Dear March

My sewing machine and I spent a lot of time together this month

February seemed to creep by while March was do 90 in 60 mph speed zone. It was so weird. Don't get me wrong I am very happy that March sped on by but I felt like it went too fast in a way. I had to put a pause on WGJ towards the beginning of the Month because I was feeling overwhelmed and I needed a break. While I'm still trying to find a rhythm that fits me with blogging; ive been trying to get to some of my other hobbies, sewing specifically. I didn't sew anything in January or February. This month I started again and I was reminded how much I truly do enjoy it. 

I cannot let this month go by and not talk about how 4 years ago everyones' lives changed. C0vid was wild and uncertain and sad. Every March since 2020 I think to myself, HOW? 

March, thanks for being weird. 

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Here are some words that were prominent during my month:  

Weird/// This month was just plain old weird. I couldn't put my finger on exactly why but it was. Things happened, words were said, people came and people went, symptoms appeared and then disappeared without an explanation. All in all I am glad you are over. 

Accomplished/// Work wise, this was BUSY! I had a full to do list each day. By the end of the day, my hair was messy, my desk was still covered in documents and almost every pen and pencil was spread across my desk. It continually put a smile on my face to know that I worked today and got things done; even when I didn't feel well.  

Hopeful/// This month, also gave me hope. Hope for goodness to come. I had a rough time last year and I have spent a lot of time doing the work on myself to improve myself and do better in the future. I hope to see that, that work I did will start to pay off. 

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Emoji of the month:

😅
A smiling face with a drop of sweat, conveying relief or slight embarrassment

How it worked in my month: There was a lot of times I had a sense of relief wash over me and slight embarrassment was had as well. I always take this face as a laughing face so I did that ALOT this month too. 

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This Time Last Year

in 2023, I was on cloud 9 in life and in general. Everything was exciting and fun and new. I actually love this gabrielle; she was so hopeful and full of excitement. She truly wanted the best outcome for everything. 

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Gym Update

I took a break from the gym in the beginning of the month BUT I did 7 times towards the end of the month. Early mornings are still my favorites and I look forward to getting back my normal routine. 

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Looking Forward

Girl Dinner, warmer weather, adventures

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Posts

Did you miss any of my posts from this month? Find them below:

Random # 26 | February Work #OOTD | Pause

Friday's Joy 1 | 2 

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[[]] 

Written in realtime; posted at a later date 

Dear February

right place, right time

I know everyone was saying January dragged on BUT for me January flew by and February crawled on. It wasn't a bad month, It was actually really busy and really good but towards the end of the month, I kept saying to myself, its still February. I do not have anything HUGE planned in March that I am looking forward so I don't know why I was eager to have February over. 

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Here are some words that were prominent during my month:  

Friendships/// One of my goals this year is to focus on Girl friendships more. This month I definitely made it a priority and it has been a favorite this month. I went to my first every GALENTINE's Day happy hour and we had so much fun! Reaching out to girlfriends to say hi! has been such a highlight of my day. I have definitely been missing this aspect of my life and I am happy friendship is a priority this year. 

Abundance///  My word of the year is Abundance and I have been seeing the repercussions from it since declaring it. These repercussions have been SO good and sometimes I am so giddy about noticing these small moments of abundance. This month has been a reassurance that Abundance was the right word for me, this year. 

Family/// I felt like this month, more than ever, I spent more time with my parents. It has been really nice to have this time together. My mom and I have early morning chats, my dad and I are always saying something goofy to each other. I love the meals we spend together- at home and out. Family is something I have always cherished but now that I am getting older, I cherish it even more. 

Consistent/// The gym has been consistent in my life since mid-November and it has been my favorite part of the day. There are so many things that have changed because of this new consistent routine that you can't see. I have become more focused and I feel happier each day. I feel stronger and I want to keep going to see the progress. 

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Emoji of the month:

🤭

Coy Laughter or amusement.

There were a lot of times this month, I was consistently giggling and sometimes, not at the most appropriate times.  Life is funny, you have to know where to look for the funny and I felt like I used this emjoi A LOT this month. 

