Monterey County Libraries for Littles (originally for Monterey Bay Parent Magazine)

Make this the year that you and your preschooler try out the abundant free events and resources curated by dedicated librarians from our local libraries!

Early exposure to words is fundamental for a child’s language skills as well as their cognitive and social–emotional development (per Pediatrics, Volume 142, Issue 4, October 2018, Early Language Exposure and Middle School Language and IQ: Implications for Primary Prevention). Libraries certainly have plenty of engaging books—and Monterey County offers many library branches—but libraries also offer a chance to play with cool toys, learn more about your community, and maybe even meet new friends. There are libraries from Big Sur to Salinas, Pacific Grove to King City, and San Lucas to Aromas, with well over 20 branches across Monterey County.

“You should really get a library card for all of them,” recommends Sarah Nolan, event programming librarian at the Monterey Public Library. Many of these libraries have dedicated children’s librarians working hard to help little ones learn and thrive.

Beyond traditional brick-and-mortar libraries, there are Little Free Libraries all across town: Try your luck at finding early reader books for your home library while you’re out for a walk. Many locations are listed at littlefreelibrary.org, but it’s always a sweet surprise to find a new one!

Bookmobiles provide library services in areas distant from branches or with other access barriers. Google “Monterey bookmobile” to ask questions or to suggest a new stop.

Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) and Monterey Public Library also operate bookmobiles that visit Moss Landing, Pebble Beach, Carmel Highlands, Carmel Valley Manor, the Pajaro Park, East Garrison, Las Lomas, Spreckels Memorial Park, Toro Park, and Ohlone/Royal Oaks as well as La Mesa Village, Montecito Park, Merrill Gardens, The Park Lane, Casanova Oak Knoll, New Monterey, and El Estero Center, respectively.

Here are just some of the Monterey County library offerings. Check the respective library websites for complete details.

SONG AND STORY TIMES

Salinas’s Cesar Chavez Library offers Toddler Tales on Fridays from 10:00–11:00 a.m.

The Marina branch hosts preschool storytime every Thursday from 10:15–10:45 a.m.

The Aromas branch has storytime on Thursdays at 1:00 p.m.

The Seaside branch offers Stay and Play with Story Time on Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Salinas’s El Gabilan Library hosts Learn and Play Story Time on Tuesdays from 12:00–12:45 p.m.

Carmel’s Park Branch Children’s Library has storytime on Wednesdays (besides holidays) from 10:15–11:00 a.m. It features stories, rhymes, songs, and hands-on activities designed for children ages 2 to 5 and their parents and caregivers.

The Monterey Public Library hosts weekly toddler/preschool storytimes on Tuesday afternoons in the community room. All are welcome, especially ages 2 to 5.

(Note: For preschool and younger programs or programs for all ages, parent participation is expected and younger siblings are allowed.)

The Pacific Grove Public Library offers Toddler Tales on Mondays from 11:00–11:30 a.m.

Salinas’s John Steinbeck Library offers Story Time Jamboree for ages 0 to 7 on Thursdays from 4–4:30 p.m.

The Carmel Valley branch offers a fun and interactive weekly preschool storytime program (designed for infants and kids up to age 4) with singing, movement, and engaging stories on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

PLAY TIMES

The Pacific Grove Public Library offers preschool stories on Tuesdays from 11:00–11:30 a.m. Miss Mary and Barnaby Bear read stories and sing songs developmentally tailored for preschoolers, but all ages are welcome.

The Salinas Public Library hosts playgroups for those ages 1 to 4. These groups provide exploratory activities to help develop a child’s skills. Registration is required. Call 831-758-7355 for more information.

The Carmel Park Branch Children’s Library offers craft programs once a month on Fridays. They also host sessions of LEGO Lab and game times.

The Marina branch presents Build and Play! on Tuesdays from 4:00–6:45 p.m. They lay out toys in the kids’ area, from MAGNA-TILES, LEGO bricks, and KEVA planks to larger DUPLO blocks, and you bring your building creativity! Come with your little ones to play together and socialize with other families.

