Last Updated on March 30, 2020 by ThoughtsStained

Hello, lovelies!

Well, March was the longest decade of my life, that’s for certain. It’s also one of the most surreal experiences I’ve ever been a part of and not one I’d like to repeat in my lifetime, ever–especially since it’s no way close to being over, yet. I haven’t left my house in 15 days–aside for daily dog walks–and don’t see myself leaving any time soon (except for a chiropractor appointment tomorrow, since my back flared up again and now it hurts to go on said dog walks *grumbles*).

I work remotely now, until this pandemic is over. I’m still holding out hope I’ll get to travel to New Zealand in July (though I recognize that it prolly isn’t going to happen) and I’m trying not to focus too much on the missed birthday parties, get-togethers and events I’ve already missed in just a month of being under self-isolation, nor all the ones coming up I don’t want to admit to myself aren’t happening anymore.

Honestly, life kinda sucks right now, in many ways. But it is still good in some others, too. My days are either good or bad, with not much in-between. Some days, I’m productive and fine. Other days, I’m depressed and don’t want to do a damn thing.

In the end, I’m staying informed, washing my hands, staying at home and hoping everyone survives this, and we can come out stronger–because we obviously have so much to work on as a society, as a people, as a country.

Until then, I still have books, writing and other hobbies to keep me company (recently got into playing Apex, which is surprisingly fun!). Plus, a wonderful boyfriend and my pets who live with me, and friends and family I stay connected with via social media and video chats and phone calls. The weather has finally turned into a gorgeous spring and we’re getting some home projects done, too.

All-in-all, we’re just making the best out of a really shitty situation. I hope you are able to, too, and are staying healthy.

Oh: STAY HOME AND WASH YOUR DAMN HANDS.

What I Read

A Tale of Stars and Shadow by Lisa Cassidy [Review]
Beggar’s Rebellion by Levi Jacobs [Review]
The Blood Mirror by Brent Weeks [Review]

What I Hauled

ARCS

**Thank you so much to Orbit Books for these ARCs! I am really excited to try reading Wexler for the first time and I can’t wait to read the updated version of We Ride the Storm, as I loved it before!!**

Ashes of the Sun by Django Wexler
We Ride the Storm by Devin Madson

Library Snags:

**Considering the library is closed for the foreseeable future…(but, I’m not complaining, because a) they should be and b) I have enough bloody books to read at home, honestly).**

Purchased:

**Nothing this month**

Received for Review:

**Nothing this month**

Gifts:

**Nothing this month**

What I Posted

In this section, I like to share posts that I personally wrote this past month that I either really enjoyed writing, am really proud of or wish might have gotten a little more attention.

🏰 The End of Normal: pretty much all I could think about this month.

Reading Challenges Update

A new section I decided to add this year, so I can actually keep track of the challenges I signed up for (so I’ll hopefully actually complete them this time around).

2020 Discussion Challenge: 1/12 Discussion Posts

• None this month! Though I did manage to still post quite a bit, I didn’t post any discussions like I wanted to!

Year of the Asian Readathon: 0/20

• Definitely still in my reread for the Lightbringer series, though I’m planning to start The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang soon!

StartonYourShelfathon: 0/143 (0/67 ARCs)

Goodreads: 6/150

• Hahahahahaha. *dies*

Intentions Update

Another new section! To try and hold myself accountable, I’ll be sharing where I’m at on the goals I’ve made for myself this year, all of which I detailed in this post.

Write two novels, edit one and write for me ✔️✖️

I’m roughly 20 pages and 20,000 words into this one, though I still haven’t written nearly as consistently as I want to. I’m not beating myself up for this one, though, because….*gestures at the world*

Productive Routine That Promotes Self-Care ✖️

I’m still not counting that one quite yet. But I have a feeling next month is going to be different.

^^ This is what I wrote last month. That last line. Oh, past me. Yes, next month was indeed very, very different. *sighs*

Six Clients ✔️✖️

I might have five clients!! The next few months are going to be busy, as I finally dive into their work, but I’m really excited, and hope that number only continues to grow.

Read More ✖️

Despite still reading terribly slowly and being completely unmotivated, I’m not going to beat myself up for this either, because, you know, global pandemic and shit.

Cook New Recipes ✖️

I did cook new recipes last month, but for the life of me, I can’t remember what they were. Definitely didn’t this month, though. Lots of comfort meals or meals that make a lot and can be stretched with leftovers to cover multiple days. Yeah.

Cherish Connections and Friendships More ✔️

Despite not getting to do any of the things I wanted to do, a positive of this pandemic is that I have started to reach out to friends more and check in on them, which is something I should have been doing more of all along.

Less Social Media ✖️

Fuck, I wish. And I need to, since it mostly is just panic-attack-inducing for me, at this point.

Finish Home Projects ✔️

We cleaned out the bedroom closet, built our new dresser AND prepped the yard and seeded it, so hopefully grass will grow. We are KICKING ASS when it comes to home projects.

Wear My Style More ✖️

Yeah, this definitely isn’t happening any time soon, so I’mma put this on, I guess, maybe?

Take More Pictures ✔️

I definitely have been! Having a new phone with an amazing camera has definitely helped out with that, as it’s so fun to take more pictures! I’m also trying to post how I’m doing each day during Self Isolation on Instagram, so that has made me do that, too.

Posts I Enjoyed

Curious what blog posts I really enjoyed around the blogsophere this month? Check them out here:

⚔️ Amber @ The Literary Phoenix shares the importance of supporting your local indie stores during the COVID-19 crisis.

⚔️ May @ Forever and Everly shares amazing diverse upcoming releases you should support!

Not sure how to really wrap up this month, honestly. It sucked in a lot of ways. It was terrifying in a lot of ways. My depression and anxiety were heightened for most of the month and it was a struggle in so many ways. But my Mom and brother also had birthdays. I laughed and ranted with friends. I made forward progress on my book and finally started reading The Burning White.

All we can do is take it one day at a time.

Oh, and wash your hands, yo.

Cheers.