Thursday Thoughts - in this time of introspection on the eve of my election

1. Yesterday was the first and probably last time I took two dogs in at once for dental surgery. I used a new vet  and was quite pleased when Mae came out first super alert. She had six teeth extracted so I expected much worse. Then she started crying and wouldn't stop until Gus cane out. The vet tech told me they were "talking" to each other all day through their crates in recovery.  Weird as Gus typically had no time for Mae. As we were walking out Gus just started peeing and walking. Hmm. Maybe just still woozy but he seemed otherwise alert and jackassy like he usually is. Another vet tech said oh Gus and Mae they were in cahoots through their crates all day we couldn't stop laughing. I see. Collusion. I walked them for a while. Mae went to the bathroom. Gus waited until we were driving to shit in the backseat, which he then walked through and Mae sat in. I was in hysterics by the time I got home. They were quite pleased with themselves. MFD took care of car cleanup while I cleaned myself, them, and their leashes. Then I hand fed Geege wet food which was, as you can imagine, the cherry on top of a gross shit sundae. It takes a special kind of asshole to have two vengeful dogs go in for dental on the same day while the third dog still has pneumonia.

2. For that and other reasons I have failed at life this week. Kicked ass at work but otherwise sorry, self. Try again next week so you don't have to eat Lucky Charms for dinner two nights in a row followed by chocolate chip cookies on the third while your house clutters and dirties itself around you. 

3. Cookies and other goodies delivered by my mom last night who came to see MFD for his birthday eve eve.

4. My nails have taken a beating this summer. I freshened up last night with OPI Gelato on My Mind.

5. I love the show Billions. I have been obsessed with this song from its season finale for months. I feel like I've shared this here before but I don't care. Besides, it's an awesome fall-ish song and we all know fall is coming by the pumpkin shit everywhere.
6. We're on our way back when we were so recently making our way out. Also, please don't be an anti-Democrat. I will not survive it.

7. I'm relying on General Mattis right now to keep shit together (watch the video in this article if you haven't seen it yet). You hold the line too, Mad Dog. You too. I sure as shit cannot rely on the president to do so when he shows up in Texas and comments on the size of the fucking crowd there like this is a goddamn fucking victory tour instead of a visit to the state that has just been fucking ravaged by a crazy hurricane event and endured chaotic decimation. His entire response to this disaster has proved how fucking tone deaf he is. It would be nice if you would be a president but even nicer if you'd be a fucking human being and provide comfort and leadership instead of talking about your goddamn crowd size.

8. Can we make a promise to each other? Can we not shame anyone for how they choose to donate to hurricane relief? I am coming from the same place as Elizabeth Gilbert here. My only caveat is that if you are sending physical supplies, do not send whatever you think they might need or use it as a way to get rid of your stuff. Find an organization you support that is collecting and distributing supplies and stick to their list of requested supplies. Please please PLEASE do not let anything stop you from giving. Do your research if you need to. Get on charity navigator. But PLEASE do not be that person who is so suspicious of what is going to come of your $20 donation that you just don't give one. Please. And if you don't have money but maybe have some unused items that are on supply lists or a gift card where you can buy stuff to send, consider doing that!

If you want to but are unsure of where, here are some options:

The Black Women's Defense League: Accepting physical supplies and money
South Texas Human Rights Center, working with immigrants
Transgender Foundation of America Disaster Relief Fund
Portlight, assisting people with disabilities
Austin Pets Alive
Austin Disaster Relief Network - A network of churches and volunteers mobilizing on the ground with supplies. If you are mailing supplies, please call them to get an address. There is a supply list on their website.
Rockport Fulton Chamber of Commerce: Go fund me to help rebuild coastal bend businesses and communities. If you are interested in sending supplies I can get you the suggested list and also the address.
Native Dave: My friend Christy and her family live off the grid pretty and work their native plant business in Aransas Pass/Rockport/Fulton. Sixty to seventy percent of their town has been destroyed. You can see their live videos here on the Native Dave facebook page. If you are looking to give specifically to people, I know these people and they are good people. Here is their gofundme page. Their website states "In business and in life, we are inspired to conserve, preserve, restore, and celebrate Nature." And I know they will do that.
Together Rising: Text to donate. And remember...we belong to each other

Texas Diaper Bank providing emergency diaper kits for babies, seniors, and people with disabilities - these are not distributed by relief agencies
The Homeless PERIOD Project - tampons, pads, etc
Corpus Christi Food Bank
Galveston Food Bank
City of Houston Relief Fund
SPCA of Texas
Coalition for the Homeless
United Way of Beaumont & North Jefferson County
JJWatt's Houston Flood Relief Fund: This man set out to raise $500,000 and as of this morning has raised over $9.4 MILLION.

