Feel Good Friday 82
Here I am, playing the world’s tiniest violin again this week, because I feel like I just keep repeating how insane my weeks are. I am someone who despises the glorification of busy, but enjoys being happily occupied much of the time. However, Chris’ job has had him gone much of this week, Wilder missed 2 of the 3 days he’s in school for the summer because he had a fever and I just couldn’t keep up. I fell behind in some work obligations (not at the magazine but on my own work) and barely had time to read. I just kept my head above water and made sure I maintained all of my morning rituals that start my day on a good note. It’s so important to take time to just be and center yourself before getting thrown to the kids wolves. On the mornings I skip that, I have major anxiety and regrets so I always make getting up early a priority for my mental health. No book to share this week, but I’ve got lots of great stuff that I think you’ll love! Buckle up, buttercup.
A sweet moment captured between Wilder and his friend last week.
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What I Loved About College & Friendship
I came across this piece about the errand friend hang and it made me really miss those random moments in college when someone would walk into the lobby of the dorm and say, “Hey, I’m headed to the grocery store (or Target, or Walmart, etc.), you wanna come?” I have so many fond memories of car rides with music blasting – hello, No Diggity – perusing the aisles of stores with my friends and just enjoying the conversation and company. It made taking care of the mundane so much fun! I think I need to reinstate this and just start texting my friends when I have an errand and see if they wanna come along for a ride. After all, some of the best conversations happen in cars. I honestly think it’s because people love to connect and share, but eye contact can be intimidating or create a sense of insecurity. When you can face forward and not necessarily see your friend’s full face as you spill out your heart, it makes sharing much less scary.
A delicious summer salad
Last week as we were deciding on Sunday dinner, Chris said he could really go for last week’s salmon again – it was that good! I had some fennel to use up, so searched for a simple and refreshing salad with fennel and came across this arugula-fennel salad which is dressed with a dijon-lemon-shallot vinaigrette. I opted to use avocado oil instead of canola in the dressing. Chris and I both enjoyed the crisp freshness and flavor and I made it again for myself another night this week.
Live Concerts & Speakers
At the onset of 2020, one of my goals was to get out more to attend concerts and listen to lectures. Well, I think we all know how that went for me. I am happy to say, now that I am fully vaccinated and things are opening up, I’ve already bought tickets to a concert and – as soon as they go on sale next week – I am buying tickets to hear Margaret Atwood speak at UNCG. The perk of my job is that I am always informed and up to date with what’s going on in the city, so when I saw that Big Head Todd & the Monsters were coming here, I did a happy dance. I used to love their music when I was in college. It happens to fall the weekend of our anniversary, so we bought tickets and are looking forward to reliving our college days. But maybe with a little less alcohol. Do you have any events lined up that you’re looking forward to?
Podcast Episode About Overwhelm
I know I keep sharing Glennon Doyle’s podcast, but this week’s episode about overwhelm really hit me at this moment in life. Glennon states, “Women are overwhelmed and angry.” And her sister likens the feeling to the lava at the very top of a volcano, about to bubble forth. I have all of these feelings right now, and am 99% sure I had my first ever panic attack recently and it’s just nice to know I’m not alone. I’ve never had a panic attack that I am aware of, but I was telling a friend about a situation I was in with Chris and how my heart started racing and it continued like that for an hour or so. She asked, “Do you think you had a panic attack?” And, to be honest, the thought h ad never crossed my mind. But then I looked into it and I am certain I did. We’ve all been carrying so much emotional weight this past year and now that things are opening back up, it’s exciting, but it’s putting so much on our to-do lists. It’s a lot to handle and I know I am personally struggling with it. I am trying to focus on taking time to just breathe in the morning and any time during the day that I feel my chest tighten. I am also constantly reminding myself that I am just one person, and I need to take things one day at a time and just do the best I can within my abilities (both emotional and physical abilities.)
My Work Fam
A year ago I knew I wanted something more for my life but I didn’t know what. I told my coach, “I really love writing short form, like Instagram captions, and I want to be more involved with my local community.” A month later, Jim Dodson, founding editor of O.Henry Magazine, appeared in my driveway and shortly thereafter, thought of me when the magazine had an opening for a Digital Content Manager. I almost let my lack of experience and imposter syndrome get the best of me, but I’m so glad I went for that job. It’s been a perfect fit. The job includes – get this – writing short form and Instagram captions and it has connected me to the local community. But the biggest surprise is that I’ve got a work family I adore. A year ago, I didn’t know any of these people. Today, I don’t know what I’d do without them. The universe truly delivers what you need. (We had to get our photo taken for a page in the upcoming issue and we snapped this while we were there. I am pictured with my editor and my colleague who is a contributor and helps me with social media. I’m the old lady of the crew, but they never make me feel that way! Also, O.Henry is staring at my chest. The audacity!)
Adding to my reading list
While I haven’t had much time to read this week, I have been filling my reading list with books I’d like to read. This one sounds, which is said to be filled with dead-pan humor, sounds right up my alley. It’s going to be released early July and I may need to order it!
Day-trippin’
With all of Chris’ insanity at work, we really needed time to reconnect. Last weekend we decided to take a day trip with the little one. (The older kids were invited but passed). I mapped out our day because when you have a toddler it’s best to have a plan! We started our morning in Gibsonville, NC, which features a model garden railway that runs each Saturday morning. We knew Wilder would love it – and he did!
He’s been asking to go back already. It’s a good thing it only runs once a week or we’d be there daily.
After that, we headed to Hillsborough which is a charming historic town. Our first stop was the Occoneechee Speedway, an old race track that’s now a beautiful wooded walking path.
There are two old race cars to be seen, plus the stands are still there. including the flag stand. And the path itself was just a peaceful easy walk. That is, until we got about .3 miles from the end and I had to carry Wilder the rest of the way. I figure it’s a bonus workout.
After the speedway, we headed downtown for lunch and browsing. There are some great shops and restaurants, and I had selected the Wooden Nickel which seemed like it would have something for everyone. Chris and I loved our food. Wilder ignored his sandwich and had apple juice.
Next stop was Ayr Mount, a historic home on beautiful grounds. The house was closed, but we took the “Poet’s Walk” – yes, the name won me over – which is a mile long path touring the property. It’s just beautiful and we imagined what life would be like living on land like that.
Finally, we ended our day at Maple View Farm for ice cream. Holy heck, this was delicious! To be honest, I had looked up the best ice cream in NC and this place was on the list and I basically planned a day-trip around it. No, I am not kidding. Ya girl likes ice cream. Wilder loves vanilla (buh-lilla, as he calls it) with sprinkles so that’s what he had, or rather what he decorated the bench with. Chris chose double chocolate peanut butter and I had toasted almond with cherry vanilla. Can’t wait to go back again!
This weekend we are headed out for more fun at the Greensboro Solstice Festival. The first year we lived here, I didn’t really know what it was and last year it didn’t happen. This will be our first time and I am so looking forward to it. It sounds like my kind of hippie-freak-flag-flying fun! There are lots of vendors with eclectic and earthy goods, food trucks and carts, body painting services, a drum circle and a fire finale. I can’t wait to check it out. What are you up to this weekend?