Podcast recommendation: Tig and Cheryl: True story. My favorite podcast, it’s Tig notaro and Cheryl Hines and they review a different documentary each week. Truly hilarious.
I am the same with water, can not leave the house without it. Like what happens if thirst strikes on my way to school pick up?! I don’t care that I pass 9 gas stations on the way I can easily run in to. Just..What. If. I do love LMNT!
On another note, my in-laws are heading into town tomorrow(we are hosting thanksgiving) I asked her if there was anything I could pick up for them at the grocery store. She said wine. And preceded to describe the types they like. WHOA, hold up. We don’t do that here. And she knows this, we’ve been sober for 3yrs. I don’t mind her bringing her own wine but for the love of goddess, I will not be buying/picking it out 🤦🏻♀️ she said, “oh that makes sense” And then said they are staying 2 more days. Send me strength..and Advil.
Thank you for the writing prompt Laura! From yesterday's journal entry.
1. Workouts. Nothing new to see here. Solid daily morning workouts, spin, yoga, bike bootcamp, swimming. Throw in a shot of Beachbody *energize* beforehand and I am good to go for the morning. Pretty much my favorite time of the day.
2. Sleep. I find myself getting into bed earlier and earlier and most of the time getting a damn good night's sleep. 10:00pm - 7:00am is golden. One of the greatest features of this alcohol-free life.
3. Reading lots of fiction. Like Laura McKowen, whom I stole this list idea from, I have set aside all the "self-help" nonsense for now and am thoroughly enjoying escaping into a good novel. In fact I am feeling a bit out of sorts at the moment as I finished my last book in Tahoe and the library with my next on hold doesn't open until tomorrow. Can't wait to dive into the next new experience.
4. Writing in my journal. With Marco Polo and other opportunities to share/analyze myself, I haven't been here as much, but it is still such a solid place to go to organize my thoughts. This list for example. And I very much love that this will be here in the future for me to look back on, fills me with pride.
5. Marco Polo. Oh man, whatever did I do before this one. To be able to share immediately every little thought that pops into mind, with whomever feels like the most appropriate dear friend. Not only that but also to rewatch and listen to myself speak. An entirely new perspective, especially as I transform into this beautiful, thoughtful, confident version of me. Absolute gold.
6. Decluttering. I am beginning to understand, deep in my soul, that I am not meant to live in clutter. There is no high like that of organizing a drawer, my closet, watching things I've listed on the buy nothing group vanish into thin air, or even just dumping a bag full of true crap into the garbage bin. If I could ever get my husband on board with this I believe our life would be dreamy.
7. Putting effort into my appearance. Radical (for me) physical transformation these past three years. Giving up alcohol in favor of exercise/sleep (see items one and two) resulting in healthy skin, clear eyes, a not puffy gross face. Feeling as if I deserve things like haircuts and cute new clothes. Having the patience to sit down and paint my nails with a fancy new polish. Smiling at myself in the mirror.
8. Hot tea. Yes I am the person who gave up alcohol and now finds all the comfort in the world in a cup of tea. I have always loved the idea of tea, and have even bought a box or two along the way that I never actually drank, but here I am looking forward to my cup of tea every evening. So relaxing, so comforting. Or I should probably say "hot beverages" here because that first cup of coffee in the morning is another highlight of my day. Coffee could have it's own item number I suppose, but I am running out of space.
9. Staring at old photos. This I have always loved, and have labeled it as one of my "things" for at least twenty years. I have said repeatedly that I wish that I could figure out some way to make a living just staring at old photos and thinking about the passage of time. At the moment I have a super random pile on my desk, selected from a trunk recently rescued from my husband's grandmother's house, that I not only stare at but am pondering creative ways to display and appreciate them even more. Leading to my final thing...
10. Thinking about getting creative. While not quite actually getting creative yet, I am super enjoying browsing art on Instagram, purchasing random supplies, and "getting ready to get ready" to unleash my creative soul. I believe this is coming soon and I cannot wait.
One more:
11. Last but not least - Appreciating the hell out of my little girl. Seven years old and absolute magic. If I am ever feeling lost I know I can always jump into her beautiful little world and find myself. Life is precious in her presence, period.