9. Reminder in this back to school time:

10. E-card of the week: I'm hoping this is me this weekend. I need to disengage for 48 hours.

How to be a good vacation renter

With more and more people going the VRBO/AirBnB route for rentals, the end of our second season renting out our shore house with 98% great renters for the past two summers, and a conversation with Lauren about what makes a good renter, I figured why not. We have had truly awesome people stay in our house and are very lucky. They have taught me so much. Selfishly, I'd also like to know what you have liked or didn't like about interacting with owners you've rented homes with on VRBO or the like as I am still finding my way around that. Deal?

Some of you are probably like fuck you I'm paying that's how I'm a good renter to which I would respond yesthankyouandgoodday. But if you're curious beyond that, here are some ways to be a good vacation renter.

1. Read everything the owner sends you. If your owner is like me, I can guarantee you the answer to 90% of the questions you will have is in the info packet. If they send you nothing, ask if they have info about the house that they typically send out. But if something is not covered...

2. Ask questions.  It is best to go into a rental situation with the appropriate level of expectation. It will also let the owner know what they have omitted and should include in the future.

3. Let the owner know if something is wrong or broken when you arrive or goes wrong/breaks while you're there. Chances are they have a very short window of time between you and the next guest to address any problems so while no one ever wants a problem, it is a relief when someone contacts you about it immediately and doesn't wait until check out to tell you. If it's something that needs to be fixed immediately, it will surely improve your vacation to have it taken care of. If it's just broken but not impeding on your time, you will be doing the owner a huge favor by preparing them. 

4. Treat it like your home....unless you eat in bedrooms. Don't eat in bedrooms. Seriously. Just...don't. Otherwise, relax in it and be comfortable in it but also know you can't go a day at home without wiping your kid's peanut butter and jelly off the dining room table so you shouldn't go more than a day without doing that in your vacation home either. If a light bulb burns out out or remote batteries die, change them (all good owners will leave some for you). If your dog makes a mess or your kid writes on the wall, clean it up. Put the trash and recycles out on the days indicated. It's a home, not a hotel. If you don't want to lift a finger and would like someone wiping up after you, you belong in a hotel, not someone's home. Knowing that it is a home and not a hotel with full service and not expecting full service will serve both parties well. 

5. If you like something, say something, and the reverse. I do little things like leave travel size stuff/fresh bag of coffee/some paper goods/etc for people, and it's good to know if those things are worth it since it means money out of my pocket. It's also good to know if it bothers someone for some reason. Do the pillows suck in a bedroom? Please tell me. All feedback is good feedback even if it's not super specific. 

6. Trust is a two way street. Renting through one of these sites requires you to trust the owner, yes, but it also requires the owner to trust you. Go with your gut but don't be weird. Do not rent from anyone who does not have a phone number and email attached to their listing. Expect to share your email, address, and phone number with the owner. 

7. Do not act like you are the first person to ever rent a house. When I think about the houses I've rented, I cringe at one incident in particular where I was a total special snowflake. It was my first time using VRBO and our first time bringing the dogs to a rental. That was the last place we rented at the shore since the offer we put in on our shore house was submitted and accepted during that vacation. The owner called me and reassured me on the phone. That is so not usual and I actually emailed her after our first season here and apologized for being needy as fuck a year before. 

While we're on the subject of vacation rentals, I would like all renters to know that VRBO/Homeaway is pulling some shit and they're asking renters to pay for it. If you're planning on renting via VRBO, know that you can still book direct through an owner to avoid their booking fee. They've just made it very hard to do so. They've also screwed up a few auto quotes so check your itemized quote when you do pay through them.

