Of the moment // 12.15.23
You guys! It has been a while. Since I have some spare free time these days, I figured I might as well do a little blogging. Despite not having *to work* the past couple of weeks, the days have been flying by and I’ve been keeping busy: a lot of Christmas-related errands (wrapping, post office, etc.), more volunteer visits with Gertie, barre or Pilates or a bike ride around the neighborhood. I still have my same quadrant to-do list every day!
My mantra right now is very much that I will absolutely get another job and will make more money one day, but that I won’t be able to get this time back. I’m savoring the extra moments with Jojo (without worrying about checking Slack on my phone) and trying to get outside in this San Diego sunshine as much as possible. And I’m doing my best to complete my 100-book challenge for the year!
Reads
I’m going to try and do a post on the 10 best books I read this year (and the ones I have been recommending the most), but a few recent favorites: thoroughly enjoyed the nonfiction account of The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder. Trespasses was my local bookstore’s monthly book club pick, and while I really only chose it because it was 20% off, it did remind me how much I enjoy some modern Irish literature and learning more about the Troubles. (A fun random aside: I hard-pitched David on the name Siobhan and he said absolutely not, and I found out in Trespasses that Siobhan is the Irish equivalent of Joanna! I was delighted!!) I listen to a lot of true crime podcasts and read a lot of crime-thriller-y books, and I gotta say: Bright Young Women was such a fresh perspective in the space, I loved it.
Podcasts
A real silver lining of my layoff has been unfollowing a lot of podcasts that I did not love and only listened to for work (and skipping through the ads!)–and finding the time to lean in to the shows that actually truly capture my attention. That said, The Big Dig was one that I binged this week and really enjoyed! A perfect blend of education and entertainment (especially if you are into infrastructure, government spending and/or the Boston area).
Looks
I coordinated a guest book experience at a baby shower last weekend, which mostly meant that I accosted every single person who came and took their picture and made them write a note of encouragement. The true highlight (beyond creating a keepsake for good friends! and getting to talk to everyone at the party!) was when someone asked me about my sweater, my jeans and my jacket and I was able to give a pitch on how much I loved Nuuly. After I told them all of the things I loved (the colorful sweater selection, the opportunity to try different styles and sizes of jeans, the fact that I really do not buy clothes other than athleisure OR discounted through Nuuly at this point), they told me I should work for the company and so here I am, continuing to pitch for them while also browsing their job listings. That said: obsessed with the jacket, jeans and sweater (among other things) I rented this month!
Jewels
Still such a big fan of my La Lumiere NY bracelets! I bought a few stacks through their Black Friday sale, as well as a custom KINGS bracelet, and I always feel like they just totally jazz up my outfit. The only downside is Jojo is now *very* interested in them…so I need to work on finding her some kid-friendly accessories!
Words
“You can’t see the future coming–not the terrors, for sure, but you also can’t see the wonders that are coming, the moments of light-soaked joy that await each of us.” -John Green, The Anthropocene Reviewed
This weekend, we’re going to check out the Lightscape at the Botanical Gardens with some friends, pop by the La Jolla Farmers Market and do some reading.
p.s. I’m hoping to do posts on my 2023 in review, the top 10 books I read this year and my kitchen DIY project–but gladly taking any requests in the comments below!
