1) I was supremely disappointed in the midterm election results. I was honestly shocked that Ron DeSantis won governor of Florida. He’s a Trump acolyte who ran a racist campaign, and it makes me really scared for what’s going to happen in 2020. Thankfully, we saw a lot of progressive candidates win in other places and the Democrats took back the House, so hopefully that bodes well. Florida just cannot get its act together, it seems. I really, really wanted Andrew Gillum to win. He deserved it. The good news is that we restored the voting rights to around 1.5 million people (giving back voting rights to ex-felons) and I am hopeful this means a blue wave will come to Florida in 2020.*
2) I’ve added a whole lot of new podcasts to my feed (because of course I need more podcasts to listen to). Some recent additions: Believed, which explores the Larry Nassar case and how he got away with his crimes for so many years; The Dream, which is all about MLMs; He Read She Read, in which two married bookworms talk all about what they’re reading; and Standoff, which is exploring the Ruby Ridge tragedy that happened in 1992 and how it’s become a foundation for the modern right. Also, a friend just alerted me to a new podcast called Imagined Life that sounds incredible. The premise: “Each episode of Imagined Life takes you on an immersive journey into the life of a world-famous person. It’ll be someone you may think you know, even admire – or maybe the opposite. You’ll get clues to your identity along the way. But only in the final moments will you find out who “you” really are.” HERE. FOR. THAT. I haven’t listened to any of the episodes yet (there are two out so far), but I am so intrigued and cannot wait to listen.
3) Going back to work after losing Pops was difficult. I took off Monday-Thursday of last week and went back into work on Friday. Since it was only a half-day, I figured it would be a good way to ease myself into things. And, man, Friday was harder than I expected. I barely did anything, just responded to some emails and did a task that didn’t require any thinking. I wanted to leave immediately. It was one of those moments where I realized the world kept spinning, even though mine had shattered. This week has been tough, but gradually got easier and better as the week went on. Routine is always good, but I’m also reminded of Pops with everything I do with work. If I’m working with a client in the home improvement space, I think about him and how he owned a construction business for most his life. If I’m working with a client in the healthcare arena, I think about those last few weeks with him in the hospital. Ugh. It will get easier once the loss isn’t so raw, and I’m trying to give myself grace to get through each day, one moment at a time.
4) Pops’ passing is making me think about wills and life insurance and last wishes in an entirely new way. It’s morbid, but my mom and I have been having a lot of conversations about it and I’m wondering if I should make some sort of “In the Event of My Death” file on my computer that has passwords to my accounts, billing information, and stuff like that. Thinking about death makes me so anxious, but I really don’t want the burden to be on my family to get everything in order. Maybe that’s a goal for 2019.
5) November is the first month since July that I picked a Book of the Month book. I’ve been a little disappointed in their selections lately, which is all on me. This is nothing against Book of the Month because they can’t cater to everyone’s tastes every single month. Some people like getting books from authors they wouldn’t otherwise know of, but I tend to prefer getting a new release from a tried-and-true author. Maybe that’s because I don’t necessarily want to spend my $15 credit on a book that I may hate. But I was stoked that Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty was a pick this month, and I snagged it immediately. I debated canceling my membership, but I think I’ll keep it and just continue being super selective about what I pick. That’s the beauty of BoTM – you don’t have to pick a book every month. Skipping a month (or three in a row, ha) is totally acceptable.
What’s a new podcast that you can’t get enough of? Have you made any sort of arrangements in the event of your death?
*I wrote that before all this recount craziness started. I’m crossing my fingers and toes for Gillum and Nelson! Please, please, please.
I had never heard of Ruby Ridge before you mentioned it, and just read the Wikipedia page. Wow. What a… mess is the only word I am coming up with. Sounds like a really fascinating topic for a podcast.
The death planning stuff is a really good idea. It’s so hard to think about, but I think there will be a certain amount of peace and calm that comes with actually finishing it. My husband and I are just now FINALLY meeting with a lawyer to set up a will and it’s freaking me out, but I know I’ll feel better once it’s done.
Glad you are getting through the week okay.
It’s so morbid and freaky to make plans for your death! It’s not really something I want to do, but I also don’t want to leave my family in the lurch if something happens. Thankfully, I don’t have to worry about property or children, but from watching my mom handle my grandfather’s will, I have realized there are certain things I need to set in place to make everything easier for my loved ones.