The Carmel Valley branch offers Stay and Play, with colorful toys that encourage motor and social development. For more information, call the branch at 831-647-7760 or email Ashley at griffithsa@co.monterey.ca.us.

The Pacific Grove Public Library hosts open playtime on Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

PARENT AND CHILD-FRIENDLY OPTIONS:

As of January 2023, Monterey Public Library has new parent–child corrals available as workstations as well as a quiet space for nursing.

LOCAL RESOURCES:

The Marina branch offers monthly Dads Read events featuring storytimes led by area fathers, as well as clothes and toys swaps.

The Monterey Public Library, Carmel Harrison Public Library, and other local libraries offer California State Park passes to be checked out for three weeks at a time by cardholders. Take your little one to explore a new area or enjoy a walk.

Low-income families residing in Monterey County qualify for one free aquarium pass per season (September through April) via the Shelf-to-Shore program through the MCFL, Monterey, and Pacific Grove libraries. Call to check if passes are available and present your library card for a qualifying adult aged 18+.

DIGITAL RESOURCES:

MCFL has an extensive YouTube Channel that offers Rhymes and Songs videos in English and Spanish for preschoolers. Additional fun options include Little Chef, STEAM Time, Backyard Science, Make It Monday, and more.

Recorded songs, stories, and experiment tutorials are available anytime at Monterey.org’s kid’s page under the library tab.

MCFL offers a database called Tumble Book Library, accessible with an MCFL library card or a free trial: Tumblebooklibrary.com

BOOKS AND READING:

PBS Kids: Educational games and videos from Curious George, Wild Kratts, and other PBS Kids shows! (PBSKids.org)

Footsteps2Brilliance: Free access to a selection of 500 interactive, award-winning digital ebooks, songs, and activities (Footsteps2Brilliance.com)

Story Time from Space: A project of the Global Space Education Foundation, Story Time from Space sends children’s books to the International Space Station so astronauts can read them to you! (StorytimefromSpace.com)

ADDITIONAL MCFL-RECOMMENDED RESOURCES:

1-2-3 Andrés: Interactive music for kids and families that teaches Spanish language and Latin American culture (YouTube or 123Andres.com)

The Singing Walrus: Interactive, catchy songs designed to encourage children to engage with the music and learn new things in a playful way (YouTube)

MATH:

Funbrain: Hundreds of games, books, comics, and videos that develop skills in math, reading, problem-solving, and literacy for prekindergarteners.

Creating Joyful Holidays (originally for Monterey Bay Parent Magazine)

Here are eleven suggestions on how to lighten your stress level so you can increase the joy in your holiday season.

Special moments of watching your children break into big smiles after opening a gift or taking holiday photos in sweet matching outfits are what make the December holidays so special. But the holidays can be (usually are?) hectic and stressful. It is all too easy for parents to find themselves frazzled with the planning, cooking, and shopping that is part of the holiday. Kids are so full of magic during this special season that we parents want to avoid as much stress as possible so we can be present and enjoying these precious days.
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Local postpartum mental health specialist Kristina Anzell, LCSW says, “Let go of perfection: with a new baby or young child, there are a lot more stressors, unpredictable moments, and more chaos. Things will not be perfect and that is okay. Let go as much as you can and focus on the things you can control.” It’s great advice!

Consider implementing a few of these ideas to more fully enjoy your Chrismahanukwanzakah season:

