Tanya Patrice here! We’re going “Off the Books” to share a look at what I was up to (besides reading) in the last month. I ran a lot, watched a lot of tv series, read a lot and tried something new.
7 Joys This March
1. More Races, More Running
Races #5 and #6 of the year are officially done! One was the largest 15K in the U.S. (15,000+ runners), and the other? A 10K with the entire course looping through a cemetery—equal parts peaceful and surreal.
Getting back into running has been such a gift. And lately, it’s started to feel…dare I say…good? Or at least not like I’m on the brink of collapse every time I head out.
2. Shoe Love and a Milestone
A moment for the Asics Novoblast 5. I officially retired this pair towards the end of March, and I loved running in them because they cushioned my foot so well, but still felt light and responsive.
Also, I can’t believe I’m now someone who runs enough to retire running shoes. Growth.
3. New Skill Unlocked – Bread Making 🍞
We bought a bread maker (this Briskind)and I’ve officially entered my homemade bread era. The recipe is simple – about five ingredients – but the payoff? Incredible. We haven’t bought a loaf of bread since.
4. Taco Tuesday & Donuts
There’s this spot in my town with $3.99 tacos and $5 margaritas on Tuesdays. So happy to go there with friends when I was home this month. Also, glazed donuts are my kryptonite. I wish (not really) that people would stop buying them at work. Who is telling them that they are my favorite (me)?!
5. A Tech Gear Upgrade
My most-used item this month: a 100W USB-C fast charger. One charger for my work laptop, personal laptop, and phone when I travel (replacing 3 different chargers). I also keep another one at home.
6. March Travels
I had a mixture of travel for work and personal this month.
- Minneapolis – small town, cold, long work hours so didn’t do much else other than work and read, and this is the week I shared in A Late Winter Week in My Reading Life.
- Texas – A return to 2 of my favorite restaurants Texas: Beef-Fish-Fowl and Pappadeux. Always worth it.
- North Carolina – Visiting family and hearing more stories from my husband’s younger (and slightly wild) military days.
7. What I Watched
March turned into a very TV-heavy month:
- The Night Agent S3 – better than S2, and close to as good as S1
- Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model. I saw the hype about it and remember watching a few seasons of the show when it was originally airing. It didn’t seem cringey then, but I look back now and I’m like yikes!!
- Prodigal Son S2. Liked it just as much as S1. A gifted criminal profiler juggles his work for the NYPD, a fragile family relationship and the consequences of having a serial killer father.
- Bridgerton S4. Watched … and re-watched it.
- Cross S2. Just as good as S1.
- Young Sherlock. Started out good; lost the plot in the middle trying to be too clever and do too much; but reeled it back in for the last 2 episodes.
Now on to April! I’m looking forward to spending having more garden time, my 3rd half marathon (2nd for the year), maybe a little less tv series, more movies and more friend time.
Now I’m curious … What was one small joy that defined your March? And what are you intentionally making space for in April: more rest, more movement, or something new? Or, if you’re in a similar season: are you leaning more into routines right now…or trying something different?
