I’m writing this roundup very quickly, as I’m about to head to the airport with my daughter for an adventure, so please excuse any grammar errors and whatnot.
Quote of the week:
“I always forget how important the empty days are, how important it may be sometimes not to expect to produce anything, even a few lines in a journal. A day when one has not pushed oneself to the limit seems a damaged, damaging day, a sinful day. Not so! The most valuable thing one can do for the psyche, occasionally, is to let it rest, wander, live in the changing light of a room.” –May Sarton
What I’m reading:
I’m about 50 pages into Animal by Lisa Taddeo, which has been on my list for a while. Loving it so far–very raw, edgy writing. I’m also reading The Carrying: Poems by Ada Limón. It’s beautiful and I’m going to have to read more of her work.
What I’m listening to:
I started I’ll Show Myself Out: Essays on Midlife and Motherhood by Jessi Klein the other day. So good, so funny. Also listened to a great podcast episode with Bozoma Saint John–highly recommend.
What I’m watching:
I’m about halfway through the new season of Couples Therapy and just started the new season of Alone.
Writing news:
No big news this week. I’m slowly reading through a draft of my new novel. I don’t think it’s awful so far, so that’s promising. Also: This past weekend, I wrote a poem for the first time in years and I’m craving more of that.
Interesting things I learned this week:
- Orca whales are born black and orange and get the black and white markings they’re known for after about a year
- If you shrunk the sun down to the size of a white blood cell and shrunk the Milky Way Galaxy down using the same scale, it would be the size of the continental United States
- Humans share 50% of their DNA with bananas
- A 2018 study of more than 100,000 people across 29 countries found that the daughters of working mothers were happier and more successful in their own careers than daughters of stay-at-home mothers
- In 28 states and DC, infant care costs exceed the average cost of in-state college tuition at public 4-year institutions
- The new Chevy Bolt will be the cheapest electric vehicle in the US (I had a Volt for years and wanted the Bolt, but there were inventory issues. Definitely going to look into this when my lease is up)
Weirdest thing I googled this week:
“Alpacas vs llamas.” I feel like I’ve googled this before and then promptly forgot my learnings. Basically, alpacas are smaller–they’re around 150 lbs and llamas can get up to 400 lbs. Llamas also have a longer face; the alpaca’s face looks slightly smooshed in. I think I’m Team Alpaca.
What I’m grateful for:
- An amazing trip out of town over the long weekend. Beautiful surroundings, wonderful company. There was a tiny house involved! So fulfilling and rejuvenating (couple photos below)
- Another trip this week to enjoy some sun with my daughter, mom, sister, and nephews
- My health! Still negative for Covid. Fingers remain crossed
- Applying for my daughter’s first passport and renewing my own. Can’t wait for some international adventures together
A few snapshots from this week:
