On Friday!

• I was going to write a first-day-of-fall post about how much fun we had this summer with family and friends, and how lucky I feel to have people we love spending time with (who actually want to spend time with us too!). Then I realized that’s not just a summer thing—we see many of them year-round! Summer just feels different because we’re on the water and outside more. So I just sat with my gratefulness… and didn’t write the post. Ha.

• But I do have to share a story I missed from the summer. The day we took the huge float out, I said, “raise your hand if you want to go!” and everyone who wanted to did. Then as we were heading out, Ella was getting ready and the adults said, “You’re too young to go, sorry!” And she sweetly said, “But I raised my hand!” OMG I died at how cute she was. Of course, she went. She raised her hand, after all.

• I’ve been in such a weird reading (and general) mood this year, and honestly haven’t been enjoying books like I used to. ALL THAT SAID I just listened to one that was unputdownable—What Kind of Paradise. It felt so good to be that into a story again!
• Speaking of books I loved, the author of the first book I read this year, Mullane’s Guide to Learning to Fly: Deep Dives into Select Topics for Today’s Student Pilot, found my post about it and emailed to thank me for my review. He even offered to send me a signed copy of his first book, The Father, Son, and Holy Shuttle: Growing Up an Astronaut’s Kid in the Glorious 80s! Very cool! Of course I said yes, and I’m so excited to read it.
• I’ve talked a bit about how much I’ve separated my work and personal lives, and here’s a little anecdote: everyone’s getting an email today about what business line they’ll be in after our reorganization. I’m off work today. I completely forgot it was happening until someone texted to ask if I got my email. I told them I don’t know, I’m off and not checking email. Boundaries, baby.
• Here’s another fun little story. There was a day this winter where we were told layoffs were coming that night. Instead of sitting by my work phone to see if I’d get laid off and be part of the conversation about it, I turned it off and decided I’d check before going to work. I even put my personal phone on DND. The answer would be the same in the morning. I had to do what worked for me. I really appreciate the people who gave me so much grace during that time (and now). I was actively protecting my peace and not thinking/talking about work when I wasn’t working, and they’d politely reach out and I’d bluntly tell them I wasn’t thinking/talking about it outside of working hours.

Link to Random Thoughts Thursday 513