sustainable systems & storytelling
Yesterday, the mold inspectors came out to rip out the cabinets and knock down the drywall. The workers released a handful of expletives before explaining that the copious amount of mold under the sculpted wood and within the walls suggests that it's been steadily expanding it's reach for several years. They said that my symptoms... Continue Reading →
Hello, you lovely people, and Happy Independence Day to those in the US! How has the week found you? I've been violently oscillating between excited and exhausted. After discovering black mold, we spent an insufferable week at my in-law's house and then returned home to the infestation, where we're now debating whether to remodel or... Continue Reading →
Hello, friends! How has the week found you? Mine has been quite interesting, bringing with it a diagnosis of mercury poisoning, the discovery of black mold in our home, dinner with my aunt, and a generous gift from my grandparents to help with the overwhelming medical expenses. I finished reading Chloe Benjamin's The Immortalists and... Continue Reading →
On our recently trip, I felt lighter and more energized than I have in years, even though I wore huge bags under my eyes in every picture. Upon our return, the state of my health quickly returned to status quo. My boyfriend immediately suspected something environmental was to blame, hypothesizing either an allergy in our... Continue Reading →
Hey there, my internet friends! How has your week been? My last two weeks have been brimming over with wonder and joy, as I took a break from everything to explore the dreamy Pacific Northwest with my best friend. It was probably the best week of my life! Upon return, I was notified that my... Continue Reading →
My boyfriend and I recently returned from our summer vacation, the first either of us has taken in many years. We visited Seattle, Portland, and several cities in-between. We came home with countless bug bites, a few souvenirs, and lots of special memories. Though the entire trip was spent on-the-go, I had just enough time... Continue Reading →
Hello there, beautiful people! How has your week been? Mine been turbulent, with my boyfriend admitted to the hospital for seven days while my best friend from college (who I hadn't seen in nine years!) had flown in for surgery at a different hospital. Thankfully, they're both doing well. What are you up to this... Continue Reading →
I force a cough and it's done. The gynecologist drops a small T-shaped device on the bedside tray, its bloody tail looping into a figure eight. The petite women with blue gloves and a wide smile reminds me to call if I need anything before shutting the door behind her. I had the copper IUD... Continue Reading →
Though I am still quite ill, I am beginning to feel like myself again. I have been intentionally carving out space for my soul to expand. I am less worried about complex meals and clean laundry and more focus on making time for a good book and a warm bath. I've become very accustomed to... Continue Reading →
This started as a generous bullet on my Friday miscellany list, but I think it's a topic that deserves a little more of the spotlight. While I have not watched Game of Thrones, I was astonished to learn that actress Emilia Clarke has had two brain aneurysms, as well as invasive brain surgery. All of... Continue Reading →
Hello friends! How has the week found you? Mine has resembled a Jackson Pollack masterpiece in the medium of half-digested broccoli. What are you up to this weekend? My boyfriend is staying at the hospital for a few days, so I'll likely spend my waking hours reading The Immortalists and start packing for our upcoming trip to... Continue Reading →
I walked outside and instantly squealed. Two miniature ground squirrels, each less than two inches long, peeked their tiny heads out of the expansive den outside our front door. The next day, there were eight small creatures; the day after that, twelve. The three proud mamas--Squeak, Blossom and Sprawly--are doing their best to feed thier... Continue Reading →
I picked up Little Fires Everywhere after it came highly recommended and the work of fiction did not disappoint. Celeste Ng’s second novel snaps the portrait of community, its families and their friends, highlighting the thorny issues that drive them apart and draw them together. The character-driven story delves into a variety of themes, in... Continue Reading →
As flat palms and extended fingers are pressed into an assortment of mats and as shins are carefully balanced on triceps, I remain crumpled at angles—tiny grid marks forming on my forehead as the smell of 5-year-old rubber wafts up my nose, trying to steal my attention. I am learning, ever so slowly, to listen... Continue Reading →
What are you up to this (long) weekend? I'm getting a follow-up MRI to check up on Petey the pituitary tumor, setting aside time to continue reading Little Fires Everywhere (yay, public library!) and spending time with my mom while my dad is visiting my sister in Missouri. I'm also trying to plan fun things to do... Continue Reading →
