Five Things Friday: just five things I’m thinking about or things that made my week, or things that I otherwise feel like sharing.

As mentioned in my “Currently”-post, NaBloPoMo is upon us. Every year, I think I’ll drum up some excitement and find participants early and make it a “thing again”, and every year, November sneaks up on me as if I didn’t know that after October comes November. As always, I’ll take the challenge and will post 30 blog posts in 30 days. As always, you’re invited to join me (via the above link). It’s a totally casual, no-pressure invitation, but I’d love to read more from you this coming month if you’re up for it. Come on, what else do you have to do. It’s not like you’re going anywhere this holiday season. (Ha. Not funny, I know.) 

*  *  *

I had my annual performance review this week and it went really well. I am glad to hear that my supervisor – and the other project managers that I work for – are happy with my (remote) work and what I have accomplished in the last year (especially considering the situation we’ve all been finding ourselves in since March). It was reassuring to know that progress was made, deadlines were met, and things were accomplished, and that everybody was able to stay productive during these trying times.

*  *  *

4 days until election day. I know I sound like a broken record, but please vote. I think I know that many of you already have, but we need every last person to participate in this election this year. It’s too important to sit this one out. Here’s a reminder on how to vote in every state. At this point, you’ll have to make sure to find your local election office and vote in person. Stand in line, if you must. Bring a chair, bring a book, bring breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you waited until now, this is what you’ll have to do to make your voice heard. Don’t let them turn you away.

*  *  *

Here’s your reminder that we’ll change clocks this weekend. I am always on “alert” for that because Germany usually changes clocks one or two weeks earlier than we do (which temporarily “throws off” the phone FaceTime schedule I have with my family), so I am always prepared that it’s coming. At least, we gain an extra hour of sleep. I don’t know anybody who doesn’t need this right now!

*  *  *

Are you “doing” something for Halloween? I am not expecting any trick-or-treaters (or, should I say, I am not planning to participate in any activities) and I am hoping that our neighborhood (which is very popular for Halloween) will not be crowded with people. I understand that it sucks for kids, but I also hope people stay sensible and find some other, more socially distanced activities closer to their home.

Happy Halloween!

Five Things Friday: just five things I’m thinking about or things that made my week, or things that I otherwise feel like sharing.

Jon and I had our 19th meet-a-versary earlier this week. 🖤 It’s mind-boggling to me to think about how long we’ve known each other. I had calculated a while back that on September, 22, Jon knew me exactly half of his life. He looked at me incredulously, when I told him. It definitely doesn’t feel like that long. How long have you known your SO?

*  *  *

This week has been so mentally draining. I don’t know about you, but if you still follow the news regularly, you probably know what I am talking about. Throw social media on top of it and it’s been particularly hard to escape the sh*tshow that’s been going down for the last week with Trump contracting COVID-19, going to the hospital, allegedly taking ALL THE DRUGS, miraculously “recovering” within a few days, boasting the American healthcare system chaos (that so many people can’t access) and asking people to not let COVID-19 dominate their lives. WTH, bro?

And all this, while I haven’t even mentioned the vice presidential debate (although big kudos to Kamala Harris for putting up with it and calling Pence out by saying “I am speaking“. We all felt you, Kamala!), all the other nonsense Trump has said since Monday, and the foiled plot of a militia group to kidnap Michigan governor Gretchen Withmer and attack police officers. What the hell is going on in this country?

*  *  *

All this is why it’s so important that we voted this week. We got the ballots in the mail on Tuesday and they were filled out and ready to be dropped off at our nearest polling place on Wednesday morning. God, I am hoping you’ve made a plan to vote. Here’s a reminder on how to vote in every state. Please don’t let your voice go to waste.

*  *  *

I emailed my supervisor this week to coordinate my taking some “use or lose” leave this month. In all the years that I’ve lived and worked here, I’ve never had “use or lose” annual leave available at the end of the year that forced me to take time off when I was not planning a trip to see family. It’s a weird feeling, to be honest, and I truly wish I would take the time off to travel somewhere, but I don’t see that happening anytime soon. However, I definitely feel that taking a few days off is never a bad idea, but especially this year, so I am thankful for it. 