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This Time Last Year

In February 2023, life was pretty good. I was content with life, my health was amazing and I was active. I was truly happy in this time last year. 2023 Gab must be very proud of 2024 Gab for continuing this feeling of being truly happy despite everything that has transpired.  I also LOVE how the 2023 Dear February post has a picture that had a caption of "No filter, just in the right place" and this month's photo's caption says "right place, right time." Some things always remain the same. 

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Gym Update

I went to the gym 21 times this month. 20 of those times I swiped in before 4:30 AM and the 1 other time, I swiped in at 5:30 AM. EARLY mornings at the gym made me so happy. There were a few morning when my alarm went off at 4:00 AM and I said UGH but still made myself go to the gym because I knew I would feel so good after I completed the workout. 

This has definitely been a great decision I made for myself- these early morning gym sessions!

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Looking Forward

Bunnies! Leprechauns! More SUNSHINE! Outdoor time! Girl Dinner! New technology backgrounds! 

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Posts

Did you miss any of my posts from this month? Find them below:

THIRTEEN Years | Random #25 | January Work #OOTD | 2024 Superbowl Predictions | SeeHearNow vol. 3 | Galentine's Day | Valentine's Day | Mid-Week Thoughts | WGJ vol. 50 | Diary #50 | What's Up Wednesday

Friday's Joy 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 

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[[When you focus on the good, the good gets better]] 

Dear January

Hi January, 

You were definitely interesting. We started the year off strong, with high hopes of a year full of abundance and joy and magic. We had SO many different weather patterns this month and I feel that I am settling into my own routine here too. I feel excited and rejuvenated. 

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Some things that stood out for me this month were:

Social Media Declutter//I started this in December. I went through my Facebook, Instagram Accounts, and Tumblr Accounts and unfollowed anyone who was making me feel icky. If I come across some content that used to make me happy but now is not, unfollow. I am not letting anything get in my way of happiness and joy this year. 

SNOW// We had our first real snowstorm of the year. It was really pretty once it fell and all the trees and everything else was covered in white and it was peaceful outside. Not to mention, we got a half snow day from work out of it too! 

36th Birthday// January is my birthday month and I felt the love all month long. I think  know 36 will be a good year for me. I can't wait to see what happens!

Wordle// It has made a come back in my life this month. I have been playing it for almost 3 weeks now and  I love the brain exercise each morning. (I've played 222 games in total since starting Wordle back in 2021?)

Still Sewing// I am going to try to sew one thing each month. This month was a pouch for mom's magnifying glass.  I used some old fabric (20+ years old) that I bought in Philly that probably was WAYYY too much for a beginner sewer but it was SO pretty! Picture: pink, purple, bright blue , and yellowish green brocade. 

Reset // I always think of the new year as a reset. A chance to start new and again. You get to be who ever you want to be and there is beauty in that. I love the new year reset. 

and finally...

Choosing Me// I am the most important person in my life and I need to put myself first and make decisions with myself in mind not others. I am really proud of coming to this conclusion and 

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Emoji of the month:

🥰
To Express feelings of love or a strong liking of someone/something.

I truly felt loved all month and I tried to show love all month, through my actions and words. I used this emoji ALOT this month and it was fitting to start the year off with it. 

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This Time Last Year

In 2023, I was finding myself again after a hard break up. I had no idea where 2023 was going to go and my 2023 Bingo Card did not call for another hard break up. Lots of lessons learned in 2023, but you all know that. 

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Gym Update

I went to Retro Fitness at 4:30 AM 18 times this month.  This, getting up super duper early and going to the gym, has been life changing. I promise I am not being dramatic BUT its amazing. I have an upcoming blog post to talk more about this. BUT seriously, you need to try it. :)

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Looking Forward

Galentine's Dinner | Valentines Day | More early morning gym times | Seeing my Favorite Doctor 

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Posts

Did you miss any of my posts from this month? Find them below:

Happy New Year | Random #24 | 2023 Family Photos | 2023 Book Reviews | Happy Birthday to ME! | A Year of Backgrounds | 2024 Word of the Year | unFOURgettable | 2023 Goal Review | 2024 Goals | What's Up Wednesday | WGJ Vol. 49 | Diary #49

Friday's Joy: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

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[[she just shines]] 

 

Dear December

Oh December, you were good to me! You were full of friends, joy and laughter. Lots of holiday parties and fun surprises, like the above Christmas tree. I felt this month, I had a new lease on life and I was ready to tackle anything put in my way. Boy, there were some obstacles in my path that were HUGE but I was happy to say, I got through them with grace. 

