It seems like all I can manage are my Weekly Run Downs and the occasional Friday life update right now, but that’s better than nothing, I figure. This has been such a strange year so far, and I can’t seem to get into my groove. I also cannot believe we’re already at the end of July. I am still hopelessly behind on blog reading (or any reading for that matter), and I hope you forgive me. I feel strangely disconnected from my online world, which makes everything a little worse, but I am hoping for better days ahead.
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Things at work are going ok. We’re always waiting for the other shoe to drop, but I am happy to say that the last couple of weeks have been surprisingly calm. I moved to a new cubicle earlier this week, which was possible because we have so many empty spaces now in our building (because of so many people leaving). But hey, I have a window now. I mean, I knew that it would significantly improve my work environment, but I did not quite understand HOW MUCH. It’s a quieter part of our office suite, and I feel a lot more focused. I also really enjoy the natural light and the view out of my window (even though I am on the fourth floor and essentially look into the canopy of some huge trees – BUT, it’s close to where the owls nest early in the year, so this might be a prime spot come early 2026).
It’s not my home office (which I miss dearly), but if I have to be here every day, it’s the second-best thing (right after an actual office with a door LOL).
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I did a day of fieldwork last week, which was amazing, and I will spend another week doing fieldwork next week with my favorite colleague, Jim. I am mostly content working in an office setting, but every once in a while, it’s a nice change of scenery to get out. But don’t get too excited about the destination – we’ll be spending 4 days in the (hot and dusty) Central Valley. Haha. The destination could definitely be more scenic, but hey, I get to go in the field. Beggars can’t be choosers!
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Did you know that I am a very recent tofu convert? I know, I know, feel free to judge. I didn’t know what I was missing. I had a completely wrong impression of tofu as a protein source, based on a handful of bad tofu experiences. But maybe you’re also one of the people who thought tofu was gross until you were convinced otherwise? In that case, I am happy for you because, well, I’ve been convinced otherwise. Who knew it could be so tasty? I’ve been making a kick-ass Kung Pao Tofu recently, with Trader Joe’s organic extra-firm, high-protein tofu, and Jon and I love it. (Please share any or all of your best tofu recipes. Please and thank you.)
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This week, I’ve been trying to soak up this beautiful summer weather. It’s been unseasonably mild this July. I remember many, many triple-digits days (110+F) from last year around this time, but this week has been gloriously in the low- to mid-80s with crisp but sunny morning temps (around 60F). They tempt me to get outside, and I’ve been doing more morning runs and lunchtime walks. I also joined the Team Wilpers Summer Run Challenge a few weeks ago, and having a plan to stick to has been so good for me.
Happy Weekend, y’all.
Five Things Friday: just five things I’m thinking about or things that made my week, or things that I otherwise feel like sharing.
Birchie
July 25, 2025 at 5:07 pmWelcome to Team Tofu!!! There is no bad way to cook it (that I know of anyway), but an air fryer makes it extra good. If you want a different spin, get frozen fried tofu from an Asian market or tofu skins from TJ’s (in the frozen section but they don’t always have them).
I’m glad that you have the window cubicle, even if the reason that it was available is sad.
The best thing about the internet is that it doesn’t mind if you take breaks. It is always here for you.
San
July 26, 2025 at 3:15 pmOh, frozen fried tofu sounds amazing. I’ll have to look for those tofu skins at TJ’s. Thanks for the recommendation, Caroline!
coco
July 26, 2025 at 1:42 amGlad to hear that job situation has settled or has been calmer. it must be super stressful this year to think it’s at risk. I had the feeling for a month and it was very stressful.
quiet office with window is super helpful to want to go to office. sometimes when I’m not productive I just enjoy the quietness and reflect how lucky is to still have an office with a view and a job of course.
tofu is among my fav food, glad you like it now too. so many ways to consume it.
San
July 26, 2025 at 3:16 pmThis year has been insane on the job front, so I’ll take any calm week that I can get.
