The Saddest Place

*This was originally written on March 26, 2015. Dora passed away on March 27th.* 

**Disclaimer: this is a pretty depressing post, but it's what's going on in my life and what's in my head right now.**

I used to think that cemeteries, funeral homes, and hospitals were the saddest places in the whole world. And while I still think they're pretty depressing, my views have changed slightly.

For instance, cemeteries and funeral homes can give you a place to make your peace with the deceased, reflect, and remember and celebrate that person's life. Their personality. Your memories with them. And in a sunny day, cemeteries really aren't that bad. 

Hospitals usually make me think of sickness. The sterile environment, those stark white walls, and all those machines beeping and humming kind of creep me out and make me uncomfortable. However if you think about it, that's the place people go to get treatment. It's where they go to get well/better. It's where life is given. And when you think of it that way, it's not so terrible either. 

There are many depressing places, but the absolute saddest place in the world that I've personally experienced are hospices. Have you ever been in a hospice? They're so... Quiet. And not a peaceful, calm quiet; more like an anticipatory quiet. A stillness. A held breath. Waiting for your loved one to gasp their last breath. To pass, as comfortably as possible. 

It's a place where people go to die.

My great aunt Dora has been in a hospice for 16 days now. She was frail to begin, having had several small strokes. And then her sister/best friend/roommate Octulia got cancer and she took care of her as long as she could before finally calling in an aid. Octulia went rather quickly, but fairly painlessly. Dora was heartbroken. She had said while her sister was sick that her sole purpose for living was to take care of her. 

Four weeks later, Dora suffered another stroke, and refused treatment. She was in the hospital for 4 days before being transferred to a hospice. She doesn't eat, not even through an IV. The only fluids entering her system are sodium chloride and her regular blood pressure medicine. She gets shots of morphine to ease the pain every 6 hours and "as necessary."

I first went to visit her with my mom a few days after she was transferred. I was nervous because Dora had always been such a spitfire. Nobody bossed her around- she would just tell them where to stick it! She never took no for an answer, whether it came to taking shots with her or helping her with something. She was physically and emotionally strong and stubborn as a mule, but also had a heart of gold and always put others before herself, even when she wasn't feeling well. I was nervous about seeing her in any other state than as I knew her. 

As nervous as I was, having my mom there definitely helped. My mom is a natural caretaker. Sometimes I think she should have been a nurse or some profession similar. She somehow knows just what to say to make you feel better, and was even able to joke with her, even though Dora couldn't physically speak. You could see her trying to speak and smile. Dora was alert. She knew who we were. Her eyes opened and focused on whoever was speaking, even when we weren't speaking directly to her. She perked when we mentioned Octulia, and moaned grievously anytime anyone even mentioned the word "medicine." 

As much of a natural my mom is, I am the exact opposite. I get incredibly awkward and never know what to say, but I tried to follow my mom's lead. Dora tried to kiss back when I kissed her forehead, and grasped my hand (she certainly didn't lose her grip!) and didn't want to let go even when the nurse came  to clean her and tuck her in. 

I had a pre-planned week long vacation, and was taking off 2 days after I visited her. I thought for sure she would be gone by the time I came back, but she's still fighting. I went to visit her again last night. This time I went by myself, since my mom was still at work. Her niece was there. (She hasn't been left alone at all while she's been there; relatives, including my mom, have been tag-teaming and taking turns staying overnight, etc. so someone is there 24/7.) 

She is so much weaker. She stills holds my hand, but there's no strength left. Her eyes barely open, it's just too much for her. I honestly don't know if she knew I was there or not. But the worst part, other than looking so frail, was that she looked like she was in a lot of pain. And I couldn't do anything for her. 

I just want her to be comfortable, and at peace. So if it's your thing, could you please send some prayers this way? And if not, positive vibes are welcome as well. 

March 10 on the... 16th?

