How it started

Ten to fifteen years ago, I introduced my Grade 3 students to blogging using Kidblog. It was part of a pilot project, and I thought it would be a fun way to get students excited about writing by giving them a space of their own. And it worked. They loved writing about topics that interested them and sharing their ideas. What excited them most was hearing from their classmates—those encouraging comments that made them feel proud of what they had written.

Now, all these years later, I find myself drawn to starting a blog of my own. Why? I’m not entirely sure—but that feels okay. I know I enjoy reading blogs on all kinds of topics, especially when I’m planning a trip. I often turn to them to learn from others’ experiences: what they loved, what they’d skip, and those hidden gems you don’t always find in guidebooks.

As I approach my late fifties and stand just six months away from retirement, I’ve been thinking a lot about what comes next. There are plenty of ideas swirling around in my head, but this feels like the right place to begin. This blog is a space to reflect, explore, and share what life looks like now—and what it might become.

My hope is that Told Over Coffee will feel like a conversation with a friend: relaxed, honest, and welcoming. And just like my students all those years ago, I’m hoping to find joy not only in writing, but in connecting with others who choose to stop by, share their thoughts, and tell a few stories of their own.

New Year, New Start

Why This Year Feels Different

Over the years, I haven’t been one to set goals at the beginning of a new year. Partly because when I have in the past, I usually fizzle out after a month. But this year feels different.

Over the Christmas break, my daughter asked at a family dinner if anyone had new goals for 2026. The table got quiet. Over the next few days, as the calendar inched closer to January, I started thinking about the six months I have left of school and what comes next. How do I want my retirement to look? The one thing I know for sure is that I want to enjoy it. That’s when the idea of setting goals crept back into my thoughts.

What “Enjoying Retirement” Means to Me

I want to enjoy retirement—but what exactly does that mean? It means staying physically fit so I can enjoy life for as long as possible. It means appreciating what I have and not taking things for granted. It means keeping my mind sharp and staying open to learning new things.

So what does that look like in terms of setting goals? Here’s what I’ve come up with for 2026.

My Goals for 2026

1. Walk more (aim for 4x/week during the winter)
2. Go to the gym 4x/week for strength training
3. Consistently track macros to ensure I’m getting enough protein
4. Lose 10 lbs (my daughter is getting married in September, and dress shopping has to happen soon!)
5. Drink more water (aim for 96–112 ounces per day)
6. Read before bed (you’d think, as a teacher-librarian, this would already be a habit—not the case). Instead, I’d reach for my iPad and scroll social media or play a game. My new habit: the iPad stays downstairs. My specific goal is 12 books this year.
7. Do more puzzles (NYT games, Sudoku, jigsaws, etc.)
8. Learn to crochet (or pick up knitting again). *I feel this makes me sound old just writing it, but the idea of making homemade gifts is very appealing.
9. Use a gratitude journal (I started one in 2023, but it only had three entries when I dug it out to try again.)
10. Start a blog

These are my goals for 2026. Writing them down here feels like a small but important step toward following through.

How I Plan to Stay Accountable

For some goals—like macro and water tracking—I use an app (MyFitnessPal). It’s easy to use and helps me see whether I’ve reached my goals for the day.

For fitness, I’ve recruited a friend for daily check-ins. We have a checklist, and each day we mark off whether we’ve done a walk, another fitness activity…or both. Having someone to keep you accountable really does help.

As for my new bedtime routine, I’m enjoying ending my day with positive thoughts by writing down what I was most grateful for, followed by reading a few chapters of my book. Let’s hope it continues.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Just like I hoped Told Over Coffee would be a place for sharing stories and connecting, I’d love for this to be a two-way conversation. What are your goals for 2026? What does “enjoying life” look like for you right now?

Pull up a chair, grab your coffee, and feel free to share—I’d love to hear from you.