*  *  *

I haven’t run outdoors because of yet another round of bad air quality for two weeks. I’ve been thankful that I had my spin bike to keep me busy indoors, but I really hope to get out this weekend for a nice long run by the river. What are you up to? Do you get a long weekend (because of Columbus Day, which really shouldn’t be celebrated anymore)?

TGIF!

Five Things Friday: just five things I’m thinking about or things that made my week, or things that I otherwise feel like sharing.

Let me lead with the highlight of my week: the spin bike that I ordered a couple of weeks ago arrived today – hooray! Yes, you guessed it, I also jumped on the bandwagon and bought a spin bike during the pandemic. No, unfortunately, it’s not a Peloton, but I think I’ll be very happy with the one I ordered nonetheless.

If you recall, I had started regular spin classes at my gym in the spring of 2019 and really, really loved it. When the pandemic hit in March and the gyms were closed down, access to that class disappeared. I got through the summer by running outdoors and doing home workouts, but now that we’re moving into fall and winter and the days are getting longer, a spin bike for home use seemed like the perfect solution for my early morning workouts. And the best part: Jon is excited to use it, too! 

*  *  *

I’m happy to report that the air quality here in the Central Valley has significantly improved over the last few days. The fires are still burning, but the biggest fire close to us, the LNU Lightning Complex is 87% contained at this point. Yesterday morning was the first day since the fires started that we had a good air quality index reading. It’s been a relief!

*  *  *

I am currently reading Mary Trump’s book. I am not sure if it’s a waste of my precious time or a must-read (I guess, I’ll determine it after I finish), but I definitely was intrigued to hear her perspective on her uncle. Have you read or are you planning to read the book?

*  *  *

Speaking of Trump, have you heard of the ‘deferred payroll tax‘ nonsense?  He signed an executive order in August that allows employers to delay the collection of the 6.2% Social Security tax from employees who earn less than $104k annually. Isn’t that the perfect executive order by a president shortly before the election to “boost” his standings with unsuspecting supporters? Some extra money in your pocket sounds great, right? 

Well no, not if it means that your employer will start withholding the deferred amount from your paycheck again early next year. It means you’ll get a slight pay bump in pay this fall, but a significant decrease in pay for the first few months of 2021, because you still owe this money on tax day. So, this whole thing MAKES NO SENSE. People who still have a job don’t need this money right now, I’d argue, and if they do, they’ll for sure not be able to repay it in a few short months. What are we supposed to do? Hold the money in a savings account (that doesn’t even pay interest, ha!) until it’s being recollected again? Not to mention the bureaucratic lift for payroll offices to implement this temporary change in withholdings! 

*  *  *

I’ve been tending to my garden for the last few weeks/months, but nothing is growing. I am not sure why. I think I did see some bees around, but I am not sure if the plants just weren’t pollinated sufficiently? The cucumber plant has a ton of blossoms, but many have shriveled up without producing fruit. The zucchini plants have blossomed, but I also don’t see any beginnings of a zucchini fruit yet. My tomato plant might have given up altogether. It’s a bit of a mystery. Any gardeners with advice? 

TGIF, friends! Enjoy the long weekend!

Five Things Friday: just five things I’m thinking about or things that made my week or things that I otherwise feel like sharing.

It’s been a while since I’ve done a Five Things Friday Check-in, mainly because not much happens week after week. I was saying on Instagram, how I couldn’t believe that we’re already in August. I mean, I know last week was July and after July comes August, but damn, how in the world are we almost 3/4 through this year? Wasn’t it just March a few days ago? 

Have you noticed this week that the days are getting shorter again? I know, we’re still in the middle of summer, but I’m already dreading the darker months of the year. I’ve been really thriving on the early morning runs and long evenings during this pandemic. 

*  *  *

Here’s a little garden update: nothing is happening yet. Well, that’s not true…. when I say nothing is happening yet, I mean, there are no fruits yet. I’ve seen blossoms on both the cucumber and tomato plant and the zucchini plant is also growing. I know I am impatient, and I “only” planted in the middle of June. I guess it’s just that I want the satisfaction of harvesting something because I’ve seen some of your bounties already! 