I definitely meant to post this last Friday but as per yoosh, I'm behind! Anyway, this month's prompts were all about cell phone usage. So, once upon a time (during/right after college), I was known as the "Hotline" by my friends. These are two of the comments left on the first pic:

"ahhh yes the hotline!!! you can reach her netime and neday!!!" (Can you tell this comment was written in 2006?!) - Callie

"would anyone like to make a phone call? this is the person to call...rite now i promise she will pick up and talk to you for at least 20 minutes!!!...." -  Chiquita

This was because I would always pick up if someone called, even if it was to say I couldn't talk right then. Basically, I just wanted my friends to know that I would always be there for them. (Wow, ok theme of *Friends* lol!) But seriously, that was it. I wanted them to know that they would never have to be alone, I would always pick up, especially if they *needed* to talk. I'm the same way today, but I'm a bit more selective about who actually has my number. With all that said- here are my answers to this month's prompts! 

1. Landline. Cell phones didn't exist when I was a kid!

2. Not sure what a "party line" is. (Thanks Shelbee, for clarifying that this wasn't really a thing in the 80's,... I didn't get into phones until the 90's at the earliest!)

3. Oooh... I think it was the Nokia! (Which according to Shelbee was the third one out for mass production- thanks!) And then I got one with the qwerty keyboard that slid out, but it wasn't a Sidekick; it was called something else, but I can't remember. (The pic on the right was taken today- yes, I still have it!! The LG was my mom's... I don't actually know why I have that.)

4. No.

5. Absolutely yes. In fact, when it was available to the masses we got Caller ID and when I was finally allowed to stay at home by myself after school, I was told NOT to answer calls from Merck. That's where my father worked, and there was a lot of drama there that I'm not going to get into right now, but I remember that. Now I don't answer any calls that I don't know the number or have saved in my phone, unless I'm expecting a food delivery.

6. Oh my... probably about 6 hours?! I remember staying up late talking to friends or guys, especially when I was younger and in the beginning of a new relationship!

7. iPhone 8. I've been offered up to iPhone X but I like the smaller size and love still having the home button in the middle so I reaaaallllyyyy don't want to upgrade! 

8. Does anyone use their smartphone as just a phone?! I think I use it least for that! Definitely more of a texter than caller. Since I also use my personal phone for work; I have a whole folder of apps called "Business." As you can see, clearly I'm a big fan of folders! I only have 2 screens- I hate not being able to find an app! There are about 4 games I play all the time (but actually two are online, not apps), and of course my email, and social media - FB, IG, Twitter (though TBH I don't check any of those often... not really a "scroller,") and I play Spotify mostly on my train commute. Oh, and Uber/Lyft (especially since I don't drive) and food delivery apps. The only thing I don't have are any banking apps. Fun fact: I only recently put a passcode on my phone. My friends think I'm crazy- "Why would you leave your phone unlocked?!" they've said. Well, because occasionally I lose my phone (I think this only happened twice, but I could be wrong, I have terrible memory lol)... and the person who found it was able to call the last person I called (who in both cases I was still with) to help return it to me. How nice is that?! 

9. Didn't everyone (or every girl at least) play Telephone at some point?! 

10. I've never had a special ringtone for anyone. Is that even still a thing? Actually my phone doesn't even ring; I keep it on silent/vibrate at all times. 

Linking up with Marsha!

Recent Reads

Sooo... I never got around to posting my books from November - December, or my favorite reads from 2022. (Hell, I didn't post AT ALL in December! What can I say... it was a busy month!) Both are mostly drafted, but I figured I'd just start fresh with the only 3 I got through so far this year (which is really low for me, but 'tis life). I've already gotten over the fact that this will be the first time I won't be completing Erin's Book Challenge for the first time in like, 7 years, and am already re-evaluating the Goodreads Challenge (which is precisely why I didn't set one last year). 

Anyway, I did set some other bookish goals, like reading the ARCs that have been sitting on Netgalley, reading 12 non-fiction, and reading books that are already on my physical bookshelf, so hopefully I'll reach those. 

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo - Taylor Jenkins Reid: 5 Stars
Own

Short synopsis: "Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now? From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love."

This is only the third work I've read by TJR (and one was a short, so not sure that really counts), but I'm hooked. What a twisted story! I always pictured Evelyn as Marilyn Monroe in my head.  Probably because she felt REAL. AS. SHIT. She's devious, scheming, and generally a cold-hearted bitch... to most. But she's also human, and she has soft spots that she only lets a select few people see- like Celia and Harry, and now Monique, who seems to have been picked randomly but as ever, Evelyn had her reasons. I was going into detail about each husband but really, who cares? More than half of them were for convenience. But OMG Harry... I adored this character, and while was a saint for putting up with Evelyn for so many years, they were also such close friends- really Evelyn's first and only one in Hollywood. Which is why they kept each others' secrets so closely- it was a non-romantic love. Overall the themes of love, forgiveness, and acceptance pull at your heart strings. And that ending... DAMN. I also really liked the "tabloid articles" that were dispersed throughout the story- I've always liked seeing that kind of thing (news articles, text messages, etc.). could definitely see this being made into a movie and I would devour every second of it! 