Can I recommend a podcast? Not sure how your tastes run for this stuff, or maybe you already know about it: It's Sarah Hepola and Nancy Rommelman's Smoke 'Em If You Got 'Em. Discussions about journalism, the culture wars, and lots more fascinating stuff. Plus, Sarah Effin' Hepola (I think she may have actually mentioned your name in an early episode, or maybe it was on a different podcast). https://substack.com/profile/87556667-smoke-em-if-you-got-em
Thanks Laura. Happy thanksgiving. I am thankful for all the support you have gifted me and others over the past 4 years or so. It was nice meeting you face to face at Kripalu.
1. Asking for what I need. I am working being better about this and recently it landed me in getting my own private office space at work, with a door that I can close during meetings. I am staying much warmer in our very old building and my focus is improving.
2. Unspooled Podcast: A movie critic and an actor/director watch and review the AFI 100 best movies and discuss.
3. Re-reading books that I read when I was much younger.
I’ve got LMNT in my daily rotation too, ascent protein, farmers markets, and staying on the go. There’s something about roaming and traveling that keeps me motivated even if it’s in my backyard. There’s life to live out there, so it helps me focus on my goals as I see new places, even if it’s somebody’s favorite coffee shop in a random city. It’s working right now. Cheers! 🫶🫶
I always love reading about what you're reading, watching and listening to! At this time, my new obsessions are Stutz, the Jonah Hill doc about his therapist on Netflix and Mythic Quest on Apple TV and Andor on Disney+. I'm also reading all the Stutz books, of course. ♥️
I love that you are loving hiking!!! I discovered hiking very early in sobriety and it has been such a critical component to my recovery. And I love that you are in San Diego again. We have some beautiful hikes here. ;-)
Instant decaf coffee is working for me. I fell in love with this yummy organic brand from Germany. It’s so easy to whip up in the morning, I put my meds next to the water kettle so I never forget to take them, and I’m off to a great start to my day.
Start the day with beauty (meaning no news!). I read a poem but you could also look at one painting or listening to harmonious music. A walk in nature.
Podcast recommendation: Tig and Cheryl: True story. My favorite podcast, it’s Tig notaro and Cheryl Hines and they review a different documentary each week. Truly hilarious.
I am the same with water, can not leave the house without it. Like what happens if thirst strikes on my way to school pick up?! I don’t care that I pass 9 gas stations on the way I can easily run in to. Just..What. If. I do love LMNT!
On another note, my in-laws are heading into town tomorrow(we are hosting thanksgiving) I asked her if there was anything I could pick up for them at the grocery store. She said wine. And preceded to describe the types they like. WHOA, hold up. We don’t do that here. And she knows this, we’ve been sober for 3yrs. I don’t mind her bringing her own wine but for the love of goddess, I will not be buying/picking it out 🤦🏻♀️ she said, “oh that makes sense” And then said they are staying 2 more days. Send me strength..and Advil.
Thank you for the writing prompt Laura! From yesterday's journal entry.
1. Workouts. Nothing new to see here. Solid daily morning workouts, spin, yoga, bike bootcamp, swimming. Throw in a shot of Beachbody *energize* beforehand and I am good to go for the morning. Pretty much my favorite time of the day.
2. Sleep. I find myself getting into bed earlier and earlier and most of the time getting a damn good night's sleep. 10:00pm - 7:00am is golden. One of the greatest features of this alcohol-free life.
3. Reading lots of fiction. Like Laura McKowen, whom I stole this list idea from, I have set aside all the "self-help" nonsense for now and am thoroughly enjoying escaping into a good novel. In fact I am feeling a bit out of sorts at the moment as I finished my last book in Tahoe and the library with my next on hold doesn't open until tomorrow. Can't wait to dive into the next new experience.
4. Writing in my journal. With Marco Polo and other opportunities to share/analyze myself, I haven't been here as much, but it is still such a solid place to go to organize my thoughts. This list for example. And I very much love that this will be here in the future for me to look back on, fills me with pride.
5. Marco Polo. Oh man, whatever did I do before this one. To be able to share immediately every little thought that pops into mind, with whomever feels like the most appropriate dear friend. Not only that but also to rewatch and listen to myself speak. An entirely new perspective, especially as I transform into this beautiful, thoughtful, confident version of me. Absolute gold.
6. Decluttering. I am beginning to understand, deep in my soul, that I am not meant to live in clutter. There is no high like that of organizing a drawer, my closet, watching things I've listed on the buy nothing group vanish into thin air, or even just dumping a bag full of true crap into the garbage bin. If I could ever get my husband on board with this I believe our life would be dreamy.
