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The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

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The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

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Network or Know-How?

If you had to bet your future success — financial, relational, or otherwise — on just one thing, would you choose Who you know or What you know?

Sure, real life blends both. Relationships open…

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  • Life
  • Jun, 23, 2025
  • 22 Comments

Happy Things Friday: 20 June

This week’s post is extra long (even by my verbose standards). A lot is happening! For the first time ever, I’m starting with a little TL;DR for those who would prefer the headlines: Belle…

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  • Happy Things Friday
  • Jun, 20, 2025
  • 48 Comments

How, When, and Why I’ve Been Reading So Many Books in 2025

This year I’ve been doing a monthly blog series with reviews and ratings of all the books I’ve read.

(January. February. March. April. May.)

People seem curious about how I find the time to read so…

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  • Ask Me (Almost) Anything, Habits, Reading
  • Jun, 19, 2025
  • 55 Comments

Gratitude, Minimalism, and Frugal Living With Kathleen Paley

Updated July 2026: This interview was originally published in June 2025, when Kathleen was working as a lawyer, pursuing financial independence, and hosting a podcast called The Minimal(ish) Mom. She has since retired from…

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  • Travel, Gratitude, Guest Post, Minimalism, Thrifting
  • Jun, 18, 2025
  • 28 Comments

Never Have I Ever…Part 8

Used a metal detector.

Consumed Mountain Dew (I have tried Dr. Pepper, though!)

Had a part of my body impacted by frostbite.

Owned a dog or a cat.

Caught a wave on a surfboard. (I’ve tried surfing, but…

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  • Never Have I Ever, Personality Insights, Random
  • Jun, 17, 2025
  • 47 Comments

The (Next) Best Lighthouses in Nova Scotia: H-Z

Another day, more lighthouses. (See here and here.)

I’m running out of anecdotes energy. If I don’t have anything to say about a particular stop, I’ll just post pictures!

Hampton Lighthouse

They haven’t met a piece of…

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  • Lighthouses, Nova Scotia, Travel
  • Jun, 16, 2025
  • 16 Comments

Happy Things Friday: 13 June

Would you look at that — it’s Friday the 13th. I’m not superstitious, but I’ll admit I paused for a minute when I saw the day/date combo!

Moving on.

The kids had lots of fun…

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  • Happy Things Friday
  • Jun, 13, 2025
  • 56 Comments
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