The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Cool Bloggers Walking Club Revisited

I know April’s walking challenge is barely in the rear-view mirror, but it’s never too early to start planning for the next edition, right?

(If you have no idea what I’m talking about, check out…

Blogging, Cool Bloggers Walking Club, Exercise, Random
Jun, 12, 2025
32 Comments

Gratitude in Practice: Kyria!!!

Gratitude can take a lot of forms — a stunning mountaintop view, a kind stranger offering a cold drink, a clean public bathroom that actually has toilet paper when you need it!

When I started…

Friendship, Gratitude, Guest Post, Travel
Jun, 11, 2025
40 Comments

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

Gratitude, Minimalism, and Frugal Living With Kathleen Paley

Never Have I Ever…Part 8

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

Happy Things Friday: 13 June

Cool Bloggers Walking Club Revisited

Gratitude in Practice: Kyria!!!

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What Long-Term Family Travel in Europe Was Really Like

I’m on The Reframe! Talking 110 Days in Europe, Our Budget + More

Happy Things Friday: 14 August