• Good Times

    Moments of Authenticity: Trying to Collect Them

    moments of authencity

    When I was in my twenties, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. I was really eager to figure it out! It occurred to me that I should collect “moments of authenticity” as if they were the most beautiful butterfly specimens. My thinking went: if I collect and save each small moment that really resonates with me, I might be able to find patterns. Then I can intentionally build the kind of life I want for myself.

    Now that I’m in my forties I’ve tried to switch from building my life to savoring it. And yet I find that living our best lives does require us … Read More

  • Good Times

    Camping Birthday Party: Reducing COVID Risks

    camping birthday party

    Well, we are celebrating our final birthday during COVID! Tate’s birthday was first (outdoor movie in our cul-de-sac). Then Matt’s. Then mine. Now we are finally at Henry’s birthday. Last year, his slumber party birthday was pretty much right before the lockdown. This year, we are opting for a camping birthday party.

    The infectious disease expert that we consult with for the school continues to say that the COVID transmission risk is low in an outdoor setting. Therefore, camping seems like an okay option. Thank goodness for [normally] mild temperature in Austin! Saturday looks like it will be about 64 degrees, and Sunday looks to be about 73 degrees. However, … Read More

  • Reflection-n-Rejuvenation

    Self-Care: What does it mean to me these days?

    Well, it’s been another rough period! In my weekly newsletter, I talked all about what it was like to live in Texas last week (Spoiler Alert: not fun). (As a side note, if you want to donate, I recommend Beto’s organization: Powered by the People.) All of the difficulty of the past week has me thinking about the importance of self-care for myself and others.

    I feel like self-care has such a watered-down connotation. Even for myself, I’ve referenced pedicures as self-care, for example. And while I still believe getting an hour away from my family while getting physical touch from a professional is helpful, it’s not sufficient. … Read More