What have you liked or disliked about dealing with owners through VRBO or AirBnB?

I can't sign off without wishing my Gussie a happy 12th birthday. 

Or without sharing more links of organizations that will be helping on the ground in Texas. 

Houston food bank: http://www.houstonfoodbank.org/donate/
Corpus Christi food bank: http://www.foodbankcc.com/
Galveston food bank: http://www.galvestoncountyfoodbank.org/
The Texas Diaper Bank: http://www.texasdiaperbank.org/
SPCA of Texas: https://www.spca.org/news_hurricane-harvey
Coalition for the Homeless: https://www.homelesshouston.org/take-action/donate/
Portlight, which helps people with disabilities: http://www.portlight.org/home.html

I'm linking up with Lauren & Bre for their Add it to my list linkup, which they're doing the last Tuesday of every month. 

TWTW - the one with the relaxing

Thursday night I cooked food for Geege (he's currently only eating ground beef), made pasta salad, and we headed down the shore. Gus did not realize it was a worknight and was in his usual Party all the Time mode until he got yelled at.

Friday morning I saw the sunrise and started working early...without my computer charger or mouse, which I forgot at home. Thank the lord for Amazon Prime one day delivery.

Breakfast at Clancy's + a Green Fair at the Music Pier before joining my coworkers for work. 

Late afternooning in the North End so MFD could fish followed by dinner at Luigi's. It's that point in the summer where we can go back to places we've stayed out of to avoid crowds. Hurrah!

Saturday morning was unheard of. Gus didn't get up until 9, which meant up, hurry to walk slow old dogs, and do turnover stuff. Last guests of the summer checked in on Saturday. I was really sluggish the rest of the day. Aside from a bike ride and a dog walk, I started three different books and just laid around or sat on the porch. Oh and I filled my shell lamp with my treasures and affixed labels to hand soaps like the personalization dork I am.

It was a slow, relaxing day which I apparently needed. We met MFD's cousins up on the boards for some rides, snacks, and fireworks. It was great to see everyone. 

Sunday sunrise followed by some quiet time puttering, blogging, caffeinating,and reading while MFD was out.

I hit the beach to read and chill. I think I've read this book before. I hate when I can't tell even when I get into it. After a few hours I walked down five blocks to watch MFD's second surfing lesson. He stood up and everything. This was his must do before 40 item and he's done it.

Back at the house by 3:30 to lounge, read, clean up, have dinner, and head home at 10:30. On last night's episode of Will this Marriage Survive?: they were both tired, angry trolls who didn't want to leave...did they make it home without killing each other? Spoiler alert: they did.


Texas, my heart hurts for you. An old friend of mine and her family live and operate their business Native Dave (sustainable landscape solutions) in Aransas Pass and shared this Recovery Fund link on Go Fund Me for the Rockport Fulton Chamber of Commerce to help communities in the rebuilding process. There's a list of physical items needed that is circulating but no ship address yet. You can also text HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation through the Red Cross, donate to the Houston Flood Relief Fund JJ Watt set up on YouCaring, donate to the Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services, donate to Catholic Charities USA Hurricane Harvey response, and help the animals through Austin Pets Alive.

Hold tight Texas. We belong to each other and even if we can't get there physically we're all coming in some way.

Linking up with Biana at B Loved Boston for Weekending

5 things to consider when buying a new car

Happy Sunday friends. The lease on my car is up in February so we'll be in the market again. I love my car now, but it doesn't have the room I need to be taking laundry back and forth to the shore (no washer/dryer there). I am by no means an expert on this, and have done very little research, so here's Dan Cormac on the subject. Dan is a freelance financial journalist who is is passionate about personal finance. Whether you hope to escape the chains of debt, to save for a house, or to retire within a decade, Dan explores the most effective ways you can achieve your financial goals. 

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There are many considerations to make before investing in a car, as the finances you have available determine the car you choose. Of course, you want to buy a car that matches your lifestyle and bank balance. Here are 5 things to consider when buying a new car.

The Monthly Car Payment

It is important to have a firm grasp of your budget before you invest in a new or used vehicle. Review your income against your living expenses such as your mortgage or rent, groceries, utilities, debt payments, fuel and disposable income. Look at your bank statement to identify if you are overspending on a product or service, so you can use the surplus money towards the cost of a car.

