Random Check-In

How are you holding up? Big picture, things are OK, but I have definitely been on a roller coaster, vacillating between, "OMG I FUCKING HATE EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING" to "Everything is perfectly imperfect just as it is!" I probably said both of those things 47 times this week.

Some top lines:

Definitely felt a big exhale a couple of weeks ago when we made it through soccer season for both kids and early college applications for Laurel (a few more regular applications to be done). We're starting to orient our brains toward skiing this winter and I could not be more excited about it. We missed it so much last year.

I'm so grateful Violet got her first shot. Her second is scheduled for December 1.

Feeling grateful for James the standard poodle. Dogs are so much work but I feel like he has had a developmental shift (he's 20 months old) and I often think about how much easier things are compared to last year.

Lots going on in my various lanes of work and I am, above all -- especially amidst the tough moments -- trying to stay focused on the joy I feel in creativity and what a gift it is to do the different things I do + connect to the people I do through my work. Today I am podcasting, livestreaming, designing cool shit, using my strategic brain, and putting the final touches on my next CNN piece. I am lucky to be able to do all of these things.

I am really, really looking forward to the Thanksgiving break next week. Some of you might remember that last year we skipped all the shit I don't even like (like turkey) and made 6 pies (+ a side of mashed potatoes per Violet's request) and it was so awesome. I am repeating this pie-focused approach and feel giddy at the prospect of trying new recipes!

Shoulder is still a work in progress. I'm making out with my yoga tune up balls on the regular.

I love my sweats but getting dressed helps my mood and focus. Today I styled my hair, put on a new lipstick by @bossylipstick, and popped on @moxielash magnetic eyelashes in advance of a livestream.

Above all, I am sending big virtual hugs. In the words of my friend @jlythcotthaims I am rooting for all of us to be OK.