It’s been a while—I didn’t intend to be away this long, but life kind of took over. Lately, I’ve been under the weather. I don’t usually catch colds in the winter, but for some reason, they tend to hit me during the summer heat. Right now, I’ve got this annoying tickle in my throat that just won’t go away. Even just breathing can set it off and send me into a coughing fit, so I’ve had to be really careful and breathe as gently as possible. It’s honestly the worst.
I went out to dinner with some former coworkers I’ve stayed in touch with since I was twenty-four. We get together a few times a year and spend hours catching up—talking about everything and nothing. This time, we met at North Italia. I ordered the Ricotta Cavatelli, which comes with lump crab and tiger shrimp. I wasn’t sure what ricotta cavatelli was, but it reminded me of gnocchi—and to be honest, I’m not a fan of gnocchi. I think it’s the texture. So I didn’t end up enjoying my dinner all that much, but the White Truffle Garlic Bread at North Italia? Absolutely the best.
I really need to try some of their non-pasta dishes. I’ve always been curious about the branzino or the roasted salmon, but I always end up getting pasta instead. It’s hard to resist since they make it in-house—it just feels like the thing to order there.
My brother and his fiancée came into town last week with their kids—two Shiba Inus—and we dogsat while they went on a trip. With our two dogs and theirs, it was pure chaos—but in the best way. There were endless zoomies, toy squabbles, and non-stop chasing through the house. Now that they’re gone, the house feels so quiet. Our dogs seem a little less lively without their buddies around. I miss them so much already. I really wish we lived closer—but honestly, I’d dogsit for them again in a heartbeat.
I’m kind of jealous of my brother’s trip—they went to Lake Tahoe. Meanwhile, I’m buried in a work project and haven’t even been able to take sick time because I’m so invested in getting it done. If leadership signs off, it’ll be on our website and actually used by real people. Once I finally hand it off, I think I’m going to collapse from sheer exhaustion—and I’m definitely planning to take a much-needed mental health day.
Due to my recent illness, I haven’t been able to work out—which is a big change since my last post. I know, right? I’m actually working out. Looks like those New Year’s resolutions finally came through after all. I renewed my membership at a local athletic center and had been hitting the treadmill and stationary bike daily. I even powered through a pretty bad case of plantar fasciitis. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to keep that up since I got sick, but once I’m feeling better, I’m determined to get back into it.
Anyway, even though I’m not Catholic, I plan on watching Pope Leo’s formal installation. I’ve been really invested in the news around the new pope—probably because he’s American, and especially because he occasionally speaks English. I had a live feed going the day Cardinal Prevost was elected—it was genuinely exciting. I couldn’t help but watch all the news coverage that followed. I don’t remember being this interested when Pope Benedict or Pope Francis were elected, but something about this moment really pulled me in. I’m not a particularly religious person, but I think it’s beautiful that so many people feel a renewed sense of connection to something greater with the arrival of a new pontiff.
That’s all for now—I’m wiped out and heading to bed. Until next time!