Generally, transportation fees should not exceed 20% of your monthly income. For example, if you earn $2,000 per month, your vehicle’s total expenses should not cost more than $400 per month. If your desired car costs more than 20%, return to the drawing board to find a more affordable vehicle for your budget.

Interest

It’s not only the price of the car that can affect your finances, as you will pay interest on a car loan. You must therefore factor in interest rates into your monthly payment, as it can determine the affordability of your chosen vehicle. However, you may be subjected to higher interest rates if you have a low credit score. Consider the interest fees attached to a vehicle before you sign on the dotted line.

An Affordable Vehicle

There are many vehicles designed with both quality and affordability in mind, which will allow you to experience a dependable vehicle for many years to come. Instead of spending a considerable amount of money on an over-priced vehicle, look for a car that has built up a strong reputation for providing luxurious, affordable makes and models, which you can find at Toyota Dunfermline.

Understand Your Trade-in Value

Are you trading an old car before you buy a new or used one? If so, you must understand the trade-in value of the vehicle before you trade in your used car. This will ensure you receive the best possible price for the car, which you can use towards your new set of wheels.

Consider Your Lifestyle

While a car’s style might sway your decision, you must select a vehicle based on your lifestyle. While that two-seater convertible might look great, it will prevent you from enjoying family days out or a road trip with friends. Don’t allow your heart to rule your head and select a car that is both functional and sleek.

Conclusion

There is nothing more exciting than buying a new car; however, you should never allow your emotions to stand in the way of your needs. You must therefore review your finances, understand the trade-in value of your current vehicle, consider interest rates and select a vehicle that suits your lifestyle.

                                           *******************************

What's most important to you when car shopping?

Whatever today brings, I hope you enjoy it!

How to Start Saving Money

Hello and happy Friday friends. I'm working from the shore today which is by far my favorite way to work on a Friday even though I don't do it too often. 

Since I don't regularly do finance stuff, here are some tips from James Daniels, a freelance writer, business enthusiast, a bit of a tech buff, and an overall geek. He is also an avid reader, who can while away hours reading and knowing about the latest gadgets and tech, whilst offering views and opinions on these topics.

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A few little lifestyle changes can make a dramatic difference to your bank balance over time. You simply need to look for opportunities to cut back expenditure so that you can enjoy more financial security. If you’re unsure where to start, read our tips on how to start saving money.

Buy Discounted Products

Instead of buying all your groceries at the same store, visit different smaller stores to take advantage of the many different offers and savings. You could save a considerable amount of money on products each week, which can result in big savings over the course of a year. Also, consider shopping online, so you aren’t tempted to invest in food or items you don’t really want or need.

Prepare Your Meals

Don’t be tempted to order a takeout after a long day, and instead prepare your meals in advance to ensure you return home to a delicious, affordable, home-cooked meal each day. Not only will it prevent you from wasting cash on unhealthy food, but you won’t waste food unnecessarily, which is the biggest way households can lose money.

Turn Off Household Appliances

Stop wasting money today by turning off any appliances that are not in use. It’s an effective way to reduce your electricity bills while improving your carbon footprint. So, stop filling the kettle to the top when making one cup of coffee, and only run a dishwasher once it’s fully-loaded. Turn off your phone chargers, TVs and lighting, and enjoy smaller bills and a bigger bank balance.

Buy a Used Car

Why waste money on a brand-new car when you could buy a second-hand vehicle that is just as reliable? Make a smaller down payment or invest in a lease option to reduce your expenditure and monthly repayments. There are many stylish used cars available on the market, such as the Mercedes-Benz C Class.

Browse the Market for a Better Deal

The internet has made it easier than ever before to browse the market for the best deal online for a mortgage, car insurance provider or bank. You should therefore shop around online to discover the best deal for your budget. There are many great comparison websites available online to help you compare providers. Your existing provider might also be willing to offer a better deal once you show them the better quotations you’ve discovered online.

