let's talk thru: the past 2 months
the unexpected & the joy & the stress
To be honest, most of December is a blur.
January was peaks and valleys.
February is a test of patience and waiting with the brightest lights at the tunnel's end.
Why is that?
Well, we bought a house.
I will eventually write down the whole story, mostly because I want it for posterity, but also because parts of it are hilarious. It’s been overwhelming and exciting and I can’t wait to move in.
I’m going to recap my last two months a la my “let’s talk thru” format, but pared down. I realized that I found my own monthly recaps daunting and they took up so much time that I didn’t want to write it. I’m editing it down from ten categories to seven and changing the focus on other categories. You probably won’t notice much of a change, but this is going to help me a lot.
I also wanted to say, thank you to all of those who have been sharing my work even though I haven’t been sharing lately. It’s very encouraging and helped me sit down to actually write this. There are many drafts sitting in my folder that I’m excited to share!
READ
Since I’m covering two months of reading, I’m going to list out by rating instead of rating and a blurb.
loved it
We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman
Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young
Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
Story of a New Name by Elena Ferrante
really liked it
The Blonde Identity by Ally Carter
Playing for Keeps series by Becka Mack
Perfectionists Guide to Losing Control by Katherine Morgan Schafer
liked it
Nettle & Bone by T Kingfisher
Your Table is Ready by Michael Cecchi
Now is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson
Right on Cue by Fallon Ballard (pub date 2/27)
Lovelight Farms by BK Borrison
Only for the Week by Natasha Bishop
it was okay
Woman on Fire by Lisa Barr
Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross
REALIZE
I have no boundaries when it comes to social media. I took six weeks off towards the end of 2023, then I came back, then I went off again for a few weeks, then came back. The draw of community and the friends I’ve made keep me lingering, but the way I feel not being on social media keeps winning. Whenever I am logged out of my personal and bookstagram account, I find my brain clearing up. I find myself resenting work less, grabbing my books more, and focusing on being more present in my days.
At least in this season, that has more value to me than the benefits. Because there are. I don’t think social media is evil, I just don’t think its necessary right now. I’m not trying to sell something, build a brand, or be an influencer. And because of that, it isn’t a need for me right now.
shared a post and posted about her break and it resonated with me. It feels like not having social media is a luxury these days and it is one I can afford.HOME
A new category! We are going to be slowwwwwwwwwwwly making our house a home (hello, mortgage payment), but I want to track the updates we make! In the full post I do about the house, I’ll post before photos!
EAT & DRINK
TOP LEFT: Sometimes, the answer to losing a house you thought you wanted, is Auntie Anne’s
TOP MIDDLE: Breakfast for dinner is always a good idea
TOP RIGHT: When on a roadtrip, stop anywhere with “grandma” in the name
BOTTOM LEFT: Hometown wings forever
BOTTOM RIGHT: My sister made a gluten-free, dairy-free chocolate cherry cake for Christmas and I still think about it
WEAR
Most days, I am wearing leggings + my black or beige nike sweatshirt. It’s pricey for a sweatshirt, but I wear them so many times they are worth every penny. But here are some other outfits I’ve liked lately. Noticing I am very attracted to the color blue so far!
I’m also so excited for my mirror to not be my make up station! It gets to just be a mirror!
CATCH ALL
This is going to be a little section where I get to point out anything I want. Which is my favorite.
The biggest lesson of this season has been accepting generosity. Historically, I don’t love being on the receiving end. But when you buy a house that you have to furnish, that changes. The way our community has shown up for us has been overwhelming. So much so that I’ve had friends notice how uncomfortable it makes me. I’ve been told multiple times to accept it. And I have been. I’m letting people donate furniture, offer to help us paint, and give us advice or recommendations for services. It’s been beautiful and a big life lesson for me.
Maybe you need to do the same. Let people show up for you. Let people show their love for you.
MEMORIES
🏀 Going to friend’s kids basketball games are so fun
🍝 Late night Italian food with my TN BFF
🌾 Settlers of Catan with Connor’s siblings & cousins
🃏 Card games with family at Christmas
💅 Pedicures in massage chairs
🤍 Realizing