7. Putting effort into my appearance. Radical (for me) physical transformation these past three years. Giving up alcohol in favor of exercise/sleep (see items one and two) resulting in healthy skin, clear eyes, a not puffy gross face. Feeling as if I deserve things like haircuts and cute new clothes. Having the patience to sit down and paint my nails with a fancy new polish. Smiling at myself in the mirror.
8. Hot tea. Yes I am the person who gave up alcohol and now finds all the comfort in the world in a cup of tea. I have always loved the idea of tea, and have even bought a box or two along the way that I never actually drank, but here I am looking forward to my cup of tea every evening. So relaxing, so comforting. Or I should probably say "hot beverages" here because that first cup of coffee in the morning is another highlight of my day. Coffee could have it's own item number I suppose, but I am running out of space.
9. Staring at old photos. This I have always loved, and have labeled it as one of my "things" for at least twenty years. I have said repeatedly that I wish that I could figure out some way to make a living just staring at old photos and thinking about the passage of time. At the moment I have a super random pile on my desk, selected from a trunk recently rescued from my husband's grandmother's house, that I not only stare at but am pondering creative ways to display and appreciate them even more. Leading to my final thing...
10. Thinking about getting creative. While not quite actually getting creative yet, I am super enjoying browsing art on Instagram, purchasing random supplies, and "getting ready to get ready" to unleash my creative soul. I believe this is coming soon and I cannot wait.
One more:
11. Last but not least - Appreciating the hell out of my little girl. Seven years old and absolute magic. If I am ever feeling lost I know I can always jump into her beautiful little world and find myself. Life is precious in her presence, period.
Love this list, Laura.
Can I recommend a podcast? Not sure how your tastes run for this stuff, or maybe you already know about it: It's Sarah Hepola and Nancy Rommelman's Smoke 'Em If You Got 'Em. Discussions about journalism, the culture wars, and lots more fascinating stuff. Plus, Sarah Effin' Hepola (I think she may have actually mentioned your name in an early episode, or maybe it was on a different podcast). https://substack.com/profile/87556667-smoke-em-if-you-got-em
Thanks Laura. Happy thanksgiving. I am thankful for all the support you have gifted me and others over the past 4 years or so. It was nice meeting you face to face at Kripalu.
A few things that are working for me right now:
1. Asking for what I need. I am working being better about this and recently it landed me in getting my own private office space at work, with a door that I can close during meetings. I am staying much warmer in our very old building and my focus is improving.
2. Unspooled Podcast: A movie critic and an actor/director watch and review the AFI 100 best movies and discuss.
3. Re-reading books that I read when I was much younger.
Hi Laura!! Thank you for the 👋 ! Rawr all around.
I’ve got LMNT in my daily rotation too, ascent protein, farmers markets, and staying on the go. There’s something about roaming and traveling that keeps me motivated even if it’s in my backyard. There’s life to live out there, so it helps me focus on my goals as I see new places, even if it’s somebody’s favorite coffee shop in a random city. It’s working right now. Cheers! 🫶🫶
I always love reading about what you're reading, watching and listening to! At this time, my new obsessions are Stutz, the Jonah Hill doc about his therapist on Netflix and Mythic Quest on Apple TV and Andor on Disney+. I'm also reading all the Stutz books, of course. ♥️
Love, love, love the style of this newsletter. Might steal it too.😉. And Huberman!!! So freaking smart. And a gifted teacher.
maintenance phase and if books could kill are podcasts that bring me such incredible joy. I like this list.
I just discovered Mike Birbiglia after reading about his Broadway hit of Old Man and the Pool,I’m watching his past shows on Netflix.
I’m on Bigger Than the Whole Sky on repeat!! And did the Maintenance Phase deep dive as well 😊!
I love that you are loving hiking!!! I discovered hiking very early in sobriety and it has been such a critical component to my recovery. And I love that you are in San Diego again. We have some beautiful hikes here. ;-)
Instant decaf coffee is working for me. I fell in love with this yummy organic brand from Germany. It’s so easy to whip up in the morning, I put my meds next to the water kettle so I never forget to take them, and I’m off to a great start to my day.
Thank you for recommending Maintenance Phase, it’s so great! I can’t stop listening😅
Put New Zealand on your bucket list! We have some of the most beautiful hikes (tramps) in the world (okay, I’m biased).
Start the day with beauty (meaning no news!). I read a poem but you could also look at one painting or listening to harmonious music. A walk in nature.