1. Suggest a gift exchange for the extended family. Pick out a really great present for one person or a few people instead of trying to tackle a long list.
2. Pack, prep, and list. If you have room, pack or prep as you think of things. If it’s not practical to do so, make a list as you remember items so that it won’t be so tough to host the party or get to the airport hoping you have everything you need for yourself and your kids.
3. Don’t let thankfulness end after Thanksgiving. Cultivate gratitude by jotting down the best things in your life to keep your perspective more positive. Write on your mirror or set your phone background to an inspiring quote to help make this part of each day.
4. Look for alternatives to physical presents at out-of-town visits. If you’ll be traveling out of town, ask if family members would consider mailing presents to your home and instead wrap photos of the items to keep suitcases or trunks more streamlined—more fun than a gift card but without the drama of trying to fit everything in. Or, give experience gifts that you can all enjoy together while you’re visiting, such as a day out at a family-oriented attraction.
5. Consider hosting away from home. You’ll minimize cleaning and prep time. Or choose a potluck or cookie exchange instead of a more labor-intensive gathering.
6. Skip the perfect clothing. Unless it brings you joy, your kids don’t need to wear matching pajamas or wrinkle-free dresses. The photos will still be cute.
7. Review your memories from the year. Use your photos, calendar, or journal or chat with friends and family to reminisce on 2023’s moments of triumph, happiness, nostalgia, and beauty.
8. Plan ahead with your family. Get on the same page with your spouse or other holiday buddy before you’re in the middle of things: What is most important to you this holiday season? How will you navigate any potentially awkward situations with relatives or friends? What kind of healthy snacks do you want to stock up on beforehand?
9. Lower the stress. In the midst of it all, make time to lower stress levels with a walk, yoga, or stretching, some bible study or meditation, calling a low-drama friend, or even some adult coloring. Even a few minutes are beneficial. Perhaps schedule a recurring reminder on your calendar or phone.
10. Donate instead of gift. Not sure what to get that person? Donate to a charity in their name. You can even let them choose the cause through a gift card to GlobalGiving.org.
11. Clean up time as a family.  When it’s time to take down the decorations, enlist the kids and make it a game. My mother challenged us to see who could find the most Christmas decorations at the end of December, and thanks to the competition, the house was back to normal quite quickly. I’ve been biding my time for many years to finally use this trick to my advantage.

One last bit of advice comes from Shauna Worthington, postpartum doula and parent educator with Parenting Connection of Monterey County:

“Children learn to regulate their nervous systems from their caregivers which means they can sense stress. To help with calming or sleep this holiday, try focusing on your feelings and filling your cup first. Take a few deep breaths, go outside for a quick walk, or take a moment to stretch. When your child sees you are calm, they are more likely to follow suit.”

The bottom line is that creating a great holiday for your family is a noble goal but it’s also important to have some fun yourself. Try a few of these tips to see if you can destress this holiday season so you can be more fully present and enjoy the special moments.

Happy holidays from my family to yours!

8 Ways to Squeeze in Time for Professional Progress (originally for The Reis Group blog)

Even with less commute time, there still never seems to be quite enough hours in the workday. However, by incorporating some strategy, you can continue your professional development without too much trouble. After fully embracing the term “maximizing” to describe my life approach, I’ve come up with ways to make time for the important things, including my numerous passions and beloved relationships.

1. Schedule yourself. Set a pop-up reminder to get yourself to think about or invest in professional development. This could be blocking out 30 minutes once a week for some professional development reading on LinkedIn, a monthly pop-up reminding you to make progress towards your annual goals, or anything in between.
2. Find an industry-focused email newsletter worth reading, like Michael Smart’s Thursday emails. Start by picking just one that is worthwhile, and don’t be afraid to unsubscribe and try something different if it starts to feel like additional clutter.
3. Find someone further along in their career who is willing to provide casual mentorship. Now that we’re used to remote meetings, ask about some quick check-in calls before work, over your lunch break, or in the evening, maybe bimonthly or once a quarter. This will keep it from being too cumbersome for either of you.
4. Listen to industry podcasts or audiobooks on your walks, workouts, drives, or while making meals or folding laundry. Make your chore time extra-productive.
5. Follow key hashtags or join an industry group on LinkedIn. You’ll stay relatively informed without trying too hard.
6. Ask someone to keep you accountable. If your former coworker is willing to check in occasionally to see whether you’ve been keeping your list of work wins up-to-date, you’re more likely to do it (and figure out the most painless way for you to maintain the practice.)
7. Whenever you wrap up a small project, ask for any feedback to make the next project better. Be sure to also share feedback with others to encourage improvement and grow your working relationships.
8. Volunteer to support a one-time event or for a committee with a minimal time commitment. Choose an event during a time of year that is less busy or a commitment that is infrequent enough to keep it manageable.