Use Promo CodesA few little lifestyle changes can make a dramatic difference to your bank balance over time. You simply need to look for opportunities to cut back expenditure so that you can enjoy more financial security. If you’re unsure where to start, read our tips on how to start saving money.

Buy Discounted Products

Instead of buying all your groceries at the same store, visit different smaller stores to take advantage of the many different offers and savings. You could save a considerable amount of money on products each week, which can result in big savings over the course of a year. Also, consider shopping online, so you aren’t tempted to invest in food or items you don’t really want or need.

Prepare Your Meals

Don’t be tempted to order a takeout after a long day, and instead prepare your meals in advance to ensure you return home to a delicious, affordable, home-cooked meal each day. Not only will it prevent you from wasting cash on unhealthy food, but you won’t waste food unnecessarily, which is the biggest way households can lose money.

Turn Off Household Appliances

Stop wasting money today by turning off any appliances that are not in use. It’s an effective way to reduce your electricity bills while improving your carbon footprint. So, stop filling the kettle to the top when making one cup of coffee, and only run a dishwasher once it’s fully-loaded. Turn off your phone chargers, TVs and lighting, and enjoy smaller bills and a bigger bank balance.

Buy a Used Car

Why waste money on a brand-new car when you could buy a second-hand vehicle that is just as reliable? Make a smaller down payment or invest in a lease option to reduce your expenditure and monthly repayments. There are many stylish used cars available on the market, such as the Mercedes-Benz C Class.

Browse the Market for a Better Deal

The internet has made it easier than ever before to browse the market for the best deal online for a mortgage, car insurance provider or bank. You should therefore shop around online to discover the best deal for your budget. There are many great comparison websites available online to help you compare providers. Your existing provider might also be willing to offer a better deal once you show them the better quotations you’ve discovered online.

Use Promo Codes

Another benefit of the world wide web is easy access to the plethora of promo codes available. Browse Google to discover the best websites for great discount codes that could help you shave a significant amount off a product or service’s RRP. You can then add the money saved directly into your savings account, which can be used towards a rainy-day fund, home improvement project, wedding or a dream holiday.

Have you made any changes to reduce your outgoings? Know any top tips to saving money? Feel free to share your helpful advice and stories in the comment section below.

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And there you have it. Tips from you? 

Thursday Thoughts - neon sign on the horizon rubbing elbows with the moon

1. Ohh back to school back to school to prove to dad that I'm not a fool. 2018's Blue Sky Day Designer planner fits in my purse as does the Poppin notebook I use along with it. That is my life organization system.

2. I love having talented friends who make things especially when those things are so me. Thanks Staci! I had to snag one of these for my kitchen towel updates.

3. Who out there is hoarding unopened trial sizes of shampoo, conditioner, lotion, soap, body wash, mouthwash, toothpaste, etc., that you're never going to use? I will pay shipping or pick up locally if you want to get rid of them without throwing them out.

4. Not only have I purchased two Christmas gifts, but I have also booked my work Christmas party. Ho ho ho motherfuckers.

5. Guys, I'm really trying to talk about other things but not a goddamn thing is normal right now and it's hard for everything else to not feel inconsequential. There's a large part of the population that does not seem alarmed by a slide into authoritarianism. How many times can I say the insane attacks on the free press are Authoritarianism 101? Why do people think it's normal for a president to vociferously attack the free press but waffle on white supremacists? None of this is normal and since something fucked up happens literally every day it's hard to not let it become normal. Don't let it become normal.

6. I'm especially amped up this week because last night I learned of a local church one of our family members is affiliated with being targeted for a sign that says Resist White Supremacy outside of it. They're being harassed and photographed by a white supremacist group and homophobic slurs are being left on their church facebook page. And last Saturday, this was the scene at my elementary school. I could not be angrier if it was painted on my own front door. That same day I also learned of the death of my fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Axler, who I have kept in touch with all these years. She was a truly wonderful woman, a voracious reader, and a cancer patient advocacy warrior. Two strikes for the hallowed halls of my childhood last weekend. Children arrived to play soccer to these messages on a Saturday morning. This is not normal.

