Status report: Back to working nights, a few advils and a caffeine withdrawal migraine. A couple hive eruptions here and there.

1. Being in a completely foreign county and feeling at home. I don’t know why, but since I first visited, Orange County has felt like home. Going back — even for a week, just feels like the smells and streets are homey. I do know that most of it are the people I have other there, but I have a general sense of direction now. Which, if you know me in real life, is a big frigging deal.

2. Getting home safe. After a smidge of a delay, a health emergency, and unexpected medical costs, I finally got home. I know it could have been worse. I know I’m hella lucky to have my loved ones on that side of the world rally and take care of me and make sure I was safe.

3. The buns. Unwilling emotional support animals, agitators, my bunnies lives are more important than mine. They don’t know how much they keep me sane, keep me wanting to show up for them so I show up for me. They’re not young anymore, and I need to keep a closer eye, but they’re still here and I’m grateful.

Song of the week: Happy For Me by Kenzie

-J

Status report: Zero migraines, 1 hangover. Thanks yakult for absorbing that soju.

1. My first baseball game. I’m not a sports fan, but people coming together for a common (fun) cause is exciting. Went with colleagues and I barely understood what was going on (thankful to one coworker who was explaining the rules), but I really enjoyed being in the moment at that moment.

2. Really good dumplings. It’s been a while since I’ve had fantastic xiao long bao, my favorite dimsum. We hit a really really good one and I couldn’t stop eating. And then we had ICE CREAM. Best dinner. The best.

3. Seeing another side of people. I like karaoke. Especially in a group that’s not afraid to let loose. I was fortunately part of that group last Friday and we sang every song in the book. I lost my voice halfway in (prolly also the whiskey we were downing and all the yelling) but it was worth it.

It’s definitely getting harder and harder to leave because I keep making attachments at the office.

-j