Web Miscellany: Compilation #92

Hello, friend! What have you been up to this week? How are you doing? Work has been pretty overwhelming. My team lost a member last week, we’re in the final push for our department’s annual objective, and I’ve been tasked with tying up loose ends before my departure. I feel like I’m making huge strides while barely treading water. The eighteen months of 50- to 60-hour work weeks are starting to get old and I’m grateful for a new opportunity.

I’m currently reading This Is How You Lose The Time War, which, despite it’s glowing reviews, is not a gripping as I has hoped. Maybe I should stick to re-reading Steinbeck, Huxley, and Dostoevsky. Have you read anything amazing lately? I’m craving some great literature.

What are your plans for the week ahead? I have the day off due to copious amounts of PTO that exceed that which will be paid out when I leave my job, but I have no idea what I’ll be doing. With an increased salary on the horizon, my partner and I are brainstorming necessary upgrades and little splurge purchases–a backup set of linen sheets, a sofa without water damage, a serging machine, a refrigerator newer than 20-years-old, a hairbrush with a handle attached, dishes that aren’t cracked, a work desk that doesn’t give me splinters, etc. It makes me chuckle to see all that written out because I tend to hold onto things until they’re nonfunctional; I strongly prioritize savings, but now we’ll be able incorporate a tiny bit of lifestyle inflation while also boosting the savings rate.

Here are some obligatory kitty pics. The rambunctious little dude is starting to ween, so my parents are looking to re-home the foster cats–Mama Georgia and little Indy.

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I hope that your the week ahead is good to you. Here are a few links from around the web. Feel free to share anything interesting you’ve stumbled upon in the comments.

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1. Food for thought: “See all human behavior as one of two things: either love, or a call for love.” – Marianne Williamson
2. From the archives: “When an employee feels invested in a project, whether because they volunteered for it or because it utilizes their strengths, they are more likely to take ownership of their work and excel on the project.” 4 Lessons Learned In 4 Years Of Management. After a a few years as an individual contributor, I’ll soon be establishing a new department and building a team and it’s been helpful to revisit my notes.
3. Fun fact: Pistachios are so likely to burst into flames that there are strict shipping codes to keep them from doing so. From Gizmodo. Wow, that’s nuts! Sorry, I’m done.
4. On home libraries: A new study suggests that exposure to large home libraries may have a long-term impact on proficiency in three key areas. “The effects were most marked when it came to literacy. Growing up with few books in the home resulted in below average literacy levels. Being surrounded by 80 books boosted the levels to average, and literacy continued to improve until libraries reached about 350 books, at which point the literacy rates leveled off.” My mom was an educator, so I grew up with a lot of books and a love of reading. Thanks, mom and dad!
5. Dream home: I’m not much for home tours, especially the sterile, minimalist, un-lived in look. My goodness, this Catskills home full of storybook charm is a dream! The green trim against the rustic wood and stone is making my heart just swoon.
6. New art print: I recently purchased a piece of art I’ve been eyeing for years: Shadra Strickland’s watercolor, Spot of Sunshine, which depicts a little girl at the library with her little red wagon and yellow raincoat. It feels magical!
7. Draw better: Look ahead of the line you’re drawing, not at the tip of your utensil where it meets the paper. My boyfriend went to art school, so is always giving me tips; my favorite is to move your entire arm rather than just your wrist to draw a straight line. You’re welcome!
8. Playfully illustrated surfboards: French artist Jean Jullien brings his signature cartoonish characters to a new line of minimally illustrated surfboards. I don’t surf, but these are adorable.
9. Tiny thought: You don’t get rich, you accumulate wealth.
10. Song of the week: My boyfriend introduced me to the retro-futurist group The Aliens years ago. I dig their new album, and Sdlmnm Strings in particular.