March recap

March was a bitch. Albeit one of those bitches you can't help but love. Like Pink or Martha Stewart.

We got some news that bummed us out, but we're feeling confident (crazy?) that things will eventually be fine. Even if "fine" means living in denial. You do what you must. I also got a new writing gig at The Stir, and I love it. I LOVE IT IN ALL CAPS. (If you haven't added my posts' feed to your readers, you should.)

Style Lush continues to impress me. Case in point, I had lunch with Natalie (one of the SL writers) the other day, and afterward I thought: she's ridiculously stylish. And not just in the perfectly-put-together, hefty-price-tag-wearing way, but in the comfortable-in-her-own-skin way. She owns herself, that was clear, and helping you own who you are is my entire goal with the site. So, yes, I love it over there. Hopefully you do too.

We went meatless this month, and it was actually pretty doable if you're asking me. If you're asking Mike, it's a torture tactic the U.S. government should look into. He whined his way through the entire thing even though the entire thing was his idea. (That's a little peek into my life. Feel for me.) Every time I made something, he would say, "This would be better with a side of steak." But, we managed, and we're better for it, I believe that. We tried a lot of new things (some new things gave us food poisoning, ahem). We challenged ourselves. I like how that feels and hope to give up something again soon that I didn't think I could do without, but come to find out, I can. I can do a lot I didn't once think I could.

Like run a 5K. Man, that feat still makes me smile. I'm proud of myself, you should know. Doing things that make you feel like you can conquer the world or, more realistically, your life's to-do list? Yeah, that's not a bad way to go through life.

Then there's Kyle. Oh, you guys. He's the best. He's clapping and blowing kisses and he makes monster sounds when you say, "make your monster sounds!" And he can count to one (granted that's just pointing, but whatever), and he is becoming obsessed with books. We read Brown Bear, Brown Bear 97 times in a row, and I think he likes the blue horse best. He's still a shrimp who'd rather crawl all over the place than attempt to walk. Whatever you want, buds. You have your whole life to master walking. And when you crawl, you can see the ground better and the ground is where old pieces of English muffin live. He went through a pretty strong mommy phase this month and can I just say: IT'S ABOUT DAMN TIME. He no longer wants his papa 24 hours a day, and it's nice to no longer have to constantly remind him why he should love me best. He also unloads the dishwasher and likes chocolate. 

He's still the very best part of each and every month.

For April, I'm going to get creative with gift giving, and I can't wait to surprise friends and strangers with nice things, even if those nice things aren't things at all.

I'm also hosting a girl's dinner this month and we're going to an Art's Festival and I'm gearing up for my next 5K. I also hope to get a really tight grip on our budget and the state of our house. See, our house looks like a crazed elephant ran through it most of the time. And I hate that! Maybe we'll take a stab at this "spring cleaning" thing everyone talks about.

I'm also making crab cakes this month.

And since it's finally (FINALLY!) spring, we're going to get outside, go to the parks near our house, drive with the windows down and get eaten alive by mosquitoes. Texas is annoying year round, turns out.

So, spill it, what are you looking forward to in April?

Comments

[Kristabella]

BASEBALL! Opening Day and warmer weather! Even if it snows in April, it still means that it will be warmer before it gets colder again!

[Raven]

I am going to New Orleans for a quick girls trip this month. It's going to be really interesting trying to do that while not eating meat but I will figure something out, even if it's just surviving on beignets, bread pudding and cornbread. :)

[HollyLynne]

Congrats on all the March accomplishments! A 5k . . . that is just super awesome.
Looking forward to: One thing and one thing only! His name starts w/ a B and ends w/ "ean" ;)

[Natalie]

I like how you did the recap! You really accomplished a lot this month. I'm so proud of you!

For April, I'm hitting wedding season. Think of me that I'll survive and be a drama free girl.

[C @ Kid Things]

I'm looking forward to Easter and my son's 4th birthday.

[Heather]

Nice to hear that March was good for you, and you're looking forward to April. Here are things I am looking forward to:

1) The first Easter that Bill's kids will be with my family. Hopefully it won't rain between now and then, and we can have an egg hunt.

2) My friend from MA is coming to town on business, and I will get to visit with her, briefly.

3) A few days after that, my friend will be here from CA, and she'll get to meet Bill for the first time.

4) Family baby shower

5) Being full-term. Holy cow, I am going to have a baby!!!!

[Christina]

Lots of things!
Walks outside, the park, blowing bubbles, side walk chalk. Our Easter egg hunt this weekend.
I'm getting an official start on the baby's room, too! Getting fabric samples and choosing paint, refinishing some thrift stuff. I can't wait- I feel like I get a little more in touch with my style with each room I do.

Congrats again on kicking that 5k's ass! I'm still so proud of you.

[cindy w]

Sounds like a pretty great month. Main thing I'm excited about in April: my sister is moving and we're going to be living in the same state for the first time since 1997. She'll still be 150 miles away, but being able to visit her via car instead of airplane? HUGE. And I can't wait.

[barbetti]

Despite March being a hairy asshole, the part about Kyle made me laugh and laugh. Monster sounds! That is just perfect. What a sweet boy you have there.

And I went meatless for 7 years before I met Steve. You were a lot braver than I. (I stuck to peanut butter and soy beans. FOR EVERY MEAL.)

[Katy]

Here's to denial!

March sounds like it went well for you. I wish my kid could unload the dishwasher.

[Lisa@put-it-on-the-list]

I have a friend visiting (working) this weekend. She never stays with me when she's in town, but she is this time. I'm excited to see her.

My sister's birthday is Sunday, and I made her some really cool stuff. I wish I could be there when she opens it. I know she'll love it.

Enjoy that boy! They grow up so fast.

[Kai]

What a great way to end a not-so-easy month - by reflecting on the things that DID go well! Sometimes after a tough period it's difficult to do - kudos to you for finding the things to be proud of/grateful for.

March has been a difficult one for me also. Lots of upheaval and uncertainty but I think that April will bring a lot more calm, thank goodness..

I'm looking forward to April for the end of daylight savings, the annual emergence of the woolen quilt and the banishment of the cotton blanket, the return of winter food (hello, carbs, I've missed you!) Easter (my favourite holiday for its chocolate), a new job once I make a decision and the possibility of a weekend away to Sydney.

Oh, and my niece coming for another sleepover :-)

[natalie]

Um. You are making me blush. But thank you. :)
For April, I'm looking forward to bluebonnet photos, not going out of town, and building a screened in porch off our house! You are invited for cocktails when it's done.

[Steph]

Looking forward to sunshine, starting a new job (well...'looking forward to' is a bit of a stretch), and the possibility of seeing a best friend who lives very, very, very far away. Oh and ice coffee. Lots and lots of ice coffee!

GO APRIL!!!

[auntie]

right now i'm most looking forward to getting to dye easter eggs with my sister's kids on saturday. she's never really been into that but i LOVE it and couldn't bear the thought of her kids not growing up with this tradition so it's always been my "thing" to do with them. and even though the boys are now 15 and 13 (and my niece is 8), they still love seeing who can come up with the best egg design. so happy to keep the tradition alive in my family!