Happy Tuesday! I am headed back to work today after a great three day weekend. Before I get share what we did over the weekend, today is Lunar New Year. Happy New Year! I have heard a lot about the beginning of this year. It’s the year of the fire horse. I’m learning that each year is not only assigned one of the twelve zodiac animals, but also a heavenly stem or element.

**I used Canva AI to create an image because I was having trouble finding what I was looking for. I am not a big AI user, so if you see a problem with it, please let me know!**

At the winter solstice meditation in December 2025, we talked a lot about shedding things from the current year of the snake and galloping into the year of the horse. I’ve seen that this could be a year of passion, rapid change, and independence. I’ve also seen that it is ideal for new beginnings, balancing intensity with calming practices, and a surge of action (high energy and drive). I don’t know about you, but I am all for this in a positive way. Well, I’m a little unsure about rapid change, but I’ll do my best. Let’s embrace all that the year of the fire horse has to offer us! Happy New Year!

Unless this is your first day reading this blog, you can probably guess that I watched a lot of Olympics coverage. I am watching as soon as I get up and leaving coverage on the tv all day. I’m also watching at night so I can see the human interest stories and anything I might have missed. It is literally taking over and I’m loving it! Be sure to follow me on Instagram (@sunnyscp) because it is all Olympics all the time on my story.

I started a new book that was Olympics kismet. My library hold for The Favorites came in this weekend and it’s perfect to read right now.

I shared yesterday that Jeff and I went to see one of my favorite bands, The Wheeland Brothers, on Friday night. It was a great way to kick off the weekend!

Jeff had to work for a bit on Saturday. I had a few errands to run and stopped by my parents’ house to see my mom. Jack joined my dad at the golf simulator. Luke proclaimed that he was TIRED and wanted to stay home and rest all day. We all came together for a yummy Valentine’s Day dinner. I made one of Jeff’s mom’s specialty casseroles. Jeff has always loved it. Jack fell in love with it when he would spend the night at Jeff’s parents’ house over the past two years. Luke had it for the first time this fall and loved it. I think it’s pretty yummy, too. I surprised them by making it and everyone loved it! I’m hoping to share it here soon.

On Sunday, Jack had golf practice (inside of course). I went through my sweaters and purged and organized them. I pulled 11 sweaters out. 2 are on probation and I’ll try them one more time next week. It felt good to take inventory of what I have and realize that I do not need to purchase any more sweaters! When Jack got home, we hopped in the car and headed to the beach. Unfortunately, it was cold and raining for the whole drive. However, rain at the beach is still better than rain at home. We stayed at a friend’s place and had a view of the bay. Lovely!!

We went to Grotto Pizza for dinner and came back to watch the All-Star game and more Olympics coverage before heading to bed early.

On Monday morning, we were up and out to go to a college tour. I think it went well! He’s still figuring out what he’s looking for in a school, but this was a good experience. I just know that the next year is going to fly in regards to the college process. Remember that rapid change from the Fire Horse – it can slow right down!

When we got home, I got unpacked and did a workout. I haven’t mentioned it yet, but I am loving the Peloton app feature that builds a workout plan for you. I put in what I was looking for – build strength, 20-30 minutes, 4x a week, and stretching or yoga as recovery activities the other 3 days. It uses my profile and builds a weekly plan. This is my third week and I haven’t missed a day. I am feeling pretty strong without getting so sore that daily life is painful. It’s just what I needed to get back into a routine. I highly recommend it! I don’t have a bike or treadmill, but I do have some weights in my basement. I can share a 60 day free pass with anyone who wants to try it. Just let me know!

The high temperature for the next three days is going to be in the 60s. I cannot believe it! I am planning to walk outside every day and soak up those warmer temperatures. What are you looking forward to this week? Happy New Year! Have a great day full of sunshine and books!

This post contains Amazon Affiliate links.
Thank you for reading and supporting Sunshine & Books!