This hockey game is painful...

Today, I smile because we booked accommodations for our trip to Scotland this summer. We're going for a cousin's wedding. To celebrate love. And to celebrate the life of another cousin who has been in hospital since October (she's getting out soon!). So much to celebrate. ❤️

The world is hurting and scary, and while I do what I can to fight and to resist, to boycott and speak with my wallet (the best form of power most of us have), I also need to remind myself of the joy that exists. Of what we have to look forward to. It matters more than we think. What brings you joy?

If you want party leaders to legally have to pass security clearances, there are people making noise about it. I'm signing!

Without naming your job, tell me something you say over and over again at work. (I work from home and for myself so replace “say” with “type.”) “Consider conveying via dialogue.”

For the first time in a very long time, I had a GOOD medical appointment today. You know, the kind where a doctor actually listens to you? I was blown away (speaks to how crap past experiences have been).

I’m so sleep deprived that my phone refuses to recognize my face.

Someone who was in a position of power over me 20 years ago and who hit on me repeatedly (knowing I was married and new at my job) just sent me a FB friend request. I never reported him or called him out for fear of losing said job. Seeing his name/face gives me the creeps (unaccepted, clearly).

Downloaded Deepstash in an attempt to change some phone habits. A neat app that focuses on micro-learning, rather than doomscrolling, and it adheres to learning styles (audio is available for those who prefer; my brain requires text to absorb so it was handy for me to uncheck audio options).

Rough night + painkillers decided to go on strike = Slow morning. Once again, I am so so so grateful I work for myself and can give my joints heat therapy and take it slow, when needed. Hoping the day improves from here.

I received an email from a client that is just hitting me in the feels, friends. She said, "I really appreciate your flexibility and the care you put not just into the work, but into how you hold the humans behind it." May we all hold each other as needed to put more light into this world.

No new pictures. Where are you mentally?

I started playing Tiny Bookshop (switch) and as if owning a bookstore isn’t awesome enough, customers come in and request suggestions based on ACTUAL BOOKS. And all books in your inventory are REAL BOOKS. This dork is giddy.

Anyone watching Starfleet Academy?

My oldest knows it's been a challenging week for me, and so, on her own accord, she's making brownies. I highly recommend everyone get their hands on an empathetic teenager who can bake. ❤️

…and that one night of sleep appears to have been a fluke or a gift from the Universe. Back to regular scheduled programming of tossing and turning. 2.5 hrs last night.woot!

Love to see it.

Ending my work week with a non-work, catch-up chat with a client was a very smart decision. My heart is full. I recommend.

Seems like we have quite the backlog of weather statements happening huh? Stay warm, friends!

If you’re looking for high-quality KN95 respirators, I have a discount code at Kind Mask: use POTATUM25 at checkout for 25% off your entire order 🫡 no expiration date! Public health is dead but we don’t have to give up. We ARE the public. We can and should be protecting our health and MASKS WORK!

Jeepers. I get 5 hours in a row of sleep for the first time in months, and my body thinks I don’t need any more. Wide awake like it’s Christmas Eve and I’m 6 over here…

Actually managed to get a block of 5-6 hours of sleep in a row last night, friends! This hasn’t happened since the fall. I feel giddy.

Another trip around the sun ☀️ I am very grateful to be where I am. ❤️

My last mammogram was in June 2025. Immediately after, I wanted to book my next one so I wouldn’t forget. I was told I couldn’t, I was “too early.” Anyway I forgot to book (of course) and was reminded today. Next available apt? January 2027. Sigh.

I got potato….

WHO research shows COVID vaccines still crucial in preventing severe illness | UN News news.un.org/en/story/202...

Got my new year’s cleaning done and Christmas removed before the new year. Opened back door to exit 2025 properly and opened front door to welcome in 2026. Tomorrow I’ll blow cinnamon in the front and NOT CLEAN (love this tradition!). Happy New Year, all.

