The Quick & Messy: September 18
Remember that consistency thing I was trying for? HAH! That was a cute idea. But I have been doing lots of awesome shit. So we’re one for two, which ain’t so bad.
Since we last saw each other, I mentored StartingBloc in New York and spent a long weekend in Cape Cod with the family. I took my first improv class and met a new friend to practice Spanish/English with. I did a century ride (despite forgetting to train!) and went to the gorgeous wedding of beloved friends.
Oh, and almost the entire time we’ve not been living in our own home. *sigh* Do house renovations ever go smoothly?
But we’re supposed be talking about things that excite me, so let’s do that…
What I’m reading: Designing Your Life. Based on the wildly popular Stanford course, the authors walk you through the steps to use design thinking to build a life you love. I got the book from the library and purchased the accompanying workbook. Through reflection, journaling and more reflection, you determine what activities are engaging and energizing before prototyping several alternative “life plans.” I really like this: “For most people, passion comes after they try something, discover they like and, and develop mastery – not before. To put it more succinctly: passion is the result of a good life design, not the cause.”
Favorite new food discovery: Beyond Meat plant-based brats. I’m generally not a fan of fake meat. Especially with sausage, I usually find that even when substituting chicken for pork you forfeit the way the flavors from the meat infuse the rest of the dish. These are completely meatless, but you still get that effect. I made a one pan dish of with peppers, mushrooms and zucchini roasted underneath these brats, and the whole medley was infused with the delicious flavors of the brats. They’re high protein, low-carb and have zero cholesterol. Definitely an amazing option as a sustainable, humane meat replacement!
What I’m crafting: An *EPIC* Halloween costume. It’s bigger and better than anything we’ve ever done. I’ve spent the better part of a paycheck at Home Depot and JoAnn’s. Cut myself with chicken wire. Got foam insulation in my hair. And right now we’re still TBD on whether this will even work. Stay tuned!
If I ghost you again, here’s what’s up: Henderson, North Carolina and Camden, Maine for weddings! Salem, Massachusetts for *the* Witches Ball. Halloween! A 5k carrying a pumpkin. Did I mention this is my very favorite season?!
