Personal

So here's something I haven't done in way too long: adult coloring.

I was really into it for a while back in DC. There's something about sitting down with a good coloring book and a fresh set of colored pencils that just... hits different. No screens. No notifications. Just you, some intricate little design, and the very important decision of whether this flower petal is going to be purple or teal. (The answer is always teal, by the way.)

That fresh lumber smell, 70° sunshine, and a good book? This is living. 📖☀️ Currently deep in Macabre by Kosoko Jackson on my brand new porch — just need some chairs and a swing to make this perfect. Spring is knocking on the door and I am here for it. 🏡

Starlink is up last night! Promised 400 Mbps, delivering 361. Cable always promised 500, gave me 250-350. Starlink’s upload at 31 Mbps destroys cable’s 5-10. Genuinely impressed… just hoping it doesn’t drop as often as my neighbors say it does.

This year: more bloom than doom. Bloomscrolling means intentionally curating uplifting content instead of doomscrolling. I won’t avoid hard topics—open wounds need discussion—but I want scrolling that serves me, not just drains me. Small shifts, better mental space. Read more about it here

Tech gadgets are my kryptonite—saying no is NOT my superpower. 🤷‍♂️ Are you taking the no-spend challenge? I’ll try my best, but zero guarantees here. Fun fact: The average American makes 3 impulse purchases per week. Suddenly feeling very called out right now. Link

I’ve loved Winnie the Pooh since I was a baby. My Pooh doll was such a comfort to me and I still have it. Just heard Lego is making a Pooh set and I’m thrilled! I love building Lego. Already have the Gizmo from Gremlins set. This 85-piece Pooh set is mine! P.S. I also have the Acre house set!

A man in New Zealand literally grew a church out of trees. He carefully trained different species over an iron frame—leptospernums for colorful walls, cut leaf alders for a roof that lets light filter through. Started in 2011, now a living chapel in 3 acres of gardens. Absolutely stunning.

Missing those amazing Whisked oatmeal chocolate chip cookies from Whole Foods back in DC. Time to make my own! Found this recipe that looks perfect. Probably not vegan but that’s okay. Gotta hit the grocery store for ingredients first. So excited!

My mamaw started a tradition of giving me a John Grisham book every Christmas. After she died, my parents kept it going. Grisham releases about one book a year, so I’ve got them all in my collection. Just got The Widow last Christmas and I can’t wait to read it. Such a special tradition to continue.

Finally solved my small dining table problem! Got a vertical monitor stand coming Friday that’ll stack my two monitors on top of each other. Small table, big productivity boost. I’m so ready for this setup! Excited and a little anxious—just hoping it’s great and I don’t run into any issues! 🙌