[Centerpiece on my parents' table, taken March 2012.]

I like to go to coffee shops by myself.

I like to order a drink, find a place, set my stuff up, and sit. Then I like to see how long I can go without connecting to the shop's wireless internet. I sip. Look around. Write a few real lines in a notebook. Read a few real pages in a book. Sip.

Sometimes I feel too connected. I get headaches from my computer. I sit in front of a screen for a few too many hours each day. I check my phone obsessively. I find myself turning the thing over every now and then so I can't see the green notification light, just to prove to myself that I don't need to know whether I have an email or not.

This weekend, I'm staying put for once in what feels like a very long time. I'm going to have lunch with friends, and write things down on paper, and sleep in on Sunday and make a big breakfast. And maybe see how long I can stay away from my computer.

Wishing you some of the same. See you Monday.

[Willow Tree Chrysalis figurine, taken January 2011.] 

This weekend, I had to work. I didn't take pictures. I didn't go running. I was tired, and I started having weird pain in my left shin in the exact place where I once had a stress fracture and once broke it for real, so I spent some time being worried about that. I got mad at Rob for stupid things. Friday was the birthday of a friend who died last summer, and I cried. It was just one of those days where you say "It's been one of those days," but it wasn't one day, it was three.

I was reminded of this quote that I read and wrote down on a piece of paper and have held on to for almost four years:
"So this is why I write. Because most times, your life isn't funny the first time through. Most times, you can hardly stand it."
--Chuck Palahniuk, Almost California 

Sometimes, things are hard. And yet, I can always feel that there's hope just around the corner. I am reassured in the fact that I can sit here at my computer and tell you the truth. Because sometimes, people feel a little bit beat up by life, and it's not pretty, but it's okay. Because it's life and even when it's hard, it's good, and we're all in it together. Keep going.

Let's all have a good Monday and a week full of happiness. We deserve it.

I think it might be the weather, but I have been so productive these past two weeks. Pages of a thesis have been written, part-time jobs where I work from home have been acquired, and a magazine article or two are in the works. It's good.

Now, breakfast sausages are on the stovetop and I am trying to find out how to best use my morning. Today's the last Friday I'm working in the afternoon before my boss comes back from his trip. I'm ready to get my normal all-morning schedule back, but these quiet Friday mornings at home have been a nice change of pace. Plus some Spring Fever.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have a date with some coffee and a vacuum. 

Have a sunny weekend, friends.