Read for Erin's Book Challenge for Goodreads Award Winner- Best Historical Fiction

“People think that intimacy is about sex. But intimacy is about truth. When you realize you can tell someone your truth, when you can show yourself to them, when you stand in front of them bare and their response is 'you're safe with me'- that's intimacy.”

pg.190

Scattered Showers - Rainbow Rowell: 5 Stars
Own (signed)

I was lucky enough to hear about a virtual event being hosted by Barnes & Noble where she was going to talk about this book and then mail it to participants. Umm... YES PLS AND THANK YOU! It was a discussion with Stephanie Perkins, another big YA author (though I've never read her work- whatever, she was just there to ask questions/have someone to talk to). It's always cool to see your favorite authors talking candidly about their work,... and other things as they come up, because it was a live event! 

Reading Rainbow (ha- anyone remember that show?! Sorry I digress... moving on...) feels like coming home. She never fails to disappoint. I read this in two sittings (could've been one, but I really didn't want it to end.) In this collection of short stories, I was happy to see some of my favorite characters from some of her other books (including my gateway into Rainbow's world - Attachments) getting a new story. 

I won't say I loved *all* of these. I still don't understand or like "The Prince and the Troll" which was in the Faraway Collection on Kindle Unlimited last year. I'd also already read "Midnights" (in the "If My True Love Gave To Me" anthology), "Kindred Spirits" and "If The Fates Allow" (as a standalone shorts), but I liked them all and it had been awhile since I read them, so it was nice to revisit these characters as well. "Winter Songs For Summer" was probably my favorite (and most original, in this case). Summer is in college and going through a breakup, and blasting sad Tori Amos music (LOL). Her downstairs neighbor asks her to turn it down; he can tell she's going through a breakup, but can she at least use some headphones because he's trying to study for real. *Relationship ensues.* 

In Waiting was a really cool concept. Basically it's about the characters that are being thought up in a writer's head, and sometimes they get put in a full length novel, sometimes they just sit in this "waiting room" type area, not sure if they'll ever be used by the autthor, but the author isn't ready to part with them completely yet, and other times these characters  are completely forgotten about (and thus "disappear" from the waiting room). I do hope to see these two characters in a novel at some point, and hope they get to fall in love in that universe too. 

Klara and the Sun - Kazuo Ishiguro: 3 Stars
library e-book

This was the book that completely messed up all of my reading goals. It took me FOREVER to get through this because it was so confusing. First of all the language was weird- it took me awhile to understand that an "oblong" was a cell phone, and other similar things like that. 

I don't even know how to write a "short synopsis" for this because it was so f'n WEIRD. 

Short Synopsis: Klara is an AI (Artificial Intelligence Friend) for sale. A young girl named Josie, around 9 years old, chooses her and her mom agrees to purchase her (because this is normal- most "kids" have an AI friend). Josie is sickly, and Klara wants to make her better. Because she [Klara] uses the sun for energy, she thinks this might also help Josie, so she asks the "sun" for help? 

Fack, I have no idea how to describe this one. Klara also wants to destroy some machine that was causing a lot of pollution (thereby blocking the sun/ her energy source), which "she" thought was also "killing" Josie (her owner). 

There's a lot more going on here, but I can't say much more without spoilers. Just be aware if you try to read it- an "oblong" is a cell phone. (It took me 3/4 of the book to figure this out!) And the ending made me really, really sad. 

Currently reading: Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow - Gabrielle Zevin

Book Stats:
Total number read: 3
Owned: 2

Library: 1

Physical book: 2
Non-Fiction: 0
BIPOC Author: 1

Given Away/Paperback Swap: 0

What are you reading?

Linking up with Lauren!

