I love love love the idea to share about what we learned, gleaned, thought about and discovered at the end of each month. Emily over at Chatting At the Sky is hosting the sweetest link up to do just that and I'm so excited to take part for the first time! I'd love to hear what you've learned and loved this month too. Let's reflect and share with purpose and encourage one another, wherever we may be on the journey! So let's recap, shall we?
What I learned in February
1. It is possible to become depressed after losing a big football game.
I've never been much of a sporty girl, but the way these boys played their hearts out and then just before clinching the title win had it all slip through their fingers? It was painful. I am also so fascinated by the way cheering for the home team unites you to friends near and far.
2. There is no such thing as too much Trader Joe's Jalepeno Greek Yoghurt dip.
I may have traveled 20 blocks out of my way on multiple occasions to refresh my stock.
3. Surprises come in all shapes and sizes, with glory and with grief and my response to each matters much.
I signed a contract for a dream opportunity (more on that soon!) the same week I found out we had to move unexpectedly. One brought elation, the other tears, but the constant need to trust and rest in each experience proved to be the testing of my character in both instance. Praying that I can embrace steady days, a steady heart and thanksgiving in ALL things each day and in the days to come.
4. It doesn't matter how often I listen to Taylor Swift's new album, it just never gets old.
Is there anyone else who is not a teenager out there who feels the same way?
5. When you've been living each day in a "feels like" temperature ranging between -6 and 16 degrees, when the thermostat hits 28, it feels like Spring.
True story. Don't ask me how I know.
6. I love to read books set in Europe in the mid 20th century.
I realized this as I took a look at my recent reads: Maisie Dobbs, The Flavia DeLuce Mysteries, Beautiful Ruins and now All the Light We Cannot See.
Click below to get your own copy of any or all of these treasures! I can't say enough about each and every one!
7. Speech Therapists might save the world (Or at least my world).
I had no idea what an amazing resource a speech therapist could be. We are beginning sessions with one for three of my four kiddos for various issues that I didn't even understand were in their scope of expertise. I am beyond impressed, and so so encouraged.
8. I underestimate my children.
Its registration time already for my children's online private school, and so they have had to go endure difficult placement tests on top of their regular school work. I am amazed at what they accomplished and what learning they have mastered. Its a hard road as a homeschooler always seeing the gaps in my own work with them and wondering if its ever really going to be enough. I can struggle with that often, but this month? I was just so comforted and so proud.
9. School is not what it used to be, you guys!
I was thoroughly schooled by my daughter's guidance counselor this week about how her coursework lines up with what is needed for her college applications. I should mention she is a freshman. Yeah....it starts that early. Who knew that the PSAT was taken in 10th grade and I need to sign up soon? Yeah, not me. The requirements on these kids? Cray. Years ahead of what was required of me 20 year ago. And the pressure? Its crazy too. So if you know a high schooler? Hug them. They need it. (Maybe hug their moms too?)
10. Acetone is the key ingredient in nail polish remover.
All this "acetone free" business I used to buy? Not getting the job done. You know when you go for a great manicure and they just whip your nail polish off? That's because they know where to get the good stuff. And now I do too...on the bottom shelf, hidden from me all these years. (And perhaps dangerous and flamable? Although let's get real, I really don't care at this point.) Game changer.
11. Google Shopping Express is changing NYC.
This has been around since the summer in NYC, but this month was my first time trying it and I'm hooked. While Instacart is still my go-to for grocery items, Google Shopping Express delivers all my staples and non perishables, from Fairway, Costco, Target, Staples, Walgreens and more, straight to my door the same day. If you live in one the cities able to take advantage of this, its beyond lovely!
So how about you friends? What have you learned, big or small this month?