but I’m going to look at it with fresh eyes, think about where I actually want to go with it and put some actual time into it. From February, I’m going to devote at least an hour (if not longer) to planning, plotting and writing. Hopefully, from this, I’ll have something I feel happy with.
February Goals
I thought I’d end this post with my goals for the next month ahead. I’ve already suggested I want to write and read more, but I also want to look a bit more at my diet and exercise. My plan is to join the gym, either in February or the following month, so I can be more active and work on my fitness. Food wise, I’m not going to put a limit on anything, I’m just going to be more mindful of what I’m eating.
As well as this, I’m going to make it a habit of tracking my spending. As much as it is nice to spend money on having nice times and good food, I would like to save a little bit for holidays and in case I persuade myself to go for driving lessons.
One thing I’m realising more than ever is that loved ones are getting old. With that in mind, I’m going to devote more time and energy to them. I’ll also devote more time to friends, too.
How was your January? What’ve you been up to? Do you have any goals for the month ahead?
Jen Rose Writes🌹 
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