I like to pursue many goals at once and have found that with the right planning and reminders, big things are usually more feasible than they sound. If you have any favorite strategies for fitting in professional development or any favorite podcasts or newsletters, please share them. We’ve got this!

Following the “COVID Story”: Reflecting on Coronavirus Media Coverage (originally for The Reis Group blog)

 

Whether you’ve been working in health, public health, media, or public relations, or you’re just a human trying to survive, 2020 has been an unforgettable and bizarre experience. Endless depressing case counts and deaths. COVID-19 special reports. White House coronavirus briefings. CDC, WHO and Task Force updates and trending hashtags about PPE, testing, ventilators and plenty of depressing things that many of us had never planned to think about.

Remember hearing about COVID-19 in February, back when it seemed to only exist on cruise ships or in Wuhan? When first responders had inadequate PPE? The first week we learned that we should wear masks? The continuing flow of contradictory stories on “miracle” drugs and speculative vaccine timeframes? In hindsight, the situation sometimes seemed to become clearer, only to turn even more confusing.

I recently spent several intense hours reviewing and organizing seven months’ worth of COVID-19 drug stories, and all of these things streamed back through my thoughts. In our work, it’s important to gather story numbers and impressions and to tally both original pieces and syndications in order to accurately report results and continually refine future media strategy. Proofreading, essentially what I did for the five-thousand-line spreadsheet, involves using the tools available (particularly Office’s spell check, find, and sort functions) while also buckling in for thoughtful reviewing and re-reviewing. By nature, this work cannot be done quickly. It’s also helpful to incorporate the proofreading best practice of reading backwards: starting at the bottom of the document instead of the top and working in the opposite direction. Not only did these tactics yield an accurate overview of media coverage, but this experience really impressed on me how much the COVID story has changed throughout 2020.

Thankfully, we learn more about COVID-19 all the time, thanks especially to researchers, health and public health professionals, and dedicated journalists. Yes, the media coverage has been exhausting and sometimes confusing and problematic. It remains important to consider sources, cross-reference guidance, and prioritize experts. However, in great part thanks to the media, most people now know about the variety of actions that we can each take to fight COVID-19, with more knowledge gained all the time. One of the top things we can do this fall is get a flu shot.

The dedication to service and innovation that I’ve seen throughout society this year—though inevitably twinged with tragedy and loss—encourage me to do whatever I can as an individual to keep myself and others safe and to help share useful, accurate information as a medical public relations professional. In the next seven months, the “COVID story” will surely develop and progress, and as it does, we can find hope in remembering what we can control as well as embracing the sure-to-come helpful new information and developments to keep us safe and pursue the return to our pre-pandemic lives.

Month Four of ~Quarantine: June 14-July 13, 2020

Maybe you, too?

1.    We finally both fell asleep before ten

2.    I seriously tried to put on a navy shirt with my black pants

3.    I made molasses coffee and did not successfully foam the milk

4.    We finally went up the roof of the lovely tower in Will’s apartment building: a nighttime glance, new favorite quiet “restaurant” and new deserted “yoga studio”

5.    The Jeopardy tournament ended and the total confirmed that Will won, though not by a landslide

6.    I watched my first-ever episode of Fixer Upper

7.    Susie and I had our first “wine” night in the park and I realized that I had no wine available so had sweet green tea with vodka

