Weekly Roundup: August 19, 2022

This week went by fast, didn’t it? Let’s get to it…

Quote of the week:
“I do not believe that sheer suffering teaches. If suffering alone taught, all the world would be wise, since everyone suffers. To suffering must be added mourning, understanding, patience, love, openness and the willingness to remain vulnerable. All these and other factors combined, if the circumstances are right, can teach and can lead to rebirth.” — Anne Morrow Lindbergh

What I’m reading:
I’m late to the party, but I’m finally reading The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. It’s good, but I don’t know if it’s a-million-ratings-on-Goodreads good. Will see how it ends.

What I’m listening to:
The Fixed Stars: A Memoir by Molly Wizenberg. I read her first book years ago and she popped into my mind recently so I looked her up. She’s had quite the interesting life story since I last followed her. I love memoirs that tell of a life going in an unexpected direction. It’s very good.

What I’m watching:
Still nothing of interest, though I have added several shows to my “to watch” list in the Notes app of my phone. Progress.

Writing news:
No news this week. I’ve been prioritizing my copywriting work lately (I write stuff for healthcare and pharmaceutical companies), but planning to get back to my creative writing next month.

What I’m talking about:

• The Inflation Reduction Act. This is the best legislation I’ve seen in a long time
• The stabbing of author Salman Rushdie while he was speaking at an event. He is recovering, though his family has described his injuries as “life-changing.” So upsetting to see this
• Mar-a-Lago. Still sitting on the edge of my seat…

Interesting things I learned this week:

• Manatees use their farts to swim (yes, it’s true)
• The leading source of antioxidants in the American diet is tea and coffee
• 20% of U.S. students aged 12 to 18 experience bullying
• Anthropologist Robin Dunbar says we are only wired to know 150 people, which was the average size of hunter-gatherer communities (interesting read here)
• A new dog-sized dinosaur species has been discovered in Argentina
• Research shows that fish can get depressed

Weirdest thing I googled this week:
“Grasshopper suicide.” This was something mentioned in The Midnight Library so I had to investigate. Turns out there is a parasitic worm that can invade grasshoppers and make them jump into water, essentially committing suicide. So weird.

What I’m grateful for:

• Feeling 100% back to myself since Covid. I’m so grateful that I bounced back relatively quickly (though it didn’t feel quick at all)
• Half marathon this weekend. I missed some significant training because of Covid, so I’m curious how this will go. I’m going to prioritize enjoying myself and see what happens
• A solo backpacking/camping trip this past weekend. It was hard (and so hot!) but I really love sleeping under the stars

A few snapshots: