The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

Too Big for My Britches? Blogging, Burnout & What Comes Next

I woke up early this morning and knew a rare Sunday post was brewing. This one might bounce around a bit — the way thoughts do when they’ve been rattling in my brain for…

Happy Things Friday: 6 June

I’m pretty sure all I have to do is show you my view while I’m writing this post (why don’t you quietly hum the Final Jeopardy theme song in your head while I go…

Never Have I Ever…Part 7

Seen a crocodile or alligator in the wild.

Been to a circus.

Had a walk-in bedroom closet.

Missed an airline flight.

Sung karaoke.

Visited a volcano.

Eaten an insect (on purpose — there was an incident my first time at…

Never Have I Ever, Personality Insights, Random
Jun, 05, 2025
60 Comments

Atlantic Time, Shower Brushing, Prague, and Blood + the Breakfast Table

Who’s ready for a random assortment of topics?

Ready or not, here it comes.

Here.

Time Zones

I live in the Atlantic Standard Time Zone. It’s common to assume I’m on Eastern, but EST and AST are not…

Random, Travel
Jun, 04, 2025
68 Comments

On My Shelf: Books I Read in May 2025

I read lots of great books last month. Let’s discuss!

BOOKS I READ IN MAY – THE SHORT VERSION

The Yada Yada Prayer Group — Neta Jackson ★★★★☆

The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot —…

Reading
Jun, 03, 2025
54 Comments

Best Runner-Up Nova Scotia Beaches (I-Z)

I’m back!

Here’s my final — admittedly incomplete — rundown of Nova Scotian beaches that are worth checking out.

LAWRENCETOWN BEACH

Just outside Halifax, this beach is most famous for its surfing! While you can catch…

Happy Things Friday: 30 May

While it’s not unusual for me to slap a disclaimer on a Happy Things Friday post, this one is definitely an extra-large cup of coffee affair. If you love long, meandering reflections, sit down…