*  *  *

I’ve been on a smoothie kick lately. Every summer, for a few weeks, I get into smoothies. They’re quick, filling, healthy and nutritious and just a great breakfast option. I can also put my supplements in there. I’ve been sharing my smoothie blends on IG stories lately if you want to check out what goes into mine right now. 

*  *  *

On my grocery run this morning, I picked up Rae Vegan Collagen Boost Powder at Target and the reviews seem pretty good. I used Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides before and I wanted to start taking them again, but I thought I’d give this vegan option a try. Not because I am going vegan, but because I had a (digital) coupon, and that’s always a good excuse to try out new products. Have you used it (or any other item from the brand) before?

*  *  *

I am sure you’ve heard about the devastating explosion in Beirut earlier this week. One of my dear friends is from Lebanon and it breaks my heart to know that she has friends and family there that have been impacted. Please, if you can – and would like to – help, check out this link.

TGIF!

Five Things Friday: just five things I’m thinking about or things that made my week or things that I otherwise feel like sharing.

It’s been so hot here this week. We scratched the triple digits more than once and it’s really too early for this. I’m ready (who am I kidding, I am never ready) for those kinds of temperatures in July and August, but not in May. We usually run our air conditioning for a few hours in the evenings, but the nights are still pretty hot, even with the window open. My best trick is to use a fan and wet washcloth to keep cool at night.

*  *  *

I am sad and angry this week. You’ve surely heard about another killing of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, by police in Minneapolis and you probably also heard the story of a white woman calling the cops on an black man in Central Park (for no other reason than feeling superior), claiming that he was threatening her life when he was simply telling her to leash her dog (as it’s mandatory in the park). What is wrong with people? I am so appalled that these kinds of things keep happening. I mean, really, when is enough enough in this country?

You’re as angry and outraged as I am? Good, because you should be, but let’s not stop at being outraged. Let’s try to actually do something about it. I suggest we start here: 75 things white people can do for racial justice.

*  *  *

This quarantine running thing is the best thing that could have happened to me (silver-lining, anyone?). Since my virtual half marathon a month ago, I haven’t followed a training plan and have just run for fun (and sanity) and I’ve seen some pretty fast paces (for me) when I didn’t even try that hard. Feeling comfortable with paces, that a short while ago I couldn’t even dream of, is a really sweet reward for keeping at it.

*  *  * 

I am very thankful to live where I live right now, as it was reported that the Sacramento metropolitan area has the lowest SARS-CoV-2 infection rate among the 50 largest metros in the USA. That is pretty reassuring that we’re taking the physical distancing seriously over here, but as things are slowly reopening, that doesn’t mean we should start acting carelessly. 

*  *  * 

I’ve recently went to a skin checkup appointment that I had put off for a while. Both my Mom and sister recently had moles removed (out of precaution and none of them turned out to be pre-cancerous, thank goodness), but it definitely pushed me to finally get a checkup again myself. It’s a weird thing to go to the doctor in Corona times, but since they encouraged to keep the appointment, I am really glad I went. I am also happy to report that all my moles (and I have quite a few) look just fine and that none of them needs to be monitored or removed at this time. Phew, what a relief.

The only advice the doctor gave me: since you’re very light-skinned (you don’t say!),  you should wear SPF 30+ at all times (using SPF 50, always!). 

TGIF!

Five Things Friday: just five things I’m thinking about or things that made my week, or things that I otherwise feel like sharing.

Okay, friends, I am trying to pick up a somewhat more regular blogging schedule, because this Corona thing is not going away fast and I just miss writing and connecting with you and I don’t just want to post these biweekly (or whenever I can muster the energy) updates and talk about the Corona Life (That sounds way fancier than it actually is, am I right?)

So, Friday check-in posts like this one are a good place to start, IMHO.

