“The world always seems brighter when you’ve just made something that wasn’t there before.” -Neil Gaiman

Sometimes I think of myself as not very artistic. Like, only someone who makes visual art is truly creative. But then I remember this quote from Neil Gaiman and remember that every time I sit down and write, I’m making something that wasn’t there before. And it does make the world feel a little brighter when I’m done.

1. It’s finally September! I am so glad that August is in the rear view mirror and we are marching on towards autumn! While chatting with a friend this week I commented how January, February, and August are always so difficult for me. I think it’s because while January and February are often too cold for me to spend significant time outside…August is usually too hot! So I am very much looking forward to the cooler weather on the horizon.
2. The ability to rest when needed. Earlier this year I had my first episode of vertigo. It was scary and unexpected and frustrating. Earlier this week I had a second episode. Let me tell you, there is nothing fun about waking up and rolling over as usual, only for the world to start spinning uncontrollably. Luckily this time I understood what was happening and what would help me. I also gave myself permission to rest and recover. While I haven’t had any spinning the past couple days, I still haven’t felt 100% stable yet. So I’m continuing to take it easy as needed, even if it means delaying the completion of my deep cleaning this week! But I figure bending over to wipe down all my baseboards isn’t the best activity for my equilibrium.
3. DIY Haircut. Okay, hear me out. I’ve been giving myself at home haircuts for the past year, just a couple inches or less every few months. And because I wear my hair curly it isn’t the end of the world if things are completely even. But I feel like I really nailed it this week! So I’m happy to look a little less scraggly and frizzy.
4. Mike Richard ousted as Jeopardy EP. A few weeks ago I mentioned being happy that Mike Richards had stepped down from the role of the new host of Jeopardy. But I had resigned myself to the fact that he would remain executive producer, especially after hearing the Sony execs planned to send him to sensitivity training. It seemed like such a dated and disappointing move that I figured they wouldn’t be swayed further. BUT THEN this week they straight up fired him from his job. Guys, it is so gratifying as a Jeopardy fan to see Sony take it seriously that this guy has damaged their credibility. And it is so gratifying as a woman who has experienced blatant misogyny in the workplace to see someone truly be held accountable for their toxic behavior. I truly think Jeopardy will be better for it.
5. Finding the right thing at the right price. While I’ve been trying to buy less and spend less, there are a few house projects that are still on the table for purchases. One of these is making our laundry room more functional. After we moved in, we took out the utility sink to reseal the floor in the laundry/utility/mud room. Then it just never made it back inside. And then I got a standing drying rack that took up the space where the sink used to be, but I really only ever use the top part of the drying rack. Anyway…I reorganized the laundry room a couple weeks ago and decided I want to get a new utility sink which means I needed a new drying rack solution. This week at Costco I found the perfect little rack/shelf with hooks underneath it! It was less than $15 and will fit perfectly over the space where the sink will go. Now we just need to find the right sink at the right price…