I know I’m overdue for an update—sorry about that! But between holiday burnout, life’s challenges, and a few disappointments, I’ve needed some downtime.
So, let’s see… I had my uterus zapped. Still don’t feel quite right from that one, but honestly, it wasn’t as bad as I expected.
Then, the letdown of getting sick right when Frankenmuth’s Winterfest was happening. I think the sickness has finally made its last round through the house. We’ve missed out on so many winter visits and activities this year thanks to coughs and colds. Or at least, it feels like a lot to me.
We did manage to squeeze in a trip to Legoland Discovery Center in Auburn Hills before the sickness really hit. That was fun! But I totally failed to notice it’s inside a mall. I’m not a mall person. (Though, I do want to visit the Mall of America once—just to say I’ve been.)
On the food front, we found a great little Japanese restaurant here! Their garlic tonkatsu ramen was amazing, and our server (whose name I wish I had caught) was hilarious. I tried Thai iced tea for the first time—it was okay. And takoyaki balls? Definitely a new experience. I had to Google if they were supposed to be that melty inside. (They are.) Also, fair warning: bonito flakes will make your whole table smell like fish.
Camping season is coming, and we’re getting group sites booked with our mom crew as soon as reservations open. I’m sure there will be a few spontaneous trips thrown in, too. Seems like everyone has a packed calendar this year!
For now, we’re staying put until May—aside from meetups and day trips—trying to hit some financial goals.
And okay, I know this isn’t exactly “shoestring budget” living, but I finally caved and got a Planet Fitness membership. The freezing temps got to me. I love winter walks, but trying to keep my glasses from fogging up under a full-face mask? No thanks. Of course, just as I started going to the gym and feeling good again… BAM. Sick. Hoping to make it back by Wednesday. The treadmill and hydromassage table are calling my name.
Oh! Speaking of deals—anyone using Groupon lately? I started looking into it again since I can earn gift cards through one of my game apps. Might be a good way to stretch the travel budget. They have this “Mystery Weekend” package that sounds wild—you pay a fee, and at the last minute, they send you your plane tickets and itinerary. No idea where you’re going or what kind of accommodations you’ll have until right before you leave. Could you do it? It is tempting me!