The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

Demerits and Gold Stars: June 2024

For the first time since I started this little accountability exercise several years ago on the blog, I didn’t deliberately track demerits or gold stars. In fact, I thought I might just skip demerits…

We’re On Lake Time This Week

We’re visiting my parents, which means we’re in Summer at the Lake Mode. So far it has been relatively blissful. While J isn’t officially on holiday, the majority of Europe shuts down in July,…

Family, Holidays, Life, Summer Celebrations
Jul, 09, 2024
35 Comments

Summer Celebrations: Volume 2

It finally – really and truly – feels like summer.

The weather has been glorious this week. Glorious. I feel like breaking out into the chorus of Angels We Have Heard on High just so…

Chapter Six: June 2024

In January I suggested we “write a book together” in 2024 and pitched the idea of assigning each month a chapter title.

So far, I’ve had:

January – Steady: Finding Solid Ground After a Year of…

So This Is What 5:30 AM Looks Like…

Friends!!! I did it.

Here is proof.

Look at me – fully dressed and at the door – ready to grab my bag and water bottle at 5:42 am!! This time of day actually…

Exercise, Life
Jul, 02, 2024
41 Comments

Guest Post: Welcome Diane!!

First, Happy Canada Day! I remain deeply grateful to live in such a beautiful part of the world. Too often I forget the tremendous blessing of calling a democratic country my home.

This national celebration…