Here’s your last reminder that NaBloPoMo starts tomorrow. So far, we have 13 participants. Not quite the same number that we had last year, but a decent group of people who will carry the torch in 2025. Thank you to each and every one of you, I am excited that you’ll be joining me.
And if you haven’t made up your mind until now, there’s still time to join us. I’ll keep a running list of participants on my NaBloPoMo page if you want to check it out. As always, this will be a low-key, no-pressure endeavor! We’re just doing this to have fun and connect.
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On a not-so-good note, my niece is in the hospital again (with some ongoing health issues – which I will keep vague, mostly because we don’t have many answers at this point) and I could use some good vibes from good people. To be honest, I’ve really literally about had it with this year.
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Today, I’ve been officially on furlough (which is a temporary unpaid leave of absence) from my federal job for exactly 31 days. While it doesn’t feel like a whole month (because I was so thoroughly and happily distracted while my parents were here), I am starting to wonder when this might end. I missed my first full paycheck earlier this week, and while we have some savings and I am not terribly worried yet, I know that others are not that lucky and are probably stressed out to no end. Not to mention the situation with the SNAP benefits being suspended, which is so horrific and cruel. I already donated to Feeding America this week, and I am thinking of other ways to help those who need it.
In other news, I got my flu and Covid shots today. You’d better get them as long as they’re still available and covered by health insurance (I am not even kidding). Who knows what the healthcare premiums will look like tomorrow.
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Jon and I took a quick trip down to SoCal earlier this week. We only stayed for a couple of nights but it was nice to get out of town for a little while, and I enjoyed a long walk and sunset at the ocean. It’s always balm for the soul and calms my nervous system like nothing else.
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Today is also Halloween. I did my annual “Halloween run” around the neighborhood this morning (photos to come!) and bought candy for the Trick-or-Treaters we’re expecting tonight. While I am not really a big fan of Halloween (I don’t enjoy horror movies or gory decorations), I love seeing kids dressed up in cute costumes and I think I’ve shared in the past that there have been some clever and funny skeleton displays in the last few years that I have enjoyed. I just don’t participate myself in the festivities.
Happy Halloween (to those who celebrate) and have a great weekend.
Birchie
November 1, 2025 at 4:20 amHappy NaBloPo Eve! I agree with you about Halloween – love to see the creativity, not interested in participating beyond handing out candy.
Lisa’s Yarns
November 1, 2025 at 4:21 amUgh I feel so terrible for all the federal workers. So many in our nation live pay check to pay check. I wish the congressmen and women were not getting paid. Not that it would impact most of them to the extent it would an average worker. But they should feel some pain because of their inability to negotiate and put this to an end.
I am so sorry to hear your niece is in the hospital!! That is terrifying, San!! I am sending her lots of prayers from Minnesota. I hope she is home soon and they figure out what is going on. Medical mysteries are so terrifying.
NGS
November 1, 2025 at 6:54 amI’m all in on decorating our house and handing out treats. But I don’t remember the last time I got dressed up or anything!
I have been wondering how the government shutdown has been impacting you. I’m sorry you’re in the thick of it.
Nicole MacPherson
November 1, 2025 at 7:28 amSending good vibes for your sweet niece. xo
Tobia | craftaliciousme
November 1, 2025 at 12:47 pmNo Halloween fan here. I had a ton of people riding our doorbell. It was like hordes of people on the street. Seriously. It was so busy I didn’t even find a time to draw the curtains because they would have seen it all.
I am about done with this year with you. I am hoping your niece will soon be released from hospital and you get some answers. No fun. Not fair. Hang in there.
J
November 1, 2025 at 2:02 pmSending healing thoughts for your niece, that is scary!
I’m glad you were able to go to SoCal for a couple of days. It’s so lovely down there, isn’t it?
Stephany
November 2, 2025 at 7:41 amUgh, being furloughed for so long is rough. I’m glad you’re not feeling the effects of it too much yet, but I can only imagine how hard it must be for some government employees. Such nonsense.
I’m not a huge Halloween fan, either. I decorate for the holiday because I love decorating but since I live in an apartment, there are no trick-or-treaters to pass out candy to.
Anne
November 16, 2025 at 12:17 pmI know you are back to work now, but ugh. What an awful, horrible situation.
I am so sorry about your niece. Sending thoughts. <3
I'm not a huge Halloween fan at all – I'm scroogey enough (can one be a Halloween scrooge?) that I don't even put candy out for the kids in the apartment building. Good on you for passing out candy, though – that earns you points with the neighborhood kids. ;)