February Wrap-Up

This month was equal parts fun and weird, and it went by so quickly. Too quickly! Fun things from above I'll see if I can pull everything together in a highlight reel. I started re-watching The Office for maybe the 10th time, and have started planning for Spring - cleaning, projects for and around the house, etc. I'm so excited for warmer weather!

Physical Lessons

In an attempt to be transparent about women's health, I've been challenging myself to talk about how my body is changing. I started birth control in February (if you're following me on other social media accounts - Twitter, Tumblr - you're probably like, "Jeez, Ashley. Say it ONE MORE TIME."), and it has been weird. My body has reacted normally, I suppose, for having its hormones scrambled up and realigned. But it's made me nauseous, emotional, bloated (so bloated), and crampy. It's been so weird learning how to deal with it.

On top of that, I've been going into work at the normal time, which may have you like, "Okayyy?" But, because I'm traveling from Hagerstown to Baltimore, my boss has so graciously let me come in between 9:30-10 to avoid rush hour traffic at least for one of my commutes. This month, however, because of how busy February usually is, I've had to leave my house super early, fight with rush hour traffic to and from work, to get there at the time the office opens. It's left me more stressed and more exhausted.

As a result, I haven't exercised much. I'm looking forward to March when hopefully everything can even itself back out.

Relationship Growth

This month, I've tried to be more conscious of keeping in better contact with family. I've never really been good at communicating with my grandparents or my mom because they always kept in touch with me. But, since I graduated college, they've given me more and more space. At first, I enjoyed not feeling obligated to call them every day, and I know how bad that sounds. But I've actually been so inspired by my husband and his close relationship with his family. Every Friday, or a day during the weekend, he makes his round of phone calls. He calls his mom, his dad, and his grandparents . . . just to check in. And everyone benefits from it. So, on my commute home, at least once a week, I try to give my mom a call. I'm still working on the grandparents - they don't like talking on the phone much, but I'll get them there :)

Twitter Highlight Reel

Professional Skills Learned

A theme I've noticed overall since I've started grant writing is prioritizing a long, sometimes overwhelming to-do list. We installed a huge whiteboard in our office that lists everything we need to get done. At first, it was daunting, but now it's kind of fun. I can come in and look at what needs to be done, what the deadlines are, and prioritize. I've always been a "do one at a time" kind of person, but now I can juggle multiple projects without even worrying about time management. It's been a skill I've been working on for the past eight months, but it's one I never thought I would learn.

Books I've Read

I haven't finished any books this month, but I did start Me, My Hair, and I: Twenty-seven Women Untangle an Obsession edited by Elizabeth Benedict. So far, I've felt transported into the lives of each of the women who wrote a chapter for this book. It's made me think more deeply about my relationship with my hair, the part of me I worry about everyday, but never realized how important of a role it plays in who I am. 100% would recommend.

I haven't delved into audiobooks much this month. But I am looking forward to listening to a few with windows down once the weather gets a little warmer.

Monthly Mantra

February Reflections

This month, the month of Love, has been full of personal challenges. My focuses for the month were fitness and flossing, both of which didn't really happen. But I know how to approach them better next month in a way that I can actually try and stick to. Robby and I made a budget that we're trying to stick with, we're trying to be healthier individuals (get more sleep, eat better, move more), and we're still cooking at home pretty regularly. I dived deep into Thai cooking (homemade yellow curry paste AND Pad Thai, what??), and also made a way-too-salty cast iron skillet cookie. Thanks, Pinterest. But let the cooking adventures continue! Robby and I both are also trying to improve professionally every day and, appreciating our families and the little blessings.

Here are a few things from my February Gratitude List:

1. Raises & bonuses!

2. Afternoon walks in unusually warm weather

3. Seeing old friends

4. Indian food

5. Gardening (more on that to come!)

Here's to achieving your goals and crossing off items on your to-do list in March! I can't wait for Spring to arrive, and with that, spring cleaning, and other great projects!