The Weekly Digest

I’ve got manicures in mind as an activity with Skyler this weekend. It’s going to be just the two of us while Hudson and Aron are away for a soccer tournament. What are you looking forward to this weekend?

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The Weekly Digest

Today I was downtown and there are blooms on all the trees—when did that happen? It made me realize that I spent far too much time on my computer this week and not enough time outside enjoying the shift toward spring. I’m so happy the sun is out, and I’m going to make myself get outside more next week to make up for it!

In other news, recently: Skyler turned nine on Sunday! She proudly rode her bike home all by herself a few days later and told me, “I’m nine now, after all.” Then, as if to keep me grounded, I discovered she’d poured my very precious Skinceuticals serum down the drain so she could have the bottle dropper. (AAAAHHHHH!)

We planned a summer trip—a cruise through the inner passage of Alaska to see the glaciers. And Aron and I had a date to see Jesus Christ Superstar—which they performed without intermission and now I wonder why more plays don’t run without one. It was so nice to just get settled once for 90 minutes and then we were out! And I’ve been watching Ginny & Georgia on Netflix on my own and I’m enjoying it. Anyone else? I like to have one “guilty-pleasure-show” going at any time (a la Virgin River or Younger) and this is definitely fitting the bill.

Any complaints I might have about this week feel awfully frivolous in light of what is happening in Syria and Turkey right now. The death toll is an unfathomable number (over 22,000), particularly for such a localized disaster. The Daily does a great job of reporting, if you are hoping to learn more. I just want to say that I am thinking of all the families who are missing loved ones and send wishes of comfort to anyone affected. From what I understand, shelter and warmth are the most immediate needs. Here are some ways to help.

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The Weekly Digest

Sorry that the title “weekly” has not been accurate lately!

It’s another week in which the news is hard to look at. “The U.S. has seen 39 mass shootings so far this month. More than 60 people have been killed.” It’s not even February.

I saw this poem on Kottke and it really captured that horrifying feeling of how routine it starts to feel. It’s unfathomable, all this loss and grief around us all the time. I’m so sorry for the families and friends of those shot in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay right now.

Collective Nouns for Humans in the Wild, by Kathy Fish (Source)

A group of grandmothers is a tapestry. A group of toddlers, a jubilance (see also: a bewailing). A group of librarians is an enlightenment. A group of visual artists is a bioluminescence. A group of short story writers is a Flannery. A group of musicians is — a band.

A resplendence of poets.

A beacon of scientists.

A raft of social workers.

A group of first responders is a valiance. A group of peaceful protestors is a dream. A group of special education teachers is a transcendence. A group of neonatal ICU nurses is a divinity. A group of hospice workers, a grace.

Humans in the wild, gathered and feeling good, previously an exhilaration, now: a target.

A target of concert-goers.

A target of movie-goers.

A target of dancers.

A group of schoolchildren is a target.

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Sending hope for peace to everyone.

Here are some more positive things I’ve been occupied with:

Diane Keaton: Her Instagram makes me so happy, so often. And I have her to thank for making me love two new songs with her dancing: “Another Man’s Jeans” by Ashe, and “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus (who also makes me very happy).

Date nights: We went out with some friends last Saturday to two new-to-me places in Sacramento and it was really nice to feel those wants for exploration and cool-ness satiated. I love going places where the aesthetic leaves you inspired.

Travel planning: Well, this one is a mixed bag because it does bring about some stress, too. But we finally booked our tickets for spring break (Oaxaca!) and made some reservations. I am grateful to a member in Bon Traveler’s Lounge group who shared some tips!

Kids’ sports: Okay, also mixed, because it turns me into a taxi, but I enjoy watching the kids play and do their best. Skyler has really shied away from anything competitive, so I was really happy when she wanted to sign up for city rec basketball. It’s very low-pressure and their first game was filled with all sorts of traveling and such that the refs just turn a blind eye to. It’s lovely as far as gentle introductions go.

Target Brightroom: We are trying to do some new-year-organization and thank you to Target for all the straight-sided bins! Now I just need to set aside some more time to actually use them…

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