The Chocolate Helps.

It’s been shamefully long, I know. There’s no good reason for that other than writer’s block, which I am going to attempt to kick in the ass tomorrow at this workshop. The Art + Lit Lab was where I finally got the confidence to start submitting my writing to real websites and publications, so I’m hoping the same magic will appear tomorrow and get me out of my funk.

I have been writing, a little, but not putting it here because I’m going to attempt to pitch it somewhere, someday, and generally those places like brand new original #content that you haven’t already posted on your blog, even if only 20 people read that blog. Although hey, I have faith that number could increase; I looked back at one of my earlier posts from late 2017 and saw a passing remark I made about having under 100 Twitter followers. I have over 400 now, so you know…*brushes dirt off shoulder* I’m definitely kind of a big deal.

In other news, I’ve lost 12 pounds since Christmas. This has been virtually all due to my previously mentioned walk-taking obsession. Well, that coupled with healthyish eating, but really, I’m not depriving myself very much. I take 4-6 walks a week, usually by myself but now that it’s getting warmer, V has been more willing to accompany me. Tonight we drove to Baldwin Street, parked, and walked to Maple Bluff and looped around its various boulevards and came back; that was about 5 miles and it was delightful. Sometimes when we go on walks together we just talk, and sometimes we sync up a podcast to listen to simultaneously. Tonight we did a bit of both. Last week we did 3.5 or so miles through and around Shorewood Hills, so this week it seemed right to do its east side counterpart since V had never seen it. They’re both gorgeous of course, but when it comes to daydreaming about being Madison-rich, I think I prefer Shorewood by a hair. Not even because of the neighborhood itself but because of its surrounding environment. Shorewood has Hilldale, Whole Foods, near the west edge of campus; it’s basically bougie heaven. Maple Bluff’s area has…none of that. But they do have views of the Capitol over their side of the lake.

Oh, I’m working now. Just part-time, but hey, I’m glad for it. I’m assisting Sabrina Madison with her various projects and events through the Progress Center for Black Women, which is really exciting to be a part of. It’s definitely a good change from…previous employment.

Getting me through the days:

• the Queer Eye guys on Instagram (Bobby, Tan, Antoni, Karamo, & JVN). I worship at the Holy Church of the Fab Five. These boys can do no wrong. They’re constantly cheering eachother on in the IG comments and I will watch/listen to them in anything. To that end…
• JVN’s podcast Getting Curious. I think he was doing it before QE took off, but of course I only discovered it recently. He just interviews people about whatever he wants to learn more about, which is like, the dream podcast. When he interviewed Antoni was probably my favorite though and I hope he interviews the other guys at some point too.
• discussing #InfinityWar theories with V and whoever else will listen. Look, #nospoilers, it’s just intense AF and there’s a lot to chew on. IF you’re into Marvel movies. If you’re not, this is very much not for you.
• the wax melts Michelle sent me a few weeks ago. I haven’t gotten through them all, not even close, but they are a lovely addition to my hygge-themed living room.
• Thai food. Been eating a lot of it lately. My aunt and uncle took us to Sala Thai last night and it was incredible.
• also food-wise, Dove dark chocolates. I rediscovered a bag of them in a box that still holds most of my old work desk detritus. For years I’ve routinely kept bags of Dove dark chocolate squares at my desk, for obvious reasons. While I don’t have those exact stressors in my life now, I have different ones…and the chocolate helps.

The chocolate helps. And all God’s people said AMEN.