Monthly Musings: Winter Travel Edition

 Hey friends! I know I totally missed the boat (ha) on this linkup, but I still wanted to participate, so I answered anyway! Also, it's always fun (to me) to think about vacations!! So here are my answers to last month's questions...

1. Favorite Warm Weather Destinations?
Well it used to be Puerto Rico because my grandpa lived there, but since he's passed I'd say definitely Key West, Maui, and Jamaica. 

2. Packing Cubes: Yes or no?
No, thank you. I get why families may swear by them, but I'm good. 

3. Favorite Carry On?
Ummm... I like bags with a zip closure so I don't lose anything/nothing falls out, and no one can put their grubby little hand in and steal my shit? Probably my LL Bean bag with my name on it (though it's a bit small). You can kinda see it here...

4. Essential Items in you Suitcase?

The regular essentials? Toothbrush, undies, extra contacts and contact solution...?

But for anywhere where snorkeling is an option, I always bring my own mask! 

5. Excursions? Yes or no? Share your favorites.

YES! So, fun fact: I'm always the planner when it comes to vacations; finding the cheapest flight/hotel, but also finding the best excursions, the "must-see" things there, and "must-eat-at" restaurants. The only thing I truly suck at is finding out how to get from point A to point B- I leave that to someone (really anyone) else! Some favorites... kayaking through mangroves and swimming in a bioluminescent bay and snorkeling with turtles in Puerto Rico, seeing the Taj Mahal in India (I didn't plan this one, but was so excited!), day trip to see Bob Marley's village and house and Dunn's River Falls in Jamaica, the Road to Hana in Maui, and the full day trip in Aruba which included seeing caves, off-roading in ATVs, and getting my feet nibbled on by fish (right before getting my second bee-sting ever- ouch!)!

6. Most Random Item You Always Pack?
MOPEY BATMAN! Oh, and toilet paper. (You would understand if you've ever been caught somewhere and there was no tp!) But yeah, Mopey Batman comes on every vacation! I don't remember exactly how or when I acquired him but ever since I did, he comes on every vacation with me. He even has his own Instagram account to share *his* adventures! (He's kinda snarky though, so beware if you stumble upon his page!)

7. Do You Use a Travel Agent?
A what?! Does this job even still exist?! If so, I may be in the wrong profession! My only travel agent is myself, TripAdvisor, and Expedia!

8. Favorite Sunscreen?

I'm actually really bad about wearing sunscreen, and (like lotion) I hate how sticky they can feel. So I suppose Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch in 15 - 30 SPF (depending on location).

9. Favorite Flips-flops or Sandals?

Flip-flops, I guess Old Navy because they're cheap and I don't mind throwing them out if they get dirty! Sandals- my Sam Edelman tan ones because they match with everything and are sooo comfortable! 

10. Favorite Swimsuit?

So all of my favorite swimsuits have come from Victoria's Secret, but they don't make them anymore **SUPER SAD FACE** Unfortunately I haven't found a decent replacement yet. 

Prime Purchases

I haven't done one of these posts since October, so I suggest grabbing a snack or drink before continuing because this may see  like a long one! Some of these include gifts that I received from my Christmas wish list (noted with asterisk). Also, if you aren't using Ebates - sorry RAKUTEN- you really should consider it. I added it as an extension on my personal computer's Chrome web browser, and I really do get a "big fat check" (via direct deposit) pretty often! I'm going to break this up by Christmas presents received, then most recent. 

*My number one most utilized Christmas present are my Beats Solo 3 headphones. I use them at work during meetings (or pretending to be in meetings and actually listening to music), during my commute, and in my apartment when I don't want all my neighbors hearing me blast Drake or Halestorm! (Clearly this was the first time I used them on my commute and I was super impressed by the bass I was getting- and they are noise cancelling?! Hell yes!!)

*In general, I don't add or buy clothing from Amazon because it never seems to fit right (usually too big). This lightweight sweatshirt was a winner though! Yes, I'm Cold. Me: 24:7

*Another winner... these sherpa-lined jogging pants (also from wish list). Holy SHIT. These pants are awesome. (As noted above), I'm almost always cold, but these kept me so toasty I didn't even needs socks! This was an unusually warm winter here in NJ but I can definitely see myself wearing these way more often in the coming winters (because global warming isn't a thing, right?! *sarcasm*)

* I'm not in to fancy jewelry. (I'm not opposed to it, I just don't usually buy it for myself!)I am VERY much into things having to do with my sign though (Sagittarius). I love how delicate this necklace is, and understated. I actually had quite a few people ask me "is that a constellation? Is that your sign?" It's pretty and telling without being ostentatious. 

