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

Status report: 1 migraine, way too much whiskey. My liver is certainly getting a workout from funner things here.

This week’s Life is Short moments:

1. Finally meeting a teammate after a year. I am the biggest advocate for remote work as I’ve been working from home since 2010, but I do believe in bonding in person. There is a lot you miss in curated Zoom rooms and limited time, that you pick up in person.

2. Being in a room with people that used to intimidate me — and finding more things in common that I thought we would. I never hated anyone — but also, it’s harder to demonize someone when you’ve been with them up close. I love that I got the opportunity to absorb my colleagues’ wisdom and energy.

3. Hitting a gorgeous national park. Friends took me to the most amazing national park, even with a dose of predeparture tension. I’m incredibly lucky to have experienced it with people I adore.

Song of the week: Give A Little by Maggie Rogers

-J

Status report: 0 migraines, 2 hangovers. I love working in the day.

Here are these week’s life is short moments:

1. Two full slices of ice cream cake. First ice cream cake of 36 years, and finally after trying since 2020. Friends found a way and threw me a last minute party. Way too much food and cake, especially alcohol. It was epic. Birthday well spent a continent away.

2. Sweet, amazing coworkers that have become friends. I always say I should stop leaving my heart in San Francisco, but lately, I think Utah has kept it in its clutches with its mountain ranges and super sweet people. One week at a time — it’ll get easier.

3. Being not virtual for once. Me online is more random and talkative than I am in person. I just enjoy being around people listening to them converse. I may reach over and hug more often, just to check if they’re still here and not my mind playing tricks on me, generally, just breathing the same air, leaning on them is already fantastic.

Song of the week: Give a Little by Maggie Rogers

-J

Status report: 2 days of migraines — the least in a while. Less time to row though— I need to reconfigure how to do a decent alternative starting this week.

1. Cheester being extra clingy this past week. I got woken up several times by nips because of the hay situation being unsatisfactory, and he’s been extra thumpy, but this usually happens when I bring the big suitcase out. It’s not great but I’m glad to know I matter to him — at least in human slave status.

2. Beach trips. After two years, the beach. I have to cancel my next booked trip to Cebu, but I’m glad I got to go on this one. White sand, clear water, drinks on the beach. Even if there was more rain than sun, and I have been sleeping more than I have been hanging out. It’s been a chill, fun time with a couple friends who are innately motherly and have been super helpful in my limited capacity, and I’m super grateful.

3. Planning and figuring out things. I usually hate planning — but love when it comes together. Everything has been back and forth and I have so many people to consult, but that also means I have a lot to look forward to (I hope). Again, life is short. Do the thing. Eat the food. Drink the drink. This is going to be me for a while.

Song of the week: Space Ghost Coast to Coast by Glass Animals

-J

Status check: Less migraines, but also less sleep.

Some moments of note:

1. My (second to the) last batch of posole. I haven’t cooked in a minute, and my 32 oz can of hominy really was taking up space in the pantry. Voila, posole for 8.

2. Back to foccacia. Having had sad, dry foccacia, I had to make my own. Spent two days eating the block I had.

3. Belly laughs with friends. Got to have time with two friends, who are constantly needing to show up for their broods. Comedic failures and showing them around, the shot of social I needed.

Song of the week: Coming Home by Diddy

-J