We’re all about flowers at our house right now. Between the marigold she potted at preschool and the out-of-control rosebush in the backyard, we are just blooming everywhere.
That’s good, because April has been a rough month in my house. Annalyn has had some health and behavior problems, Mark and I have been struggling to communicate, and {last and least} I got a really, really bad haircut. Since I’m not ready to share the details of those situations right now – or willing to show you a picture of my hideous hair – I’ll just say that I’m looking forward to May and leave it at that.
How was your April?
What I’m Reading:
I’ve already told you about Baroness by Susan May Warren. Normally, I don’t love historical fiction, but this series is one of the best thing I’ve read in several months. Realistic family drama with a redeeming message set in the Gilded Age and the Roaring Twenties is a winning combination, and I’m already looking forward to the third Daughters of Fortune book.
On a completely different note I also read a new Janet Evanovich book recently. Love in a Nutshell (co-written by Dorien Kelly) is a departure from her Stephanie Plum series, and it was lighter and – in my opinion – more realistic (or at least relatable) than those books. If you’re looking for a fun, funny romance with a side of mystery, I vote for this one.
I also read Divergent by Veronica Roth this month. Not surprisingly, it’s another dystopian YA novel – the first in a trilogy – with a strong female lead character who overcomes great (and creative) odds. And it’s probably one of my favorites. Big thanks to my friend Amanda, who recommended it!
I’ve also been reading Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing & Life by Anne Lamott. It is incredible. I checked it out from the library, and as soon as I finish it, I’m buying my own copy so I can read it again and mark it all up.
What I’m Watching:
What’s that saying? April reruns bring May sweeps? Seems like the first part of this month had a whole lot of nothing on TV. I suppose that left room for everyone to talk (nonstop) about The Hunger Games. But since I haven’t seen it yet (though I read – and loved – the book, of course), that didn’t help me out much.
I’m still watching the same shows: Once Upon a Time, How I Met Your Mother, Hart of Dixie, Castle, NCIS and Parks & Recreation. (Parks & Rec got the blog post photo honor this month based solely on last week’s outstanding episode, The Debate. If you haven’t watched it, go. Watch it now.) I’ve also started watching Suburgatory (hilarious!) and, somehow, I’ve found myself watching Fairly Legal on USA. I suppose I need something to replace the void that Psych has left by a slightly boring (until the last minute of the season finale) and incredibly brief winter season.
Also, the season finale has already aired, but I loved Up All Night. Well, you know, I loved the part that didn’t have Maya Rudolph acting weird. Chris Brinkley (played by Will Arnett) is officially my favorite TV husband ever.
What I’m Eating:
Smoothies, oatmeal, grapes, salad, carrots, grilled chicken, green beans. Rinse and repeat. {We’re not going to talk about the M&Ms that I bought for (in)RL. Nope, we are not.}
What I’m Listening to:
For several weeks now, I’ve been hearing two songs over and over. No, I’m not talking about that Gotye song, although, yeah. I’m talking about Wanted Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi and Mama Told Me Not to Come by Three Dog Night. Seriously. It seems like every other day, I’m hearing one or both of those songs. Isn’t that weird?
I mean, is there a message in there somewhere? Am I wanted {dead or alive} by someone? Have I gone to a party with suspicious-looking cigarettes, despite my mama’s warnings? Um, no. I don’t know. But that is what I’ve been listening to.
One last thing. I read a post on NPR’s Monkey See blog last night about a news station in Cincinnati that features dance parties every Friday during their early morning traffic report. You know that’s my sort of news report! Here’s a fun segment from a few years ago:
What were you into in April?
This post was inspired by Sorta Crunchy’s monthly post. And it contains affiliate links.
I love Bird by Bird! One of my favorite books on writing (and life!). Hope your May goes smoother than your April.
Thanks, Tiffany. :)
Have you read Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son’s First Year by Anne Lamott? That and Bird by Bird are wonderful. I want to be friends with Anne Lamott. I used to make my students read excerpts from them.
Also, I think Parks and Rec is currently my favorite TV show. I remember Teresa liked it before any of us.
I haven’t read any other Anne Lamott books, but after this one, I’m sure I’ll be getting my hands on everything she’s written. (Also – when I first read your comment, I totally thought you said you WERE friends with her. And I just couldn’t understand how that had never come up!)
So sorry about the haircut. I know firsthand that a bad haircut can be traumatizing. The good thing about hair is that even if it grows an inch or two, it usually changes the whole look of the style- so I hope yours grows fast, or has a fixable solution in the meantime!!!
Good job on the munching away like a rabbit. I started eating healthier this week and I feel the same way. It’s funny how all the healthy foods require so much munching and chewing. I think my jaw is mad at me. I also bought 4 (ok.. 6) bags of peanut M&Ms b/c they are the pastel ones on Easter clearance, but don’t expire until December so I felt safe getting them. Now it seems like every room of the house I go into has one of those evil pastel bags staring at me like- “you know you want a handful, Christina.”
I can’t believe you bought bags of M&Ms. You have WAY more willpower than me!!! (And sadly, my lack of restraint has nothing to do with any expiration date. *sigh*)
I love this post. I love your blog. Been following for just a month or so and I love how you communicate your reality. It is how I would communicate if I could! And just have to tell you that your month sounds like mine, right down to the bad haircut. Oh wow was it bad, and expensive, and after 2 weeks I am STILL not over it… hmm isn’t it funny how I can talk about that but not the bad days with my hubby. Peer pressure (that says NOT to talk about it). :-) Well, we’ve got it out in the air here at our house and I will say a prayer that you’ve done the same for THAT situation!
Lori, thank you so much for your kind comment and encouragement! I’m glad you found my blog. Now I’m off to check out yours! :)