How has it been a whole year since I used this post format, I don’t know. It’s mind-boggling, but let’s get to it.
The high of my week was that I was able to hit publish on one (of two) data release(s) that I was supposed to finish before the end of the fiscal year (which is September, 30). The publishing process can be long and tedious (multiple peer reviews and revisions), so it’s not on the most straight-forward timeline usually, but I am glad that this one is done and I am expecting the (second) review of the other data release back any day now. Hey, we have two more weeks in September!
The low of my week was another situation at work where I felt my work and contributions to a project were treated as less important than someone else’s. I am not sure how to address it because I don’t want to come off as complainy and petty, because I am San and I always say “yes” when I am asked to support other people, but I also really need to stand up for myself. Sigh. It’s a never-ending story of somehow feeling that I am taken advantage of, but also a very delicate situation to bring up because complainers don’t get ahead either. I need a new strategy.
A blog post I enjoyed was Nance’s story about her neighbor and how history comes full circle. I love her view of how interconnected we all are, even if we seemingly just live parallel lives because we end up living next to each other as neighbors, and how these connections can affect us.
An Instagram account that I think is worth your time is Emily Does Politics, veteran and PhD scientist. I enjoy her commentary on the state of the country.
I’m currently reading The Circle. As previously mentioned, it’s a dystopian novel hat explores the dark consequences of a dominant, rapidly evolving tech monopoly and a culture of surveillance, promoted as the only way for full transparency and accountability. Intriguing, yet terrifying.
The best money I spent was $3.99 on some new tiny hair ties. Look, my hair is fine and big scrunchies look ridiculous on me. Even regular hair ties are almost too bulky. It might not look as dire in pictures, but I assure you, these tiny hair ties match what they’re holding :)
My plans this weekend includea Skype Teams Chat with Ingrid, a trip to Costco, and a 12-mile long run. I am also hoping to squeeze in a nap somewhere.
What was the best money you spent this week?
nance
September 19, 2026 at 5:40 amSan, thank you for the mention here. It’s always a thrill–and the highest compliment–when someone enjoys my writing.
I can certainly understand your feelings about not being duly recognized for your work in a collaborative project. One of the reasons I think I was so happy as a teacher was because it was NOT collaborative. It was MY classroom and I was in charge of how everything went. Of course, that often meant a great deal of pressure and stress, but I still preferred it.
San
September 19, 2026 at 11:41 amOh, that makes a lot of sense, Nance. Being a teacher has its own kind of pressures and stress, but yes, at least you’re fully in charge!
Nicole MacPherson
September 19, 2026 at 6:47 amWell, I wouldn’t say it was the best money I spent all week, but it was the most money – I renewed my car insurance!
San
September 19, 2026 at 11:41 amHa, we renewed our car insurance too. It was expensive and I didn’t want to.
J
September 19, 2026 at 12:14 pmI would like to say that the best money we recently spent was on our dishwasher, but as we are having a technician come on Monday because it started throwing errors again yesterday, I will hold off on that.
Instead, the best money I spent was on airfare to go to see my friend in Upstate New York and then going to Ohio in October! I’m excited!
Jenny
September 19, 2026 at 5:17 pmOoh, tiny hair ties? I think I need those!
I think that book may be too stressful for me. I’m already stressed about AI, and reading dystopian novels doesn’t help!
Enjoy your long run (or did it already happen?) Hope you have a great weekend!
NGS
September 20, 2026 at 7:50 amI bought some new makeup supplies. Ha! That’s always my favorite way to spend money!
Ernie
September 20, 2026 at 1:18 pmSorry about the work situatution. But congrats on completing the project. I love checking something off my list.
We are driving home from visiting Reg at college. We took he and 3 of his close buddies out to dinner last night. Money well spent. Their folks weren’t in town for the fraternity parents’ weekend but it was great to get to know them. Nice guys and they seem to really enjoy our goofball of a kid, which warms my heart.
Tobia | craftaliciousme
September 20, 2026 at 2:09 pmYes for tiny hair ties. I just bought a few because I was tired of looping the regular one for I don’t know six times
Best money spent… on a vacation that starts tomorrow.
Stephany
September 23, 2026 at 1:06 pmOh, I love those tiny hair ties! My hair is also very fine so I am not a fan of scrunchies. I’m going to try these out!
Sorry about the work situation. That sounds so frustrating! I feel that often working in the content department. Other departments feel a lot more “serious” than what we do, which doesn’t feel good.
Best money I spent this week… I had to replace my shower bluetooth speaker, and I am very happy the new one was delivered today!