I am sure the last few months were super-stressful for you too with a move and the new job.
Anne
July 26, 2025 at 4:13 amHaving a window makes work so much better. I can see a sliver of lake from mine (the 4th floor has a better view but the people on the 3rd floor rock, so there you go…:>). I’m glad you have a bit of calm there, for now. Just doing the work – as you always have, no matter what, um, *others* say.
Tofu is amazing. Welcome to the club. There is a wonderful recipe for miso broiled (I bake it, but whatever) tofu on the NY Times cooking website. Gift link: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1025236-miso-broiled-tofu?unlocked_article_code=1.ZU8.gAwZ.Du9bM45umra6&smid=share-url
So glad you will get outside, that the weather has been tolerable, and that you are here, ever. The best thing about our corner of the internet? no one keeps score. We’re just glad you’re here, my friend. <3 Sending hugs amid the continuing turmoil of *waves hands around*.
San
July 26, 2025 at 3:17 pmThanks for the recommendation, Anne, I appreciate it :) And yes, the best thing about the Internet is that nobody keeps score and people will always be there when you come back <3
Kat
July 26, 2025 at 5:42 amYour workspace looks really nice, as these things go! I absolutely can’t complain as I’m currently not required to go to my office often, but it’s always been kind of an unpleasant environment (I worked on-site full-time for 3+ yrs), in part bc desks are very close together and adjacent to hallways and an open break room/kitchen, with no significant dividers/privacy/noise dampening. Everyone sees/perceives everyone else’s heads and screens and comings and goings (and eating/drinking/chatting/microwaving/rustling through bags and desks etc…) all day. Ugh. Distracting and just kind of overly intimate tbh. The traditional high-walled “cubicle farm” I worked in for 10+ yrs prior seems downright luxurious in retrospect! The fieldwork sounds like a nice change of scenery (even if said scenery could be better, ha) and way to break up “office life”—enjoy!
I’m new to preparing tofu as well; this recipe was super easy, delicious, and modifiable based on tastes/what you have on hand:
https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1024671-sweet-potato-hash-with-tofu?unlocked_article_code=1.ZU8.69P4.7ib7E-y2WTh2&smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share
San
July 26, 2025 at 3:18 pmOh that cubicle situation sounds awful. How can anybody be productive in this environment? I am glad you don’t have to deal with this anymore.
Thank you for the recipe recommendation – looks amazing!
Nicole MacPherson
July 26, 2025 at 6:17 amYay for both tofu and a cubicle with a window!
We are having a gorgeous summer as well – temperatures in the high 20s, and low 30s. Nothing too hot, we’ve had decent rain, so I am hoping for the rest of the summer to pass without fires!
San
July 26, 2025 at 3:18 pmThat sounds like the perfect summer temps, Nicole, and I love that your garden is thriving!
Daria
July 26, 2025 at 9:00 amHappy weekend, San!
At the moment the kids and I are in France, just switched our airbnbs yesterday, a long day of driving from Dordogne to Loire valley. temps has been amazing- 16C in the mornings (love) around 20 in the afternoon (double love). Nothing like humid New jersey where it’s it the high 30sC!!!
I did not have high expectations for this airbnb in Loire valley, but it’s like a dream house. Blinds that are remote-controlled, wierd appliances that I have no clue how to use, a dryer (!! in Europe??!!), and a button that gives you a wash down there after you use the bathroom. Rainn, being the 5 year old that he is, sees a button, presses it, and the water sprays all over the mirror and counter… The kids call the button “the butt massager” Me: “it’s a washer”
San
July 26, 2025 at 3:20 pmEnjoy the time in France, Daria. It sounds amazing! I had to chuckle about your kids’ encounter with a bidet. They used to be very common everywhere (my parents have one in their master bathroom)
Elisabeth
July 26, 2025 at 1:56 pmYay for a cubicle with a green view. It looks lovely and calming and something you very much deserve and need right now.
