Julie, this post hit me so much! Especially the part about creating content just to post something when it's not particularly interesting. I've been feeling that so much lately, and really pared back on what I post until it's something that I'm like, "Yeah! I'm excited about this!" It's been very freeing. I even did a deep dive through my instagram and just deleted everything that felt "too social media-y", that is to say, not like me sharing what I'm genuinely excited about as opposed to being something that's a part of a dance I feel like I have to dance or else I'll drop into obscurity. The beauty of that all is it's been so cleansing, leading to a feeling of being able to re-invent or re-introduce myself, and folks haven't left in droves. They're sticking around which means a lot, especially when we're constantly told if we don't post we'll lose everyone and everything!
Ughhhh that thing about "you have to keep posting" is such a horrible mind-messer-upper. I want to say it's a lie, but who knows. It feels like a lie. And yes, I have shifted to only posting when I have something I'm really excited about, and that feels worthwhile. And I want to say that your newsletters are always SO GOOD. So you are doing the right thing there, for sure.
I want as many things in my life to make me say, "Yeah! I'm excited about this!" as possible. Obviously that can't be everything (taxes, etc) (at least they don't excite me) but I think removing ALL digital tasks that weigh me down has made me so much more excited about mundane life tasks. I am happy to do the dishes, to make my kitchen clean, when I'm not feeling the angry pull of the internet demon.
Yes! That internet demon so affects me too! I started meditating this year and it has done wonders for me and managing anxiety/distress over what the internet throws my way.
Also, thank you so much about the newsletter! I'm glad to know you like it!
Ok, take this with a grain of butter-flavored salt, but it's something about how popcorn pops because the water in the kernel expands/explodes, and that happens more readily with hotter oil. If it's not as hot and heating gradually, it won't cause that explosion.
And I wanted to say that I've also instigated device-free walks in the morning. Just me and my brain. I'm trying to be online less and less these days. It's really so boring (social media, that is).
I love this. Bringing the popcorn tips to you, all the way from 1990. (I'm imagining telling 1990 me that one day she will have a friend, that she will know for MANY MANY YEARS but will never meet, and that the way she's making popcorn right now will come in handy one day.)
Wow wow, this is beautiful. I think even just calling this as it is--numbing--is important. It adds an element of thoughtfulness to that moment of, am I gonna pick up my phone. And I need to add more quiet walks into my routine!
We need to normalize device-free walks! I sometimes tend to think "oh, walks are an important part of the creative process" (because they are) but then I get disappointed when I don't get some incredible new idea. But the act of walking, and letting our minds wander, strengthens our brains and spirits for receiving that inspiration when it does come.
Obedience is extremely low on my values list and I ask "why" way too often. I never did very well at jobs with bosses who wanted you to shut up and get more cherry tomatoes to the salad bar right away.
Re numbing out. Just about anything can numb us out including food (which is everywhere) and food manufacturing are always urging us to "treat ourselves" "give in to the urge."
Sometimes it's fun to write after a glass of wine when everything sounds super witty and intelligent. Note I said "sometimes" ;-)
There is a time for obedience (let's all stay on our sides of the road when driving!) but much of it is just capitalism and patriarchy. Sometimes the salad bar needs cherry tomatoes, and sometimes it's just busywork. And let's trust that you can see when the tomato container is getting low, without being told.
Ha, I don't drink anymore, but I come up with some "amazing" ideas in the middle of the night.
Ah, of COURSE you also watched the new video for Psycho Killer! I thought it was great, too!
I also liked pondering what I thought a narc was. Which reminded me of that old Twitter exchange with the woman who saw a lizard at 7-11, and it turned out it was kind of the store's adopted wild animal mascot, and then 7-11 tried to get her to provide the address, no no avail. Ha ha ha. https://x.com/Kristen_Arnett/status/981153340296921088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
I love this and I also failed a personality test when I tried to get a job at Pier One in the nineties. I failed on exactly the same kind of question but mine was something like, "If you caught someone stealing would you fire them immediately or have a conversation with them to find out what was going on?" I chose the conversation which was WRONG! They were looking for maniacal power hungry teenagers clearly. I actually think about that interview a lot and how it actually taught me something I liked about myself.
I am AGOG at how many of us had to take these tests, and how we all failed on the same question. Can you imagine being like "oh yeah, I'm firing their ass immediately for stealing (???) this basket, this oddly-sharp-edged candle holder, and these cloth napkins." Maybe it was a Les Mis situation, and they needed that candle holder TO LIVE. But they don't care. No conversations!