* This was actually on my wish list as a replacement since I used up my whole tube last year. I absolutely love this scent - Elizabeth + James Nirvana. It's listed as having notes of "oak wood, vanilla bourbon, and tuberose." It smells a bit musky (warm, strong, and sweet), and it's a bit "heavy," at least for me since I hardly ever wear perfume, but that's why I like the roll-on version of this- I can just put it on my pulse points as opposed to using it as an all-over spray. (I actually don't think anyone even knew I was ever wearing it, that's how little I put on; I have one coworker who puts on waaaaaay too much cologne, to the point I want to gag, so I try not to do that to my fellow coworkers! (I don't need to smell you coming from across the room!)

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Yootech cell phone chargers: I have one at home, one at work, several I've bought for coworkers,... and I just bought myself a secondary one for work (for my second desk area). I love these. I've become partial to the standing ones because I can easily just look over and see any messages I'm receiving without even having to lift my phone (especially helpful when I'm in meetings), but loving these! 

6 ft. iPhone/USB chargers: this isn't really a fun purchase, but more of a replacement item. It was a necessity as some of my stopped working. And I like the longer ones so I don't feel tethered to a wall. 

2023 Planner: This was a (late) gift for my mom, since during her birthday she said she could really use some help getting her schedule together and she didn't know how. I've been using a (paper) planner for YEARS, so I was a little confused, but figured maybe this would be a step in the right direction to help her. (And this is actually the exact one I used last year). 

3-tier Dark Brown Rustic Floating Shelving Unit: I purchased this for my bar area since I seem to have too much stuff on the main shelf. It looks cluttered, and I hate that. I don't plan on actually hanging this, but hopefully the extra heightened shelves will at least it seem less cluttered! 

Plastic Lid organizer: I also mentioned the other day that I was trying to get more organized, and one of those things includes getting my Tupperware under control (goodness, that sounds like such an old-lady thing to say, but it's true- my plastic container consumption is out of control!). I purchased a Pyrex set a few years ago, but I think getting this lid organizer would definitely help as well. 

Remember the other day when I stated that I needed to find something (anything!) to cover up the white/gray hairs popping up near my hairline?! Well, I'm going to try all of these! (Have any of you tried these? If so, let me know how they worked for you!) I'm kinda nervous, since I really don't like messing with my hair, but hey at this point I don't really feel like I have a choice! 

Crossbody bag: This is a repacement of an almost identical bag I had last year that broke. Getting this one just in time for spring!

Wall art: So I was reading this book Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (who wrote The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, which I LOVED), and this print was mentioned. So I looked it up, loved it, and bought it. That's probably really weird, but it kinda spoke to me. 

What are you purchasing lately?

Linking up with Tanya!

Currently: March

Well, well, well, look who's back after nearly a full month! February flew by, and I didn't mean to not post at all last month... in fact, I had even written down what I was wanted to post and when in my planner, but then forgot to look at my planner, which is also uncharacteristic, but so goes life. I don't even know what I did all month?! I know I didn't get my taxes done, which I usually get done the last week in February, but they didn't call/text/email me, so I forgot. I need to schedule that. I watched/cried (ok, not literally) during the Super Bowl- if you didn't know I'm an Eagles fan and that was a serious nail-biter up until the last 2 minutes!!! I was bummed out, but at least it was a good game (and congrats Dara - I know you and your fam must have been overjoyed!).