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Here are some words that were prominent during my month:  

Relief/// I know this will be an unpopular opinion, but I am happy the holidays are over. 

Spirit/// along the lines of relief , I didn't feel too much in the spirit this year. For example,  I didn't want to go out of my way to do anything Christmassy. It was weird BUT I'm happy to say others who I chatted with felt the same way! Also this made me giggle because it was soooo true. 

Ready/// I am very ready for 2024 to start. I always feel ready to start the new year around this time. 

Joyful /// driving home from work each night was more joyful than normal due to all the Christmas lights out. I felt like I saw something new every single night on the drive (could be the fact my neighbors kept adding to their display LOL) I'll miss the lights come January. 

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Emoji of the month:

🥰

Of love; express feelings of love or strong liking of someone or something. 

I definitely used this a lot during this month, in real life and online.  I think I have a loving outlook on life and sometimes I feel like I'm a walk heart eyes emoji LOL 

I'm going to do this again through 2024. It's like a fortune teller for the year. 

To play along, on January 1, send yourself a text message with the 1st 12 emojis in your recent emjoi section. Each emoji (1st for January,  2nd for February,  etc) will representa month and 'predict' how your month should go. Sometimes its spot on, sometimes it's really wrong. Something silly and fun to look forward too.  

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Flashback

in 2022, I was full of Christmas spirit and still saving money; in 2021, I went on a few Christmas adventures and spent a quiet Christmas at home ; in 2020, random acts of kindness were on full display also my anxiety and non-Christmas spirit; in 2015, I posted some gift guides, a Christmas themed workout and some holiday adventures; in 2014, I shared my goals for the new year; and finally in 2011, I shared some silly snippets of life working my first full time job.

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Gym Update

I went to the gym 18 times this month. 90% of them were early morning sessions (before 5 AM) and they were my absolute favorites. Nothing beats feeling like you accomplished something before going to work. My 4-8 before my 830-5 has been created and I'm still fine tuning it BUT it has become one of my favorite things to come out of 2023.  

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Looking Forward

New Year, New Start. My birthday! Girls dinner. More early gym sessions. New intentions and new goals. 

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Posts

Did you miss any of my posts from this month? Find them below:

Random #23 | Hot Takes | Spotify Wrapped | Wake Up Call | Note to Self: Look for GLIMMERS | Till You Can't | My Christmas Wish | 2023 Christmas Card Reveal | Merry Christmas | WGJ Vol. 48 | Diary #48 

Best of 2023: My Favorite Posts | My Favorite Photos | WGJ Favorites Playlist | Thoughts on 2023 

Fridays Joy: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

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[[December is a month of twinkle lights, laughter, and warm memories that will last a lifetime]]

Dear November

Daily Inspiration

What a month! I honestly didn't think I would end up where I did but I guess things happen for a reason. I will explain more below:

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Here are some words that were prominent during my month:  

Grateful/// I will forever be grateful for days where I am feeling well and not sick. Having a chronic illness, puts things into a different perspective and while I thought I was grateful person prior to acquiring a chronic illness, I feel it even more now. Also it's November, so gratitude is all around with Thanksgiving. 

Unexpected///  I ended up in the hospital earlier this month. While I had been feeling kinda crappy since last month, I never thought things would go bad so quickly. The hospital I ended up is not the one I usually go to and in the end, I got really great care. While I got some results that I did not expect, I am in good hands  of my doctors. 

Determined/// After the hospital stay, I was set on doing better in all aspects of my life. I started waking up earlier to go to the gym to walk at 5AM; I started applying myself more at work and being better overall. I definitely feel a difference, two week in of doing this; I hope I can keep this up. 

