I have never done the TGIF post format and thought I’d switch it up a little over here. I’ve enjoyed these posts on other people’s blogs and I saw it on Stephany‘s blog first, which, I believe, was originally inspired by another blogger. (There! Don’t you love how post-ideas travel? I love that about the blogosphere!).
The high of my week was some happy mail from my friend Lindsay (one of the #BCBabes) and sweet notes from Elisabeth and Anne. They made my day and really keep me afloat right now. (Even if I don’t respond right away, please know how much I appreciate it!)
The low of my week was everything? I hate to be so negative (this is so not me!) and begin every blog post with “It’s been another tough week”… but what am I supposed to say if it really was another tough week? I continue to struggle with stressful happenings on multiple fronts (family members not doing well, a very disheartening work situation, and the general state of the world). So much is in limbo in so many ways, and while I am trying to focus on self-care, I feel so very worn down. I usually consider myself a mentally stable person, but I am having a lot of days right now where I’d like to just pull the covers over my head and stay in bed. (Don’t worry. I am ok and I am getting out of bed. You don’t need to send someone for a welfare check. I am just trying to be honest and say that so far, 2025 has not been my favorite.)
A podcast episode I enjoyed was Democrats need to face why Tr*mp won on the Ezra Klein Show. As you know, I’ve said many times that I do not listen to podcasts much but I have recently started to listen to a few podcasts with political commentary because that’s easier to stomach right now than the news and I respect Ezra Klein as a journalist.
One nagging task I marked off my to-do list was finally working on our taxes. I haven’t submitted them yet, but I am halfway there. I usually get this done in February when all the documents have arrived, but there was so much going on earlier this year that I kept postponing it.
The best money I spent was $44 on my Peloton membership. I know, lame, but I didn’t spend other money this week (other than for groceries and coffee with my co-worker) and the Peloton membership is still one of the best decisions that I ever made. I saw Rachel (HI RACHEL!) again on the Peloton Leaderboard this week during a yoga class. Hooray!
My plans this weekend include baking bread. I’ve been inconsistent with my baking and I want to get back into it. I also want to go for a run tomorrow and I scheduled a Power Zone workout with Tanja on Sunday. I’ll FaceTime with my family (as every weekend) and I am planning to catch up on some sleep. I am so tired right now.
Have a good weekend, I’ll try to have the same.
coco
March 22, 2025 at 1:00 amIt’s okay to have those low weeks, the world is crazy, especially in the US and federal gov employees are being affected so I can totally see how this could impact you. Bread baking sounds soothing and hope that helps you to rest and recharge over the weekend.
San
March 22, 2025 at 9:15 pmThanks Coco!
Anne
March 22, 2025 at 3:59 amYou have every reason to feel low this week, my friend. Please don’t ever feel like you need to apologize – you are going through a LOT. I really hope that your family members’ health starts to improve and that you enjoy the heck out of that Peloton membership. $44 for all the benefits you get from it? I’d say it’s more than worth it. I’m on the west coast right now – heading home this morning – but wish I could swing by your place to give you an in-person hug. Snail mail-delivered ones will have to do for now. <3 Thinking of you. (And PS – Ezra Klein isn't always my favorite, but he is a good analyst…)
San
March 22, 2025 at 9:17 pmOh, the thought of you being so close almost feels like a hug! Thank you! I hope you had a great trip. Next time you’re here, you MUST let me know.
Tobia | craftaliciousme
March 22, 2025 at 4:50 amArgh… so sorry the tough times continue. Hopefully some good sleep will help. And talking and meeting some friends.
I have received an info from my accountant that I need to turn in my taxes by march 31. I am so mad about it because I asked five weeks ago when the deadline was. Sigh…
San
March 22, 2025 at 9:17 pmOh no. March 31 is coming up fast. I am sorry you’re put under so much pressure.
Birchie
March 22, 2025 at 5:49 amTIL…I love Stephany’s posts in general but I never took the time to realize THERE IS A FORMAT TO FRIDAY. Hmm…I might just give this a try. I love “5 for Friday” posts, but I’m very bad at populating lists and hitting specific numbers.
I would say that I know what it’s like to be unhappy at work, but I don’t think that my experiences over the past few years compare to your situation. I agree that when times are tough, you can’t just write a blog post about “hey I saw a rainbow and a unicorn and yippppeeee life is wonderful”. You have to say the full picture “hey I’ve got stuff going on and it sucks, and also I saw a rainbow and a unicorn”.
I’ll try listening to that podcast episode while I’m hiking this weekend. My gut reaction to the title is YES GET WITH IT DEMOCRATS ALREADY WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??????? Right now I vote D because it’s a vote against R, but I would rather vote D with a sense of pride like I did in the Obama era.
The best money I spent this week was lodging for the CA trip! I’ll send you and Julie the deets, but I’m so excited that I get to “live” in Sacramento and in SF for a few days.
