However, things are looking up and we've managed to turn a difficult, expensive and stressful situation into something really positive and I'm looking forward to April 1st. There's also some other things that are making me smile despite everything else going on, so all in all, this month could have been a hell of a lot worse. Here are ten of the things that are acting as my silver linings in March:
2 - Even though we've both been under a lot of pressure, the husband and I have been sure to make time for each other, including a few date nights out in Leeds, as well as at home. The fact that we are still having fun and doing things we love together despite everything else seems like something to really smile about to me.
3 - People may think this is a silly thing to have on this list, but I made a resolution and I am sticking with it. I've been expanding my gin collection and trying things that are a bit different. Not only is this a lot of fun, a few people have also commented on how awesome my gin selection is.
4 - One of the things the husband and I have been doing together is watching movies that we were both too young to watch on the big screen when they were first released in our home cinema. There''s something fairly awesome about Jurassic Park in 3D and Stargate on a big screen.
5 - After buying my ticket to see Casanova by Northern Ballet months ago - my grandma got be a voucher for Christmas - I finally got to see it and it was absolutely incredible! It is now up there with my other top ballets and I urge everyone to go and see it.
6 - Even with all the financial constraints this month and those that will continue into next, my husband has insisted I still get my Bowie tattoo next month, which I paid the deposit for this month. I've found someone who is as psyched to do it as I am to get it so after over a year of planning, I'm finally getting my tribute ink.
7 - Lighter mornings and later evenings are definitely reason enough to smile. My SAD is not being such a nightmare now and it is so nice to walk to work when the sun has risen or is in the process off doing so. It is a lot nicer than leaving the house when it's still dark.
8 - This last week has seen me find so many great old photos of myself taken over the years. From old school pics to classics like this, it's actually really nice to get reminded of things and to see how far I've come. It has actually made me a little bit emotional.
9 - Even with everything going on, I'm still making time for self-care, which is a big difference from this time last year. I'm paying attention a lot more to how I'm feeling rather than just pretending that I'm fine and it is making a huge difference. On top of this, the husband is making sure I have time to myself and to relax, even urging me to read my book rather than cook dinner or picking out bath products for me to use so I can go and enjoy a pamper (this one was a Father Christmas one from Bomb Cosmetics).
10 - Finally, the biggest thing making me smile is our new house! We signed the contracts yesterday and move in on April 1st with the help of some amazing friends and my lovely sister. We were planning on moving later in the year but have had to do so incredibly quickly as our current house is going on the market. However, it means we get to move into this awesome house with a massive back garden and what will become my mini library. It also means me and the husband actually get to move into a house together, rather than me doing so first and him afterwards, which has never been the case before. It's going to be stressful as hell, but will totally be worth it in the end.