February - Travels with a 9 month old and various other adventures

It's the end of February! Which means another installation of #364daysofhealthier update. If I could describe February in one word, it would be: travels. We've been all over the place, which might have detracted from my general mental health to be honest. Our small explorer has now made it to 3 different countries and Austin, an oasis in Texas that could, by all definitions, be its own country. He's taken 4 flights, various trains, a bus or two, multiple taxis/Ubers (yay easily installed car seats). Where my sleep has suffered, he has slept for almost all and at least part of every flight. Fingers crossed he's as good on the way home.

So what have I been up to this month? Well, I've branched out a bit from just focusing on physical health. Or I've tried to, some endeavors have been better than others. Highlights/lowlight - -

Physical

The Good

Cycling! - I have surprised myself that subjecting myself to someone calling out random gears at me for 50 minutes is actually fun. It helps that the cycle room is pretty dark so no one can see how bad I am at riding a stationary bike. Kudos to my friend Kait for the inspiration for to try cycling.

Cupping - It looks like I've been attacked by tennis balls, but I'm pleasantly surprised at the resulting decrease in muscle pain in my back and neck.

The hmm

GroupOn Health Insurance - Without going off on a political soapbox about health care, I've started supplementing mine with GroupOn deals. Is this potentially sad, yes. Is it the only was to not pay a thousand dollars for an eye exam, probably also yes.

Face Masks - #notallfacemasks I purchase a few of those masks that you gently lay on your face for 10 minutes and then don't have to wash off. I feel silly with them on. I look ridiculous. I have not noticed any change in my skin since starting them.

Mental

Making me smarter

PhD - I'm back from maternity leave folks, so in theory my brain should start expanding again as my sanity starts waning.

Maybe making me dumber

Facebook debates - Facebook:constructive debates::cats:proactive organization ; that's a bad analogy, but not as bad as some of the logic I find on Facebook.

Emotional

Happy!

Nights out - I've had a few nights out this past month with Jack, friends, family, total strangers, etc. Lauren and I had a night of sewing and watching bad TV. Jack and I got super dressed up and fancified. Girls nights are happening. Being around adults is a special thing indeed.

Angry

Kathaleen Wall - she's running to be our district rep and I feel an instant surge of anger whenever I see her ads or hear her speak. Like, burning seething rage. I'm planning a bonfire of the 746 fliers she's sent us. Just writing this is making my blood pressure rise.

Spiritual

The Book of Joy by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama; I discovered this book by accident and it's delightful. Both recount how they find joy in the midst of the turmoil they've experienced in their lives. It's not revelatory, but the interactions between them are priceless. These are two individuals that are genuinely friends and relish the time they spend together. 

So that's February y'all. Tune in for March when I run a 10k, battle preschool applications and registration procedures, and go to the dentist for the first time in 3 years.