8.   Celebrated the joyous news of two babies in two days!!!

9.    I got to plant tomato sprouts and they actually made it!!

10. We watched Becoming and Yes-Man

11. We ran out of baking powder. So many pancakes. So much joy. 

12. Attained new levels of flatbread thinness 

13. I returned a library book originally checked out in February

14. Was a hypochondriac AGAIN

15. We looked up hypothetical AirBnbs for three trips that may never happen

16. We watched Hamilton

17. I finally asked for my first time off since January

18. Free slurpee day was presumably canceled

19. We did our only indoor DC-friend hangout since mid-March

20. I witnessed a fancy outdoor barre class 

21. Distant in-person church events started back and we made it to two

22. We attended our first drive-in picnic

23. Did my first run with a running friend and did not perish 

24. We did DIY exercise in a gorgeous garden 

25. We worked from a nearby plaza (with WiFi!!?) due to a fire alarm 

26. We had our first Reese’s cup s’mores 

27. The pool finally opened and it was the best 

28. I realized I’m really not drinking enough water again

29. There were rolls of toilet paper—multiple—in the grocery store again!!

Probably just us:

1.    We finally signed a darn lease

2.    Will borrowed a hand truck

3.    I finished the “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle” audiobook

4.    Will saw his brother’s build-a-computer pitch and the vegetables of his labors

5.    I dreamed that I was staying in the same AirBnb as Heidi Klum and Seal (RIP)

6.    We celebrated our new engagement with steaks, the best chimichurri ever, asparagus, fruit salad and sangria on the apartment rooftop with two friends 

7.    Will found out that he would literally not be able to do just about anything (for a ~week) via Naval message

8.    We said “see you later” to my brother for nine months

9.    Our new lease warned us to “remain clam” in face of an emergency 

10. Attempted to meditate at the pool while three children shrieked with joy and simultaneously also failed to delay beginning wedding planning for a month

11. We went kayaking on the Potomac with church friends on the morning of the 4th: one tradition that can continue!

12. Chick Fil A Cow Day and the Hawaii trip were canceled on the same day that a succulent gift started dying—somehow I can never get them right!

13. We both gave notice for our apartments

14. I finished going through all digital photos and movies since 2005ish

15. We met a ridiculously cute corgi puppy named Crouton

16. I watched distant fireworks from a roof for the first time and almost the whole skyline was filled

17. We enjoyed tamale pie, really good stir fry, froze, gazpacho, gumbo, flaming spicy broth, lots more pancakes, several breakfast sandwiches, Rice Krispies treats a la Marissa

18. We finally opened and finished the for-a-rainy-day Pumpkin Spice Joe Joes (Trader Joe’s ~oreos)

19. Made berry ice cream American flag version of nachos

20. Will let me win at cards once and I called him out

21. Received a virtual champagne toast

22. We made it to Will’s apartment rooftop once for each day since I discovered it

23. I learned of the existence of Will’s American flag tank top

24. Discovered a newly rainbow-painted cross walk near a very large Black Lives Matter billboard on my bike home to DC

25. I went to the gym three times in a week—so thankful to feel safe and get some things done while exercising

26. We learned of a nearby Alpaca farm and lavender field 

27. We enjoyed another round of Sweet Fire Donna’s nachos after a bike ride

28. Pulled a fast one on both Will’s parents

29. Got more skin cancer prevention surgery

30. I finally opened THE big memory box and found some ridiculous photos of my early self

31. Will’s work switched back to an every-other-week in the office schedule

32. I resisted buying chocolate at the store...again!! But definitely polished off a good amount of hot chocolate powder the last month.

33. DJ, Rock-paper-scissors work buddy extraordinaire left 

34. We started trying to guess dog’s names

35. I finally got to wear my new in the fall bathing suit in an actual pool!!

36. Started a spreadsheet of all our favorite people

37. I celebrated a virtual 30th birthday party and an early 60th on the same day

38. We made a fort and watched three episodes of Criminal Minds

39. We personally made 55 calls or messages about engagement! So fun and crazy

40. My phone seriously considered self-destructing the one week I didn’t have my personal computer...terrible timing

41. Oh and we went for a walk, got crepes to-go, watched dogs, played some cards, talked and rested a while and then we got engaged <3 span="">

Month Three of ~Quarantine: May 14-June 13, 2020

Actions, Learnings and Observations

Maybe you, too?

