What I’m Into (February 2016)

I have been following Modern Mrs. Darcy lately and truly loving her insight. She does a fun monthly post about what she is into, and I love it so much that I am going to jump on that bandwagon and let you know what I am into these days. That will allow you to get to know me a little bit better, and provide me with a record of my ever-changing fascinations.

So, let’s get started!

Until we moved to Arizona, January was my least favorite month of the year. I hate to be cold, do not appreciate snow, and am generally not a fan of winter at all. January, especially during our six-year stint in the Midwest, seemed to drag on forever.

Now that we live in the valley of the sun, January and February are among my favorite months of the year. The weather is gorgeous – cool enough to wear a sweater and boots, but warm enough to leave my coat at home.

Hiking is my exercise of choice these days, and I have been loving my time on the trail a few mornings each week. The sun and fresh air does my heart good. Some days, the good conversation with my hiking buddy fills my soul to the brim with gratitude for the wonderful friends in my life. Other days, I enjoy it alone with my thoughts. Either way, I am really digging the winter weather in these parts.

What I’m Watching

Downton Abbey, of course. That is how Greg and I unwind on Monday night after the kids go to bed. (Yes…Greg likes it as much or more than I do. He is a romantic, after all. Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility are among his favorite movies. I’m a lucky girl!)

I am sad that this will be the last season, but am really loving it so far. My friend says I remind her of Lady Mary (in looks, but not personality), but I don’t see it. What do you think?

I’m thinking too many wrinkles on my end, too round of a face, too much of a smile…even when I tried to be serious, and not quite enough refinement (Green t-shirt, I’m talking to you.) But, hey…I will take her comparison as a compliment.

My kids are in love with The Flash. Elise has a particular fascination with that show, and I tease her that it might be because Barry is handsome. She just smiles sheepishly and denies it. (But I know better.)

I have not actually sat down to watch a full episode, but it is always on in the background when the kids are home on the weekends. It does look interesting and I may have to catch up to speed (no pun intended).

What I’m Reading

Over the last few weeks, I have read The Boys in the Boat, by Daniel James Brown, and 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess, by Jen Hatmaker.

I loved them both.

I already told you how much 7 inspired me. I will be eagerly awaiting the movie rendition of The Boys in the Boat…because they simply must make it into a movie. It is an inspiring story of American can-do-ism that left me wanting more.

Now I am reading Harper Lee’s classic, To Kill a Mockingbird. I didn’t fully appreciate this beauty when I read it in high school. I am thoroughly enjoying it this time around, and actually see a little of myself in Scout Finch. (Another story for another time…)

What I’m Wearing

Solid brightly colored shirts with dark washed jeans, white jeans, or black ponte pants. (I especially love these and these and wear them both at least once a week…often multiple times. A little slice of perfection.) Cardigans in a variety of colors, bright pink being my favorite. Scarves. Black ballet flats or Ugg boots. Every. Single. Day. (And loving it…except I’m still dreaming of brightly colored Tieks, but must save for them…)

My Latest Fascinations

1.  Meyers-Briggs personality profiles. Seriously…I might be a little obsessed. I have been reading everything I can get my hands on and even paid for a premium profile because I wanted to know everything there was to know.

I definitely mistyped myself in this post as an ISTJ because I was answering the questions based on what I wanted to be and was sometimes successful at (ahem…organized, structured) rather than what I actually was most of the time (umm…fly by the seat of my pants). That is why I didn’t identify with my results. I am actually an INFP…an idealist…which explains SO much…but I will save that for another day.

It is interesting to note that I have a 95% preference for introversion over extraversion. That explains why I am constantly fighting with myself to interact with more people outside of my comfort zone of close friends and family members, and why I have been utterly exhausted by social media lately, wanting nothing more than to retreat into my own little world for a while. (I will try to get back on top of it soon…thanks for your patience.)

2.  Church History. We are preparing to go on a LDS church history tour this summer and I am SO excited. I have wanted to do this for almost as long as I can remember. I grew to love this topic when I was at BYU and took an AMAZING church history class from Susan Easton Black. She made me want to get to know these historical figures personally.

Over the next four and a half months, we will be delving into this book in great detail as a family.

I am almost giddy to teach my kids about this subject that is so dear to my heart, culminating with a trip to visit the places where it all happened.

What are you into these days?