I have only dabbled with tofu over the years, but did make a butter “tofu” recipe last year and it was delish!
San
July 26, 2025 at 3:21 pmThank you, friend, I am definitely enjoying a more serene work environment (and didn’t know how much I needed it). I’ll have to google “butter tofu”. Is it like butter chicken, jst with tofu?
Tobia | craftaliciousme
July 27, 2025 at 1:31 amYou sound a little more happy this post and I am so glad.
This year really has given you such heartache.
That new cubicle looks nice. I understand though that it’s not your favorite way to work. I could not imagine being in a space with many people around.
I hated tofu for the longest time until I discovered smoked tofu. I can eat that any day now. And I found a new type of tofu Friday and will give that a try. Also have you tried “Seidentofu”? It’s a creamy version you can make mousse au chocolates with. Which is amazing. I need to find the recipe and share it.
San
July 27, 2025 at 4:22 pmThank you friend. I appreciate. I feel a little more happy… so I hope that feeling stays around (always looking for the silver linings).
Oh, smoked tofu! I am intrigued. I also heard about “silk tofu” before but didn’t think I would like it in measls, but as dessert that might be a different story!
Lisa’s Yarns
July 27, 2025 at 4:46 amYour office view is so great and I am envious of your natural light! My cube is pretty ugly and I face a wall. Do you share that cube with someone else? That looks like tight quarters for 2 people! I am thinking you don’t know with the RIF but would people have share it previously?? I could not handle that back to back set up!!
I am glad you are getting some gorgeous weather. I am envious of your warm, dry temps. It’s been so humid here so some of my runs have been such a slog!!
San
July 27, 2025 at 4:20 pmOh goodness, no! I am not sharing this space. The computer behind me is one of my “processing computers”(where I can run dataset while working on the other computer). This would be much too tight to fit two people, even before the layoffs!
Michelle G.
July 27, 2025 at 6:11 amHow nice that you got a window view! Literally a bright light after some seriously dark times. ❤️
San
July 27, 2025 at 4:22 pmIsn’t that the truth! Thanks Michelle!
Ernie
July 27, 2025 at 6:34 amHi San, I read this while on the stationary bike yesterday and I have a hard time commenting while on the bike, so here I am . . . back to say – I love your new office space, although it does stink that there are fewer co-workers. Hooray for getting into the field. I have not ever tried tofu. I’m not a very adventurous eater and my plan is to start to eat more fish, because I know it’s healthy. Don’t worry about blogging and reading blogs regularly – you’ll pop up whenever you can and we’ll be here for it. I usually post on a Monday and that means I draft today but I have no clue when I’ll have time to squeeze that in. Today is our family portrait. Lots happening (including but not limited to me running to Nordstrom Rack last night to buy several of my offspring shoes for the pic. Grrr.)
San
July 27, 2025 at 4:23 pmI really miss interacting more with my blog friends, so as much as I try not to sweat it, when things are crazy… I also miss my “support system”, so I am hoping to show up here a bit more often. :)
We eat fish once a week. If you ever need any inspiration.
Melissa
July 27, 2025 at 4:21 pmHaving a window will make such a difference to going into work I think. Especially since you have a tree right outside your window—a bit of nature always helps things. I don’t think I have any chance of getting G on board with tofu, and we tend to have different types of food over here anyway.
Stephany
July 29, 2025 at 3:37 pmI had the same question as Lisa with the back-to-back office chairs. That makes this space EVEN BETTER. A quiet part of the office, natural light, seclusion… if you have to work in an office, that’s not a terrible set-up.
Your weather makes me so jealous! We’re breaking heat records in FL!
J
August 2, 2025 at 9:34 pmI have had a couple of window offices in my life, and I have loved them all. Seeing the seasons change outside your window is glorious, and the light is wonderful (maybe not so much in December and January when it is dark, but you could put up some fairy lights then….)