7. Also not normal: people being more concerned about statues than other humans. People who pulled down a confederate statue were arrested very quickly. Five men on video beating Deandre Harris (one man) on the ground in Charlottesville who have been identified, names given to police, and in the ensuing 12 days have not been arrested and no one gives a fucking shit. Let's talk about the fucking statues and how they do not represent history. They were erected between the 1890s and the 1950s - when Jim Crow segregation was in place and glorify leaders of the confederacy and confederate ideals of owning people. Likewise the Confederate battle flag experienced a comeback in the 1950s and 1960s as a way to remind black people involved in the Civil Rights Movement that they were once owned and in many ways still oppressed by the state. It's a flag that flies in defiance of the federal government and against racial equality. Do you know how Germany observes the darkest part of their history on their streets? They fucking don't. There are no public monuments to Hitler or any Nazi leader and they are absolutely not flying the Nazi flag. You can be arrested in Germany for flying that flag or giving the Nazi salute. Nazis are dealt with in museums and books. They're not memorialized in public because they tore the country apart and committed unspeakable acts and treated humans worse than animals and don't deserve recognition of any sort. Just like people who fought to keep slavery alive. I'm surprised at how many white people not from the south are so invested in keeping confederate statues up. I know. I shouldn't be surprised. Especially given the graffiti above. As in every situation, it's always been that way or why do you care now are not good reasons to keep doing anything. Huge props to the anti-Nazi Boston crowd for showing up last weekend. That's how this stops - with a vocal backlash. Not by ignoring it. Not by staying silent. This is not normal.

8. For reasons above, I identified with Giving Thanks for the Bridges I've Burned This Year by John Pavlovitz. I'm not comfortable in a lot of places with a lot of people I used to be comfortable with.

I don't want to get to a place where I am so full of WTF that I can't get words out but the truth is most weeks I hover right around there. Since there were Nazis in the streets and I've watched people I know defend that or focus instead on fucking statues over people and I have just folded in on myself. Injustice sets my blood on fire. Every week on Thursday I think what is the sense of even pointing it out - I'm either preaching to the choir or I'm talking to trump cult members who I'll never reach. Another part of me whispers but if you just reach one person...whatever, something in me will not be silent even when my eye starts twitching thinking about writing anything. Links for your consideration:

•  Please follow Amy Siskind on Facebook and Twitter - she is the best source for seeing how the president is setting up an authoritarian totalitarian regime. She also puts out a weekly list of things subtly changing around us. This is August 19th's - links to past weeks are at the bottom. Resisting authoritarianism requires participation of citizens who identify as democrats, republicans, and independents - it requires all of us. Absolutely everyone is welcome at any time to fight against a fascist regime. I don't care who you voted for and I don't care why, I just care that you choose America over sticking with a man who is not good for anyone in this country in any way. Speaking the truth is not divisive but your president is. This is not normal. Resist.
• Get insight into why you are hearing sanitized versions of white supremacist messages from your GOP reps in government: The White Flight of Derek Black. This is not normal. 
• James Clapper's take on trump's disastrous Phoenix speech and people sharing fake crowd photos (propaganda, anyone?) of the Phoenix rally. Who the fuck holds election rallies with an election 3.5 years away? Fuhrers. This is not normal.
• About that Phoenix rally - people were outside exercising their First Amendment right to peaceably assemble while trump was inside attacking the First Amendment right to a free press. Police used chemical agents against a peaceful crowd, turning a nonviolent gathering into one that harmed many and failing to provide protection for First Amendment assembly. This is very serious and a direct attack on the Bill of Rights. This is not normal. 
• Someone who goes on and on about fake news and fake press is fucking insane and unfit to lead a country that has a Bill of Rights guaranteeing freedom of the press. What's even scarier to me is when I see people I *know* saying on social media that things are fake news - things that have happened and are on video. This is not normal.
• Shaun King's series on the NYPD's 42nd precinct & Bronx DA's office - part one and part two of five are out now. This should not be normal. 
• The Secret Service has spent $60,000 on golf cart rentals alone this year to protect trump...at his own golf courses. The POTUS is charging his protective detail - who are there solely because he is - for golf cart use at his own clubs. Taxpayer money, going right into his pocket. Conflict of interest. No one gives a shit. This is not normal. 