Just subscribed to The Dream. I both hate & am fascinated by MLMs! I’ve been a little disappointed witth BoTM lately, too, btw…
I loathe MLMs, so I am really loving The Dream. It’s been fascinating so far!
I’m really sorry about your Pops. I started thinking about wills and stuff hard after my husband and my family still does not wish to address it. It’s frustrating, but I need my things in order. I was at the edge of my seat on Tuesday. My state went completely blue for the most part, but the election for the new governor almost had me pulling my hair out. I also got Nine Perfect Strangers for BoTM as well. Can’t wait to see how you like it.
Ugh, I’m sorry that most of your family doesn’t want to talk about death and wills and the like. It’s not a fun topic, for sure, but it’s inevitable for all of us and often unexpected. I just don’t want to make things harder for my family in the event of my death. It’s hard to think about, but necessary.
Regarding death and estate planning, that is definitely something Ryan and I have talked about. We hired a lawyer to get all our legal documents in order, so that later on, it wouldn’t have to burden anyone. In California, if there’s no document like this, the county will spend a lot of money going through everything and it can also be costly for whoever remains. It’s a difficult, but necessary, conversation. And I think it gives a lot of peace of mind when it’s all taken care of.
Sounds like a very tough week. *hugs*
I think it’s so smart to get everything in order way before you think you will need it. The process is a little more straightforward in Florida, but there are all these little things that keep popping up that remind us how much there is to deal with following an unexpected death.
I pretty much live on podcasts these days – The Dream, Serial, Heavyweight, Ear Hustle, and Someone Knows Something are some of my favorite. The past week, I’ve also been binging on Small Town Murder, which is hosted by two comedians. It’s hilarious if you like profanity and a dark sense of humor.
I live on podcasts, too! They make living alone a little less lonely because I always have a podcast playing no matter what I’m doing!
I want to listen to the podcast about Ruby Ridge. I hadn’t heard of it until reading Educated. That podcast sounds so interesting.
I’m sorry to hear that you had such a tough return to work after your grandpa’s funeral. It’s hard to bounce back after losing a loved one. 🙁
Phil and I have talked about getting a will but have not gotten around to doing it, which is bad since we have a child now! Eeks. But I guess the default is for everything to go to him so it’s not all that awful maybe?? I’m saying that to make myself feel better. Ha. We did select guardians in the event something happens to both of us so at least we have that crucial step done. We still need to get life insurance, though, but we can’t agree on how much we should get (I think we should get more than Phil does – we need to settle this and get it lined up!).
I listen to fewer podcasts these days as I just don’t seem to find the time to listen to them. I listened to lots during maternity leave as we went on walks most days but now we don’t go on many walks and won’t while the weather is so cold! But I do want to listen to that He Read She Read one you mentioned as it sounds so interesting. I love book podcasts!!!
I think you will enjoy He Read She Read. I really like the husband’s perspective, as he brings such a different flavor of reading taste and books than is typical in a bookish podcast. I also heard about Ruby Ridge in Educated, which is what made me so interested in listening to this podcast! I’ve only listened to one episode so far, but it’s engaging enough for me to keep listening. Such a crazy thing!
And I hear you about wills and death planning. It’s hard to think about! And getting on the same page as your partner can throw a wrench into everything. I have a $15,000 life insurance plan paid for by my work, so that will take care of my funeral costs, but it’s all those other things to think about, like my car and canceling all the different bills I have.
I had heard a bit about the FL recount but didn’t know much because I’ve been lazy about reading the news. I hope it’s fair and the less sleazy person wins!
That is totally understandable about being at work. I hope your coworkers and supervisors are being understanding!
I started thinking about wills and all that when Steven’s mom died. I think it’s smart to have that info.
Unfortunately, both of the sleazy people won! What the heck, Florida. We really need to get our shit together here.
I’ve also listening to Believed and the Standoff right now and enjoying both of them. Also, Sold in America is really good, and Last Seen is about a Boston art heist that’s still unsolved.
I was so disappointed about the outcome of the governor’s race in FL… I really thought Gillum had a chance. (I mean, it was close.)
I can only imagine how difficult it was to go back to work after your Pop’s death and all the thoughts that came up surrounding it. J and I don’t have everything in place YET, but we have talked about wills and making arrangements in case one – or both of us – die(s). It also made me talk about it with my sister and parents, because it’s a necessary – if unpleasant – conversation to have.