As I wrap 2025, here's a bit of a health update (note: I will likely change the privacy settings for this post in the next few days, so if you're not already a FB friend of mine and you're curious, please read before Jan 2): www.facebook.com/share/p/17t8...

2025’s final gift was my next door neighbour’s funeral today. It’s been a heavy week, and I’m very fine having a chill evening watching TV with my favourite person for NYE. Feeling grateful for everything I have. My heart hurts for what we’ve lost.

Netanyahu's human rights violations in Gaza continue after Trump claimed that Netanyahu is actually helping Gaza. www.cbc.ca/radio/asitha...

This is now MY favourite playlist 😂

Thank you YouTube relaxing music for dogs playlist for allowing us to leave the house without coming home to a giant mess. #DogAnxiety #LifeWithDogs

Treated myself to some new pillows. A wedge one for the couch to support my neck/back, one for sleeping for my neck (replacing my beloved water pillow that isn’t so great for my neck), and another wedge one for between my knees, replacing one that is longer than my 23+year relationship (scary).

Last week, we got word a neighbour was in hospital, dying from cancer. We had no idea he was sick; it hit fast. I’m thankful we got a chance to visit. He passed away this morning.

Today is movie day here where we each get to pick a film and we all watch it. We started at 10am and we’re on move 3/4. So far we’ve watched The Princess Bride, How to Train Your Dragon, and the Grinch. Next up: That Christmas. A deliciously cosy day.

The Universe sure does like to send me repeated messages that I am very very blessed. They are good reminders to be grateful for what I have—so, I'm thankful for them. And in this messed up, unpredictable world, these messages have provided some security for me: I can count on one coming my way!

While I joke a lot about my weak hands and the fact I drop things on the regular...part of me can't help but be nervous about this "progression" considering I'm an editor and use my hands a lot, daily. So I'm determined to try and improve this situation. #Hypermobility #HDS #HEDS

I have stupid weak hands, so much so that my car regularly thinks I don't have my hands on the steering wheel and yells at me—thanks, car. Ordering a bunch of hand therapy "toys" to try and help with that. A bit humbling to discover I need the extra soft hand putty b/c the soft kind is like cement.

I purchased a nervous system reset course for hypermobile humans. Incredible value. I already knew there’s a connection between the nervous system and chronic pain but holy moly, is there ever a connection! Learning lots.

At the risk of sounding like old man Simpson, my screaming joints say storms a comin’.

The author of the book I’m reading did a bad thing and killed a dog character, so I’m giving the book the silent treatment until it thinks about what it’s done. Not cool, not cool (dead humans in book: fine; dead dogs? Never!)

Also discovered that the dog we’ve been saying is 135lbs is actually 145lbs. Good times. (If you’re ever curious as to how much drugs it takes to knock a large dog like that out, the answer is…a lot).

Took one dog to vet in Miltonvale for surgery on infected dewclaw (they’re better equipped to handle large breed dogs) and one dog to vet in Cornwall for updated bloodwork to track cancer. Third dog stayed home and slept.

Anyone have any recommendations for kid-friendly cell phones, like a starter one? I'm not interested in flip phones, but I'd love more control than what is currently offered. Thought I'd found a winner via Pinwheel but they require an annual subscription ON TOP of your carrier fees so nope.

Going on 2 years now trying to get reimbursed for a dental appliance. For once, the problem is not with the insurance agency but with the service provider. I won't name names but it's super frustrating. They already got paid—stop gatekeeping me getting $$$ back! (Just had to vent. Exhale.)

I start every chat box chat now asking if I’m speaking with a human.

Some vaccines like COVID and flu don’t stop completely stop infection. But they do reduce the risk of getting infected and greatly reduce severe illness risk. They are still worth getting. Since they are not 100% effective it’s also wise to add another layer of protection by wearing a mask.

Sometimes, you just need to cuddle your mom (even if it crushes her).

Your wellness routine should include taking precautions to avoid multiple covid infections that damage your immune system, hope that helps. 🌟💕

So tired…