The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

Fresh FIGs: Gratitude Collective Week #2

For anyone joining for the first time—welcome! Here’s a peek at last week’s basket of fresh “FIGs”.

Before I dive into the literal dozens of FIGs we’ve collectively gathered over the past seven days, I…

If It Broke Tomorrow: 10+ Things I’d Replace Immediately

In no particular order, here are ten things I would (want to) replace the very next day if they broke. (I’ve included some links, but none of these items are sponsored or affiliate links.)

(I’m…

Favourite Things, Personality Insights, Random
Feb, 17, 2026
63 Comments

Who’s the Dentist in Your Family?

A few weeks ago, Lisa texted a group chat about one of her sons losing a tooth, and how she helped with the final extraction process.

Kae immediately replied that tooth removal grosses her out….

Happy Things Friday: 13 February

Hi friends.

This week was a wild ride. John left in the wee hours of the morning on Saturday to head to South Korea (his first time!), I woke up to say goodbye and…

Frugal Things Lately

A random assortment of frugal things.

For the last four-plus years, we’ve been collecting water for our cooler from a local, freely accessible spring. The water is so good, and the price tag can’t be…

Frugality
Feb, 12, 2026
35 Comments

Fresh FIGs: Gratitude Collective Week #1

In the words of my friend, the Grinch, IT. IS. GO. TIME.

I think February is a wonderful month to lean into a gratitude practice. At least in my part of the world, life starts…

My First Grey Hairs

I never know whether to spell grey with an “e” or an “a.” I think grey is more common in Canada/Britain, but I also see gray constantly. I mostly go back and forth and…