September

August

Well, hello September.

I’ve made nary a murmur in this place for over a month. You want to know why? It’s a little thing called a J-O-B. I went back to work on August 4, and that was that. Because listen, I don’t care how much you love your job – going back after 5 weeks off is rough. August was rough. August was hot. August was a slog, retraining my brain to think in terms of “way too many details” and “never-ending emails” and “calendar deadlines.”

But here we are, August behind us, and September ahead. It’s my sincere intention to write more in September – and I think that maybe that starts tomorrow. For today, let’s play catch up.

In the month of August, I walked hundreds of miles. There are times in my life where my workouts are more than mere walks, but for August, I stuck to hoofing it. As you can see, my “bike to work” days were few and far between – that’s another thing that’s going to change in September.

August

Something else that I’m committed to for September: sticking to using cash envelopes. I need financial accountability, and cold hard Benjamins (okay, Jacksons) seem the best method for right now.

Here’s something we need to talk about: awful TV shows. In August, I watched True Detective and House of Cards. And then I felt so hopeless about the human race that this weekend I binged on season 4 of Friday Night Lights just to renew my faith in humanity (or at least the television version thereof).

I’m realizing that I do not want to consume stories in which I hate every single character. I do not want the good guys to be bad guys. I do not want to immerse myself in narratives with no element of redemption. I don’t care if “the character development is amazing.” I don’t care if “the acting is incredible.” I really, really don’t care if “these shows are a more accurate representation of real life” – because I have to believe that real life includes a lot of good, even if it’s intermingled with the hard.

This month, I’ll be spending time in Boston, Minneapolis, and Seattle – some pretty great places.

Since I last wrote, I had a birthday and so did Foxy Brains! My tiny puppy has turned into a full grown 1-year old dog, and I couldn’t love her more.

FB

Summer is winding down, fall is on its way, and thank goodness – because sheesh, I am in need of some newness. I hope today somehow feels new for you.

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11 Comments

  1. Hope on September 2, 2014 at 10:30 AM

    I hear you on the TV shows. We’ve abandoned several series because there wasn’t ONE person we could root for, and our hearts couldn’t take it.

    After two years of watching, we’re coming to the end of The West Wing, and we don’t know what we’re going to do with ourselves. :) Maybe a FNL revisit is in order.

  2. hootenannie on September 2, 2014 at 10:32 AM

    Sigh. I LOVE The West Wing. FNL is obviously the best show that’s ever been. I’m also a humongous fan of Parenthood, Veronica Mars, and The Newsroom (so, so good).

  3. Michael on September 2, 2014 at 10:44 AM

    Love that Foxy Brains! So good to hear from you…I had resorted to watching your work videos for my Annie fix…they’re great, btw. Happy September!

  4. Brooke on September 2, 2014 at 10:50 AM

    Ooooh! What do you use to track your workouts? I love the calendar display!

  5. rachieannie on September 2, 2014 at 10:56 AM

    Thought of you this weekend while I spent some time in CO, climbing a 14er and hanging out with my brother in Parker. Hope you had a great birthday!

    And yes on the Veronica Mars recommendation. One of my all time favorites. Definitely top 3 (along with Gilmore Girls and Friends). Have you watched Chuck? So so so good! I want to go back to not having watched it just so I can watch it again.

  6. Katie on September 2, 2014 at 12:40 PM

    I’m so with you on the TV shows. I need at least a few characters I can root for and believe in.

    After hearing Val rave about Veronica Mars for years, I am recently hooked. So good.

    Let me know if you’d like to grab coffee while you’re in Boston!

  7. Janelle from Canada on September 2, 2014 at 1:10 PM

    Excited you’re back!! I’m also excited for fall and new change :) xo

  8. Alison Moore on September 2, 2014 at 11:13 PM

    If you don’t watch Call The Midwife on PBS (previous seasons on netflix) you must!

  9. Joey on September 3, 2014 at 1:15 PM

    You know I’m a big sad sack, but I loved True D.

    I didn’t make it 40 seconds into House of Cards because of the first scene.

  10. Leigh Kramer on September 3, 2014 at 2:43 PM

    In complete agreement on TV shows. They don’t need to be fluff but I don’t want to turn a show off and feel depressed about the state of mankind. Life is hard and complicated but it does us more good to see shows about redemption, not destruction. At least it’s true for me.

  11. Denise on September 9, 2014 at 9:40 AM

    I watched House of Cards and felt the same way! Everyone is so awful. Then I started “Boss” with Kelsey Grammar, and I could not even take all the evil. FNL is the best solution. Especially season four. You are wise. Tammi Taylor is wise. Coach is wise. Riggins, not so wise, but lovely.

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