May 6, 2023

Does this picture in an empty minivan remind you of anything?!?!?!?!

Almost 1 year and 9 months ago, I had an epic international IKEA road trip and the time feels right for another epic international trip…but with a different goal.

May 5, 2023

Dr. to Jon when he is waking up from anesthesia today: “Don’t drive, operate any machinery, or make any big decisions.”

Jon in the car: “I’ll just mow the lawn when we get home.”

May 3, 2023

May 3, 2023

If you are ever in a funk, may I suggest this gem of a strategy…

I’ve been listening to on repeat in the car for two weeks straight and it is the best ever!

April 16, 2023

People often show the good side of life on FB. The highs, the celebrations, the proud moments.

But this is not true for everyone all of the time. And only seeing this side as we scroll through our newsfeed can make us think this is the reality for everyone else except us.

So here is some realness for you.

April 15, 2023

Dear Architects and Landscape Architects and Engineers and Government Officials and Organization Leaders,

Can we pinky promise something?

April 5, 2023

Breathing is not new to me. Grief is.

I used to think grief was the feeling you had when someone you loved passed away. Now I recognize it in so many more subtle and unexpected places.

And it just popped up again. This time, it’s grief about breathing. Yes, you read that right.

April 4, 2023

I drove by a digital, changeable sign two hours ago and I am still having quite a reaction to the quote that was on it.

I love quotes. Many of them, at least.

This one said, “Self-Discipline is a key ingredient to success.” It was outside a school.

I’m really struggling with this one and trying to unpack my reaction to it.

March 14, 2023

Today marks the day that I got my first ever piercing.

When I was younger, I felt some pressure to get my ears pierced. I saw those around me getting piercings and I heard others talk about how they've had theirs since they were very very little.

March 13, 2023

March 13, 2023

Let’s have a little fun! Name an office supply that is your least favorite…

I’ll go first.

Rubber bands.

There is absolutely no place in my life for this gross invention.

March 1, 2023

Vulnerable (and long) Post Alert!

I still battle with my inner voice and many untrue beliefs I’ve held since I was little. As much as I have grown, the fight still ignites from time to time.

Like when we travel as a family.

We are a family of 5. And two rows side by side on an airplane mean someone always sits by someone unknown to us. It’s me. It’s always me.

February 28, 2023

I’ve been working on my language for a long time. On coming alongside instead of rushing to fix and rescue. On fostering independence and agency and consent. On normalizing asking for help.

It’s a process that will never be complete.

But it’s exciting to see when it comes a bit more naturally.

February 26, 2023

Dear anyone,

When you wear any kind of pride pin or accessory, our family notices it right away.

When you put a pride sticker outside your classroom door, we notice.

February 24, 2023

There was quite a focus on the workbook from my childhood in the comments of my last post. I thought I would share a bit more about it and some other reflections I have had since posting about it.

February 20, 2023

I grew up in a culture that taught me girls had to be a certain way, act a certain way, look a certain way.

I remember a charm course workbook I did with a group about how to be a girl. How to wear your hair. How to sit. How to have clean and lovely nails. How to dress. How to be quiet and smile.

February 14, 2023

Feelings are funny sometimes.

Like when a day has been pretty intense and you show up and navigate through it.

And then you find yourself out at dinner on a date talking about French horns and the vagus nerve and the tears won’t stop falling from your eyes.