Welcome to My Brain: Things I Am Thinking About This Week
Things I’m thinking about:
- I am a much more sane person when I take regular internet sabbaticals. I took one last week, and emerged a pleasanter creature.
- Clothes shopping is not nearly as fun when you don’t fit in the same kind of clothing you’re used to wearing: like, say, jeans. I’m doing better with the whole body image insecurity thing on a macro level, but sometimes it’s three steps forward, one step back. Dresses with tights and large sweaters, you will be my friends from now on.
- This whole Walmart vs. Ashton Kutcher thing. Basically, everything that is wrong with society today. I give this stuff way too much space in my head.
- I am generally tanking at NaNoWriMo. I squeeze in some writing whenever I can (2,516 words Monday, 0 Tuesday, 65 Wednesday, 1,035 yesterday, 0 today), but I did not fully think through this whole “Let’s start a brand new career AND write a novel in 30 days!” thing. It’s just bad timing. I’m trying to give myself grace and not take it so seriously.
- On a happier note, how did I get so lucky that I am doing what I love for a living? It still hasn’t sunk in yet. Then I remember it isn’t just luck, I put in a lot of work to get to this place. I do not give myself enough credit.
- I am knee-deep in the latest Game of Thrones book, and Jeez Louise, it’s like my version of crack. I’m sucked right back into Westeros. It’s pure escapism, of which I need a little right now.
- Losing a relationship with a loved one to drug abuse is painful. So painful that I’m avoiding the issue, but my heart just hurts right now.
- Sometimes my feelings lie, but hey, there they are, and I’m acknowledging them instead of wiping them away with Cabernet. This is a step in the right direction.
- This song. We’re seeing the Black Crowes tonight, and this is my favorite of theirs.
So yes, I’m currently pondering ten or so different blog posts, but I can’t just zero in on one. Welcome to my brain. Pull up a chair, may I offer you some Candy Cane tea? I’ll try to keep it down in here.
After writing this, I became determined to clear my head of all this shizz by looking for the bright spots. I prowled around the house this afternoon with my SLR, looking for the things that bring me the most joy.
Things for which I’m thankful:
- My husband, who saw how excited I got over a signed copy of this gorgeous book and bought it for me, even though it was full-price.
- My husband once again, who knew how much I wanted to see Pearl Jam in concert, but knew I couldn’t afford it on my new freelance salary, so he surprised me with tickets. Yes, he is amazing, and no, you can’t have him.
- That I got to see this in real life, even if just once.
- The smell of cinnamon warmth spreading through my house after purchasing two bucks worth of scented pinecones.
- My Turkish coffee maker. Best $12.50 I ever spent.
- The rain. Hallelujah baby Jesus.
- The view from my office window. It’s so green it hurts my eyes–but in a good way.
- Books. Always.
- The colors in this perfectly perfect abalone shell, which is no larger than my fingernail.
- This face.
On that note, I’ll leave you with my favorite Pearl Jam song. Don’t worry, I’ll be back to tell you how amazing they are live.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbifWUl0NbQ
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40 Comments
Julie DeNeen
Love your cat pictures – love your brain! xo
Natalie DeYoung
<3
chamanasgar
I enjoyed reading your post.I agree you need some breaks or you’ll burn out.We can’t let it happen to an excellent blogger story writer and everything else that goes on in your life.
Best wishes to you.
Ranu
Natalie DeYoung
Aw, thank you! Yes, breaks are very important. 🙂
Janine Huldie
Love that you got to see Pearl Jam and just a bit jealous of that one for sure!! 🙂
Janine Huldie recently posted…Lily Ann Huldie Birth Story-What I Am Thankful for 3 Years Later-FTSF 44
Natalie DeYoung
I know, I’m so lucky! 🙂
Considerer
That shell – the colours! Beautiful 😀 I’m so glad that you’re happy and freelancing and having a wonderful time of it. That is TRUE joy and freedom.
Your coffee pot is a very pretty thing. How does it work? I have one of the Italian Aluminium ones, which sends the steam up through the coffee, and though I don’t often use it, when I do, the coffee tops EVERYTHING. I’ll assume you know to put a sprinkle of salt in with the grounds to take the bitterness off and leave it smooooooth (Italian style 😉 )
I, too, have seen the Eiffel Tower once. It was lit up with sparkling giant LED lights, and it was like a galaxy had fallen into the centre of Paris in the shape of the tower, and was shining all over the place. It was stunningly beautiful 🙂
Considerer recently posted…Ten Things of Thankful 25th Weekaversary Party
Natalie DeYoung
Thank you! You brew the grounds (very fine grounds) with the water, some cardamom and sugar, then let it bubble. SO GOOD. It makes me feel like I’m far away. 🙂
The Eiffel Tower is something I didn’t expect to find as beautiful as it was – breathtaking!
A Pleasant House
I really like your list and agree with every darn thing on it! Especially love the kitty. Meow!
A Pleasant House recently posted…The Day The President Died
Natalie DeYoung
Haha, thanks!
Beduwen
Right now I am just sending you good vibes. 🙂
Beduwen recently posted…7 Tips to Survive the Call To Change
Natalie DeYoung
Thank you, I could use some. 🙂
lisa thomson
Great post! Welcome to your brain makes me feel you are a kindred spirit.
Natalie DeYoung
Haha, glad I’m not alone!
Kristi Campbell
Wow, this is awesome. I’m sorry about your lost relationship and totally feel you on the jeans and big sweaters thing. I think I’ve gained 10 pounds since like June. Sigh…
I like your brain. Oh also? I signed up for Nano and have 40 words. I’m not doing any more. It’s just too much and I don’t want to edit hastily typed words, anyway.
Kristi Campbell recently posted…Pilgrims. Dorky clothing and shattered illusions. And a defeated pizza boy.
Natalie DeYoung
Sigh. I know. And I think I’m kissing Nano goodbye. My next week is booked too solid to pretend the world needs my novel RIGHT NOW.
Marcy
I love Pearl Jam and the Black Crowes, so, yeah, a little jealous, but I hope you have a blast. I’m intrigued by the Turkish coffee maker. Finally, I just finished binge-watching three seasons of Game of Thrones, and I loved it. The bad side of binge-watching is when you get caught up and have to wait for a new episode like everyone else. I’ve been missing it, so maybe I should read the books!
Marcy recently posted…Life’s Experiments: Postcards from Outside Your Comfort Zone {#2}
Natalie DeYoung
Saw The Black Crowes last night, and WOW. Just wow. Such an amazing performance.
And I read the books before watching the show, but as of right now I’d say yes, you should read them. 🙂
Ellen
Oh, I’m so glad you are finally going to see Pearl Jam! What a wonderful gift and a great husband! I will expect a post about it after you’ve had time to reflect. 😉
Ellen recently posted…Nothing Natural
Natalie DeYoung
I know, I am freaking out. I have wanted to see them play for nearly twenty years now, so this was a long time coming! 🙂
Calamity Rae
I’m a lover of Game of Thrones – unfortunately, I do not possess the ability to stay focused long enough to read the series, but wish I could so I get my Game of Thrones fix via HBO. I have been struggling with body image issues since turning 30, prior to that I was always a stick. Have fun at the concerts, btw!
Calamity Rae recently posted…I’m a bit of a music freakadeak
Natalie DeYoung
Thank you! And yeah, they need a lot of focus – the one I’m reading right now is over 1,000 pages. The TV series comes pretty close to being as amazing, which is more than you can say for a lot of adaptations.
Chris Plumb
Pearl Jam and the Black Crowes in the same week? Jealous (especially PJ). I like these hodgepodge posts. I need to read the G.O.T. books (but my wife read them…for some reason I feel like I read something if she reads it).
Praying about the drug abuse person. It’s a terrible thing (even with prescription or legal drugs).
Chris Plumb recently posted…Top Ten Grinchy Things to Do this Holiday Season.
Natalie DeYoung
I’d be jealous of me, too. 😉
Thank you for the prayers – they are very welcome.
gem
Yes…amen to the much needed rain!
And hugs re: the drug abuse/loss of someone.
Enjoy the concerts!oh and pray for more rain but not on Thanksgiving or else I will have to get creative with 15 lbs of turkey and no one to feed!
gem recently posted…Ways motherhood is like college
Natalie DeYoung
Thank you! And no, no rain on Thanksgiving. 🙂
nikkiana
A big empathic “Yes!” to the point about clothes shopping. I hate clothes shopping for this reason now. I gained a bunch of weight over the past year and crossed the threshold into plus sized clothing and I think I’m kinda in some sort of disassociation denial about it. And maybe also a little angry that I’m now supposed to shop in the same section of the store as my mother. *sigh*
Natalie DeYoung
It’s not an easy adjustment. 🙁
Karen
I am so happy for you that you get to make a living doing what you love – oh, and that you have good books, and an awesome husband, and cats 🙂 Life is good.
Karen recently posted…Predestination and a Lack of Personal Space, or Why God Created Birth Control (plus a bonus GF Cookie Recipe for Zoe)
Natalie DeYoung
It sure is! 🙂
Dana
I loved getting a peek inside your brain, Natalie! I have about ten partially formed blog posts in my head right now too – if you figure out how to get them out of the brain and onto the paper (or laptop), let me know. I suppose they’ll make their way out eventually, but it’s slow going sometimes.
Dana recently posted…Oh, to be a teenager
Natalie DeYoung
Haha! I know. It feels like a garage sale up here.
jamie@southmainmuse
Such a happy post. And I haven’t been to Europe yet. Maybe one day. And I love your kitty.
jamie@southmainmuse recently posted…Ten Things of Thanks ~ Thanksgiving addition.
Natalie DeYoung
So do I. 😉
Samantha Brinn Merel
The smell of cinnamon…yes. I just bought Celestial Seasonings cinnamon tea and I’m loving it. They only have it this time of year, so I always stock up.
Samantha Brinn Merel recently posted…Welcome Back Winter (and my blue running jacket)
Natalie DeYoung
Oh, yum! Same with the Candy Cane tea – I stock up this time of year. 🙂
Ken
I only recently got hooked on Game of Thrones, but not in book form. My wife has read them, but seems to think if she tells me what’s going to happen, it will ruin the whole thing for me. Drat!
You’re coffee maker is interesting. I have a love of things that require process and patience. More often than not, the outcome is well worth the extra effort.
Ken recently posted…#176. or, Tested
Natalie DeYoung
It’s okay – Game of Thrones is just as good in the TV form. I don’t say that about every book-turned-TV-series. 🙂
Ericamos
Lucky girl! A thoughtful husband and Pearl Jam tickets bundled up in one package?! Jealous. 🙂
Ericamos recently posted…Now Presenting, Mrs. Brown
Natalie DeYoung
I know. He’s the best. 🙂