Happy Thursday! I’m here today with the Keep It Together link-up, co-hosted with Alexandra and Rebecca Jo. If you have a post about scrapbooks, planners, or memory keeping of any kind, please link up with us below!
Life is so strange these days. I actually had a lot of things planned for April, so it’s kind of sad to look at the monthly overview and realize I had to erase almost all of it. However, I do have some virtual events that I’m really excited about- my dance classes (tap and cardio hip hop) are now on Zoom, as well as one of my book clubs (which is tonight). I can share more about this in another post if anyone is interested.
I also have my doctor appointments via video chat, which I am very lucky that I’m able to do. Some appointments could be pushed back/rescheduled, but some are more necessary like my therapy sessions – especially these days! I think we all have things to be anxious and depressed about, and it’s always good to talk things out, right?
Now let’s take a look at some of what I included for April:
- I have a Watching sticker that says Schitt’s Creek at the very top. I don’t know the exact date I started this, but I am watching for the first time via Netflix and it’s so good! I’m almost through with the second season.
- On the right hand side, everything is written with green or pink pen. I didn’t do this on purpose, but when I realized it was happening, I figured I’d keep it up because it’s kind of pretty!
- April 1: Today has been cancelled sticker. So much has been cancelled, especially this month, but April 1 was also April Fool’s Day and I know I wasn’t having any of that!
- And finally, I tried to decorate with more stickers than normal – most of which are happy or positive sayings:
Good Things Are Going to Happen
Life Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect to Be Wonderful
Think Happy Thoughts
Don’t Overthink. Just Let It Go.
Put On Your Positive Pants
Not everyday is going to be great, but I’m trying to take things day by day, or week by week. I don’t want to think too far ahead into the future because those plans are more likely to change. I’m someone who uses planning to ease my anxiety/depression. I like having things to look forward to. That was a big adjustment for me when things really started to shut down, but I’m slowly getting better at making virtual plans and I’m always trying to find new ways to keep in touch with friends and family!! It’s the little things, but it’s something!
Do you have any virtual plans coming up? How are you making memories these days?
It is sad and strange to see how much is cancelled these day. But I watched a movie via Netflix PArty with some friends and attended a Zoom book club on the weekend, so things are happening like you said, but not in the usual way I guess.
I’m struggling of late too Lauren, I’m so sorry you’re feeling so poorly but it’s wonderful that you’re still able to see your doctor via Zoom appointments. In Australia, all of our doctors and clinics are being funded for phone and Zoom appointments now too and they bulk bill, which means they’re free of charge. I’ve been taking care of my elderly mum who’s just had emergency surgery and it’s been exhausting. I’m just not enjoying reading or my downtime at the moment and really not sure how to pull myself out of this funk.
I’m glad that Australia is going to be doing phone and video appointments, and having them be free of charge is great. I can’t imagine being a caregiver with all the craziness as well. I imagine you are exhausted. I hope that reading becomes more enjoyable for you, or you find other ways to de-stress and relax. If there is anything I can do, or anything you need, please let me know!
That’s good to take things day by day, I think that’s what we all have to do to stay sane. All the cancellations are such a bummer. But the “today has been cancelled” sticker is pretty funny–and pretty perfect for right now 🙂
I HAD to use the Today has been cancelled sticker. It was so perfect.
Those are perfect reminders – we need them! The positive pants resonates, because I’m in flannel pajama bottoms at the moment. Positive pants should have plenty of pocket room, a comfy fit and make our bums look fabulous. For me, they should also not drag on the ground on the cuffs and get scuffed and wet when it rains. That’s always been an issue for me!
I like how you used teh BIG stickers on your monthly spread – I have a few & didnt know how to use them.
Having something to look forward to is such a wonderful thing. I love planning for travel. Where I’m going to go and what we’ll do when we get there. For now I guess we have to be content with taking our journeys through the stories we read or the shows we watch. Glad you’re enjoying your virtual classes and you’re able to keep up with your therapy, too. We all need to be a little creative to keep our spirits up during these strange times! 🙂
I will have to check out Schitt’s Creek. I am glad the virtual classes are going well and that you re enjoying them 🙂
Aw, me too, Lauren. My April is grim as far as events go. But I’ve made it bright and happy nonetheless, with paint, stickers, sharpies etc. 😀 I’m very sad that I had to cancel my trip to see my kids early next month. So bummed about that. I’ve made a list of the things I can still do during quarantine and it helps to read it periodically to remind myself all is not lost. I miss my yoga classes and may try one on zoom but my space is limited LOL. Thanks for sharing your April things. Schitt’s Creek is one of my all time favorite shows! Enjoy it.
