April 15th, 2013
March in Review
Talking business and productivity so much around here lately has been fun (lots of fun!) but that’s only part of my life. I’ve rounded up pictures of the moments that made up March, so I can share a few behind the scenes moments that I caught last month…
Last month felt: A little like a roller coaster. I scheduled my life to be intense and it delivered. I had to work hard to stay on top of my to do list every day, and stopped taking care of myself like I should. My husband Jesse was traveling for part of the month, but I got lots of friends & family time in to balance missing him. My highlight was going to a hockey game with my grandpa and having my extended family over for Easter brunch.
The biggest surprise was: Being invited to make my blog into a Windows 8 App by Microsoft Canada!
My favourite discovery was: The blog J’s Everyday Fashion. I love how she makes casual clothes look a little dressy and feminine, and would like to have this as a super power.
I was challenged by: my generalized anxiety disorder & depression flaring up. This year my doctor and I agreed to lower my medication dosage to see if I could get by on less (I was curious). My body’s answer was “NOPE. No f-ing Bueno.” Several weeks after lowering my dosage I slipped into depression and it took a few weeks for my increased dosage to kick back in. It was a powerful reminder that my brain is probably just the way it is, and that’s something I need to respond to accordingly. I’m glad that I tried, and I’m feeling like myself again: happy, productive, focused, energetic. After that month, feeling like myself feels amazing.
I celebrated: Cooking my first meal for more than four people, ever. We hosted my extended family for Easter brunch and served eleven! I planned the meal so there were lots of pieces that could be done before or served non-piping hot, and it was fun to have my two loves (organization & cooking) come together.
I read: Emma by Jane Austin
I was watching: Documentaries. I saw The Queen of Versailles about an ultra rich family who loses it all and Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead about radical weight loss and health transformation that came when an Australian man started drinking home-made juice.
Ah, I feel ya on changing a medication dosage. Blah. It is hard to realize that you’re probably just going to be taking this medication for the rest of your life (especially when it’s over 100$ for 30 little pills! haha.), but once you’re able to accept it it’s a lot easier. It’s just tough when people in your life tell you that you should try & stop taking the medication… but that’s a whole other story! ;)
That’s awesome news about the microsoft app! Awesome!
I realllly want to get back into juicing! I was trying to blog about a new juice recipe every Monday… but the cleaning thing started to annoy me! ;) I think I need to find a nice pair of gloves to wear so I don’t ruin my nails every day, ha!
ALSO, I’m loving watching documentaries on Netflix! Have you got American Netflix? (Youtube it, it’s so easy to do! haha.) So many more titles to choose from! I recently watched Dear Zachary. UGH. SO SAD, but I really suggest watching it. (As long as you are feeling a bit more cheerful. If you’re going through a bad slump right now, then maybe wait until you’re in a better place…) And the documentary about North Korea. So interesting. Also, I’ve been loving the series called Locked Up Abroad!
My highlight of March was having a sushi date with you and our lovely lady group at the end of the month. It gave me the time to relax and spend time with my best girls! Thanks for making that time so special and memorable. :)
Glad to hear you’re feeling better, Kyla! I have also been struggling with my GAD lately, but I’m so happy to know I’m not alone. You’re truly an inspiration!
And CONGRATS on your fancy Microsoft Request!! :D I may be a Mac user, but that’s pretty amazing! <3
My spring has definitely come in like a lion. March was bustling and busy and messy, but like you, I set much of it up that way. I wish I knew how to be this productive when my heart wasn’t broken. Still, it’s been fun forcing myself to get out and explore the city and make new friends whatever the catalyst!
Aw, Sarah. I love that you’re taking great care of yourself and wish it was under better circumstances. <3
Getting out and making new friends is something I really want to do this year too. I'd love to know if you've found anything especially helpful?
Congrats on the Windows 8 app!! That is so awesome and exciting!!
I recently blogged about watching Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead as well. I had already started juicing at that point, but it got me so much more involved. I am borderline obsessed!
Thanks for sharing my excitement Laura! I googled the email address when I was contacted because I thought it sounded so neat it must be a new Nigerian Prince scam.
I’ve had a juicer since Christmas and had fallen out of using it because it’s a bit of a hassle to clean, but the movie got me right back into using it. Can’t wait to read your post about it!
Cleaning a juicer does stink! I like to make multiple juices to drink throughout the day, but I have stopped because cleaning it over and over again is annoying.
Hey, Kyla – I appreciate your candor and matter-of-fact references to depression and meds. Keep up the good work (on yourself and your blog!).
Nancy
Thanks Nancy, it’s helpful to know your appreciate it. It’s something that so many people have to manage on an ongoing basis… and feeling terribly when your plan for managing it isn’t working is isolating enough! I’d rather share it and help someone else feel a little more normal & okay with being imperfect :)
All I know is how is already halfway though April of 2013? Ridiculous!
It makes no sense at all!
Your blog to be turned into an app? You are a FREAKIN’ rockstar lady! I’m glad you’re working on getting your dosage sorted out – it’s a different situation but when Ben struggles with that for his ADHD it’s frustrating and really hard on him – I sympathize.
March was…wow, I can’t even remember! Busy, I guess? Ha! April is shaping up to be the same – normally I’m not this busy until the fall but this year spring is full steam ahead!
Thanks, Becky! It should be approved and in the app shop soon- and when it is, I want to go to Best Buy and check it out like the geeky lady I am lol
I feel like it’s going to be fall before we know it, and the snow hasn’t even melted here. At least I have some warmth ahead of me in DC with you!
Hi Kyla, I just found your blog and I’m in love, so pretty.
I love working late with law and order on the tv too. I am so scared of cooking for more than four people, so glad to hear that someone else hadn’t done that before too, that made me feel like I could do it if I needed.
Happy beginning of the week. xo, Elba
You could definitely make it happen, Elba! I made quiches because I knew they could be warmed in a hot over after being cooked in advance so it took the pressure off. If you pick a couple dishes like that, you’d be set. Thanks for stopping by & commenting xo
I am glad you had a great March. I really respect you for being so open and honest about your experiences with GAD. I am glad you are back to feeling like yourself! At least now you know you tried and really are at your right dosage!
March was a blur for me. I traveled a lot, studied a lot, read a little, and ran a little. I did have a great going away party and a fun Easter celebration with family so all in all it was a pretty good month!
Thanks Lisa! It’s good to be feeling like myself again, and sharing what I’m going through seems to help other people with GAD or depression feel more normal about what they’re going through. Whatever helps!
Your March & April were a blur for me & I was just reading about it! I can’t imagine how it felt, but I’m glad that you’re settling in and have all the craziness and anticipation is behind you.