Random things before I travel to the Pacific Northwest

Or: I shouldn't be writing this, I should be packing instead

1. I thought “I shouldn’t be writing this” the way a lover¹ once said “I shouldn’t be here” because he had a work-deadline and probably lots of other reasons. No but seriously, I need to finish cleaning my apartment for my cat-sitter, take a covid test for my Portland hosts, and PACK!

2. I use the Buy Nothing app like it’s social media. I create stories in my head about the people giving items away or the people who possibly want the items. I scroll through it even though I truly don’t have space for anything new² and don’t feel like I have time to run across town to get it…even though it’s free.

   

3. It’s 75 degrees where I am and and 61-64 degrees where I am going. I cannot remember what 61-64 degrees feels like.

4. I am going on a retreat, but first I am going to see a few friends. I gave these friends very little notice and apologize.

5. My flight leaves in a few hours and I haven’t packed. I love living on the edge or at least am very used to it.

6. Last night, I ran on the treadmill and then went into the sauna right before it closed. I pressed some buttons to try and make the sauna hotter and an alarm started beeping. Then I noticed a sign that said “If beeping, leave sauna immediately and notify attendant.” Firstly, there was no attendant, but I did notify a custodian who was nearby. Secondly, I decided to get into the sauna anyway. I am still alive.

7. I was forced to make an altar for the retreat I am going on and I really resisted it even though I already sort of have one. I just don’t call it an “altar.” I am resistant to creating an altar the way I used to be resistant to doing any sort of “inner child” healing. I’m just not there yet. Give me a second. For the record, Inner Child Healing is my jam now.

8. A colleague sent an email at 11pm last night on a Friday night. I have been there: 11pm on a Friday night working, but I was still sad about it. Though she probably felt good for completing such a massive task.

9. It was easier for me to record a 1-minute and 59-second video explaining my travel plans and sending it to a few friends than it was to just type up a text and send it. I am letting that simmer for a bit.

10. American Airlines wants to know if my plans are flexible. I believe that almost all plans are flexible, but I am curious what they are willing to offer me. (They won’t offer me anything.)

11. I love listening to (trusted) astrology podcasts in the background while I do other things. Occasionally I hear some shred of life advice that’s helpful regardless of what the planets are doing.

12. I love taking fun little freelance projects, but I hate chasing down not-as-fun-little freelance payments. I know I am not unique in this.

13. I will meditate on the plane today. I am saying this here so I have to do it.

14. It feels like every business is closing. My partner says that’s normal. “Everything closes all the time in New York,” he said.

15. EVERYTHING CLOSES ALL THE TIME.

Love,

Cathy

1. I used to hate the word “lover” so much and can’t believe I turned 40 and use it all the time now.

2. That sounded big and important, but I swear I was talking about physical objects. (I think.)