Happy Friday! I had an 18-mile run scheduled today and thought about skipping it because the forecast was a bit ominous. I went for it anyway. It rained for the first half, but I’ve learned I like running in the rain (as long as there isn’t wind). Then the sun came out and it was magical. I felt like I could have kept going and going, which gives me some confidence. I can’t believe the Boston Marathon is next month! There are many novelists who are also long-distance runners and I think this makes sense. They are both tests of endurance, journeys in their own way. I promise I will talk less about running when my marathon is over.
Quote of the week:
“I think of the trees and how simply they let go, let fall the riches of a season, how without grief (it seems) they can let go and go deep into their roots for renewal and sleep… Imitate the trees. Learn to lose in order to recover, and remember that nothing stays the same for long, not even pain, psychic pain. Sit it out. Let it all pass. Let it go.” –May Sarton
What I’m reading:
The Vegetarian by Han Kang—I’m enjoying this one so far. It’s sorta Kafta-esque. It won the Booker Prize and has been on my list for a while.
What I’m listening to:
Open by Rachel Krantz—this is a really raw memoir about one woman’s experience in a nontraditional relationship. Finished it yesterday. I was equal parts intrigued and disturbed.
Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka—started this on my run today. I’m a sucker for books with multiple perspectives and flawed characters so this is right up my alley.
What I’m watching:
Language Lessons—super sweet little movie about a Spanish teacher and her student and the friendship they develop while doing online lessons.
Writing news:
Counting down to the release date for Ways the World Could End (May 10!). Just two months. I did the thing I always tell myself not to do and looked at advance reviews on Goodreads. This one made my week:
What I’m talking about:
- The UN’s latest climate change report, which says that we are harming the planet faster than we can adapt. This is, of course, incredibly depressing. Many experts agree that we are no longer in a position to prevent damage; we must mitigate as best we can now
- The terrible situation in Ukraine. Putin’s defiance is disgusting. Millions of people are going to be displaced. This makes my heart sick
- The civil rights lawsuit against Texas over Governor Abbott’s attempts to criminalize parents of transgender kids. I seriously do not know what the world is coming to
- Some good news: Biden’s nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. She said, “I can only hope that my life and career, my love of this country and the Constitution…will inspire future generations of Americans.” I think that hope will be fulfilled
Interesting things I learned this week:
- Vladimir Putin uses shoes with hidden wedge heels to look taller at events
- Maine is the closest US state to Africa
- The name Jessica was created by Shakespeare in the play Merchant of Venice
- Anne Frank and Barbara Walters were born in the same year (1929)
Weirdest thing I googled this week:
“eyes blurry when tired.” Google basically confirmed I’m fatigued and getting old. I have reading glasses in every room now.
What I’m grateful for:
- Time with my sister this past weekend. We live near each other, but rarely get to hang out just the two of us
- Visiting the local goat farm with my daughter
- A clean bill of health at my annual physical
- Hitting 4:56 max pace during my sprints the other day—I felt like an Olympian for approximately 13 seconds
- Daily meditation—getting back into a routine with that
- Pet birthdays. This month, one of my doggies turns 8 and both my kitties (they’re from the same litter) turn 9
A few snapshots from this week:
