Time to link up again with Amanda from Running with Spoons for Thinking out Loud for some random thoughts and things that are going on in my world right now.
+ As you probably know, Southern California is on fire. Badly impacted is the area where my husband J is from (and where my in-laws still live) in Ventura County. It’s hard to think about the hillside behind the city and imagine it to be completely burned. Ojai, where J went to highschool, has been mostly spared, but it’s completely surrounded by the fire (see map) and it’s terrifying.
As of today, the fire is only 20% contained and still spreading. It has already burned more than 365 square miles. I signed up for a virtual run #runforventura to help with the relief efforts and I encourage you to join me.
© Cal Fire
+ I just read on Twitter (via The Verge) that Instagram tests adding posts that your friends like into your feed. Like, if the stupid algorithm isn’t enough, they now want to put stuff in your that you’re not even subscribed too (let alone the sponsored posts, which we had to just accept as well). I really only have two words for you, Instagram: Just no.
+ I got some not-so-good news from my bff yesterday and I am in a state of anxiety right now. I hope to find out more soon, but until then, please send all the positive vibes that you can spare. I’ll love your for it forever.
+ I can’t believe Christmas is only 10 days away. It’s weird to not be “off” between Christmas and New Year’s, as I will be working (to save vacation time). I think all my coworkers are taking the week off and we’ve already been warned that our office building might be cold (because campus always forgets that we’re ‘open’ over Christmas break, while the rest of the campus is closed). I guess I’ll be taking my fingerless gloves and a thermos with hot tea. Better to be safe than sorry. (Are you off between Christmas and New Year’s? Wait, don’t tell me.)
+ I am having a bit of Christmas blues this year. I think the fact that this will be our 4th Christmas not celebrating with family in Germany is wearing on me. I am usually super-enthusiastic about the holidays and I am still enjoying this season, don’t get me wrong, but it’s just not as exciting to be home alone with J as it is gathering with family. Are you seeing family for the holidays or are you home alone like us?
+ I cannot believe Doug Jones won the senate race in Alabama on Tuesday. I know, it’s pretty sad to say that I expected an alleged child molester to win, but the bar has been set pretty low in the last year, to be quite honest. I was almost emotional when I saw Jones’s numbers creep up and then surpass Moore’s on the TV screen last night. What a victory! However, if you’re white woman in the South, I have to have to have a serious word with you.
What’s a random thought on your mind today?
Tanja
December 14, 2017 at 9:29 amGirl, we are on vacation black out starting mid December to beginning of February – every single year…… I haven’t spend Christmas with my family in Germany since we moved to the US, 11 years ago. It just sucks – mom is not getting any younger!
I have no words when it comes to the fires ….. it’s just so sad :(
Yeah Alabama !!!
Courtney a. casto
December 14, 2017 at 10:00 amSending all the good vibes I have your way San! The not knowing (the in between!) is so hard. I struggle a TON with anxiety, especially when I don’t know what is going to happen.
The fires are so devastating. I’ll check out your link to help with relief efforts!
Heike
December 14, 2017 at 10:49 amI’ll be working as well, for the same reason.
Haven’t been back in Germany for the holidays in the last 5 years as well.
Sending tons and tons and tons of good vibes to your friend. <3 <3 <3
ShootingStarsMag
December 14, 2017 at 10:55 amSending all the positive vibes for you and your friend! I’m sorry you aren’t able to spend Christmas with your family. That can be sad; I hope you have a great holiday season though.
I was kind of shocked Jones won in Alabama too, but I’m SO happy and relieved. Now Moore just needs to concede and GO AWAY. But seriously…those white southern women. Like, really? What is wrong with you?
-Lauren
marty
December 14, 2017 at 11:45 amSounds like a disaster over there. I’m glad you guys are doing okay.
Lisa of Lisa's Yarns
December 15, 2017 at 6:43 amI’m sorry to hear that you got some bad news from your friend… I’m sending you all the good news. I assume this is the friend whose cancer came back. :(
I’ll be working between Christmas and NYE as well. I am not taking any days off. My 2 colleagues both have kids in school so I have told them I will work so they can be home with their kids. It’s not a nice time of year anyways so I actually don’t mind working as it’s pretty quiet in here and I can usually duck out a little bit early each day. I am kind of envious of people whose companies close between Christmas and NYE because it sounds cozy to be home during that time of year. But I wouldn’t want to have to use vacation time to be off at that time of year since I’d rather take days off when it’s nice outside or when I am going on vacation!
I was shocked that Jones won. We were so sure the molester would win, sadly. The last couple of special elections have given me some hope that things might change in the 2018 and 2020 elections. I honestly don’t know how anyone can support Trump – didn’t understand how they supported him in the first place but his immature and problematic actions are just so awful that I don’t see how anyone can continue to support him!
What’s on my mind today is that I am so glad it’s Friday. It’s been a long week for me. I had my glucose screen yesterday and I failed it but then found out I failed it because I am on prednisone to treat my RA. So I was bound to fail it (prednisone increases y our blood sugar) and shouldn’t have taken it in the first place! So now I will be referred to an endocrinologist to monitor my blood sugar. I’m feeling pretty whiny about needing to see another care provider right now so just need a day or maybe a weekend to sulk about how crappy this pregnancy has been thanks to my RA. :(
Megan @ Meg Go Run
December 15, 2017 at 7:06 amWhat is wrong with white college educated women!? We didn’t turn out for Hillary and they didn’t turn out for Doug Jones! When do you think you will spend Christmas in Germany next?
Stephany
December 18, 2017 at 6:20 amI have never worked at a job that closed between Christmas and New Year’s! I can’t imagine just having that time off. That would be DIVINE. As it is, I only get a day off for Christmas, so it’s been a little tough to get in the Christmas spirit when I know I barely get any time off for the holiday. At least the roads will be clear, though.
I can’t take my eyes off what’s happening in California. So scary.
DOUG JONES. I was SHOCKED when I woke up to the news that he won, which is just sad. Again, white women made me angry (HOWWWWW could so many damn white women vote for that piece of garbage?!?!) As always, it’s the black women who are leading the charge.
Tobia | craftaliciousme
December 19, 2017 at 2:21 amI am sorry to hear about your friend. Fingers crossed and prayers sent.
And those fires in California are really scary. They don’t make the news here but I follow enough people on Instagram to get a glimps.
I am lucky to be off during the years. But I have been working too and it is kinda nice too to be alone in the office.
Have a great day, Tobia
Terra
December 26, 2017 at 5:35 amDitto on the Doug Jones thoughts. I was like, wait, I’m surprised they didn’t elect a man accused of preying on children? That’s not how that should work…but also, he didn’t win by that much, either. I mean 20,000 votes is a lot, but not THAT MUCH. UGH.