Today I’m linking up with Emily P. Freeman at Chatting at the Sky to share what we learned in April. Here’s what Emily has to say about the practice:
“At the end of every month, we have a regular practice here of looking back before moving forward. While some of the deeper, more in-process things I may keep private for a while, other things are fun to share here. And when you share things you’ve been learning, I always discover lots of fun tips, great new shows, and encouraging thoughts to begin the month.
We’re all at different spots on the journey, and these end of the month posts are a way to reflect, share, and celebrate on purpose.” {Emily P. Freeman}
In no particular order, here are the nine things I learned this month.
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1. I have forever loathed the term “Military BRAT.” But this month, I ran across a Huffington Post article that divulges some great information on the label. For example, it may possibly be attributed to the British Empire as “British Regiment Attached Traveler (BRAT). And in many other cultures worldwide, the term Brat attached to a location or country is a term of endearment for “camp followers” or dependents.” (All information summarized from this article.) What I loved MOST was this acronym B.R.A.T.S. — Bright. Resilient. Active. Talented. Successful. On the days I worry about the affects of Ryan’s military service on our kids, I am reminded that military children turn into some of the most successful and awesome adults.
2. Earlier this month, I rented a movie from Redox that I thought Ryan and I would enjoy. It was an Academy Award eight time nominee, The Imitation Game. The subject of the movie is historical and deals with cryptology, military intelligence and world war. I knew it was a fit. Since we don’t get out much and I keep up with Hollywood (not at all), I tried telling Ryan who was in the movie when he got home and I announced a movie night. I said, “you know it’s that popular British actor…” and I proceeded to go through the following list of names before getting it right:
- Rupert Humplepuff
- Cameron Dumbledore
- Allistair Humpback
- Merdoch Cumberbun
- Barnaby Hufflebum
- Jasper Mumbleshucks
- Trevor Pumpernickel
NO! The actor’s name is Benedict Cumberbatch. I need to watch a little more E!, Entertainment Tonight or read some entertainment shelter magazines.
3. While doing some intensive reading on the correlation between what we eat and our metabolism/hormones, I learned that the number stickers on our produce tell us quite a lot. For my entire life, I thought those numbers were just key codes for cashiers so they could weigh the fruit. Wrong. Those numbers are actually codes that tell how and where the fruit/vegetable was grown. Now I know!
4. I taught my kids some basic safety and I learned about some really great online teaching tools that are age appropriate.
5. After years of witnessing my husband interact with our kids and their sports, I finally articulated what makes him such a great coach.
6. I also discovered a new-to-me-tool, the Passion Planner. Where has this been all my life? I have been actively using it all month and my productivity and focus has been off the charts. When you write out goals and then are forced to write in the action steps into your weekly calendar, whoa! If you’re like me, if it’s on a list or calendar or in writing, it gets DONE.
7. And speaking of goals…I have written a book (yay) but have waffled over really getting it publication ready. The Passion Planner helped me to put the final action steps on paper and I have finished the book and hope to make it available on Amazon and Kindle by early summer. If you are reading this and know of someone who is in the military, I’d absolutely LOVE for you to share this resource.
8. I have been trying to eat according to the Master Your Metabolism plan (protein at every meal, low grains, eat four times per day). And thus have been looking for a filling, low calorie, salty, mid-afternoon (4th meal) snack. I’ve been eating these Wasa crackers and LAUGHING COW CHEESE. I can have two small triangles of cheese and three Wasa crackers for 140 calories plus a serving of protein. One of the most tasty and filling snacks ever.
So far, I’ve tried the Creamy Swiss and Spicy Pepper Jack. These are all natural and delicious.
9. I just discovered this list of books and as an AVID reader I was blown away that I had only read a small handful of the titles. These are touted as the 100 BEST BOOKS of the Decade So Far by Oyster. Have you read many of these?
I’ve saved the list on my phone and have already found three of them at our public library. I feel like someone has been withholding important information from me when I find out about a list like this. I’m about halfway through The Unnamed and can’t put it down. Here’s what I have been reading this year so far.
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This month I learned some very practical and useful things as well as some not-so-serious and intriguing things. Here’s to many more discoveries!
What have you learned this month?
What I Learned in March here
What I Learned in February here
Elizabeth Claire Wood 
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