1. We mourned our mid-May wedding trip and Memorial Day Colorado trips-not-to-be
2. There were threeish freeze watches after I finally put my cold weather clothes away—poor plants
3. I tried to finally buy a pretty mask
4. The dang Backstreet Boys pushed back their concert a whole year
5. I developed a phobia of drinking water before walks then not being near a restroom
6. Will got the best haircut of his life
7. I went on a real hike
8. We got Thai takeout and ate in the park again (finally!!!)
9. I had my first two major (distant) plans with humans almost canceled due to rain
10. We made delicious pickles and then started picking beets, onions and everything else 
11. I got to pet two puppies that came into my midst
12. Will audited his book stash 
13. We stopped doing free workouts online (just picking miscellaneous exercises instead)
14. I survived getting a rental car
15. We spontaneously grabbed good New York-style pizza 
16. Will asked a beloved author if he needed someone to edit a book for him then he wrote a whole chapter!
17. I made chocolate strawberries for a birthday celebration
18. That far-off "end of quarantine" day set in April finally came and yet COVID-19 still didn't feel distant
19. We thought about maybe traveling again
20. I faced some definite seasonal allergies, part two
21. We finally got some good hugs
22. We found and started eating the world’s most epic watermelon (the rest is frozen for many slushes to come)
23. We had a virtual game night with Will’s sister and husband and for once, Will did not win every round
24. I finished audiobooks: “We Should All Be Feminists” and “A Year of Less”
25. We decided we could start depleting the mini-freezer and pantry stockpiles
26. The late July bachelor party was canceled
27. I decided to keep growing out then donate 8 inches of my hair
28. We failed at multiple attempted Goodwill drop-offs
29. Yoga went down on the priority list but higher on the wish list 

Probably just us:

1. I gave up on the Hawaii trip then two weeks later we started booking (cancellable) ground arrangements for the Hawaii trip
2. Will biked the whole Mount Vernon Trail
3. I ripped a hole in my Walmart Miley Cyrus jean shirt from 2009...and several old pairs of socks and shorts 
4. We had a distant picnic complete with key lime donuts
5. I had two rounds of exercise GPS tracker drama and bike rental drama
6. Will encouraged his dad to become a voter registration leader and recycling advocate
7. We learned how bad we are at guessing south Arlington home values
8. I enjoyed a honey lavender latte and ancho chili cafe con leche to go from an actual coffee shop (remember those?!)
9. We enjoyed homemade lentil curry, strawberry basil margarita, baba ghanoush, Will’s first ratatouille, and many more vegan pancakes
10. I researched, read and wrote about cancer survivorship for hours and then jumped to prostate cancer for more hours—work project
11. Will and his dad washed the truck 
12. I jogged to pick up tequila, bringing a new meaning to tequila run
13. We savored SC biscuits and finally found good peaches and tomatoes
14. I tried eggs for the first time since January
15. My keys fell off their designated carabiner perfectly in between two grapefruit causing a 15 minute panic
16. I jogged past the historic White House protests and glimpsed the brand new Black Lives Matter street “art”
17. Will read the Frederick Douglass biography
18. My brother let a surprise slip a year in advance
19. Will read up on the love languages and the enneagram
20. We toured three apartments and made miniature models of them and all our furniture 
21. I realized that 2020 will not be chill but THE year of family celebrations 
22. Will dried his own Serrano chilis 
23. We listened to the masterpiece that is the entire compilation of Sarah Mae mix CDs since January 2015
24. I wrote a haiku for work
25. My hardcore electric toothbrush got possessed and was banished to the truck bed
26. I finally made it to 2019 in my photo library audit
27. We enlisted Will’s grandparents to help throw a surprise birthday for his dad
28. Based on a bonfire, we now really understand “like a moth to a flame”

Month Two of Quarantine: April 14-May 13, 2020

Actions, Learnings and Observations

Maybe you, too?

