How is it the end of the April already? And why do we ask non-sensical questions about the passage of time like that? I’m waiting for someone to say, Well, it’s the end of April because the vernal equinox is ten degrees closer to blah, blah blah, and then actually explain from a scientific perspective how it is the end of the month or the end of summer or whatever. Also? I have no idea what the vernal equinox is and it if has anything to do with seasons. But you know what I mean — this spring seems to have flown by and it’s the end of another month and that means it’s time to share the things we learned in April. The What We Learned posts are hosted by Emily Freeman as a “monthly community link-up to share the fascinating, ridiculous, sacred, or small.” Mine is usually just ridiculous. Want to know more of what I’m talking about? Go here. In no particular order, here are things I’ve learned in April.
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1. @HistoricalPics is one of the best things on Twitter. I’m not really on Twitter very much but I’m a huge fan of these pics, probably because I taught American History and used loads of photos and other images in my courses. They post everything from pop culture icons in their more candid moments to Kennedy family photos to Ronald Reagan. In sweatpants. On Air Force One. You’re welcome for that one.
Here’s just a recent sampling of their pics.
2. Having a 13-year-old on social media means that I have fewer secrets. I recently posted this photo on Instagram with the caption: “The jar was full yesterday.” #irony.
Three minutes later my daughter came busting into my room asking for Jellybeans. Moms, be careful when posting photos of treats you don’t want to share.
3. And speaking of that book in the picture? Apparently I have a history of fuzzy and even non-existent boundaries. This explains a lot. I also wish I’d read this book about ten years ago. That’s all I’m going to say about it for now but maybe I’ll do a little review of it when I finish. It’s good but I’m not gonna lie, it’s messing with me a little bit.
4. There is always cash in the attic. I’ve been keeping my eye out for a “new” sofa for a while. And by “a while,” I mean about three years. I needed a deal but I didn’t want to scrimp on quality. A couple of weeks ago, I came across a listing on Craigslist for a $1,000 Rowe sofa priced at $150. I knew it was too good to be true. I was wrong. The sofa was just one of many lovely furniture items sitting in a gorgeous lake house. The couple was moving and getting rid of their extra furnishings. Needing to pay cash and being a bit short on it at the time, I sold a coffee maker, a mirror, some stamping sets I never used, and a collection of cookbooks. Junk in my attic = a new sofa in my living room. It’s been a good reminder that there are always things we can let go of in order to reach a goal.
Here’s a cell phone pic of the new sofa {and a bunch of junk I need to clean up.} I am all kinds of giddy. I’ve snagged some sweet deals in my life but this one may be the winner.
5. Spinning is not just something I did as a child on the merry-go-round. It is also not for babies. I mentioned in my last post that I haven’t run in six weeks due to an injury and how I reluctantly joined a gym in an effort to restore my mental health and add some civility back into my disposition. So far I’ve done some weights and the elliptical machine. This morning I did a spin class customized by a friend of mine, a fellow runner who swears by cross-training. I’m not sure why people make such a fuss over waterboarding and stuff like that. Just have the not-in-shape prisoners do some weights and take a spin class. They will spill all their secrets and then beg for mercy.
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So there you have it, the life-changing stuff I learned in April. Now I’m going to go look up what the vernal equinox is so that I can feel dumb. On top of feeling sore and wimpy.
What about you? Anything amazing, life-changing, or ridiculous you’ve learned in April?
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LOVE the sofa!
;-}
that picture of ronald? love him.
and i’m terrified to try a spin class. yoga killed me a few weeks ago. i cannot imagine how i would feel after a spin class!
The first half of spinning was harder than the last. Go figure. Maybe my legs were simply numb by that point. : ) The real test is whether I’ll be able to lift my legs out of bed in the morning.
Following HistoricalPics immediately, those are golden! That sofa is amazing, what a deal! And I love Boundaries, that book changed my life, I’m glad you like it! 🙂
Everyone is saying Boundaries changed their life! So glad to know this. : )
I went back to spin class this morning after a 5 month break. Yes, I wanted to die! And the words “Just keep spinning, just keep spinning” sang through my head.
“Just keep spinning.” That is awesome. I’m going to steal it. : )
Ok, do you get tired of my comments? Well, too bad. As usual, they will be numbered:
1. I love that couch. I’m getting my chair slipcovered and kind of want to do it in white but chicken to do so even though it is washable fabric.
2. The Vernal Equinox is the first day of Spring, generally around March 21/22 and is one of two days when there is equal parts daylight and night. Why do I know this random knowledge? We vowed that our first child who was supposed to come way before his April 2 due date should be named Vernal Equinox Brown should he be born that day. Alas, he came on April 2 but every year on the Vernal Equinox we give him hugs and say “Oh our little Vern.” he hates it and we laugh like idiots. Also, if you have a fresh egg, it will balance on end during either the Vernal Equinox or Autumnal Equinox (September 21/22) which I have actually done and documented it. This I remember but cannot remember what day my child stays for lunch bunch or what time to pick her up.
3. I am no following @Historicalpics and want to print out that advertisement and hand it out to every female I know.
and 4. I almost died in my first spinning class. I literally thought my heart was going to beat out of my chest and my husband told me “Stop. Stop! You look like you’re having a heart attack!” I thought he was going to have to defib me. And that is no exaggeration. That’s the facts.
Nancy, I will NEVER tire of your comments. Never! They are so fun for me.
Join with me and do the white slipcover. Remember, we can bleach them. Also, I should have known you’d know all about the Vernal Equinox. Thanks for that!
So happy to find you here! (Through the delightful Emily Freeman…) It’s been a joy reading your blog and hearing your journey. I have a bit of website jealousy – this is so pretty! I’m still on my little BlogSpot, plucking away every now and then.
Much love to you and your family, Marian. 🙂
Jeannie, I’m so glad you came to visit me here! And so glad you found me through Emily. Small world isn’t it? If it makes you feel better, I was on blogger for five and a half years. I just moved. : )
Love the Reagan pic, the concept of boundaries changed my life, and that Star Wars pic is totally a selfie!
Plus, you’ve given me higher hopes for Craig’s List :).
Another Boundaries lover! I feel like the last person on earth reading this book. As for Craigslist, it usually yields nothing for me…but this was a biggie. Keep trying!
We have tickets for an upcoming flight lasting 24 hrs. Yes, I WANT to be sensible like Ronald Regan, but I think the good looking guy in the seat beside me might disown me. Congratulations on scoring that great sofa deal!!!
Anita, they make cute sweats! Also, you don’t have to pull them up to your armpits like Ronald. : )
Ha! I love Ronald Reagan chillin’ in his Hanes sweats. The best. Glad you found that.
I’ve never read Boundaries, but it’s been on my radar forever.
You’re the only other person who hasn’t read Boundaries. I’ll let you know what I think!
Oh, That picture of Ronny! It killed me. I love it. I haven’t read boundaries. Actually, pat yourself on the back, I heard of if first from you. I think I need to add it to my ‘to read” list. Boundaries became my buzz word of sorts in 2012 after learning how messy things get when you don’t make them!