My friend Tanja was supposed to be here today and I bummed that our girl weekend got canceled by Corona. We’d be hanging out and having a good time right about now. It’s okay to be disappointed and mope a little about plans that fell through, but I look forward to the time where traveling and hanging out with friends feels normal again.

*  *  *

I got some happy mail in the mail this week: 25 lbs of rye flour. Apparently, rye flour is not as popular as other flour here in the US, because it was still available. If you had told me a few weeks ago that I would get excited about a bulk delivery of basic grocery items (like flour) that have become hot commodities, I would have called you crazy, but here we are.

And, it’s not just me. My Mom, sister have also entered into the realm of bread baking (which, if you live in Germany with access to ALL THE BAKERIES, seems somewhat ridiculous, I’d agree). But, we’re having lively discussions on WhatsApp and VideoCall about how to maintain our sourdough starters, which recipes to try, the best way to bake, and trials and tribulations of baking different things. It’s quite entertaining, but also more often than not ends with delicious things, like this rye bread (hence the big rye flour delivery).

*  *  *

Have you gotten your relief check yet? I was surprised, but we actually had a deposit in our bank accounts last week. While I am thankful for the financial help, I fear that people who really need the help (people who lost their jobs, missed a few paychecks, or work reduced hours) didn’t get anything (or not enough) to get by. I mean, if we’re honest, for most people, the check doesn’t even cover the bare necessities for a month (at least not here in California), but of course, it’s better than nothing. 

*  *  *

Summer is here! Well, maybe not summer, but summer temperatures. I can’t believe it hit 90F/33C here today. I am not quite ready for the heat in April, tbh. Although it has been nice to get out shorts and tank tops and spend time in the backyard. Of course, it’s hard for people to stay home when the weather is nice like this. I hope those of us who can will still stay away from beaches and parks.  How’s the weather where you are?

*  *  *

I finally had to retire my favorite pair of running shoes (I totally wore out the sole), but luckily, I already got a new pair (same shoe, different color) for my birthday, so the farewell won’t hurt too bad. I started breaking them in this week and love them. What do you think? 

TGIF!

Five Things Friday: just five things I’m thinking about or things that made my week, or things that I otherwise feel like sharing.

Is everybody freaking out about the Corona Virus yet? I must admit, I am getting a little anxious and I am usually not the anxious kind. While I am not immediately concerned for my health, I do feel though that some drastic measures are in order to #flattenthecurve and make sure that our healthcare system can handle what’s coming, and I am glad to see that a lot of organisations are already taking things seriously (while the administration is still fumbling its way through this pandemic. No words!). NBA season canceled, MLB spring training/season postponed, Pearl Jam concert in April postponed. The campus (where our office is) is still open, but is transitioning its courses online. We haven’t been officially sent home to telework yet, but we’re preparing for it and lots of people are already teleworking. I just heard from my sister that schools in my home state (NRW) and elsewhere in Germany will be closed until Easter.
How are things where you are? Are you concerned? Stockpiling toiletpaper (?) and water? I have to say a lot more about the topic, but maybe in a separate post.

*  *  *

The presidential primary coverage has almost faded into the background with all the Corona Virus news lately. It’s kind of amazing to see how the news cycle shifts in light of more pressing issues, but it’s all the more imperative for people to see how Trump handles this national crisis with regard to the upcoming election. Don’t you wish right about now that somebody else was in charge? Someone who isn’t so self-absorbed that even a pandemic doesn’t trump his ego? 

*  *  *

On a more positive note, I currently live for each and every act of calm, consideration, and  kindness, like this one shared on Twitter.

 *  *  * 

We already got our tax return this week. That was fast, but I guess the sooner you file, the sooner you get your return. I am not mad about it. Since our tax situation is fairly simple, there was no reason to wait. 

*  *  *

Last but not least, thanks for all the birthday wishes earlier this week. I haven’t gotten around to responding to everyone directly, but I wanted to let you know that I appreciated every single message. I took the day off from work (because spending the day with Jon seemed like a better idea than being in the office for 10+ hours) and I had a fun day, but that means that I am working today (on my regular day off) and I am only one of a handful of people at the office.

TGIF!