March Favorites

I’ve spent all of March at home, staying in as much as possible because of this Coronvirus pandemic. This is highly unusual since I’ve traveled almost every month for work for the past 3 years.  But on the upside, I’ve spent a lot of time cleaning and organizing our house, incorporating fitness into my morning routine, and creating an evening routine of family game time.

ONE+ Favorite BOOK read Pet, Akwaeke Emezi caught me by surprise! The audiobook just happened to be available as I was browsing, and it sounded interesting, so I started listening. It’s a short novel (only 208 pages long).

There are no more monsters anymore, or so the children in the city of Lucille are taught. With doting parents and a best friend named Redemption, Jam has grown up with this lesson all her life. But when she meets Pet, a creature made of horns and colours and claws, who emerges from one of her mother’s paintings and a drop of Jam’s blood, she must reconsider what she’s been told. Pet has come to hunt a monster, and the shadow of something grim lurks in Redemption’s house. Jam must fight not only to protect her best friend, but also to uncover the truth, and the answer to the question-How do you save the world from monsters if no one will admit they exist?

This is middle grade / young adult book that deals with a tough issue to deal with for kids, and tough to talk to kids about. It seems like a fantasy novel, but that’s just the vector for the story. This book addresses real world monsters and takes a hard look at the lengths that kids will have to go to sometimes in order to be believed.

TWO+ Listen to this Classical Work Music Playlist. I typically don’t listen to music when I’m working, but I’ve enjoyed having this in the background recently (courtesy of Victoria McGinley).

THREE+ Watch Lost in Space (Season 2) – Netflix. Season 1 was awesome and season 2 was just as good if not better.

FOUR+ Exercise on the Proform 2000 Treadmill. I’ve had the treadmill for 2 years and haven’t had any issues. Now that we’re pretty much shut-in because of the Coronavirus, it’s been getting a lot of use from everyone in the family. If you’re in the market for a treadmill – no regrets with this purchase.

FIVE+ Exercise with the Fit Radio app. I’ve had this app for years. The mixes are fantastic, but my favorite feature is the work/rest timer. But there’s cardio coaching as well which is another excellent feature.

SIX+ Use Seventh Generation Activated Charcoal Deodorant. Made without aluminum, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and alcohol.

SEVEN+ Do laundry with Gain Scent Duet Wildflower and Waterfall Fireworks Scent Booster is the thing for teenage boy funk. And using Homstek Wool Balls – instead of dryer sheets.

EIGHT+ Playing a version of Rummy card game called Kalooki.

What’s been saving your life this month?