It's the day before Thanksgiving and all through the house, not a creature was stirring because I don't have to do much cooking this year. I'll work from home today, but only for a few hours. Then the holiday weekend will begin. I plan to go to a friend's house to hang out for a … Continue reading And thus, the holidays begin
Miscellaneous Musings
An Abundance of Furnishings
To those with a creative spirit, an empty space is a canvas begging to be beautified. To the oldest child of parents with large extended families, it is also a rare luxury. It started during my first or second year of college. "We're saving this for you, for when you have your own place," was … Continue reading An Abundance of Furnishings
Being Friends with a Dog: Level 1
Dogs weren't part of my life growing up. Pets, in general, weren't a "thing" I had much exposure to. My grandparents had a cat, and that was it for pets I encountered. The cat was there to keep the rat population on the farm under control. I never saw anyone being affectionate with her. Flash … Continue reading Being Friends with a Dog: Level 1
Thanksgiving and taking stock of 2019
It’s been a shit few years or so. 2019 is the first one that’s ending on a true, sustainable upswing. It’s Thanksgiving week, and I am thinking of all the things for which I am thankful. A friend commented the other day that 2019 has been the year of Suzanne, and I realized she was … Continue reading Thanksgiving and taking stock of 2019
Finding Courage To Ask For A Raise
I am 43 years old. I have been in the workforce since I was 14. I have been employed with my current company since I was 29. And until yesterday, I have never in my life asked for a raise. It's not clear to me when I first realized this was something I should, perhaps, … Continue reading Finding Courage To Ask For A Raise
Constant Exposure to Current Events is Harmful to Emotional Well-Being
All week long, I've been unable to write. Usually, I set up blog posts at night so they will publish the next morning. If for whatever reason that can't happen, I'll knock something out early in the morning while I have my coffee. This week, I have had no ability to write. Or read, for … Continue reading Constant Exposure to Current Events is Harmful to Emotional Well-Being
Time change lag and executive dysfunction
TGIF. This whole week has been an endless slog through horrible exhaustion. The clocks changing seem to impact me differently than others. I don't understand it. I was more tired each day than I was the day before and I'm desperately hoping this weekend will allow me to fully adjust to our new time zone. … Continue reading Time change lag and executive dysfunction
Winter Sleep is the Best Sleep
Holy cow, last night was the best night's sleep I've had in ages. That's one of the benefits of the clocks changing, I think. By the time you go to bed it's been dark for hours, so you feel like you're going to bed far later than you actually are. I spent the evening putting … Continue reading Winter Sleep is the Best Sleep
Whoa… I actually completed the whole task
Yesterday the clocks changed, and I celebrated the onset of longer evenings by setting up string lights through my entryway, living room, and dining room. One hundred and twelve feet of continuous space. I hung command strip mini-hangers at 18" intervals throughout the entirety of it. It took six hours. Folks, I can't believe I … Continue reading Whoa… I actually completed the whole task
No shame in my Christmas game
The clocks have changed and the months of long, dark evenings have arrived. Some bemoan this, and really, if clocks stopped changing twice a year I would have zero objections. Clocks do currently change, though, for better or for worse. And now that they have, I'm getting excited about holiday decorations. Specifically, light displays. The … Continue reading No shame in my Christmas game
A creeeeepy Halloween tale
When I woke up I could hear the sound of something breathing. It was very close to me, whatever it was. My bedroom door stays closed when I sleep. My two cats stay in the living room. And yet, there was something breathing. At first, I thought it was my imagination. Or, perhaps, what I … Continue reading A creeeeepy Halloween tale
Reconnecting with an old friend
I bought a silicone egg bite mold and made eggs last night in my instant pot. I love hard boiled eggs but, as easy as they are to make, I never get around to doing it. So, I fry eggs for my breakfast every morning. Making eggs in the silicone mold was perfect. Fast, easy, … Continue reading Reconnecting with an old friend
Missing a Best Friend after a Break Up
Eight years ago this week I broke up with my best friend of twenty-five years. It had to be done. She had been verbally abusive and controlling when we were younger, and as we got older it became worse. This was true even though we lived on opposite sides of the country from one another. … Continue reading Missing a Best Friend after a Break Up
A healthy unhealthy dinner: Maple and brown sugar acorn squash
Once a year I indulge in stuffed squash for dinner. A whole acorn squash, with maple syrup and brown sugar and butter, and that's it. That's dinner. I love it and it feels ridiculously indulgent. Usually I watch Hocus Pocus while I eat. Last night was the night for this annual ritual. I bought the … Continue reading A healthy unhealthy dinner: Maple and brown sugar acorn squash
I’m tired so here’s a bunch of silly things you might like
I'm tired and I don't feel like writing. I ran out of anti-depressants and haven't taken any since Tuesday, and that's not making me feel so hot. I just kind of keep forgetting to stop by the drugstore until I'm home and in pajamas and there's no way I'm going out again. I'll do it … Continue reading I’m tired so here’s a bunch of silly things you might like