The Me Monthly - Volume 13


ME THIS MONTH
I was planning to post this a few days ago, but our week got crazy so that didn't work out! So here we are, almost a week late, but still here! And with different content...I need to remember to write these in advance, but not too far in advance or I basically have to write them twice!

Another reason I didn't get to post when I wanted was that we were in Boise for the weekend! For about a year, I have jokingly wanted to plan a trip up there because a food truck I love moved there and opened a restaurant. Then, Sara told me about a glass blowing place in Boise where you can make things (see list item #7!!), so I really wanted to go. Then! Death Cab for Cutie, one of my favorite bands and the last one I really care to see live, was going to be playing there! I had tried to get tickets to their concert the day before in SLC but it sold out in minutes...all the better for me though! We got tickets for the concert, planned to go to a glass blowing class, and I tried to decide which mac I was going to get.

And then this weekend finally happened and it was SO GREAT. Seriously one of the best little weekend getaways ever. It was just me and Jonathan (shout out to the greatest sister-in-law MacKenzie for watching Daisy!), and it was so nice to just spend some time together :) We also got to hang out with the wonderful Sara and Garrett! Boise is the perfect mid-way meet-up for all of us now that they've moved to Washington. And boy what a great meet-up it was! The glass blowing class was an absolute delight! (More coming in a separate post!) And the concert! OH MY HECK. Death Cab is AMAZING. My concert life can die happy now. They played some of my favorites, and a few from their new album that I'm really liking. The grass we sat on made our bums wet, the sun didn't go down until they were done, but everyone standing and singing "I will follow you into the dark" was just awesome. Gave me chills :) Then on Saturday morning we went to Boise's farmer's and public markets. Really cool stuff and gorgeous produce. I want to go again, with cash. Then right after we went to Mad Mac! I was super lame and took a picture with their sign because I was so excited haha :) I got the calavera mac (pico and chicken) and it was way yummy!! But my mouth hasn't had anything spicy in months, so it was a liiiiiitle too spicy for me haha :) I kind of wish I would have just gotten their plain mac, but it was still worth it. Then, I decided that if I was going to cheat I might as well go all the way, so I also got their chocolate overload cake...and HECK. Chocolate is so good you guys. I was in heaven. And then I felt super full. But I still haven't had any of my usual negative feelings, so I'm assuming my body handled it all okay.

Anyway! The trip was great and relaxing and I really loved it. I want to go on more trips! The rest of my month (talking about July now haha) was pretty good. We still had some stress at the beginning of the month, but then things finally calmed down. And we're starting a "Say No" week. It will be the first full week of every month, and we're going to try to not hang out with people or plan anything but will just relax, be productive at home, and spend time with each other. We've just been so burnt out! We're planning to make the rest of this year our "Half Year of Healing". Physically, mentally, emotionally...we just need some healing. Any suggestions for self-care, healthy habits, or fun and cheap things to do at home are greatly appreciated!

Enjoying: the memory of that chocolate cake...I've got to keep it in my mind for the next few months because I don't plan to cheat again anytime soon.
Wearing: My new Death Cab for Cutie shirt!! Hooray for comfy (and way too expensive) band shirts! ;)
Anticipating: seeing my finished ornaments!! We had to leave before they were done, and I can't wait to see the colors and shape and everything! Huge thanks to Sara for picking them up and bringing them to me!


THE FOCUS GROUP
18. Hang a gallery wall with pictures and decor
I organized Daisy's room this month, got some new furniture, and put away the old stuff. I think it's the perfect time to put up some pictures in her room! I have a few things ready, but I want to print off a family picture or one of Daisy to put up too, maybe design a cute saying? We'll see! I'll most likely be enlisting my sister-in-law to help, because I'm sure I'm going to need it. I'm excited to finally have some decor hanging up on walls!

29. Learn some knife skills, especially for cutting onions
I can honestly probably count this one as done, but I think I still want to do what I said last month and watch a few more videos and stuff. I've just been dragging my feet on list stuff these past few months. I will watch at least three knife videos before the end of August.

53. Learn the health benefits of different fruits and vegetables
Yeah..didn't finish this one yet. I've decided to letter all of the names of fruits and veggies I want to do and then do a bullet list underneath. I'm setting a goal to do at least five by the end of August.


