Things On My Mind (A Small Sampling)

• My birthday party. 

There are two types of people on this Earth. Those that plan their birthday parties and those that don’t give a damn. I think we’ve established which one I am. I remember planning my 21st birthday party at my on campus apartment and the stress of social hosting once no one would let me turn the damn music down. Kings until 3 in the morning. I wasn’t drunk (this was after my sobriety) but when that guy threw up on my couch I wished that I was. No one’s throwing up this time. I’m a little too old for that. But not only is it my thirtieth birthday but this summer will also mark ten years sober. So yes, I do want to have a big party. But last summer’s party was very stressful for me. I was biting people’s heads off. So I don’t know if I want a repeat of that.

• My writer’s retreat

One thing I did ask my parents about was attending a writer’s retreat which I’ve always dreamed of ever since I knew what they were. Writer’s retreats are all different. Some have more time for individualized writing. Others have more instruction. I want to start researching because I would love to go. It’s on my bucket list and this year it might come true.

• —---’s and —---’s wedding. 

Later this year two of my best friends are getting married. They planned a lovely wedding weekend with a bonfire afterparty and cocktail dinner. My boyfriend and I are planning on enjoying the lovely fall weather, stay at a Air BNB and cheer on these two people who mean so much to us. I want to knit something for the bride. My kerchief is moving along speedily and my knitting instructor told me she could teach me how to knit flowers on a handkerchief. Now the groom just has to tell me her favorite flowers and I’m all set.

• A possible job

I don’t want to say anything yet but there is a possible job at the assisted living facility where I’ve been volunteering. It’s a beautiful place and they seem to treat the residents well. I’ve never worked with the elderly population but I’ve dealt with the public as a whole (in retail) and they can be unpleasant at times. So I’m not exactly afraid of cranky people. 

• My three book clubs.

I’ve been running and hosting my own book club for about one and half years. Out meetings are one of my favorite days of the month and all my friends look forward to it too. Then I got invited to join the book club of another friend. It is kind of relaxing to take a passive role in the book club and not worry about leading discussion or if people hate the book. Then I started a book club at the assisted living facility. The main challenge there is speaking loud enough for them to  hear me.

• My book

I’m putting together an anthology under a third pseudonym. I am using a third pseudonym because I am writing about experiences that are personal to me and because I want to make absolutely sure I respect everybody’s privacy. I don’t want to get sued but more importantly I don’t want to embarrass or hurt anyone’s feelings. It shouldn’t happen but I’m making doubly sure.

• The war in Iran

I don’t care what political party you are from, if your country is at war you are thinking of it especially if you have family and friends in the military. They are in my prayers. So is this country.