Let’s sit down and go over my March budget, challenges, successes, and areas where I’m starting to see progress. Overall, it was a better month than February in terms of savings. I’m seeing a trend in the right direction and finally saving some cash for future expenses.
video: let’s do our nails and talk about life – a Q1 update
A Q1 life update: coming out of grief and loss, finding financial balance, managing health, and a hint at upcoming writing projects and future publishing goals.
Mentioned:
off the shelf: what I read Jan-March 2024
Disclaimer: the ratings are entirely arbitrary and just because a book wasn’t for me, doesn’t mean it might not be for you (or even me at a different time).
Currently reading
After Hours on Milagro Street by Angelina M. Lopez – nearly finished and loving
Eclipse the Moon by Jessie Mihalik – currently listening
Loveboat, Taipei by Abigail Hing Wen – currently on hold
Read
The Earl Next Door by Charis Michaels – 🍰🍰🍰
An American heiress on the run and the grumpy, Earl that lives next door and refuses to get involved in her schemes… of course, they end up embroiled in a whole lot of mess and more. It’s been a while since I read a proper historical and this one was a pleasant change from the tropes I usually go for.
The Masterful Cat is Depressed Again, Today #2-4 by Hitsuji Yamada 🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰
This series continues to be the perfect amount of silliness and slice of life that I need between big projects. Highly recommend.
Molly Molloy and the Angel of Death by Maria Vale – 🍰🍰🍰🍰
This is (so far) the best book I’ve read this year. It’s a weird little love story involving Death and all that might entail. I won’t say too much, but if you like a quirky love story that delves into an intriguing take on life, death, and spirituality, this might be for you.
One for My Enemy by Olivie Blake- 🍰🍰🍰
I was hooked by the idea of a magical Romeo and Juliet retelling. It was… interesting. I liked the magical mafia vibes, but I found myself losing interest in some of the threads. There is a lot happening in this book – lots of intrigue, lots of description. The revenge plot was intricately plotted, but the ending left me deflated. I liked it, but I wanted something else.
Audiobooks
When life is life-ing, I listen to a lot of audiobooks.
Twisted Love by Ana Huang 🍰🍰🍰
I know this series is popular but had no idea what to expect. Romantic suspense isn’t usually my thing, but this one kept me entertained on my long commutes and I’m curious to continue the rest of the series.
Better Hate than Never – Chloe Liese 🍰🍰🍰
A modern take on Taming of the Shrew and 10 things I hate about you? Of course, I had to read this! This is a hard one to review because I enjoyed the story but there were aspects of the romance that took me out of the story (primarily the “I knew you when you were a baby” thing… I have a hard time with that trope in general). However, if you’re looking for a demi heroine with neuro-spicy traits and some childhood rivals to lovers action, this might be the read for you.
Puck Me Secretly – Odette Stone 🍰🍰🍰
I am not a sports person, but I enjoy a sporty romance. I picked this one up after hearing it described on the Fated Mates podcast and was not disappointed. There is a particular near-plane crash scene that had me on the edge of my (car) seat and added a new twist on the old classic of fated to meet. Also, surprise thriller elements for some added spice.
DNF
Pride and Protest by Nikki Payne
I think I would prefer to read this one (was listening to the audiobook).
The Deal by Elle Kennedy
Conversely, I think I might prefer this one in audio lol.
Extreme Honor by Piper J. Drake
I tried reading it twice and got about 60 pages in on the second try, but I just couldn’t get into the story.
video: quiet days vlog 68 -organizing documents, a trip to the Renaissance Fair, and working in the office
Building a new organizer for my files and sorting through old drafts of my novels, plus a trip to the Renaissance Fair, and back to work at the office on an ordinary day.
video: quiet days vlog 67 – visiting an arts festival, migraine day in the life, and a vulnerable moment
This is a long one, so buckle-up.
A visit to the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, a migraine day in the life, coffee experiments, and a long, vulnerable, teary rant.
video: February budget check-in – no/low buy project
This was a challenging month with lots of unexpected and unplanned expenses. I barely managed to stay within my budget, but I did, so I’ll take that as a success.
video: quiet days 66 – days in the life – New Years outings, loss, & Art of the Brick exhibit
January was a tough one, and it took me longer than I expected to find the will to edit this vlog. It’s a short one, but it covers the overall mood of the month – starting with the highs, lows, and a general sense of calm after loss.
This was posted to YT about two weeks ago. Follow my channel for up-to-date posts 😅
video: A nostalgic review & declutter of toys from my childhood
A trip down memory lane with two bags full of toys from the 80s and 90s as I decide what to keep, what to give away, and what I just can’t think about at the moment. Come for the Strawberry Shortcake, stay for the unexpectedly self-reflective review of my childhood through toys that my mom squirrelled away.
life: is this my midlife crisis? part 3.
Ways I’m saving my sanity at the moment:
- Budgeting and tracking every darn cent because cost-of-living adjustments ain’t adjusting around here. Everything is overpriced and we’re all feeling it. NGL, I’ve had a few anxiety attacks about the clear lack of balance in my life at the moment and the only way I’ve managed to get a handle on the anxiety is to track diligently and evaluate where I need to scale back and be more mindful. I’m starting a low/no-buy series over on the channel as a form of accountability and self-reflection.
- Decluttering. Despite a few small declutters over the last two years, I kept missing the opportunity to engage in a solid, top to bottom declutter over a concentrated period of time. The amount of stuff in my home was starting to feel overwhelming and contributing to the overall lack of contentment that I was experiencing in my space over the last two years. During my winter break, I went through 80% of my home. All that remains is the closet, but that’s a project for another time.
- Not writing. I finished the project I started last spring sometime near the end of October. I loved writing that novel, but it also helped me realize I was experiencing very real burnout. The number of non-writing days I logged because I felt physically ill or mentally drained outnumbered the writing days (I keep a highly detailed time log with notes). I gained a second wind that saw me to the end when I acknowledged I needed to make a real change in my daily habits and identify what matters most. The draft is waiting to be reviewed, and I plan to get to that in February, but I need to focus on my health and professional goals for a little longer.
- Moving. Just moving. Walking, running, Pilates, yoga, resistance training. Some days, I just aim to get 10k and call it a win. I’m maintaining a solid routine and regaining the strength and stamina that I lost after 2 sprained ankles, an injured arm (and subsequent biopsy), a nasty bout of covid, and a rough cold.
- Journaling. A lot. I started doing morning pages in September. One day, it just felt like the thing I needed to do and I’m glad that I gave in to the urge. I don’t journal every morning, but it’s become a regular part of my week. I’m also keeping a health and wellness log where I detail my symptoms, supplements, NSVs, and other changes, plus, my nightly journal (I’ve been using the Leuchtterm 1917 line a day, 5-year journal and just started a new one for 2024).
video: My No/Low Buy Plan Goals and Intentions for 2024
This year, I’m committing to re-evaluating my relationship with money through a targeted, intentional no/low buy plan. In this video, I share my why, my past failures, current goals, biggest spending triggers, and how I plan to succeed and hold myself accountable through monthly check-ins. A few vulnerable reflections on my background and growing up poor, and how this has led to my current anxieties about money.
marginalia and such 