1. Will bought a lot of masks.
2. I replanned this year for the third time. 
3. I lost my keys in my room. COVID-19 brain.
4. We had a virtual '90s dance party.
5. We watched Star Wars (Episode IV) on May the 4th.
6. Will went on a J.Crew bankruptcy-induced shopping spree. (Hooray for size tall medium.)
7. I measured a nearby plaza and made it into a "track".
8. I finally watched the Great British Baking Show and it is as great as everyone has said for years. It makes me crave pastries all the time.
9. We finished a puzzle. We miss it.
10. We reminisced on six official months together and all of the life that we have crammed into them.
11. I started craving salad (semi-unheard of).
12. We took advantage of a half-off Uber Eats deal. (So much delicious Ethiopian food.) Also a BOGO AndPizza deal.
13. We did a virtual 5k.
14. We finished a first bucket list and wrote a second one.
15. Will's farmer's tan started making a comeback.
16. I realized that an hour...even 45 minutes...is a "long run".
17. The Northern Virginia lockdown was extended until May 28 and the D.C. lockdown was extended until June 8.
18. I took an online nutrition class.
19. Will deep-cleaned the windows, inside of the washing machine, dishwasher and the bathtub.
20. We discussed the various dog types.
21. Will picked up the guitar...several times.
22. I made my first broth.
23. We had several 4:45 am wake-ups and received a follow-up letter from the loud neighbors.
24. I get nervous when I see vacancy signs.
25. Will and I started an audiobook together.
26. We welcomed back the nearby fountain.
27. I gave my mom a mug that said "I'm proud to be y'orchid." She loves it.
28. We bought five zucchini and had zucchini bread, stir fry and fritters all in one week.
29. I researched donating my hair. Currently at six months since my last haircut.
30. Carrot soup, ilantro cashew pesto are awesome.
31. I decided that I'm not going to be a license plate collector.
32. Will accidentally added "noodles" to the pho order and we had a really large bowl of leftovers.
33. The Ellen Show became a consistent source of joy (starring Ellen Degeneres and Ellen Degeneres and Ellen Degeneres). However, a governor of a state that we do not live in consistently tried to interrupt.
34. I started walking circles around the apartment while reading work emails.
35. I reviewed every one of my photos and videos from college (SO many sorority photos).
36. I am still much better at "stocking up" on groceries than Will.
37. I fell in love with Criobru.
38. Will tried a goatee for twenty minutes.
39. I spotted baby ducklings so it is officially spring.
40. I signed up for absentee ballots for the year.
41. We celebrated Cinco de Mayo with cilantro chicken soup and to-go margaritas.
42. I still feel incredibly violated when people enter my personal space at the grocery store. I officially avoid the store now and it sucks.
43. We made a lot of pancakes.

Probably just us:

1. I fell in love with Will's meatloaf recipe.
2. My brother got engaged so Will and I became virtual game show hosts. Dad is still happy that I suggested Mom throw confetti over the iPad.
3. We virtually explored European culture for Europe Day.
4. Will got his first placemats as I sorted my apartment.
5. The nearby plaza at lunch looked oddly normal when there were people sitting in the sunshine outside a restaurant with an "Open" sign.
6. Will suggested yoga before I did. It happened.
7. I learned how hard it is to purchase clean serum that does not contain xanthan gum.
8. My great-grand little was featured by The Today Show.
9. Will reached out to an author he likes and is now helping him write his next book.
10. We looked at rings and apartments to try to move forward. 
11. My Hawaiian plant survived three freeze watches in May.
12. Will became a stretching rack.
13. We said "swo" and "gwoss" a semi-concerning amount of times.
14. On a walk, we found a secret passageway to the metro.
15. Will took the Hogwarts sorting survey and the Enneagram. He also guessed my Enneagram number perfectly.
16. We biked to Mount Vernon and peered through the gates to see sheep butts.
17. I researched medical hashtags for work and now feel concerned about #bedwetting.
18. We put on fancy clothes for a "Shades of Red" dinner: poached salmon, beets, purple barley and red wine.