9. Reminder

10. E-card of the week: I'm hoping this is me this weekend. I need to disengage for 48 hours.

Happy happy birthday to my friend Jill - did you guys know she's selling LipSense now? She is, if you're in the market. And she is about to embark on a glorious trip and since we are on the same cruise crew I wish we were going but alas we are not. Happy birthday my friend!

Things I need less of in my life

Trips to Target

Patriarchy

Humidity 

Hand and kitchen towels

Black ice

Whining

Hypocrisy

Waking up to alarms

Commuting

Dog illnesses and dental work

Scarves

Traffic

Junk mail 

Dust

City summer scents: hot trash, hot pee, body odor

People who don't read things then ask a million questions about the things they should have read

Rape culture

Books with multiple narrators

Stupidity and ignorance

trumps pence ryan mcconnell bannon gorkas miller conway devos toomey coulter lahren 

Adult zits

Laziness

Fake Christians

Shedding 

Non-voters

Shoulder knots

Nail polish options

Foot pain 

Racist apologists

Holiday decorations I never put out

Stuff in general 

What do you need less of in your life?

Yesterday's more of sister post is here. 

Things I need more of in my life

Time in a day

Screenings of Dirty Dancing

Make ahead breakfast options

Fresh flowers

Opportunities to meet Stevie Nicks

Critical thinkers

Counting Crows, Bruce, Indigo Girls

Sunrises

Exposure to existences quite unlike my own

Travel to places I haven't been

Justice

Cleared surfaces

Days off

Silence

Home improvement skills

Inventions that clean the shower without human hands

Visits from the laundry fairy who folds and puts all clothes away

Peace, love, and understanding

Nail polish that doesn't chip

Farmers markets in close proximity

Bike rides

Kevin Spacey

Money

Books I can't put down

Equality and equity for everyone

Years of happy existence for my dogs

Things I think we all could use more of regardless of how much we already have: laughter, gratitude, self-love

Thanks to Steph @ Not Entirely Perfect for the post idea.

What do you need more of in your life?

TWTW - the one with the college girls

A three day weekend with two girls I spent the most carefree years of my life with in college. The last time the three of us were together in the same place was October 1999 at our alma mater University of Delaware where Jana was still there in grad school and Jody & I were back for a visit. Almost 18 years since we've been together, and it was nice to reminisce and laugh over what we used to do and talk about how our lives are now. And about books and music, of course, because we've always done that. It was really nice to be with these girls for a few days as adults! I see Jana more often as she lives closer, but I haven't seen Jody in quite a few years.

I arrived before 9:30 Thursday night to gifts left by Carol and my Dad, and Jana arrived soon after.

Friday morning we retrieved Jody from the Philly airport, had lunch at Bennie's Bread, and perused the shops on Asbury before hitting the beach for a windy few hours followed by drinks on the porch and dinner from Piccini.

Saturday I was on the beach before dawn. The people who checked out this week were the nicest. They washed the freaking towels we left, no one has ever done that. They also left white board art for new people coming in a really cute chalkboard whale for us (not pictured as their last names are on it). Turnover included changing out pillow shams, throw pillows, and porch cushions. Adulthood is being really excited about new porch cushions that you got for a steal from Pier One (striped) and Target (polka dots).

It was hot as fuck so the afternoon was spent on the beach under umbrellas, then retired to my lair to listen to music, look at old pics, and have some mimosas and snacks before taking a stroll on the boards to people watch and eat crap.

Sunday morning was sleeping in and seeing Jody off to the airport at 10:30. Jana and I walked the boards, had coffee at Drip N' Scoop, and of course visited the amazing library before she left a little after 1. How many Show Us Your Books friends know Jana and I have been friends since college?

I wasn't feeling great and was worried about Geege so I left at the same time as Jana did even though my initial plans were to stay and leave Monday morning like I usually do. I meant to get a massage and pedicure and stop at the store and prep food when I got home at 3:30, but I said fuck it and sat on the couch with my dogs and finished Cocoa Beach. I did manage to get some of the shore laundry done that has piled up since I was there last. MFD ordered dinner so I didn't have to worry about that either.

My first full week in a few weeks. Pray for me.

Linking up with Biana at B Loved Boston for Weekending