Loving… our blog book club! Engie had the fabulous idea to re-read the beloved classic, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, and invited all of us to join her! Every Monday, she publishes a discussion post and it’s been so fun interacting with other people who are reading right along with me. It’s interesting to see what is sticking out to other people that may not be sticking out to me! I also love the very slow reading pace that Engie set up – just about 50 pages a week – so it doesn’t feel too overwhelming.
Loathing… that my plantar fasciitis pain is back. It went away for a few months due to nothing I did at all, but I’ve started having that sharp heel pain on my right foot again. I’m wearing my plantar fasciitis slippers around the house again, which definitely helps! I also need to start doing strengthening exercises for my feet, but I’ve been lazy about that.
Reading… my dear friend Mikaela’s book, which is about her daughter’s cancer journey. She spent the past 8 or so months working hard on the book during our weekly writing sessions, and I was so delighted to be one of her first readers. Right now, she’s in the editing stages and figuring out the best way to format her book, and I just can’t wait to see the final product when it’s ready. She has such a beautiful way with words and I think this is a book that will touch a lot of people.
Watching… Abbott Elementary. I watched and loved season 1 and wanted to wait until the entirety of season 2 had been released on Hulu to catch up. I’m 6 episodes in and loving it so much!
Listening to… Speak Now (Taylor’s Version). I came into my Swiftie fandom around the time she released 1989 and have barely listened to her earlier albums. But since she re-released this album, I decided to give it a listen and it’s such a vibe. I’m still trying to decide which one of the new songs she added to the album is my favorite!
Anticipating… taking a blogging break in August. I’ve done these month-long blogging breaks in the past and they always rejuvenate me. I’ve been feeling a little burned out with blogging lately, so I think I need this time away for a bit to feel excited about blogging again.
Thinking about… climate change. There have been so many news stories about record-breaking heat and rising ocean temperatures and climate change panic. Are we too late to save the planet? I don’t want to think about that. But things feel more and more dire as each year passes. And it feels hopeless because the people who are in charge aren’t listening to the scientists who have been telling us for decades that things need to change. It’s scary and frustrating.
Buying… new skincare products. I needed a new nighttime moisturizer as well as a retinol serum. I have yet to find a nighttime moisturizer I love, so here’s hoping this one from Neutrogena makes me a believer. I’m also trying out CeraVe’s retinol serum to see how I like it. (I really need to get a prescription retinoid because that’s the gold standard for anti-aging treatment, but ugh, I am just too lazy to go to a dermatologist for this.)
Grateful… for the growth of Silent Book Club. We had nearly 50 people at our last meeting! We usually have 15-20 people so this was a huge increase. It was mostly due to a viral video talking about different Silent Book Club chapters around the country, which our chapter was a part of, and it caused our group to double in size. How crazy is that? It was a bit overwhelming, to be honest, but I’m happy that the group is growing, too!
What are you currently loving, watching, and anticipating?
I’ll be interested in your experience with CeraVe’s retinol serum. I’ve been eyeing it in the store, but still have a little of the prescription stuff left. My insurance no longer covers it and the cost for me now is $200 for one tube, thus I’m in the market for something OTC.
Ouch! $200 for one tube is not sustainable. I’ll let you know what I think of the CeraVe serum. I’m hoping I like it!
I LOVE my Neutrogena retinols! They work really well and I think they have made a huge difference in my skin.
I am looking forward to being more engaged with the book club, frankly, I have had no time. But now we are more settled so I can get into the discussions a bit more.
As someone who just took a blogging break, I totally get it – I am so itching to get back into it!
I’m so sorry you have plantar fasciitis pain again! The worst.
I’m really glad to hear that you have seen great results from Neutrogena retinol products. They are so much more affordable than other stuff out there, so I’m hoping they will work well for me, too!
I love that feeling of excitement to come back to blogging. We’ll see if I can last the whole month, haha.
I loved seeing that pic of all the people at Silent Book Club on Insta. That is so cool!
And yay for you for taking a blogging break. You will def come back recharged!
I am glad the slippers are helping your PF a bit! I would not want to do the strengthening workouts either, ugh.
I meant to say, I am so excited Mikaela is writing a book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It was amazing to see such a large turnout. And I know the coffee shop was pleased with all the extra customers! That was a great business day for them, ha.
I just got my first retinoid Rx when I had my first skin cancer check (no issues detected – yay). I kind of gasped when Bri said her husband won’t get a skin check!! Phil had cancer removed from his nose this spring. There wasn’t anything I had ever noticed so I feel like it wasn’t obvious that he had cancer. It was basal carcinoma so not super concerning but wow it was painful for him. They took quite a chunk of his nose! He had another spot removed on his back but that was benign. He seems more prone to skin cancer and is more moley than I am. You should ask for an Rx next time you get a skin check if you don’t motivate yourself sooner!
That is awesome that Mikaela wrote a book!!
Ohhh, I did not think I could ask about a retinoid prescription during my skin check! I thought I would need to make a separate appointment with a derm that specializes in the more “med spa” part of the derm practice. But maybe not?! That’s a good idea – it can’t hurt to ask!
I am loving having our AC fixed this week; it was broken for almost a week and it was so hot and sweaty and uncomfortable. I was taking it for granted…and now I REALLY appreciate the relief from the heat!!
I’ve written a lot less on my blog lately and it feels like a really nice break. It’s so rewarding but also…a lot of work!!
Why is it that the AC always breaks at the most inconvenient time?! I’m glad you finally got it fixed and can enjoy that sweet, sweet cold air once again!
Oh, I guess you’re on your blogging break now! I hope you’re enjoying it. I’m also loving our book club! I think we should read another book when we’re done with this one. I wonder how Engie would feel about that- it’s extra work for her.
I want to read Mikaela’s book! Let us know when it’s available.
Book club! I am loving it, too. I wish we could continue after this.
And I’m with Jenny – When Mikaela publishes her book, please let us know! We need more parents’ voices out there.