What I’m Into: March 2019

Main Events

Life really started picking up in March. I’m bracing myself for things to get even crazier in April!

 

Wedding Update

Debra came to Memphis twice this month and helped us with a LOT of wedding things. We now have bridesmaid dresses, flower girl dresses, and a florist; invitations are in process at the printer; I put together a website for online RSVPs; we’re getting our wedding cake from my friend Chasity (a small cake that we’ll supplement with Gibson’s donuts); and my friend Caroline is going to be our wedding coordinator! Debra, Ashley, and I also went to a bridal show at the Junior League so I could talk to the florist. I would normally stay far away from that type of event, but we had fun.

 

Reading

Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton (5 stars) – A powerful story of a young Cuban woman during Castro’s takeover, and her granddaughter in the present day. Marisol leaves Miami to scatter her grandmother’s ashes in Havana, and uncovers a whole new side of her family history. When I was a kid in Miami, the steady stream of Cuban refugees was part of the wallpaper to me – unfortunately, I had never learned historical details about what drove them to America. This book was a sobering crash course, with vivid and lovable characters. I’m excited for the sequel about Beatriz.

Paws and Effect by Sofie Kelly (3.5 stars) – I’m a Magical Cats fan to the end, but OMG even Marcus is suspected of murder? I told you guys this town is too small to keep this series going indefinitely.

The Dance of Intimacy by Dr. Harriet Lerner (5 stars) – An excellent look at managing change and disagreement in close relationships, and the personal and societal consequences of moving toward health when others aren’t ready to do that.

I’m Fine and Neither Are You by Camille Pagán (4 stars) – When Penny tragically loses her best friend, a famous mommy blogger who appeared to have it all, she decides to start being honest about the difficulties of her own life and marriage. This novel walks a fine line of being both extremely real and ultimately hopeful. I appreciated it.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (3.5 stars) – My book club’s March selection. I read this in high school, but had forgotten most of it. While it remains a groundbreaking classic, and our group discussion was very enjoyable, it’s still not quite my thing.

 

Listening

Now that I can listen to podcasts in my car, my podcast consumption has increased. My current favorite, unsurprisingly, is 10 Things to Tell You by Laura Tremaine. I LOVED this week’s episode about different ways to journal. I’ve realized I don’t regularly have the time or patience for podcasts over 30-45 minutes (i.e. the length of my commute). Some titles I’m trying out: Dare I Say, Stuff You Missed in History Class, The Cut on Tuesdays, The Thread, and Women’s Work.

 

Watching

Captain Marvel was fantastic. I left inspired and hopeful for every woman to someday have her own “I don’t owe you anything” moment. The orange cat representation was an added bonus – Flerken is Rufus’s newest nickname.

My main watch of the month was The Umbrella Academy. I struggled through the first few episodes, then got hooked around episode five (Five is my favorite character) and was increasingly O_O till the end. I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS. I’ve heard the comics are even weirder and don’t provide a lot of explanations.

I’m three episodes into Shrill, and it’s worth the hype.

 

Around Town

Taylor and I attended the Tigers’ games in the conference tournament, which we hosted this year. We lost in the third round to Houston. Then we scored tickets to my company box for our first round NIT game! Between that and the Grizzlies, we went to four or five basketball games in seven days. I love basketball as much as ever, but I’m ready to have other things going on in my life.

Debra was my date to the annual gala for Operation Broken Silence. This year’s theme was Masquerade, and the venue was a recently restored carousel at the Children’s Museum. We had a great time dancing and riding the carousel.

Earlier the same day, we went with my mom and nieces to the Botanic Gardens. The flowers and trees are just starting to bloom!

I’ve always wanted to go to a service at the cathedral near my house, and I finally did with some friends for Ash Wednesday. It was as beautiful as I imagined.

My mom and I saw Fiddler on the Roof at the Orpheum. It’s one of her favorites.

We went to the Cooper-Young St. Patrick’s Day parade for the first time on one of the first nice days.

