• Reflection-n-Rejuvenation

    New Year’s Reflection Process

    New Year's Reflection Process

    The new year is nearly upon us! It feels like a good time to share my New Year’s reflection process for this year.

    First of all, I like to start this process in November. I truly like to take my time. I do not want to feel rushed or pressured into a set of intentions that don’t resonate deeply with me.

    Additionally, I like a longer runway because I find the process to be iterative. I start by thinking about the kind of year I had and then move into what kind of year I want to have. But by thinking into the future, it reminds me of things I … Read More

  • Good Times

    Using a Dating App to Make Friends

    Using a Dating App to Make Friends

    Here’s a play-by-play journal of my experience with using a dating app to make friends:

    Day 1 of Using a Dating App to Make Friends

    My husband got sick of hearing me complain about not having enough friends. He told me to download the Bumble BFF app.

    I start building my profile. It’s surprisingly difficult! (I used to do online dating back in the day.)

    I can easily identify five or so photos to upload (that part feels like less pressure than the dating apps used to feel). But I am out of practice when it comes to encapsulating my identity in a sentence or two. And the app … Read More

  • Good Times

    Christmas Countdown

    Christmas Countdown

    One of my favorite holiday rituals is our Christmas Countdown.

    In the days leading up to Christmas, the boys select a holiday-themed activity (from a stack of pre-written cards) for us to do after school.

    As the boys grow and evolve over the years, the list of activities changes slightly.

    Here’s what I’m thinking for this year:

    1. Visit a small-town Christmas parade
    2. Drink eggnog
    3. Drink hot chocolate (with homemade whipped cream in a can?)
    4. Make marshmallows
    5. Visit the 37th Street Lights  
    6. Go ice-skating 
    7. Attend an arts and crafts festival
    8. Make chocolate chip cookies and deliver them to people experiencing homelessness
    9. Make gingerbread houses
    10. Make baked goods for colleagues and
    Read More