this week in three good things
Thinking of all directly or indirectly impacted by the atrocities and senseless violence in the Middle East.
We had planned to spend the weekend in Eugene to view the annular solar eclipse (we even bought glasses!), but canceled earlier in the week due to the projected ovecast skies. Thankfully, we were able to catch an obstructed glimpse through the clouds from our patio in Portland. Doing our best to take advantage of breaks in the rain appreciate the ordinary moments, like a watch party dedicated to a giant cargo ship coming down the river just behind our condo.
Good thing number one
This past week has weighed heavily on many of us, as the world seems to be growing more chaotic with each passing day. It's crucial that we acknowledge the heart-wrenching tragedies unfolding in the Middle East. Yet, amidst it all, we find the strength to wake up and continue living our lives, where moments of joy and sorrow coexist.
I've been dedicating time to understanding the complexities of the conflict, striving to navigate through the narratives without being swayed by propaganda, and giving to humanitarian aid organizations who are helping. There have been moments when the weight of grief and sadness has felt overwhelming. Simultaneously, I've grappled with a profound sense of guilt, knowing that I'm fortunate enough to go about my day without fearing for my basic needs like food and safety.
In these moments, a change in perspective reminds me of the importance of not taking these fundamental human necessities for granted, and to hold gratitude close to heart.
Good thing number two
Celebrating Ellie’s 11th birthday because every single day since the day I met her has been better because of her.
Good thing number three
A comfy bed and a snuggle buddy to get me through a day of not feeling well.
Other things on my mind
🎯 What's working
Progress on Babel Spanish lessons. Early bedtime. Talking honestly about my mental health struggles. Walks in the rain. Phone calls with family. Daily reflection in my five-year journal. Saving time (and limiting temptations) by continuing to use grocery pickup services. Snacking on microwave popcorn. Giving myself from grace to figure things out.
🧥 Dressing daily from a significantly reduced wardrobe (I was restricted to two carry-on size suitcases for our trip), has me thinking more seriously again about the amount of stuff I own. The weekend before we left for Portland, I decided to document everything in my closet, including bags, accessories and shoes. A few years ago, I was much more diligient about reducing what I own, but due to it not being a focus as of late, the stuff has grown. Pondering how this will impact me when we return to San Francisco. I’m tempted to box up the items I’m not using here. Maybe that would turn into a larger purge? Really trying to question whether I need something before I buy it. Maybe another attempt at no-buy year? I’ve got a few months to figure out my plan.
🏙️ More Portland discoveries
DOE Donuts (vegan!)
Prost Marketplace (we tried Matt’s BBQ and DesiPDX)
Explored Mississipppi district and found a zero waste store!
Nike HQ Employee Store (note: you need passes to enter)
Ruthie’s food cart (in the running for favorite food cart so far)
Someday (cocktails)
SE Division St business district
Ellie’s birthday cake was made with love by the folks at Hip Hound Barkery
🍲 Recipes from the week
📚 Watching, reading, listening
I wasn’t feeling well this week and spent Tuesday in bed. Thankfully, I had the Loraleis and the rest of the Star Hollows folks to keep me company.
Finished Gilmore Girls and AYitL
Finished season two of The Afterparty
New season of Great Birtish Baking Show (still rooting for Tasha)
Started season two of Loki
Still reading Wintering
Started back in again with The Creative Act: A Way of Being
Listened to the Kerry Washington episode of Armchair Expert
Reflecting Light by Sam Phillips is on repeat after I discovered the song via Gilmore Girls
🔗 Because no email newsletter is complete without a links list, here’s mine:
Feeling unhappy? Maybe you’re making these mistakes
Interesting housing concept
I’ve definitely been witnessing the tip creep (ask me about the time a self-service machine at an airport asked me to tip)
Why do we like AI so much? Maybe because of this.
Loving this fall playlist
How to help victims of the Isael-Hamas War
Uproot War from Ourselves
“We often think of peace as the absence of war, that if powerful countries would reduce their weapon arsenals, we could have peace. But if we look deeply into the weapons, we see our own minds- our own prejudices, fears and ignorance. Even if we transport all the bombs to the moon, the roots of war and the roots of bombs are still there, in our hearts and minds, and sooner or later we will make new bombs. To work for peace is to uproot war from ourselves and from the hearts of men and women. To prepare for war, to give millions of men and women the opportunity to practice killing day and night in their hearts, is to plant millions of seeds of violence, anger, frustration, and fear that will be passed on for generations to come. ”
– Thich Nhat Hanh