My friend Kelsey, who is also engaged, had a lumberjack-themed bridal brunch at Rizzo’s. I didn’t get any pictures, but we all wore flannel shirts and it was awesome!

 

At Home

I couldn’t resist blue hostas when Taylor and I saw the bulbs at Home Depot. We planted them and some dahlia bulbs on the front porch, and are excitedly following their daily progress. Meanwhile, the daffodils are blooming back at my house.

Some of my wall art is now up at Taylor’s house, in addition to one of my chairs. First step of the move!!

 

Eating

My dad and I have long loved Elwood’s Shack, a diner in the parking lot of a Lowe’s. This month they branched out to Elwood’s Shells, right in the neighborhood. Debra and I shared the seafood fondue (which has already won a local dip award) and the seafood pasta. We will be back.

 

Wearing

I realized late in the afternoon of this day that my outfit had a very strong Umbrella Academy vibe. I had just finished the show that morning. Clueless-era schoolgirl chic is one of my style foundations, so I shouldn’t be surprised that my subconscious latched right on.

On another fashion note, I canceled Stitch Fix this month after over a year of them ignoring my feedback. They did send a few pieces I needed and loved, like the pea coat above, but those were exceptions to the rule. As I said in my farewell message, it’s become clear that Stitch Fix has a specific aesthetic that works for me only occasionally. No more sending back flowy, high-necked blouses.

 

Beauty

Having finally settled into a successful skincare routine, I’m now an easy target for “bonus” products. I decided to try Paula’s Choice’s new azaleaic acid booster, which is supposed to fade acne scars (among other things), and their highly rated retinol body lotion to make sure my chest and upper arms are looking smooth. Both of these items have made a noticeable difference quickly – good timing, because our engagement pictures are next week. I realize I’ve crossed over into Extra territory, but if you can’t be a little extra before your wedding, when can you?

Not pictured: Unfortunately for my bank account, Clinique Take off the Day is the Holy Grail makeup remover everyone says it is. I’ve tried every award-winning drugstore brand and micellar water, and none of them can remove my mascara. I bought a travel-sized Clinique bottle at Ulta just to see. It gets everything off in one swipe. I don’t have to scrub at my eyes at all.

 

Wellness

Health wise, this month was a little rough. I got sick a second time (having just recovered from whatever I caught in New York) and couldn’t breathe through my nose for days. I was also feeling down and having a lot of anxiety, but after talking things out and receiving support, I’m doing better. Even though this is a happy time in my life, it’s also a complicated, limbo time that’s stirring up a lot of not-great stuff from my past. I want to write more about that, and other thoughts about marriage from my current perspective.

I decided it’s time to start running again. I’m starting with a couple of miles once a week and seeing how I feel!

 

Random Happiness

My cubicle plants are thriving!

Taylor and I talked about where we want to settle long-term, and quickly narrowed it down to a three-block radius, which includes his current home. I know life takes you in unexpected directions and I’m open to that, but I think it’s a gift to have such a strong, shared sense of where we want to be.

My church has new mugs. I bought one the first morning we had them, as a tangible representation of how happy, safe, and fulfilled I currently feel at my church. That’s a gift too.

I wanted to get a special perfume to wear during our engagement, wedding, and honeymoon, so it would always remind us of this time. We smelled a variety of things and agreed on Clinique Happy In Bloom. Seems appropriate. ♥

 

Your Monthly Rufus

Rufus also had a bad cold this month, but bounced back after a breathing treatment at the vet (basically a medicated salt cave for cats – hilarious). He’s glad spring is here.

 

Good Reads

♥ Rachel Syme at The Cut: The Feminist Paradox of Cathy Guisewite

♥ Chris Davis discusses the downfall of print newspapers in the Memphis Flyer: Going to Pieces

♥ Veronica McCarthy at Atelier Doré: Beauty Takes Flight

♥ Amanda Diebert: Jagged Little Pill Is Actually Very Good.

♥ Alison Gary: Cancel Your Clothing Subscription Box (very timely for me)

♥ Living with Grace: Freeing Lent from Diet Culture

♥ The Life of Bon: Jump