Sorry you had to cancel your trip. It’s tough not seeing certain people in my family these days. Hopefully you can find a Zoom class for your yoga! Finding space is tough.
I need a new planner because mine ends in June! I’m thinking of getting the Happy Planner.
It’s great that you’re able to have your doctor visits by video. Thank goodness for technology!
I like that doctors are doing the video visits now. Seems like it would be so much easier. Of course I guess it could be more work in the end because they’d have to see more people! Or would be able to see more people that way. Yeah, like you I’m trying to just take one day at a time. Although I probably need a better schedule for doing work for my real job at home. As a librarian, most of my work was done in the library. Now I am just available for when students or teachers need help with online resources, so I never know when that will be.
Interesting, doctor visits via video.
Yes, I have set hours, but I still try and check email whenever I can because I never know when students will need something (I’m an academic librarian, btw).
Honestly, you’re not alone in struggling with not being able to make plans. The worst part of all of this is that we have no end date so it’s difficult to have big things to look forward to. I think it’s great how you’ve managed to incorporate smaller things and virtual plans instead. I’ve not really thought of including virtual plans in my own planning but even those smaller things can help cheer you up as you can see you still have plans without going anywhere.
Definitely! I’m taking all the virtual plans that I can, because it does make me feel like I’m doing something!
I think that planning for the future during this quarantine is a great way to stay productive and positive for the future!
How is the quarantine treating you? I hope you are well!
amy x wandering-everywhere.com
Thanks, I’m trying to plan as much as I can. Quarantine is going okay. I’m luck to work at home, but it does make you a bit stir crazy and I miss seeing certain people. How about you?
Yes, I feel like everything I’ve been looking forward to is cancelled, and it’s been really hard for me to stay hopeful about the future. I think all we can do now is try to get through the day, and try to find some enjoyment in these weird, stressful days.
April has been so weird… We cancelled a trip to Dallas. Our big event in Dayton this weekend was cancelled (weeks ago). I have a virtual dr. appointment, too. K had one he had to go to and we had to take M to her wellness one because of vaccines (but only one of us could go in). Weird, weird times. Lots of TV. I should watch Schitt’s Creek! I’ve only gotten through season one.
Definitely weird times, and doctor visits are all sorts of crazy these days!! And yes, I’m loving Schitt’s Creek.
COVID is certainly screwing us all. I have and EN&T appointment for my son coming up an it will be done via video… makes everything hard. Hopefully it won’t be long until we’re at the otherside!!
I think it is important to plan right now, even with all of the crazy. Plus planning with all of your pretty stickers and happy quotes has got to make you feel good! It makes me happy 🙂
I’m glad you’re finding ways to cope and that your planner can still be part of that. I confess that I gone completely off of planning but I love your approach. Maybe I’ll get back into it, with some creative ideas.
I hope you can find a new way to use your planner during these crazy times!!
We will get through. Sending lots of love!
I’m glad you have been able to find a way to still use your planner right now. I’ve practically given up on mine aside from crossing out everything that has been cancelled or rescheduled, lol.
“Put on your positive pants” lol Love it!!
You’re going to LOVE Schitt’s Creek. It gets even better. We just watched the series finale last week.
Karen @ For What It’s Worth
ooh yay! It definitely seems to get better as it goes; I’m excited.
I have just not been happy with the current system I have because it requires two planners. The one I like best was a gift but it isn’t a calendar so I have to carry a calendar, too.
You and Rebecca have inspired me to look into a different agenda or planner for next year and to take a little time to dress it up!
Aw, yay! I love how Rebecca does her planners. You’ll find a style that works for you, but hopefully you can find a planner that has everything you need first.
Oh, I know! We had so much planned in April and May with my son’s graduation and daughter’s competitive dance schedule. I didn’t want to erase them off my calendar, so I could think about what I WOULD have been doing on that day (is that torturing myself?), so I delete them after the day is over. Lol.
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Yeah, our calendars are a whole lot more empty than normal—it can be a little depressing if we let it be. I like your idea of giving yourself more positivity stickers!!
Green and pink look so pretty together! I’ve also been planning on a short-term basis. It gives me structure and consistency in my life without asking too much. Depression and anxiety has been a struggle in my life during this time.
It’s rough days for mental health! I’m glad planning helps somewhat!