Back/// I fell off the blogging wagon back in June (obviously) and being set on doing better, I wanted to get back to things that brought me joy- blogging and reading. I haven't finished a book since Spring 2022. While I am at the gym in the mornings walking, I am reading. It has brought me so much unexpected joy. I finished 2 books this month and I am working on #3. 

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Emoji of the month:

🌟
(Anything that shines or dazzles, Good Vibes, True North) 

I like to think that even though I had some setbacks, I am still shining. With a quick google search, True North's definition is "the direction that leads to ultimate life and relationship joy and fulfillment"; I find this fascinating because this was a rough month BUT maybe this has to do with my journey and I am doing the right thing. I'll take this month's emoji. 

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Flashback

In 2022, I was on vacation in Florida and a making a hard decision; in 2021, I was in a bad flare and in a newish relationship; in 2020, I hit a big savings goal and we took family Christmas photos; in 2016, I was back to blogging again after a break and took a Yoga Girl yoga class for the second time; in 2015, I was going on many, many adventures and I was happy and healthy; and lastly in 2011, I was sharing daily musing of working full time.

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Gym Update

I went to the gym 12 times this month. After my stay in the hospital, early morning walks were just what I needed.

I ran the Gobble Wobble 5K in Manahawkin on Thanksgiving morning along with 700 people. It was wild!

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Looking Forward

I am looking forward to all the Christmas cheer I can fit into December! Give me all the excitement, gift giving, Santa visits, lights, decorations, and pure joy. I am also looking very much forward to wrapping this year up.  

I am also looking forward to get back into blogging again. I think breaks are a great way to re-evaluate what you are doing and if it aligns with your goals. I am not sure what blogging exactly will look like going forward but I am excited to figure it out. 

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Posts

Did you miss any of my posts from this month? Find them below:

Random #22 | A Well Timed Break | WGJ Vol. 47 | Diary #47

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November, you were something else. December, you got two jobs- be joyful and keep me away from the hospital. 

[[The peace I have now is worth everything I left behind]] 

Dear October

Didja see the Bee's butt?!

You were so pretty, October. You were bright, but I always felt like a cloud was hanging over waiting to rain on my parade...

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Here are some words that were prominent during my month:  

Steady/// as always, I have tried to get back into a normal flow of things and get back on track. It's still a little wobbly but I'm feeling...

Accomplished/// I feel like i got so much done this month. I think half way through the month, I said to myself, it's only October 16th?! 

Brewing/// I've been feeling meh all month. I'm chalking it up to just doing too much. Having a chronic illness like Crohn's Disease,  it's sometimes a guessing game- will this pass or is something wrong. 

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Emoji of the Month: 

💕

Love and affection. 

This is a toss up, I felt love and affection but I'm not sure if I showed it as much as I usually do. I think I'm still healing from the summer. 

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Flashback

In 2022, I was full of gratitude for a great month overall; in 2021, I took being stood up on a date into being vulnerable and saying yes to adventures; in 2020, I lost some wisdom (teeth) and finished my first 8 weeks of school; in 2015, I was full of adventures, ideas and fall fun; in 2013, I shared my daily musings and finally in 2011, I shared my daily musing and had my very first day of my job.

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Gym update

I was happy to make it to the gym 5 times. Still trying to get back into the groove of things. 

no monthly 5K- didn't feel good ☹️

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Looking forward 

 November is always filled with extra days off. Adoption day (#9) and Thanksgiving. I'm really hoping to get my wobble on at the Gobble Wobble on Thanksgiving morning. 

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Posts

Did  you miss any of my posts from this month? Find them below:

 Random # 21 | Diary #46  | WGJ vol. 46 | 12 in 12: October 

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What a month, what a month! Thanks for always stopping by my corner of the internet!

 [[Trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let things go]]

Dear September

 As we started September,  I took it as a new chapter, starting over again. This month was rough, I was re-adjusting to being back home and getting a new routine. I have to start somewhere and here I am...

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Here are some words that were prominent during my month:  

Warm/// This month was extra warm for September. I wasn't mad about it but towards the end, I was looking forward to crisp fall air. 

Grateful/// unexpected bonding at work turned coworkers into friends and girl dinner was created. Who knew being vulnerable was actually a good thing. 

