Week 46: August 4-10th, 2023

NUMBERS OF THE WEEK:

Steps: 5145

Up from last week, but still not where I should be.

Weight: Down 0.7lbs

Almost on track, still moving ahead with this goal front of mind

HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK: Reconnections

Like so many of you, Covid had a profound impact on who I am today. One of the biggest changes, was I left a job as a nurse practitioner in the Emergency Department to work in the community. I had been wanting to expand my scope of practice, and I just needed a change, and Covid gave me the YOLO attitude to take the risk. Change is hard, and involves sacrifice. I gave up working with an incredible team of health care providers to explore something new.

Ironically, I think the Universe tried to warn me, because two days after my last day in emergency, I had a really bad fall and ended up back in the ED as a patient. I required surgery and lots of physio and ended up being off work for a few months. Even though we were still in the throes of Covid, my work family stepped up and brought me meals and came for socially distanced visits and I will never forget their kindness.  One special friend came to my house and removed over a hundred sutures from various surgical and laceration sites on my face and arms. Although we eventually lost touch as our lives explored new dimensions, we remained connected.

She got married this week and I was honored to be a guest on her special day. It was the quickest ceremony I have ever attended, with the whole thing clocking in at less than 5 minutes, no exaggeration. But it was abundantly clear that they are in love, fully committed and confident in the life they are going to build.

And that is all you need. Congrats!

ALBUM OF THE WEEK

Chappell Roan: The Rise and Fall of a Midwestern Princess

Yes, I am jumping on the bandwagon, but I AM OBSESSED. Chappell Roan’s meteoric rise to fame started since playing her first festival at Coachella in April 2024. She breathlessly told the crowd “I am your favorite artists’ favorite artist”. Even then I didn’t listen. All I knew was that she was the opening act on tour for Olivia Rodrigo, a pop singer whose music I do not listen to.

A few months later I stumbled upon her NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert and was mesmerized. Also, I think hearing the song Pink Pony Club for the first time altered my DNA. It has become one of my favorite songs.

She is an open lesbian, and has become a queer icon. Although she is playing a character, she is exceptionally talented, telling her story of moving from Missouri to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams of becoming a musician. Her songs are universal: full of heartbreak, disappointment, struggle, and joy. A diamond in the rough.