Bringing my typing fingers back to earth in 3... 2...

Ahh, here. I've been taught to write when I write. Just release, let my brain go. And sometimes it GOES.

That's what happened last night when I wrote my first piece here, and I'm sure it will happen again. Despite my desire to keep that kinda writing elsewhere and stick here to more of a capture of my idle thoughts and the rabbit holes that my monkey mind always seems to find itself in. The what I'm reading and what I'm reading next lists that I always read through when other people share. 

But I suppose it was necessary first to say where I'm at.

Healing a chronic health condition is as simple and as hard as trying to walk through a 6-foot wall of jello. And that's after I found the damn wall, despite seeing the red glow, and smelling the indisputable fragrance of cherry-of-the-industrial-age for months. I'm grateful to have a real starting point, as well as a solid direction for my path. The rest of the work is just my work: slow and steady. And as my body heals, and my emotions can relax a scoche, my mind can get back to all of the work and hobbies and practices and loves that have been on hold.

Here are my lists:

• What I'm watching: Atypical, Bonding, and Kim's Convenience. All Netflix shows. Not a single one a suspense-filled crime drama (my favorite), but completely enjoying the brevity and the easy-to-consume content. Each like a snack of prosciutto: still not a meal, but far more satiating than popcorn or candy. 
• What I'm reading: I am freshly into two books: 
  • The Data Detective by Tim Harford - I enjoy his podcast and any other podcast on which he's a guest, so that was a big draw. And I'm coming to terms with a new side to my nerdtitude: the part of me which loves data and economics. His book is focused on the first, clearly, but absolutely impacts representations of the second. So, I'm in this to learn.
  • How To Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan - As my emotions and impulses balance out, I'm coming to terms with depression being a constant companion of mine. But because I am me, I don't want to keep assuming that I can just will my way out of it*. This is a pleasure read because I love Michael Pollan's writing, but also, hopefully, a clue for how I can try something new and crack through this broken shell of mine. (* - Yes, I do therapy. Thanks for asking.)
• What I'm writing: I just sent a letter to the editor of Texas Monthly over a piece they wrote on a local maker who chops up perfectly good quilts to turn them into trendy jackets. Makes me wanna hurl. And probably tell y'all more about it next installment.
• What I'm listening to: Kara Swisher's interview with Sascha Baren Cohen was fantastic. Tomorrow, I'm going to double-feature the first 2 of The Daily's 4-part series on bringing high school football back to Odessa, TX.
• What stage of AIP Re-introduction am I at: Stage 2: egg yolks. The jury is still out. This re-intro is not nearly as simple as each type of nuts has gone.
• What's my next maker/DIY project? Ameliorating an overly humid master bathroom, and selecting a paint color for when it's time to redo the walls.
• Where I went after I left my house today: Meanwhile Brewery for cider, wine, a modded cobb salad with lobster, and being in safe, outdoor proximity to many strangers and their dogs.
• Accomplishment of the week: First haircut in 13 months! (cue the airhorn)

Peace, y'all ✌🏼

This piece was originally published on my Hey World blog on the indicated publication date.