I used to think that the Fireplace channel (and also the Aquarium channel, for that matter) were just the strangest offerings on TV.

We found occasion to watch my TV fireplace this past week.

You know when you’ve got stuff to do, are both on your laptops, would like something in the background on the bigger screen in front of you, but don’t want it to need too much of your attention? The fireplace channel fit the bill perfectly. I suppose this is our generation’s version of multi-tasking. My husband loved it.

The crackling, the faux flames – it brought the ambiance and made the room feel rather cozy. In this room, where a brand new electric fireplace will be installed in the next few weeks. The irony of fire providing us comfort is not lost on me.

Here are five random thoughts for a Friday:

1/ Things are settling down for my son in LA. Fires are still raging, they are still on alert to a certain extent, but they are lucky as they have not lost anything, have not had to evacuate, and have a place to stay. They are now looking to see how they can help out in the community. I’m feeling a bit better now too.

2/ Upping my gym game

So far this year, I’ve done 9 gym classes in 16 days. In 2024, I went to 173 group classes.

For some of those classes I had the benefit of jumping up on stage with the instructor to team teach Jam (honestly it’s because Les Mills instructors learn things backwards, like facing a mirror – so it’s easier for me to do it that way…). And when I get on stage, it becomes a real party – disco lights please!

I think this is the first year that my passion for Bodycombat surpassed Bodyjam. Fighting over dancing, at least at the gym. With a healthy dose of repetition with weights/cardio in Bodypump.

I’ve been sleeping a little better which is a good thing.

One important thing is to remember – listen to my body. At my gym I have to book a space in class within a 72 hour window. Some of the classes get full quickly – so I often book once that minute strikes. But if I work out in the evening, should I still attend the class I booked for the next morning? For me today, that was a no. Two days in a row, already at my age, – I decided that a third day was pushing it and it’s not worth the risk of injury.

Does it mean I should have an extra bowl of popcorn? No – but I did have one anyway. Skinny Pop, though.

3/ Writing

There’s more discipline set up by my writers’ group now. Deadlines, goals. Accountability. I have to finish up a new scene before the 19th, midnight. Wish me luck.

4/ Renovations

It feels like the calm before the storm. Calm, as the house is really, really quiet. Both kids away, our 16 year old Cody who sleeps most of the day, the only other thing providing a distraction. Empty nesting is an adjustment.

We still have to move a bunch of stuff this weekend. My husband likes bossing me around (he did a stint as a furniture mover when he was young) so I let him have that as a win!

5/ Renovations of this blog

I bit the bullet and decided to invest a bit in this blog. It needs a new look and I’d like some more inspiration for writing. I am excited to take this to the next level and find a blogging community again.