 

My mom celebrated a birthday (can't mention age- she might kill me lol)! THAT was an adventure though. She *had* to go to these two library events at two different libraries 20 minutes apart,... and in between she forgot her purse at the first library! But we had a very kind Uber driver who brought us back (and forth again). The first one I was a little late getting to, but they were having "technical difficulties" connecting the laptop to the projector, so I didn't miss anything. (Though my mom tried to tell them "hey, my daughter works in IT! She can help!" -ummmm, absolutely not. I shut that down real quick!) That one was about this artist's trip to Cuba, and was pretty cool actually. But the second one was 2 HOURS about the history of slavery in New Jersey,... and you guys. I could NOT. I couldn't even space out because we were seated in a U-shape. And we walked in late because of the purse fiasco, and I *hate* walking in to events late. (Fun side story: When I was in middle school, I was in jazz band, and the practices were in the morning, before school. I am NOT a morning person. But anytime my mom dropped me off at school and  I was more than 5 minutes late, I wouldn't go to the practice. I'd stand outside the door for awhile debating, and eventually walk away. THAT'S how much I hated being late. But I digress...) THEN she decides she wants to go to the spa, which I remind her we had not made reservations for (even though I asked her about it the week before so I could make the rezzie and she said she didn't wanna go)... so we came back to my place. I think we ordered Chinese food and watched the new Reese Witherspoon/Ashton Kutcher movie My Place or Yours on Netflix, which was really cute (but uh, I related a little too closely to Reese in this one)! 

She also made me go with her to church the next morning. I don't go to church anymore (with the exception of getting ashes on Ash Wednesday), but it was mostly fine,... until I couldn't get home. It took me nearly 3 hours (when it should have taken less than one) because of train issues. But even though she drove me crazy the entire weekend, I'm glad I was able to celebrate with her. 

I went to a Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras event with my mom at her church... again, in NYC. I haven't been there since late December (and 2 days before) and was still kind of freaking out (because you guys, Covid is still a real thing!), but I returned mostly unscathed. And the food - gumbo, pancakes?, bacon, hash browns -  and live steel drum band were actually really good! 

So there's your February recap! And now, on to March! 

Reading: Not doing great in the reading department lately. I read Scattered Showers by Rainbow Rowell in one sitting the other night (which I originally wanted to read in April, because April showers, but oh well), and started Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, because they are two of my favorite others, I needed a pick-me-up, and they are both on my list for the Reading Challenge. But I actually quit book club, which is super sad because I used to LOVE book club. I just couldn't get into the book this month (The Cherry Robbers by Sarai Walker), and know I wouldn't like the book selected for next month either (Goodbye, Orchid by Carol Van Den Hende, which is the second book in a series, and why would they choose the SECOND book in a series when we haven't even read the first?! Makes no sense!). I don't want to feel *forced* to read books that I know I'm not going to like; life is too short, and there are just too many good books that I WANT to read out there.

Listening to: You ever look back on your memories on FB? I found this last week from a post I added literally 10 years ago. I have no recollection of ever hearing this song before, but obviously I did and it was probably on heavy rotation since I felt the need to post it!
Fix Up, Look Sharp - Dizzee Rascal

 

 Watching: Still working my way through Poker Face (Peacock)  and Shrinking (Apple TV+), but all my regulars are back from winter break - Grey's Anatomy, Station 19, Good Doctor, A Million Little Things, 9-1-1... Oh, and a new season of my guilty pleasure Married At First Sight also just started so lots to catch up on!

Loving: Being fully remote this week! There was a huge water main break in the town I work, so we couldn't go in. Normally most of my department is remote, but my group is in the office full time, so this was such a nice break! I even got into the habit of taking naps, but I gotta get out of that soon since looks like we'll be back in the office next week. It was a really productive week overall though. 

Starting: to do some spring cleaning/ decluttering (again). I feel like I have to do this every few months. Maybe I should just join a challenge to get 'er done. This 7-Week Decluttering Challenge looks like it may be a winner. I'll update with how it's working out next month! 

Finishing: more blog posts. I start them when inspiration hits (or a link-up is coming up that I want to participate in) and abandon them in draft... I literally have 59 drafts sitting here! Hoping to either finish them or delete them.

Trying: to find some decent product to cover up these white hairs popping up on my hairline. Yup, welcome to (almost) 40! I don't want to start dying it just yet because then I can't donate it and I've worked too damn hard growing it out to donate 12+" for the last two years to give up now! So, if you have any recommendations, please send them my way! 

Going: to see Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania this weekend. (And now I'm trying to remember the last movie I saw in theaters? Maybe Top Gun: Maverick? What was the last movie you saw in theaters?)

Also just got tickets to author Harlan Coben's first book tour since 2019 and am SO EXCITED!! He's going to be speaking about and signing copies of his latest thriller (thanks for the head's up Steph!)

What's currently going on in your world?

Linking up with Jennifer!