Climbing Daddy and I went to Austin recently to see a performance by Hannah Gadsby. She is autistic, which she’s spoken about very openly in her shows. We received an email saying that the doors opened at 6, show started at 7, and late arrivals would be seated when there was an appropriate break in … Read more
It’s been 15 years. Fifteen years ago yesterday, unable to breathe deeply or while laying down, I was admitted to my local hospital with what would eventually be diagnosed as Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. It was a long road—two weeks until treatment started (though plenty of unpleasantries in those two weeks). Six months of chemo (extended by … Read more
Most of the time, I write blog posts within a week of publishing them (though rarely the same day). Most of the time, I prepare food the day we’re going to eat it. Most of the time, I do laundry when I’m almost out of the type of clothes that I’m washing. Or I’m out … Read more
I’m an extremely sentimental person, especially about people. Someone recently asked, “Do you collect people?” Why yes, yes I do. If you and I have had any remotely significant relationship at any point in my life for any length of time, you are a piece of me. For better or for worse. Regardless the state … Read more
I don’t know if it’s because people are busy (they are) or because people are exhausted (they are) or because there’s something going on that I don’t know about (happens often), but there’s a lot of Christmas still happening. My neighbors have pumpkins on the porch and Christmas lights on the trees and the eaves … Read more
For my final blog post of 2021—the year in review. It was a wild year, deeply creative, with a lot of output. This time last year, I’d just finished writing a book (first round writing, not editing and such), quit my job due to COVID concerns, and was going to see what I could do … Read more
My standard advocacy for change is small, sustainable pieces. My eating habits changed that way. My exercise habits changed that way. My financial habits changed that way. (I do think there are situations where this isn’t the best, but it applies more broadly than cold turkey, in my opinion and experience.) Bits that are so … Read more
The sunsets here recently have been fantastic. Colors that impress without filters. Last night, I decided to go up to South Mountain, a local municipal park with tons of hiking, to see if I could get some photos. (Largest municipal park in the country!) Climbing Daddy and Rocket Kid went hiking for real on a … Read more
If you love seeing your family or whoever you spend Thanksgiving with and enjoy the holiday as-is, then this all doesn’t apply to you. Keep doing what you’re doing. But it might apply to someone you know. If you’re a person like me who has traditionally not enjoyed family-centric holidays and either dreaded them because … Read more
Taking a tangent from Tuesday’s thoughts on self-care and self-awareness for improved creativity and brain flow. One way (and a variation) to help give yourself a bit of motivation to do something: Have a conversation with your future self. No shame in having it out loud…probably. What can you do today that your future self … Read more