The Hodgepodge, no. 4
Roses are red, mid-winter is blue
This post is too long for email because she’s got a lot to say today. Click on through to read the whole post!
I started this week determined to leave my pity party behind. But my husband and I had a scheduling miscommunication on Sunday. And then the baby caught RSV and the pipes froze at daycare. I missed 2.5 days of work and fell behind on meetings. Some things I did to cope, both productive and otherwise — picked out all my outfits for the week on Sunday, went back to acupuncture (more below), took my laptop to my allergy shot appointment to answer work emails in the required waiting time, ate ice cream for dinner on Tuesday night, had a glass and a half of wine on Wednesday night, wore noise canceling headphones when I became overstimulated by 5pm.
In an effort to top the insane decision to host 30 preschoolers for a birthday party at three weeks postpartum, I had all the girls from my daughter’s kindergarten class over for Galentine’s brunch this morning. I stayed up until 1:45am getting everything ready, we had a great time, and now I am planning to go to bed as soon as my children are asleep. It felt like as good a time as any for another hodgepodge post. Here’s all the things I’ve been thinking about this week.
Rituals and wintering
I’m usually a pretty good sport about winter. I don’t usually mind the cold, I like having a reason to hibernate a bit. I grew up taking a bus from my elementary school to the mountain to ski on Tuesday afternoons. I went hiking near the frozen waterfalls on Sundays when I lived in the Finger Lakes. But this year, ugh. I can’t look at snow anymore. I’m desperate for a warm day, and for all the gray sludge to disappear. I need a vacation, and spring break is still six weeks away.
Instead of booking a flight, I went back to acupuncture this week. I’ve gone on and off for the last six years, mostly when I was pregnant or trying to be. I’m seeing someone new and when she asked what I was there for, I said that I just want to feel better. She asked about my sleep (unsurprisingly, I’m not getting enough), about how much red meat I’m eating (also not getting enough), about how I’m managing my stress (…not enough). I’m going to stay consistent with 2-4 appointments a month, because if nothing else, having to lie still on a warm table for 45 minutes is something I could really use more often. Here some other things I’m doing in an effort to feel better:
+ Using this solid lotion bar and this oil each night
+ Also using this moisturizer, which has saved my skin (and my baby’s)
+ Drinking hot water with lemon and honey all day, because I still have a lingering cough
+ Listening to a winter playlist I love
+ Scheduling a massage and a facial with some gift cards I’ve been saving
+ Celebrating little things — like going overboard for a Valentine’s gathering
What I wore this week
Regrettably worth it — meal planning (which I did not do) and outfit planning. I planned my outfits for the week, had everything steamed and ready, and it made getting dressed so much easier (especially since I averaged about 4.5 hours of sleep with a sick baby).
Monday, when I stayed home and took the baby to the doctor
Tuesday, when I decided I could no longer wear boots another day
Wednesday, when I spent the day snuggling a sick baby
Thursday, when I felt like I was drowning at work because I’ve barely been in the office
Friday, when I scrubbed the house after work and baked until the middle of the night
Saturday, when I needed three cups of coffee
Sunday, when I hung out with my oldest friends (I met one in kindergarten and the other at church when we were babies, and there is something so comforting about friends who have been around for literally everything)
Things I loved this week
+ This concealer, which makes me look slightly less exhausted (or so I tell myself) and this lipstick, to be festive.
+ These headphones, which my husband gently recommends I wear when I become a little too fussy
+ Costco, even though I hate it there
+ These leggings, especially if you have a girl who is constantly ripping holes in the knees of her pants while playing
+ Headspace on Youtube — Headspace is free for educators (!!!), but I regularly send meditations from the Youtube channel to students who need to chill and take a breath. The Sesame Street ones were also so helpful when my daughter was younger.
+ This was on my Christmas wishlist and it has singlehandedly changed my life, or at least my showers.
Saved for the weekend
I try to read newsletters throughout the week, but this week I found myself pushing save because I was a little underwater with everything. I’m planning to spend a few hours this long weekend getting caught up on these posts
What Italian Women are Wearing this Winter by Gabriela R. Proietti
The Mood Method: How to Get Dressed When You Hate Everything by Cathy Karuga
Why I'm Still Not Trying for a Second Baby by Annaliese Godderz
Let’s chat!
I’d love to hear your tips for coping with the mid-winter blues. What are you reading lately that you’ve loved? Also, if you have found ways to consistently plan your meals, outfits, life, etc. — help a girl out!
I hope you’re having a cozy long weekend. Thanks for reading and for being here, it means a lot. If you enjoyed this post, I hope you’ll share with someone or comment below. XO, T
A note — my post may include some affiliate links, meaning that links may generate revenue at no cost to you. This month, I am donating all affiliate revenue to the CTUL rent fund.
The cold is killing me this year. And I woke up to another dusting of snow this morning that was not on my radar! I wish we had the time and money to fly somewhere warmer in February but I usually make do with a trip to the gym sauna and hot tub every week. Love the white overalls. I’ll have to dig my old pair out of the back of the closet this week. Also the old navy barrels look so good on you! I like how they hit at the ankle. Hope you get a nice day off today and maybe tmw for lunar new year?
I am SO proud of you, Tricia! There is (as always) so much to love in this post — your overalls, the NARS concealer, the lotion bar, and the playlist I can’t wait to rock out to in my bloodwork waiting room today.
I hope everyone is feeling better. But honestly? A quick thank you… thank you for the reminder (yet again) to create our own community. Even when it feels scary to put ourselves out there (even if it’s a kinder party), the results are so special.