Emotional/// With the break-up still being so fresh, I felt emotional during the month. I flipped through an array of emotions that included sad, angry, and proud. 

In-Between/// I felt like I was inbetween again. I was working hard all month to establish routines and get my life back on track. It's a weird feeling of being in between especially at my age. But I'm resilient and can get through this. 

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Emoji of the Month: 

💜

Love, spirituality and luxury. 

I definitely felt love this month, especially from coworkers and family.

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Flashback

I think this is one of the biggest flashback sections all year! Clearly, September signals me to get my butt moving and start blogging again. 

in 2022, i was saving money, running miles and going on lots of fun adventures; in 2021, I tried dating again (and got stood up), spent lots of time outside and was going to the gym consistently; in 2020, we were still in quarantine, I picked up some overtime at work, and social media was overwhelming. in 2019, I had a lot of midday thoughts and it was a new beginning for me, in a sense;  in 2016, I tried a linky party for the first time (Blogtember) and reposted a heartfelt post about September 11th; in 2015, I was in blogger mode and wrote fun posts about the month and my adventures; in 2014, I began again with blogging after a short break; in 2013, I bought a new car, shared silly snippets of my day AND introduced the world to the Everyday Jersey Girl; and finally, in 2011, I was sharing silly snippets of my daily life. 

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Gym update

I started going to the gym early in the morning, kinda like tricking myself into working out before my brain realizes it. I made it to the gym 4 times this month. It's a start especially since not going to the gym for a few months. 

I took advantage of the beautiful weather and went on 7 walks. Between neighborhood walks and lunch time walks I was a happy girl.

Instead of my monthly 5K, I did the 9/11 stair climb. Woof, I give those firefighters credit for doing that with all their gear! Check out my post- 12 in 12 September for more details on that!  

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Looking forward 

October is a new month. Crisp air, closer to Christmas and another 5k. Maybe some fall fun too!

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Posts

Did  you miss any of my posts from this month? Find them below:

Random #20 | Diary #45 | WGJ vol. 45 | 12 in 12: September

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What a month, what a month! Thanks for always stopping by my corner of the internet!

 [[Sunsets are just little glimpses of the golden streets of heaven ]]

Dear August

August, you had some of the highest highs and lowest lows-Literally and figuratively. Thanks for the memories and let's give September a hint, there shouldn't be any funny business. 

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Here are some words that were prominent during my month:  

Excitement/// This month was full of unusual excitement- like the world of thrift shopping, getting a coffee at 7/11 and a day alone. 

Hot///  Another hot month; I get it, you're August, but you don't really have to be that hot. Let me tell you, day drinking on a golf course in HOT weather does not get you drunk at all. It gets you hydrated. HAHAHA

Decision/// With all the weirdness and LOTS of thinking last month, I made my decision and it was a tough decision to verbalize. I am happy in the end that I made that decision; it ended up surprising a lot of people and I learned a lot from my decision (more than I ever thought I would)

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Emoji of the month:

🎉

Feeling of surprise, celebration, achievement, happiness and a good time.

In a twisted way, this emoji was supposed to represent something totally different but in the end, it represented my happiness and my surprise where I spoke my truth and did what was best for me. That in it self, is a call for a celebration. 

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Flashback

In 2022, so.many.adventures; in 2021, emotionally better; Chicago Fire binge and dating myself; in 2020, a mystery flamingo appeared, reading again and feeling more like myself; in 2017, my first 5K; and finally in 2015, I was painting, doing yoga, my very first Crohn's Confidential post and sharing my daily musings. 

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Gym Update

No gym again but I spent 5 days moving. I walked 18 holes on a golf course one Sunday and then ran a 5K on a Saturday. I did some heavy lifting as well, that counts right?

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Looking Forward

New beginnings; starting over; resiliency and lots of introspection. 

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Posts

Did you miss any of my posts from this month? Find them below:

Random #19 | M-E-T-S | WGJ vol. 44 | Diary #44 | 12 in 12: August

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[[Sometimes you have to make a decision that will break your heart but will give peace to your soul]] 

Dear July

 

July, you were WEIRD; I'm sorry but you were weird and there were so many weird and connected things that happened during the month that I felt myself saying "huh?!" ALOT. Can you tell August to be more normal?