Julie, this post hit me so much! Especially the part about creating content just to post something when it's not particularly interesting. I've been feeling that so much lately, and really pared back on what I post until it's something that I'm like, "Yeah! I'm excited about this!" It's been very freeing. I even did a deep dive through my instagram and just deleted everything that felt "too social media-y", that is to say, not like me sharing what I'm genuinely excited about as opposed to being something that's a part of a dance I feel like I have to dance or else I'll drop into obscurity. The beauty of that all is it's been so cleansing, leading to a feeling of being able to re-invent or re-introduce myself, and folks haven't left in droves. They're sticking around which means a lot, especially when we're constantly told if we don't post we'll lose everyone and everything!
Ughhhh that thing about "you have to keep posting" is such a horrible mind-messer-upper. I want to say it's a lie, but who knows. It feels like a lie. And yes, I have shifted to only posting when I have something I'm really excited about, and that feels worthwhile. And I want to say that your newsletters are always SO GOOD. So you are doing the right thing there, for sure.
I want as many things in my life to make me say, "Yeah! I'm excited about this!" as possible. Obviously that can't be everything (taxes, etc) (at least they don't excite me) but I think removing ALL digital tasks that weigh me down has made me so much more excited about mundane life tasks. I am happy to do the dishes, to make my kitchen clean, when I'm not feeling the angry pull of the internet demon.
Yes! That internet demon so affects me too! I started meditating this year and it has done wonders for me and managing anxiety/distress over what the internet throws my way.
Also, thank you so much about the newsletter! I'm glad to know you like it!
I need to know why to let the oil get very hot before adding the kernels.
LORI! I HAVE NO IDEA! I just know that we got better, fluffier popcorn, and fewer unpopped kernels, when we did that. Dammit, I'm gonna google.
Ok, take this with a grain of butter-flavored salt, but it's something about how popcorn pops because the water in the kernel expands/explodes, and that happens more readily with hotter oil. If it's not as hot and heating gradually, it won't cause that explosion.
And I wanted to say that I've also instigated device-free walks in the morning. Just me and my brain. I'm trying to be online less and less these days. It's really so boring (social media, that is).
I made popcorn last night and tried this. Can confirm!
I love this. Bringing the popcorn tips to you, all the way from 1990. (I'm imagining telling 1990 me that one day she will have a friend, that she will know for MANY MANY YEARS but will never meet, and that the way she's making popcorn right now will come in handy one day.)
It's a crazy world for sure. Those blog and knitring days were so innocent.
Wow wow, this is beautiful. I think even just calling this as it is--numbing--is important. It adds an element of thoughtfulness to that moment of, am I gonna pick up my phone. And I need to add more quiet walks into my routine!
We need to normalize device-free walks! I sometimes tend to think "oh, walks are an important part of the creative process" (because they are) but then I get disappointed when I don't get some incredible new idea. But the act of walking, and letting our minds wander, strengthens our brains and spirits for receiving that inspiration when it does come.
I failed that personality test! Because of the same question. Nice to know I'm not the only one. Three cheers for walking away and just ... walking.
No way! That's amazing.
Obedience is extremely low on my values list and I ask "why" way too often. I never did very well at jobs with bosses who wanted you to shut up and get more cherry tomatoes to the salad bar right away.
Re numbing out. Just about anything can numb us out including food (which is everywhere) and food manufacturing are always urging us to "treat ourselves" "give in to the urge."
Sometimes it's fun to write after a glass of wine when everything sounds super witty and intelligent. Note I said "sometimes" ;-)
There is a time for obedience (let's all stay on our sides of the road when driving!) but much of it is just capitalism and patriarchy. Sometimes the salad bar needs cherry tomatoes, and sometimes it's just busywork. And let's trust that you can see when the tomato container is getting low, without being told.
Ha, I don't drink anymore, but I come up with some "amazing" ideas in the middle of the night.
Ah, of COURSE you also watched the new video for Psycho Killer! I thought it was great, too!
I also liked pondering what I thought a narc was. Which reminded me of that old Twitter exchange with the woman who saw a lizard at 7-11, and it turned out it was kind of the store's adopted wild animal mascot, and then 7-11 tried to get her to provide the address, no no avail. Ha ha ha. https://x.com/Kristen_Arnett/status/981153340296921088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
"Adopted wild animal mascot" is something I'm so into.
Same!
I love this and I also failed a personality test when I tried to get a job at Pier One in the nineties. I failed on exactly the same kind of question but mine was something like, "If you caught someone stealing would you fire them immediately or have a conversation with them to find out what was going on?" I chose the conversation which was WRONG! They were looking for maniacal power hungry teenagers clearly. I actually think about that interview a lot and how it actually taught me something I liked about myself.
I am AGOG at how many of us had to take these tests, and how we all failed on the same question. Can you imagine being like "oh yeah, I'm firing their ass immediately for stealing (???) this basket, this oddly-sharp-edged candle holder, and these cloth napkins." Maybe it was a Les Mis situation, and they needed that candle holder TO LIVE. But they don't care. No conversations!