monthly reads Archives - Mom Works It Out by Angela Gillis

It’s time to hit the highs and lows of the previous month. January was a hard month for me, and it became a time for moving forward instead of trying to set goals and meet achievements. January is always when people start resetting and seeking new adventures. I spent the month trying to feel like a normal person.

At the end of December, I had a miscarriage at 11 weeks, and on December 29th, I had my D&C. This was a hard way to end and start a year. Having a miscarriage changed me considerably. When it happened, I took it as it went, and it wasn’t a “big deal.”

In retrospect, I was protecting myself from the truth. It was a loss, and I didn’t want to see it as that, but it became harder to deal with as time passed. My anger was misplaced because I continuously complained about the cost of not having a baby instead of dealing with the issues at hand. I am better now, and it’s a sign of growth and healing that I can write this post now.

In January, I focused on returning to a routine and reestablishing some wellness things I let go of during this time. This unfortunate thing happened, I couldn’t work out for almost a month. I was cleared for light exercise the second week in January, and I hit the treadmill. Being active has changed my mental health in the best way. Moving my body allowed me to release some of my nervous energy, even if it wasn’t a hard workout. Unfortunately, I did have to miss my favorite race of the year because I wasn’t cleared for exercise. The gave me a harsh reality of probably not being able to run a half marathon during our Texas running season.

I joined a gym in January and continued going to Hotworx. I know I have a home gym, but doing something outside the house was essential. I am more motivated to go to the gym; it’s bright and loud, and I can appreciate that. The last time I worked out in a gym setting was in 2020.

Honestly, two weeks ago, I woke up and suddenly felt like myself again, and I knew I would be ok in the future. I credit being able to get back into the working out with the change in my mood and outlook.

We also celebrated our anniversary in January. I am fortunate to have a great husband who supports me in the good and bad. I feel just as loved in the high moments as in the low moments when I’m revealing ugly truths or living my best life. I am glad I get to share life with him.

In January, I vowed to cook new meals and eat more at home. I purchased a new cookbook and have been excited to add new meals to the rotation. I haven’t used the cookbook because I’m trying to clear the freezer first. But I did try a new meal from Modern Proper, and of course, I made some chili for the January freeze.

January Reads:

*All links are Amazon Affiliate links.

In December, I had no desire to pick up a book, and I struggled to read my minimum of 20 minutes a day. In fact, I gave up on it, and decided to give my mind a break. I couldn’t focus on reading to escape into an alternate reality while all those things were happening in real life. I am incredibly proud I was able to read four books during January.

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé 3.75 ★

This book is controversial. It’s a Barnes and Noble YA book club pick that was advertised as Gossip Girl meets Get Out. I’ll let you sit with that for a minute so you can see why this book hits hard on topics people might now want to talk about.

Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings 4.5 ★

I reread this book because the new book in the Magnolia Parks universe is coming out in February. Magnolia Parks and BJ Ballentine are two characters that have stuck with me throughout my reading journey.

The Celebrants by Steven Rowley 4.25 ★

This book was on a TBR for a few months, but I finally got a library copy. The book is a beautifully written book about second chances and friendship.

The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune 3.5 ★

This book has been on the TBR for a year, and I decided to pick up this cozy, magical fantasy. It’s a heartwarming book that isn’t too complicated and will pull at your heartstrings.

Monthly Favorites:

I got a Bautero Brush, and it works. It may have taken a while to get to me, but when the brush arrived, it worked wonders. My kid doesn’t like brushing her hair, and I’m not too fond of it when it is tangled. This brush has cut back on the crying and brushing time. I highly recommend this brush for detangling any hair.
I have binged all of Chicago PD during my time of grief. I am a sucker for a cop show, but I wasn’t interested in this particular show. I’m glad I decided to take the chance and watch it because I love it. There is so much good tension and reading between the lines. I couldn’t buy Sophia Bush as a cop initially, but her character made the show in the first few seasons. Adam Ruzek is the biggest FBoy that we love and hate simultaneously, and Jesse Lee Soffer, the guy who plays Jay Halstead, is one of the best-looking men I’ve ever seen. There are plenty of reasons to get wrapped up in this show. If you like cop shows, this one is great!
I got a new pair of Hokas. I wear Hoka Arahi’s for running, but I decided to obtain a pair of Hoka Clifton to walk around in every day. Confession: I usually wear my old running shoes when I retire, but I have no tread left on them. Therefore, it was time for me to get a pair I could wear around.