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Here are some words that were prominent during my month:  

Fireworks/// It's July, of course I am seeing fireworks this month. I always feel like a child when I watch fireworks

Traveling///  We were on the move this month! Renault Winery, Boston, NY, Philly, and everywhere in between. Don't worry, Penelope was along for the ride too! 

Unusual/// I had this feeling all month that I couldn't properly communicate. It was really weird and I wished I could have pinpointed why I was feeling this way.

Thinking/// AND to go along with the above word, I did a LOT of thinking this month. Everything was jumbled in my mind and I didn't let anyone know what was going on in  my mind- except my therapist. Even then I was reluctant to speak what I was thinking out loud. It made it feel TOO real. 

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Emoji of the month:

❤️

Gratitude, love, happiness, hope or even flirtatiousness.

I was definitely feeling LOVED all month! I was feeling grateful for feeling good, being able to experience all that I have been and just plain happy.

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Flashback

In 2022, I went on vacation, got C0v!D, and played catch up; in 2021, I did a social media detox and I was going to therapy regularly; in 2020, I went spending a lot of time outside, I had a realization and started feeling better; in 2017, I was getting back into blogging under Everday Jersey Girl, Started my first Couch to 5K; in 2015, I began again with blogging and I was REALLY sick; and lastly in 2011, I went to the New Kids on the Block & Backstreet Boys concert, and shared some random musings as a 23 year old.

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Gym Update

I did not go to the gym at all this month BUT I did walk/run/explore 9 days out of the month. The biggest walking day had to be Saturday July 22 when we explored Boston in the morning and then walked to Fenway Park in the evening. LOTS of steps. 

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Looking Forward

August!  A golf tournament, a beer crawl and my favorite 5K of the year! 

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Posts

Did you miss any of my posts from this month? Find them below:

Random #18 | 12 in 12: July | WGJ vol. 43 | Diary #43 

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[[darling, you feel heavy because you are too full of truth]]

Dear June

JUNE, you were interesting. I was happy to see the warm weather and sunshine BUT all the messy parts I could have done without. Let's check in to see what happened this month:

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Here are some words that were prominent during my month:  

Hot/// Woof! June, you were sooo hot! Summer has definitely arrived. I love all the sunshine but I can do without the heat. 

Green/// Nature was showing off- so many pretty things in nature. 

Vacation/// YAY! Florida.

Routine/// I finally settled into a new routine that I had been yearning for. I was happy, I was settled but it took all month to get there. 

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Emoji of the month:

😆

Conveys excitement/hearty laughter

I spent most of the month excited about something- vacation, the Red Bank Classic, Mets Games,  Chase Rice, etc. 

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Flashback

In 2022, I spent a lot of time outside, took a reading break and I was excited about NC vacation; in 2021, I had a dating fail, TWO surprise flower deliveries, I was house hunting and started going to the gym regularly; in 2020, there was a lot of unrest in the US, spent a lot of time outside and quarantine rules were kinda lifted; in 2016, I was full on blogger with link parties; in 2014, I reflected on myself and finally in 2011, I did a life recap.

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Gym Update

I did not go to the gym this month BUT I did go for walks and runs 5 times this month. 

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Looking Forward

Fireworks, traveling, baseball games and all the sunshine I can find. 

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Posts

Did you miss any of my posts from this month? Find them below:

WGJ Travels: YAY! | What's in My Suitcase | Okaloosa Island Recap

Random #17 | May Work #OOTD | Screen Free Activity: Word Search Books | Flag Day | Happy Father's Day | Summer Wishlist | 12 in 12: June | Happy Summer | WGJ vol. 42 | Diary #42

Friday's Joy 1 | 2 | 3

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[[This summer put your phone away for a few days; make some memories that no one knows about; make some memories that are just yours]] 

Dear May

Land of the Free because of the brave

What a month! I know I've been saying that for the past few months, BUT its really true! This month was filled with so many wonderful things. I honestly feel like I have lived 5 different lives this month (after looking back in my camera roll. It is a really cool feeling. Let's jump in shall we?

