Notes from April
This essay appeared in the Monday morning newsletter on 5/9/22.
As one of the items on my 22 in 2022 list, I’m writing a quick recap at the end of each month with 10 things I want to remember. I can’t believe this is already my fourth (!) recap of the year. I’m enjoying this ritual of taking a moment to pause, remember the little things, and think about what I’m excited for next.
If you are looking for an activity to pep up your Monday, give this a try. Scroll through your photos or reference your calendar from the past couple weeks and make a quick list of memories – a lot can happen that we forget about, right?!
Hope you have a great Monday. 🙂
April’s 10 Things:
- I turned 28… on a Monday! I’m really thankful I was able to see my parents and some friends right before my birthday and then celebrate with friends here in Chicago, who made it feel so special. Going into this new year excited for what it has in store.
- I was off work for a whole week in April, and it was glorious. Taking a week off work feels so different than taking a long weekend or a day here and there. The extended time really allows you to disconnect, recharge and even get a little restless. I traveled to Orlando to stay with my parents and was able to fit in a visit with college friends and attend a friend from high school’s wedding (so special). It was a great week!
- I’m not always the biggest audiobook listener, but one of my favorite things to do while on vacation is to pick an audiobook to listen to. I love that then going forward I always associate that book with the memory of the vacation – special! For my time in Florida, I listened to Ann Patchett’s These Precious Days. I had no idea what it was about when I downloaded it, but I’ve become quite enamored with Ann after listening to her book The Dutch House earlier this year (maybe I am a bigger audiobook person than I thought?). These Precious Days is a collection of personal essays (love essays) about her home, family, friendships and writing. I was quite moved by her chapters on friendship and her faith.
- In addition to the audiobook, I switched up the genre of books I was reading in April and read two rom-com-esque books: In a New York Minute and Just Haven’t Met You Yet. I wanted something light to read while on vacation, and right before I left, I got off the waitlist for both these titles at the library – kismet! Although switching from these schmaltzy and predictable books to my current read of Cloud Cuckoo Land has been quite the change of pace ;).
- I didn’t win either of my two March Madness brackets… but I also didn’t come in last! *Technically,* March Madness ended in April, so including it in this month’s recap. It’s been a while since I went all in on March Madness, but this year I participated in two brackets – so fun! I have to shout out my Uncle because he made our family bracket really fun. From the weekly trivia questions with Starbucks gift cards as prizes (an homage to my grandma) to the continual encouragement of some fun (maybe subjective “fun” ;)) competitive banter in the group text, I already can’t wait for next year.
- Speaking of sports and uncles, my Great Uncle sent me this book in April – Our Team: The Epic Story of Four Men and the World Series That Changed Baseball – and I can’t wait to read it. He had recently heard the author (Luke Eplin) speak and thought it sounded really interesting. And with it being baseball season, feels like the perfect time to read it!
- OMG – I discovered the best trick for keeping tulips alive! I love tulips in the spring, but I can never keep them alive for more than a few days.This seems to be a common problem because last month I came across an article with tips on how to extend the life of tulips. One of the tips was to put a penny in the bottom of the vase. I was skeptical, but I tried it and WOW, it actually worked!! My tulips stayed in perfect condition for a week! I guess the copper in the penny is a fungicide, so it naturally kills off the bacteria and fungi that are trying to camp out in your flowers’ vase and shorten the lifespan of the stems. You have to try it and let me know if it works for you!
- I completed a task I’ve been putting off for a while: cleaning out my closet. With the pandemic, I haven’t done a proper cleanout in a while. I just couldn’t get a sense for which clothes I might need for the future! But, with some help, I finally dedicated some hours one Saturday to ruthlessly going through everything. And while my closet now feels bare, it also feels really great to know what clothes I have and know that everything fits/is wear-able. Physical clutter = mental clutter. (Btw, this is my favorite organization book of the moment)
- I got rid of a lot of clothes, but something that did make the cut to stay? This jacket. It’s been my go-to this spring. I’ve reached for it nonstop (except for those times when it’s so cold I still need to wear my parka…). But when the temps are milder, it’s perfect with a sweater or sweatshirt underneath. I have it in black and absolutely love the tortoise buttons. I hope they bring it back in more colors next season!
- I’m debating purchasing another belt bag for summer. When the weather turns nice, a belt bag is the only bag I carry – so convenient and functional. I’m convinced Lululemon makes the best one. I’ve had one of theirs for almost two years, so the wear-and-tear is starting to show… and I’m eyeing some of the new colors. Torn between this or this one.
And a few things I’m excited about in May…
- Settling into a new routine. I’m starting to go into the office 2 days/week in May, and I’m excited to change things up a bit in terms of my weekly routine.
- I’m really excited to see the musical Moulin Rouge! with a friend. I love Broadway shows, but I haven’t been to one in Chicago yet. Counting down the days!!
- Going to Indianapolis for the first time!! Well, technically I have been to Indy before, but it was for a conference and I didn’t leave the hotel except for going to/from the airport. So, I’m counting this as my first trip to Indy – can’t wait 🙂
- My mom comes to Chicago at the end of the month!!! Really excited to see her.
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