Hi, internet friends! I’ve missed you. I apologize for my lack of posting in the past two weeks; although I feel as if I probably noticed my absence from the interwebs more than anyone else did. I have honestly just been in a bit of a funk the past couple weeks. My mental health isn’t at its best point, and sometimes when I feel off like that I just want to hide.
I also went home for Thanksgiving, and while I wanted to shot some recipes while I was in Wisco, I couldn’t fit my camera in my backpack to bring it home despite my best packing efforts (when I travel with Millie I can’t bring a carryon, just a personal item, and since I was only supposed to be home for 4 days, I didn’t want to check a bag), and so that didn’t happen.
Then, I got stuck in Wisco an extra few days due to a massive snow storm, and getting back to the east coast proved to be a time-consuming endeavor, and upon arrival, I was playing catchup from missing a few days of normal classes.
Even though finals season is upon us, I’m planning to go back to my usual posting schedule, which is 2-3 blog posts per week, and one video per week. I sometimes have to remind myself when I’m in a funk that creating makes me feel better and more like myself. Often times, jumping back in is the hardest part. Once I’m back in it, it feels right. So yay for posting! Yay for content! Let me know if there is anything you’d like to see in the comments below, and/or on Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube.
Before I jump back into my normal posting schedule, I thought I’d do this sort of buffer post to explain my absence and just say hello. I seriously feel like my readers are my friends and I love connecting with y’all. Seriously, every comment here or on other channels or in my DMs makes my whole day! Never be shy! And silent readers/viewers, know I love you too and respect your right to not comment! Warm hugs to every single one of you.
Okay. So back to this 5 thoughts post. While this blog is usually environmental science/nutrition science content and recipe / eats based, I sometimes like to just do diary style posts where I just talk to you as if we’re hanging out. I love reading posts like this, so I thought I would make one myself.
So here we go – 10 random thoughts! Back to normal content this week!
1. The older I get, the Harder it is to be Away from Home
Anyone else? I feel like when I was in high school I could not WAIT to move away from home. In undergrad I felt okay being far away. It got harder and harder during my maters programs. And now I just want to go home as often a possible and spend as much time as possible in Milwaukee with my friends and family.
I know this is not the norm, but I’m actually still super close with many of my high school/middle school/elementary school friends. And the bonds I have with them feel different from the bonds I have with other people. There’s just something about the connection formed with the people you ate lunch with in elementary school and hung out in basements with in high school that can’t be replicated later in life. It’s just a different connection. Love you MKE friends!!!
I also miss Milwaukee food and the quirky shops and vibes throughout the city. It’s such a hidden gem of a place!
Oh, and then there’s my nephew. Now that my sister and her husband and their baby are back in Milwaukee, I want to be home even more. Babies are such interesting creatures!
2. I miss NYC. More than I thought I would.
Oh, New York City. I miss you in a weird way! Although at the time I left I felt like I was in dire need of a break from the big city, I think I underestimated how much it would hurt me to leave it for so long. I’d come and gone before, but never with such a sense of permanency, where I wasn’t anticipating coming back within a few months.
Looking at it now, it makes sense that I miss it. I spent 8-9ish years in and out of that city, which is 1/3 of my life, and it has become a second home. I have many best friends from NYU, my MS, and my MPH program there. I know my away around and it feels so comfortable (though exhausting). I also just feel like I thrive in an environment that celebrates diversity and compassion and creativity, as NYC does.
Also, I miss THE FOOD! And the open-mindedness and compassion of the people. I don’t know why people think New Yorkers are rude – I’ve only found them to be the kindest, most helpful group of people I’ve known. I miss y’all!
My happy medium was living in Jersey City. It was such a perfect calmer mini city with quick access to the big city. I actually think about the city a lot and miss it tons. Like, I’d move back there tomorrow if I could! I want to visit, but am also afraid it might make me cry. Sigh.
3. I feel old and frustrated by my adult acne
I never really had acne growing up. But apparently the universe has an odd sense of humor, and I started getting acne a couple years ago. Now, it’s worse than ever. It’s frustrating because I feel like I’m doing what I should be doing to take care of it. I don’t place self-worth or value on, or focus on my appearance, but still, I’m so bothered by the feeling of it on my skin, and knowing that all my little zits are filled with bacteria and infected. Yuck! I guess the universe is teaching me empathy here. Perhaps I should see a dermatologist. Anyways, you probably don’t want to read about my acne so let’s move on.
4. This Coconut NonDairy Whip from Trader Joe’s is Incredible
Better than Reddi-Whip non-dairy! It’s seriously so so good. On pie, on hot cocoa, on ice cream, straight out of the can…I highly recommend you pick this up! It’s delightful.
5. I’m on an enchilada kick!
I don’t know how or why this happened, but I’ve been super into enchiladas. Trader Joe’s black bean and corn enchiladas are incredible, as are Amy’s (they taste…very similar)! My sister’s husband also made some incredible enchiladas last weekend with beans and veggies and potatoes and squash, and my sister whipped up a salad with a bunch of veggies and crushed plantain chips for crunch. So tasty!
6. I made an infographic Insta Account!
Follow @shareablescience for more fun! I have only posted twice since starting it (went into funk and holiday mode and took a full break from my creative endeavors) but rest assured more are coming!
7. Trader Joe’s Dog Advent Calendar Is Pure Genius
That’s all.
8. Thanksgiving was Awesome
I love Thanksgiving food and Thanksgiving in general. Veggies, pie, family and gratitude! What more could you want?
(Also, I ate this plate + more times three plus three slices of pie).
9. I need to make a good vegan pumpkin pie
My sister and I were talking about how we’ve yet to be wow’d by a vegan pumpkin pie. We’ve both tried some recipes from trusted blogs and eaten it at restaurants and we both agree that there’s always something lacking. I’m determined to perfect vegan pumpkin pie over winter break. That and vegan Japanese cheesecake. I love me a vegan baking challenge!
10. I love My Dog
You probably already know that. She’s the best company, companion, and loyal buddy/friend I’ve ever had. And she’s made me a better, more selfless person. Love you Mil!
That’s all for now! Thanks for reading. Millie and I send love and hugs your way. Be kind to others and be kind to yourself! As always, I welcome comments and questions below, or on Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube!
These types of posts are my favorite! That TJ’s whipped cream is a staple in my house. We love it. While I don’t know if it will help, the Humane company makes excellent face wash, toner, and moisturizer that has done wonders for my teen daughter’s acne. The company is fairly new (I believe), small, and truly wonderful…clean products and they will also respond to your e-mail questions. For the record, I have zero connection to them, just found them through a desperate search for something to help my daughter’s acne. I order directly from their website and they ship quickly. Here is a link to their website: https://thehumanecompany.com/
Thanks for the comment Cindy! And also, thank you for the skin care rec! I will definitely check that out!!!! Have a great week.