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Here are some words that were prominent during my month:  

Focus/// I felt like this month I really focused on what I'm eating- more protein, more veggies, less mindless snacking. I have definitely seen a difference in how my clothes are fitting and how I'm feeling. Now have I been perfect with this- absolutely not but its a work in progress and  I am really proud with the changes I have made and stuck with all month. 

Connections// I reached out to local bloggers, like me, to chat and network. It was scary to reach out to internet friends but the reward was definitely worth it. Making friends as an adult (especially for women) is hard. Taking baby steps helps soften the scariness and makes it slightly mor easier. 

Sunshine/// so many days with beautiful sunshine. It was so nice to feel the warmth on my face and to see how everyone's mood seemed to drastically improved when it was sunny outside. I felt like I wanted to be outside all the time. 

Grace/// A lot of new things happened this month (yes, still being vague and yes, things are still really amazing ) and it's been a lot to juggle at times and some things fell to the wayside- WGJ for example. I know WGJ will always be here for me, when I do come back. I gave myself so much grace this month and  I didn't stress when I couldn't do everything. I know I am not superwoman.  Grace is a funny thing and I think the more I give myself, the happier I am.

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Emoji of the month:

😌
(contentment, calm and peace) 

Last month, I shared I was feeling unsettled and in between. This month those things have seem to have gone away and life is fun again. There is no unsettled feelings and that in-between feeling will always be there to some degree BUT the 😌 emoji has been very appropriate for this month.

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Flashback

In 2022, I was being really active and I was in a different season of my life; in 2021, I started dating again; "life becomes lighter when the weather is warmer;" in 2020, we were knees deep in the pandemic and I was all about spending time outside. in 2017 and 2016, I was a book worm, reviewing over 50 books; and lastly in 2015, Keith and I were dating. Weird how life comes full circle.

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Gym Update

I didn't get to the gym once this month BUT I did go for many many many walks. 

I also ran my monthly 5K at the beginning of the month. 

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Looking Forward

June is filled with A LOT of goodness. I am kicking the month off in Florida and then its the Red Bank Classic 5K, Mets Games and Couch to 5K. Oh, how can I forget about all the sunshine and warm weather?!  I am very excited for June!

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Posts

Did you miss any of my posts from this month? Find them below:

Random #16 | April Work #OOTD | Prayer Journal | 12 in 12: May | Happy Mother's Day | WGJ vol.41 | Diary #41 | Notes on Memorial Day | 

Friday's Joy 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 

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May, you were amazing! I felt like I had heart eyes all month! JUNE, you're up! I can't wait to see what you hold for me!

[[It's already yours. Joshua 1:3]] 

Dear April

Another month in the books. When I look back at my calendar to see what happened this month, I swear this month felt like it was extra long, but in the very best way. So many things have happened this month and it's hard to believe it was only 30 days long! 

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Here are some words that were prominent during my month:  

Warm/// Weather reached 90 degrees a few days and there were a handful of days that were more spring like than winter like. It was a nice break from the cold and rainy March we had. I think everyone got really really excited when the weather reached summer like temperatures. I got my spring clothes out and I am so excited to transition into bright colors and summery prints. 

Sparkly/// Keith and I went to the jewelry store in the very beginning of the month to purchase a Claddagh ring for me. He wanted to wear his so he thought it was a great idea to get me one. ( you can see the photo of our matching rings in Tuesday's posts.) This was really special and while my hand shook like a leaf the whole time we were in there, we had a really nice experience. Every time I look down at my right hand, it makes me smile.

Emotional/// I had a multitude of emotions filter through me this month. At some points of the month, I had a rough time trying to organize these emotions and sometimes they came out of me as word vomit (I don't know how else to explain it.) Some emotions were good, some were bad, some I didn't understand

In-Between/// In my post yesterday, I talked about being in-between and this in-between feeling is new for me and its exciting and scary and its labeled in my brain as a big unknown. I can't wait to see what the next season of my life leads me. 

