Hello, Sunday.
Damn, what a week?
Even though I’m thousands of miles away, I can’t help but watch the fire coverage unfold out in California. Having been through and evacuated for so many hurricanes in my day, natural disasters have a pull on me. It’s a mixture of disbelief, horror and empathy. In any case, I haven’t been able to look away.
To distract myself, I’m sort-of-secret packing for Norway – I leave tomorrow. Generally, I’m not an overpacker. I have a pretty consistent “uniform” which means I can throw together a carry-on suitcase in about 20 minutes with a high level of confidence that I haven’t forgotten anything. This trip is a little different.
It’s been ages since I’ve packed for a cold weather trip, and with so many outdoor activities planned, under a variety of temperatures and weather conditions (think rain, snow, sleet) – it’s got me going back and forth on the essentials. All this means that I can’t put it off until the last minutes, and while I haven’t had my suitcase out yet, Crawley ain’t stupid. He knows what’s up, and spent most of the morning and afternoon giving me the side eye. He’ll be giving me sad eyes tomorrow once the suitcase comes out.
That being said, I know that there are so, so many resources out there to helping those out in California (and any natural disaster that hits) The ones that always hit me in the feels most are those that are stepping up to help the animals. In this instance, Pasadena Humane society has taken in over 400 animals that were either lost, or that evacuees dropped off because they couldn’t take them along. With Crawley sitting here finally snuggled on my lap, I can’t imagine having to drop him off not knowing if I’d ever see him again. I also feel like insurance and the government and whoever will help people with the people stuff- I wanted to contribute to the animal stuff. The whole thing is just a reminder to me to count my many, many blessings and not take anything for granted. If you can help, here are some ways that you can.
I can’t wait to share my Norwegian aventures this week! Catch me on insta to follow along.
Otherwise, here’s what we’ve got this week.
Friday coziness is a thing! While this is my usual end of week routine, it’s nice to see that an entire nation is embracing it, rather than having us all feel somewhat shamed for being so lame on a Friday night.
Reminding you of this most delicious pizza for a cozy Friday! Or this one!
Taking another page out of the Nordic book, a few tips on how to be content. This is sort of in line my JOY for this year, so I’m into it.
Animals dressed in clothing fighting crime? It’s a thing, apparently.
Don’t blame the waitstaff! As a former waitress, I get annoyed when I’m out with others and they complain how slow the waiters are. Before you also raise your fist, here are some things to consider. A good reminder.
Did you see the newly discovered dinosaur highway?? How cool!
We are becoming more and more isolated- and it’s definitely changing us. Um…guilty.
Feeling sick? Put onions in your socks. It sounds odd, but when I sent this to D, she said her mom uses Chinese hot mustard. I’m not going to crap on home remedies!
And finally, specific, really to only me, but Notre Dame is heading to the national championship! Let’s gooooo Irish! Guinness for good health to celebrate!
Let’s try and have a better week, shall we?