1 YEAR - 12 PROJECTS - 30 DAYS
Project 2 - Limit Phone Use (July - Finished)
Here's a quick recap of this project:
  • No phone before 9am or after 9pm 
  • No phone on Sundays 
  • Remove Facebook from phone
  • Avoid being on phone around Daisy
I think I did an okay job on this project. I definitely wasn't 100% like my diet, but I think I hit at least 85% or higher. I was pretty good about not looking at my phone on Sundays (except for scriptures and family messages) and I still don't have Facebook on my phone. I can definitely tell a difference from not being on my phone before and after 9am/pm. I've been able to get ready for the day and for bed a lot quicker. I did have some exceptions in place before I started (important messages were allowed, Sunday exceptions, I checked recipes before 9am if my tablet was dead, etc.), but I did cheat a little too. I was on the tablet some mornings/nights ("because it's not my phone!") and while it wasn't often, I still did it. Sometimes for good things like looking at recipes, and sometimes for not so good things like watching too many YouTube videos. As I keep working on this habit, I'm going to make an effort to avoid ALL screens (especially for YouTube or other mindless things) as best as I can before and after 9am/pm.

The hardest one to do, regretfully, was avoiding my phone while around Daisy. I think I was on my phone more than I wanted to for this project. For the first two weeks I did really well, and I definitely noticed a change in her and myself. She started talking more and was less whiny and impatient (for a 2-year old). I was able to be more patient with her too. Then in the middle of the month my UC was making me feel gross almost every day and it was harder to play with her. And then I sometimes found myself making excuses like "she went off to her room really quick, I'll watch one more video" or "oh I need to message that person right now, she can wait just a few more minutes". But this last week I recommitted and I've done a lot better! It helps that I'm feeling better too, but we've been outside almost every morning, we've played with her toys more, we haven't watched any TV, and I felt like I was able to be in all those moments. I want to try to work up to putting my phone in another room while Daisy is awake and just checking it for messages every hour.

Project 3 - Reading (August - Started)
This project is pretty straight forward. I want to build up a habit of reading, but especially of reading my scriptures. Here is the very simple breakdown of what I want to do:
  • Read one chapter of the Book of Mormon every day
  • Read one chapter of an additional book every day
I was going to do at least 15 minutes every day, and still hope to, but I'm trying to be realistic with myself and my schedule (attainable goals, folks). If I miss a day, I'll make it up by reading two the next day. I've already had to do it a few times - I need to be sure to read earlier in the day, just in case I don't get to bed until 11. Not only will this help me build up a good habit, but it will help me with two goals! I'll be closer to finishing the Book of Mormon twice during the list, and if I pick new books it will help me to get closer to reading 35 new books!


KEEPING YOU POSTED
15. For one year go to the temple once a month
It was the last day of the month, but I made it to the temple! I went to the Provo City Center temple for the first time (so pretty!!) and did initiatory. I had a really great experience and got to have good conversations with a few ladies. It was just nice :) Only one more month and I'll have this one done!

75. Read all the General Conference talks that come out during the course of the list
I've been going slow on this one, but I just finished the women's session of the October 2017 conference! This has been a really good addition to my Sundays and I'm excited to keep going!


NUMBERED NEWS
28. Read 35 new books
1. Hamilton: The Revolution (7/7/18) - It was so cool to read how Hamilton came about. It was hard for me to keep track of all the different people (probably because I only read it every few days and only one chapter at a time) and some terms/references I didn't understand, but I am amazed at all the time, effort, knowledge, and help that went into making this play happen. I hope I can see it someday. Also, Lin's annotated lyrics were definitely the best part. I wanted more!
2. Steal Like an Artist (7/25/18) - I really enjoyed this little book. It made me want to design more! It also made me feel more confident in my skills and to work harder to get build my skills. It had really good advice and was really honest and straight forward. I also really liked its aesthetic, made it fun to read. 

49. Play 51 new games (at least 15 award-winning)
20. Pillars of the Earth: Builders Duel (7/16/18)
21. Tzolk'in (7/29/18) *6 - 2012 Meeples Choice Winner*


DAISY'S BOOK OF THE MONTH
Daisy is in love with another classic! She calls it the "butterfly book" because she can't quite say the actual title: The Very Hungry Caterpillar


Obviously her favorite part is when the caterpillar turns into a butterfly. I usually open and close the book like it's flapping it's wings. She always leans in to give it a kiss or a hug (with her head haha).

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