Lesson///My phone taught me a really interesting lesson this month- always double check the link you are posting. I link my blog to Andrea and Erika's blog on  Friday's for Friday's Favorites. Somehow my phone has saved this one Friday Favorites link from March 24 and while I normally don't check on the link after I post it (terrible habit I know!) I started to realize something was amiss when my current Friday Favorites posts weren't getting the usual traffic but a random March 24th post was getting SO MUCH attention. After a little investigation, I realized that I wasn't posting my most recent post, I was posting March 24th's post week after week. Well, lesson learned, double check your links BEFORE you post it on a link up. 

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Emoji of the Month: 

😍

This was very accurate. I am pretty sure I made this face multiple times this month: when we were picking out my Claddagh ring; at my Easter Egg Hunt and when I saw pretty flowers just to name a few. 

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Flashback

In 2014, I was silly and feeling happy, content and unsettled at the same time; in 2016, I was dealing with a lot of different health issues; in 2017, I hoped to start blogging again under Everyday Jersey Girl; in 2020, there was a lot of uncertainty in the world during quarantine; in 2021, a social media break was productive and in 2022, lots of outside time meant lots of allergies and (unrelated) a great doctors report.

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Gym update

4 early morning's at Retro/// This is my favorite time to go. The crowd seems to be all focused on getting their workout done and then getting out of there. I love seeing the same cast of characters in the morning. 

7 walks/// This was one of my favorite parts of the month- so much outdoor time. 

No yoga or climbing/// I took a step back from Gravity Vault last month and I am happy with my decision. I felt that it was becoming more of a chore than a choice; with my membership expiring this month, I decided to let it run out.

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Looking forward 

It's gonna be.....MAY! 
Lots of fun things happening this month, River to Bay 5K, a carnival, Memorial Day Weekend and getting ready for a fun adventure in the beginning of June. 

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Posts

Did  you miss any of my posts from this month? Find them below:

Random #15 | March Work #ootd | Good Friday | Happy Easter | 12 in 12: April | Fitbit Charge 5 Review | Chase Rice at Starland Ballroom | Shutterbug: Landscape Photography | WGJ vol. 40 | Diary #40 | What's Up Wednesday | Notes on Life

Friday's Joy: 1|2|3

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What a month, what a month! Thanks for always stopping by my corner of the internet!

[[A flower blooms for its own joy- Oscar Wilde]]

Dear March

I feel like I've lived 10 different lives this month. March felt extra long but in the very best way. Looking back at my calendar and my photo gallery on my phone, it's been a pretty exciting month. So many adventures  and planning meetings for upcoming adventures with Keith. Spending quality time with my parents and spending time on myself all has amassed to another great month. 

My emoji for the month was 😮 which was a fair emoji for this month. There were so many times I was excited about something or shocked about something. 

Words

Lucky //// How can it be March without feeling just a bit lucky. I'm lucky in so many different ways and i don't take any of those ways for granted either. 

Wacky(weather) /// hot cold, windy, rainy,  snowy- we saw it all this month. 

Excitement /// meeting new friends and new adventures make for fun times. 

Goodness to come /// I am truly excited to see what this season of my life holds and what's to come. I have a good feelings a lot of it will be goodness!

Flashback

In 2016, I was exercising like crazy and I took a blogging break; in 2019, I was starting a new season of life and  WGJ was explained; in 2020, things escalated quickly and lots of outside time; in 2021, time flew, I got a new office and I stepped back from Social Media for a while; and in 2022, I started to drink coffee, I had big emotions and lots of warm weather days

Gym update 

I went to the gym 4 times this month. 3 early morning sessions and 1 after work session. I enjoy the morning session much more than the after work session.  The people in the mornings are more focused and kinder. 

Looking forward to April 

Warmer weather and Easter.

Posts from month 

Random #14 |  February work #OOTD | Show & Tell: Backgrounds | Let's Look.... | International Women's Day | Weekend Rewind | Lucky Girl Syndrome | Happy St. Patrick's Day | Happy 5th Birthday Eleanor | Happy Spring | 12 in 12: March | WGJ #39 | Diary # 39 | What's Up Wednesday | 

Friday's Joy  1| 2| 3| 4| 5|

[[Some old fashion things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat- Laura Ingalls Wild]]