March Wrap-Up

I'll say it right off the bat, and it's probably obvious because this is my only post in March, but this month has been crazy busy. However, I sent out my feelers on Twitter, and I think April will see some more action from me. I feel like this month was the first week of a new semester -- you're still trying to figure out your schedule and everything feels off, like you're missing something important all the time when you're not. Anyway. Let's chat about March!

Physical Lessons

So, I tallied it up and I exercised a whole eight days this month. I believe that was about the same amount as February. Of course I was hoping this month would mean more stability now that I've been a) working from home one day a week, and b) going in a little later. But it hasn't.

Part of it is hitting snooze. I tried moving my phone to the other side of the room. It didn't work. Then I told my husband, "When your alarm goes off at 5:30, just get up and tell me to do the same." That, also, didn't work. So, something has to change. I read this really great article on Buzzfeed about getting your life together, and the very first one on building a morning routine really struck me. So, this Sunday, I'm going to buy an alarm clock and I'm banning my cell phone from the bedroom at least an hour before I go to sleep. I'll let you know at the end of April how it worked out.

I've got to get it together and start moving more and more consistently. I feel so much better when I do.

Relationship Growth

Another reason March has been super off for me is my grandfather went into the hospital for almost two weeks in the beginning of the month. He's doing better now, but he was dealing with pneumonia and congestive heart failure on top of previous issues he had with his lungs and kidneys. He's still in the process of getting his strength back, but it'll take upwards of three months before he's even close to being himself again. Having a loved one in the hospital is a draining experience -- it's like riding a roller coaster. Every day there was something different they were testing for, or giving medication for, or wanting to see in him that they didn't. I cried a lot, and gave myself in a lot directions: to my mom, my grandparents, and my husband. I asked a lot of Robby, and he gave a lot in return. It definitely required me to be vulnerable, and ask for help and love, to be strong for more than just myself.

So if you saw my original Instagram post, know he's doing better, but prayers are still appreciated. Thanks for your support and encouragement.

Twitter Highlight

Professional Skills Learned

Something that I love about my career is that it's encouraged to take a step back sometimes. Whether that's writing something and giving it a day to sit before reading over it again, or just taking a day from home to work in PJs and watch trashy TV in the background. This past week has actually been more stressful than the entire month, work wise, and it's been hard to stay as positive as I normally am. But, I have to realize that what I have on my plate shouldn't be compared to someone else's plate. Even though my boss may not have as many things as I do up on our whiteboard, she still looks over everything I do while also getting little projects and TONS of emails every day that I know nothing about. So, I have to catch myself and just focus on what I've been assigned. That goes for life too - who cares what my neighbors are doing or how hard the person next to me at the gym is going. It really only matters what I'm doing in my life and what I'm doing to help others be happy/healthy/positive.

Books I've Read

That would be a negatory, ghost rider. I haven't even read any magazine articles, let alone great ones. Don't worry - I'm already shaming myself for this one.

Monthly Mantra

See my Instagram collage. The grass is greener where you water it. - Neil Barringham :)

March Reflections

Again, March was weird. It was cold and gloomy with a few warm days, so that means all the outside plans Robby and I had (even including going through our attic because it's SO drafty we can't go up there for extended periods during the winter) didn't happen because we didn't have the warm weather we needed. We got a few snow days too! I was able to at least start some vegetables this past weekend, so Spring is soon coming. Also, I'm contemplating starting a YouTube channel dedicated to fitness and cooking, and just trying to transform my life into a purposeful life both professionally and personally. I've tried to do some inward reflections and really think about what would make me happy hobby-wise. What I'd like my blog to look like for April, and for the rest of the year, and what it would all mean to me. This stemmed from watching a video by Laura Lee on starting a YouTube channel, and just deciding that I won't ever know until I just put myself out there and try. Good things have always happened in life when I've made myself uncomfortable for the sake of growing. I look at going to Southern, moving to Texas, starting grad school while working full-time, and applying for an internship I thought I was unqualified for. So, I'm preparing to get uncomfortable again because another season of growth is about to happen - and just in time for Spring!

So, for April I'd like to produce at least four great blog posts on the following topics:

1. My favorite cookbooks for healthy meals/meal prepping

2. Making a raised garden bed

3. My go-to gym routines

4. Starting seeds - literally ANYONE can do this!

And, as always, here are my top five things from my Gratitude List this month (I'm sitting down to do my April Bullet Journal layout this month, so stay tuned on Tumblr for what the final result will look like!):

1. Meetings that go well!

2. Low blood pressure

3. Time with family

4. Buying furniture!

5. Perfect bonfire weather (bonfire and best friends included)

Here's to a productive, fresh start to a new season :)