I didn’t think I had been doing anything, but I spent a morning with my friend Deanna visiting a mansion in the center of the town of Chandler on the east side of Phoenix. We learned it was built in 1984, and after they sold it, it was used as a film studio for adult films, had been vandalized many times, and now has been purchased and able to be viewed. They support themselves with tours and making products they can sell. It has been restored and beautiful. It was a beautiful morning when we went. Really enjoyed the beautiful gardens as well.

I also got to attend Jim Brickman at the Musical Instruments Museum in Scottsdale. It was a good concert. Jim is a pianist who writes songs for movies and pop stars. He has a unique talent, which made me want to start playing piano again. He played a lot of Christmas music and then took requests. We even sang one of his songs together. It was a beautiful venue with great acoustics and so intimate. I hope to attend more events here. I still also need to view the museum, which has instruments from around the world.

In the meantime, I have been busy studying for a quickbooks bookkeeping certification. I have passed 4 out of 5 sections and have one more try on the section I failed. It has been a lot more difficult than I expected as I have a hard time studying. I am not good at reading and taking tests in this way, so I am very anxious and nervous. I am excited to have it out of the way. I have enlisted my ex-husband in letting me do his bookkeeping thru this system as well as my own rental property so I can get a better feel of how it will work for clients.

In other news, I have decided to start driving for Lyft. This will get me out of the house engaging with people and earning some extra money. While I am going through the process, I took my car in for a squeal in the front end. They discovered lots of other things, including brakes and steering issues, which I had repaired. However, the squeal persists, so I need to go back in. It has to be done. I haven’t officially started driving yet, but I hope to do so this weekend.

I am also considering renting out a room or two in my house for extra income as well. I’m not sure if I want a permanent roommate or just Air BNB guests on occasion. A roommate might be nice because I would have company, but the other would be nice if my kids come to visit. It might also be nice if I travel to have a roommate to tend my cat Nala.

I made plans to travel and see the kids in Washington in February. It has been over 6 months now since I have seen them. It is a lot more difficult as I have to ask people for a place to stay in order to make it budget friendly, but the bonus of that is I get to spend time with friends. I also rented a car as it was the most cost-effective way to get around. It will be nice to see as many as possible. I will be in town Feb 8th thru the 13th. If you live in the area and want to see me, let me know.

Onward and upward, the year is already in full swing. Year-end stuff needs to be done, books up to date, and tax information to the accountant. All aboard. It is going to be a good year!