San
March 22, 2025 at 9:20 pmhey I’ve got stuff going on and it sucks, and also I saw a rainbow and a unicorn <-- this is going to be my approach going forward. I hope there will be rainbows and unicorns along the way. I'll be on the lookout! Also, knowing that we'll get to meet in person soon really has me excited!! Something happy and exciting to look forward to <3
Nicole MacPherson
March 22, 2025 at 7:30 amSan, I want you to know that I think about you all the time these days. I know this is a very rough period for you and for the world.
Peloton is the BEST, isn’t it? Where would we be without our bikes that go nowhere? I love mine so much too.
San
March 22, 2025 at 9:21 pmThank you, sweet friend. I appreciate this so much. And yes, what would we do without Peloton? I know you share the obsession :)
Daria
March 22, 2025 at 10:31 amAghhh so sorry you had a tough week. My work is a dumpster fire at the moment, too, but for different reasons. I also started using Peloton mainly because of my yoga studio closing and Tony using Peloton a lot- he invited me to try it. I like it!
Hugs friend, thinking about you.
San
March 22, 2025 at 9:21 pmThank you Daria, and I am sorry to hear you’re also going through a rough time. I am thinking of you (and love that you’ve tried out Peloton! yay!)
J
March 22, 2025 at 7:29 pmI’m sorry that life is still rough! Times like these are meant for enduring. And I’m glad that you can find glimmers of light in there as well. And I agree with Anne that the Pelaton money is definitely well spent.
San
March 22, 2025 at 9:22 pmI am so excited to meet you and Birchie in May – really a bright spot that I am looking forward to! Thanks for your kind words <3
Michelle G.
March 23, 2025 at 6:55 amGosh, maybe I should look into Peloton. Do they have a referral program? You can email me if you want. ❤️
Elisabeth
March 23, 2025 at 12:23 pmI agree with J that some periods of life really do seem to be about enduring. Sometimes we CAN’T see the light at the end of the tunnel. We know it’s there (it is), but it’s hidden around a curve so no light reaches our eyes.
Hang in there my friend <3
Jenny
March 23, 2025 at 4:59 pmEzra Klein is great. Thanks for the reminder- I need to listen to more of him. Hang in there <3
Stephany
March 23, 2025 at 6:38 pmYou never need to apologize. You are going through such a sucky thing right now, and we’re all here for you, whatever you need! I just can’t believe we’ve only been in this administration for two months. It feels like an eternity.
I need to add Ezra’s podcast to my list! So many people recommend him.
Stephany
March 23, 2025 at 6:39 pmOh! And I totally forgot to say YAY for using this format. The original came from a blogger who no longer has a blog, I think it was Cait at Blonde on a Budget?
ernie
March 23, 2025 at 6:45 pmI’m so tired too. I went to see Tank at his college for Mom’s weekend. So fun, but proof that I’m no spring chicken. Before I left to drive out to see him, I dropped off our tax stuff with our tax accountant (and incidentally my childhood friend – we met in 2nd grade). Because of Coach’s partnership, I no longer do our taxes and I always bring her Irish soda bread as a treat because holy heck, that’s an icky job (but she loves it). I hope things in your world start to brighten.
Lisa's Yarns
March 25, 2025 at 9:16 amYou do not need to worry about being negative. You are dealing with so much right now in both your personal and professional life! And dealing with all of the DOGE-related chaos is just so very awful.
Phil does our taxes. They are more complex than when I was single because must of his compensation isn’t on a w2 and instead he gets a K1. So I let him deal with it. We always file close to the deadline since we end up owing money every year.
NGS
March 25, 2025 at 1:26 pmYES!! I worry all the time that I’m too much of a downer on my blog. Everything is bad. I just got my job and now I’m worried I’m going to lose it. My mom is sick. My dog is regressing in terms of behavior and now I’m worried she’s sick. Don’t get me started on the state an local elections that are happening in Wisconsin next week. It’s all bad and going to get worse.
But. The crocuses are out. The birdfeeders are filled with goldfinches, cardinals, and juncos. I’ve had two days off this week (if I’m going to lose my job, I better use that PTO, right). We will get through this. Hugs, friend.
Kyria @ Travel Spot
March 26, 2025 at 9:22 pmSorry that you are having a rough time lately! I am sending you a virtual hug and hopefully now that your weather is getting better, things will seem a bit shinier!? I know that they won’t really change, but sometimes we just need a new perspective! I always feel buoyed by the daffodils and crocuses pushing up their little heads into the sun in the springtime.
Also, if you need to vent, vent. That is what this space is for! I think that often people only put the good out there, but to connect with humans, it is good to see both sides of them! I know I don’t always practice that myself, but I can tell you that travel is not always shiny! I have to try to meet new people every time I change locations and I am an introvert, so I am basically constantly out of my comfort zone. Sometimes I just want to sit inside and binge watch Grey’s Anatomy, but I know that won’t get me anywhere. It is an internal struggle for sure.
Suzanne
March 27, 2025 at 12:45 pmOh San. I’m so sorry to hear that 2025 is not treating you (and your loved ones) well. That is so hard, and your low period sounds extremely understandable. I hope being able to share your concerns and stress with your blog friends helps, even if just a little. xxoo