It’s been a while since I’ve really written anything. So here we go.

How are you doing? I’m exhausted. August is my busiest work month, it’s almost 100 degrees outside every day, and miss adventures.

I’ve been playing Animal Crossing recently and now when I see bugs or bodies of water in real life I think to myself, darn no net/no fishing pole. Which makes me laugh and then makes me sad, because how is this my ADULT life right now? Also while playing Animal Crossing I’ve been eating fruit snacks and drinking Capri Sun pouches. I have 100% become a middle schooler, playing videos and snacking instead of doing my chores.

I also started watching Lucifer and Zumbo’s Just Desserts on Netflix and Superstore on Hulu and have been planning time to read most days. I’m enjoying these shows. I like Zumbo when I want to barely pay attention or just have some noise on in the background, I like Superstore when I’m in a laughing mood, and Lucifer in between.

I’m currently reading "R" is for Ricochet by Sue Grafton because I needed something light that I could read in small chunks. I was trying my best to read books about racial justice, prison reform, and other current events but my library loans would expire before I could finish the books so now I am halfway through a bunch of good books, and back on the waiting lists. Hopefully the next try at those books will be more successful.

Floating has been pretty important to keeping me from crying every day, so we’ve been very seriously thinking about getting a pool. Which is basically my dream situation.

We are getting closer to starting some big home projects, so that is exciting. First we are getting a new roof, and then a new kitchen which I am hella excited about. After that some bathrooms and maybe a pool. So while all of that is crazy exciting, I am trying to keep my excitement in check until people show up with tools and dumpsters.

Staying in the moment is really hard right now. It’s hard to not long for what was and wish for better things to come. Right now is hard. If you are struggling with being in the here and now, you are definitely not alone. I have been trying to focus especially hard on making a gratitude list each day, meditating in the morning while my coffee brews, and not forcing myself to be productive if it’s not essential. Give yourself grace, lighten your load as much as possible, and don’t forget to breathe deeply and laugh once in a while.

We might not all be facing the same challenges in this weird upside down world we’re living in, but we’re all facing challenges. Be kind. Check on your people. Take care of yourself. You’re worth it.