[August 2026] Year of Yes Addendum
In practical terms, this looks like associating with people by choice rather than out of mere convenience or proximity. Gone are the 2010s, when we all banded together because we drank green juice or listened to Arcade Fire." - Paul, Zeitville Substack I just loved this observation from Paul, because this has been my entire ... read more >
[Prep Season 2026] Week 13 – In my Lemonade Era
Picture it: you’re given a basket of lemons, and you decide you don’t want the lemons, so you do your best to force those lemons to become brownies. You work as hard as you can, hoping to turn those lemons into brownies. Others give you encouragement by telling you those aren’t lemons; they are brownies. ... read more >
Recommended Read: Crying in H Mart – A Memoir of Grief, Loss, Food, and Complicated Relationships
Ever since my mom died, I cry in H Mart.– Michelle Zauner, Crying in H Mart I can relate. I cry every time I hear the Temptations sing, “Silent Night.” We read this book in the Craft of Reading Class I took with UC Berkeley Extension. I was apprehensive about reading this book when I ... read more >
[Prep Season 2026] Week 11 – She’s Coming Alive at 45
This week I turn 45, and the first four years of my forties have sucked for the most part, but there are signs that this baby is beginning to turn around. Counting my wins I tend to catastrophize, and life seems to be moving in a better direction. The first seven months of 2026 were ... read more >
[Prep Season 2026] Week 10 – “All Night Long” Gone Wrong
I have been looking forward to seeing Earth, Wind, and Fire and Lionel Richie in concert for months. This was going to be my first big concert in over ten years, and I was excited to hear my favorite songs from the elements like “Fantasy”, “Reasons”, “Devotion,” “September,” and more. I was also super excited ... read more >
[Prep Season Week 9] As I turn 45, what I would tell young people
Taking Risks is hard; settling is harder As I turn 45, one of the hardest lessons I have learned is that taking risks is hard, but settling is even harder. Living a life you settled for, choosing the short stick, and never taking much risk may feel comfortable and not require giving up much control, ... read more >
