April showers bring more thoughts

I realized this morning we only have a few days of April left, and I have not written my April blog post. How time flies!

I thought I’d approach this one a bit differently, and share little blips of what I’ve been into / watching / reading/ listening to. 

Raye. 

Have you heard her new album “This music may contain hope”?! I dropped everything when I saw she had released a single that was a collab with HANS ZIMMER: Click Clack Symphony. As a girlie who does, in fact, love classical music and soundtrack music, I am living for this current pop-classical trend that’s happening with Raye and Rosalia (and probably other artists). I love pop music, but I love this version of pop music that feels like an entire dramatic story, set with violins and cellos and an entire orchestra. And, there’s something about this song that feels so personal. It’s catchy, but I’ve also totally been there (who hasn’t?): utterly heartbroken, depressed, and needing your girlfriends to get you out of the house. I think her music video is so creative and honest and unique. I enjoyed the whole album, but especially this song and music video.

drop dead – Olivia Rodrigo

I generally enjoy Olivia’s pop music. I think she captures the angsty, and simultaneous, optimistic experience of falling in love, and although she’s younger, I find her lyrics clever and astute. Can’t wait for the full album! (Note: I have thoughts about the outfit choice – not a fan – but that’s a separate topic.)

My new YouTuBe video. 

I completed one video project this month! I recorded some clips from a long training ride–it’s probably not the most interesting video, but I’m learning!! 

Homemade Thai red curry 

This is not going to be as yummy as authentic Thai food from a restaurant, but it’s been my yummy go-to meal this month. (By the way, I did not buy a single lunch this month, which marks like my second or third month in a row? I’m saving a lot of money – hooray!) Chop a lot of veggies, use the trader joe’s red curry sauce, add coconut milk, add a rotisserie chicken (if you’re like me and don’t like to cook meat), cook some rice and voila! A yummy meal. Easyyyy.

Digital organization

Digital organization is a year-long project for me. I made some progress this month by decluttering my desktop and creating a folder system for how I want to organize my video clips. My brother is also helping me back up and wipe an old laptop that I need to recycle. I’m grateful for the support and positive momentum. It feels really good to create more digital organization, as it’s something that’s been silently hanging over my head for years. I’m determined to not be that person anymore who saves everything to her desktop. Another way I’m trying to clear up mental overwhelm is not having a million tabs open on my laptop. It’s making a difference! 

Weekly wins

I highly recommend this habit: Every Friday, I email all my weekly wins to my friend, Lynnette. It’s been so delightful to read each other’s wins and have an opportunity to reflect on everything that went well and what we accomplished. It’s a fun way to stay in touch and celebrate each other! Turns out, I’m actually doing a lot! 

Biking

• The good: I raced the Ephrata Medio Fondo and did better than I expected to, finishing in 3 hours and 26 minutes. I have been paying more attention to nutrition during the ride (aiming for a specific number of calories / carbs per hour), and turns out: It makes a difference! I had great energy and finished much faster than I anticipated.
• The bad: I had my first real crash…on my mountain bike. Fortunately, I walked away without any major injuries, but it really shook me up. 😦 
• The good: I have been super consistent the last six weeks, hitting my mileage and elevation goals. My training for STP in 1-day has really started to ramp up, and I’ve been doing longer zone 2 rides and feeling good. Yay! I may have also found a good group to ride with, as I very much need the drafting benefits.
• The meh: A few rainy days, drenched rat edition.
• The good: Joining some femme group rides. So fun to ride with other women!

Watching

• I have been enjoying following (and learning about) the bike races that have been happening like Paris Roubaix and the Strade Bianchi. It’s been fun to watch the recaps on YouTube, as well as the women’s races.

Not watching

• Instagram! I deleted it off my phone about (over?) a month ago. I’ve not actually missed it, and it’s helping me spend less time on my phone.

xo,

Sarah