Happy November! Wow, where did the time go?! This is the second to last coffee chat of the year, or in my case, a tea chat because I’ve fallen in love with Piper & Leaf. More on that later. Let’s catch up!
I moved!
I’m so relieved that my move is over. My new layout is a lot different than my old one, so I’m slowly unpacking and working out the storage situation as I go. I have Wednesday off work, so I’m hoping to track down some under the bed storage containers and knock out the rest of it.
Aside from the actual process of moving, I’m really happy in my new place. Willie has a constant playmate and a backyard to enjoy. It’s been so nice lately that I’ve been able to work from the back porch while she plays. I would sometimes go days without stepping foot outside of my complex, so I’m appreciative of the extra fresh air. I also love parking in front of my door and living on a neighborhood street as opposed to a main drag. When I pulled the garbage can back down from the road today, a lady that was outside walking said hi. That did not happen in my apartment complex! (My main source of conversation was listening to the same people, over and over, apologize and pretend they forgot their mask.)
My new roommate is who I lived with when I moved to Nashville in January. We have similar interests and have become really good friends, so it has been great. I’m really happy here! (And Lindsay and I still talk all day, every day. Today is her birthday, so if you know her in real life, be sure to wish her a happy almost thirtieth birthday!)
I’m a morning person now.
My mind is blown. I have always found myself to be more productive at night, but when I moved, Willie started waking me up at 6:20 every morning. I’m almost more suprised that she has become a morning person; I’m used to dragging her butt out of bed.
It’s week two, and I’m really enjoying it. I start my work day a little earlier so that Willie and I can enjoy some sunshine before I gets dark at 4:45 PM. I’ve also started cutting back on my caffeine intake, and I sleep so much better. (My doctor has only been telling me this for years.) When I’m up in the morning, I’m up!
Willie is spayed and recovering nicely.
Willie was spayed on Friday. Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers! She was so pitiful when I picked her up, but now she’s alert and happy. It has honestly been great as we transition from pad to outdoor training. She can’t jump off the couch anymore, so when she wants down, we go straight outside. I know she will be happy to have her freedom back, but for now, I’m soaking up the extra cuddles since she is stuck right next to me☺
I deleted my Facebook… again.
And do you know what? I don’t miss it. My only regret is not deleting it sooner.
We’re going to have differences in opinions. Our opinions and view points are shaped on our life experiences, and we’ve all had different experiences. But I don’t view racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, or transphobia as differences in opinion; it is hateful. I don’t view disbelief in science as a difference in opinion; it’s wilful ignorance.
I’m in charge of the content I create and consume. On Facebook, I was consuming so much negative, hateful, untrue garbage and opinions being presented as facts. The margins of this election show us there’s still so much work to be done. So I’m taking the time to consume content that makes me a better ally and more prepared to do the work that needs to be done.
It’s time to volunteer again.
I had plans of diving into volunteer work in Nashville to meet new people. I successfully volunteered once – a tornado relief effort – right before Covid, I recently did some work on a committee, and I mentor through tnAchieves. Last week, I received a gentle nudge from a mentor to get involved again.
There’s more need than ever right now, but there’s also more reason than ever for me to live in a bubble with my immune system. I signed up for a letter writing campaign today to send some love to those who are isolated due to Covid, and I plan to continue seeking out intentional ways to safely get involved and support my community.
If you’re involved with any causes that you absolutely love, I would love to hear more!
Oh, and I’ve been watching lots of TV.
I’ve never been much of a TV person, and it feels like I’ve spent quarantine making up for lost time. My current garbage lineup routine is Dancing with the Stars, the Bachelorette, the Masked Singer, and Filthy Rich. I’m only slightly embarassed. I also had plans to watch the Voice in support of an insanely talented singer from my church, but she got sent home this week 😭
Last thing (a shameless plug)
My friend Ryleigh just opened her own salon! I had an unfortunate hair experience the day before all of the hair salons shut down in Tennessee. When I left my color correction two months later, it was clear that I needed to get an additional color correction by a different stylist.
I found Ryleigh on Instagram, and she saved my hair. My blonde is better suited to my skintone and it grows out nicely. I cannot say enough positive things about her as a person or the way she does my hair.
If you are in the Nashville area and are looking for an incredible stylist, please come see Ryleigh! She’s located on 8th, and parking is free.
Okay, that’s all I’ve got! You know the drill – give me the update 😀