I believe I have found the location for the clothing store I want to open. I applied for one place last month but the owner rented it to a restaurant instead. But now I have found something else… fingers crossed…
With designer Carly Frolio, I launched a small collection of licensed Husker merch. For people who don’t know, that’s our mascot for our flagship University of Nebraska school. I am not a sports fan, but I know a lot of my customers are. And the designs are so cute that this is finally a sport shirt I would actually wear.
Since my last email in June I am still without a car. I *might* be getting one Friday though — I’m going to test drive something. I’m looking at small SUVs so I can haul all the boxes and packages I need for my shop, and also carry Ash’s upright bass.
Right before school started, we went on a quick trip to New York City to attend a few stationery trade shows. When Ash was little I always said he had to wait until he was 13 to come to market with me, so this was a special trip. Super cool new inventory from all over the world is on its way! A lot of it selected by Ash.
Conservative radicals have really mastered the pipeline of candidates in a way that progressives never have. One thing we really have to collectively do to be rid of the extremism that pervades the choices we see on our ballots is support candidates who are normal, good, qualified, thoughtful people. Especially since, especially today, there is almost no incentive for that type of person to run for office. In Nebraska, Kristin Christensen is running for State Board of Education, which is one of the most important elected bodies for keeping kids safe and public schools strong. I encourage you to support her and go to her campaign kickoff if you can! If she got elected, it would make my work as a lawmaker easier.
In my last note I said when our legislative session ended, I felt physically/mentally/emotionally a 1 out of 100. A month later, I felt like a 3 out of 100. I’m still in the same place. It’s so so bad. That place is a swamp. Thinking about going back gives me a serious physical reaction.
Recent things I bought and enjoyed:
Gigantic canvas bags from IKEA. These are like the iconic blue shopping bags, but made of canvas and very soft. I usually use IKEA bags for everything — suitcase, laundry basket, mail bin, everything, but for traveling I like these better now because they aren’t *noisy.*
Recycled plastic stripe bag from Burke Decor. Each of these bags is made by hand from that iconic (yes I’m saying iconic a lot) plastic woven fabric that is widely used in India and the Middle East. These bags are handmade and and made without waste. I have the wide narrow one and it’s very cool. It’s an unusual shape so different from what you typically see people carrying anywhere.
Nebula mini projector. This was my Labor Day sale purchase. I’ve never had a TV in my bedroom and with this, I can project anything. I feel like I never want to leave my room now. I have a small blank wall space next to my bed so I can lay on my side and watch, and I have a larger blank space on the wall opposite my bed, so I can watch something bigger with Ash. Last night I used it for the first time and almost watched the entire second season of The Bear. I have always had a no food and no tv rule in the bedroom, but last night I also had a personal pan pizza in bed. It’s just like…really? After Covid? After this legislative session? We are really sticking to these stuffy rules? No, it’s time to make full use of all the space in the house.
Flocked iron-on letters. You have to always have these on hand. If you need a shirt with a message, you can probably find one in your closet that you don’t mind altering with these iron-on letters. Kids love them too. And it’s easy to make personalized gifts with them. Or label things. Just iron them on whatever.
Shiny nail buffers. I’m not getting my nails done anymore, and I am going for just a super clean short look. These are the best buffers I have found to keep my nails shiny, and the best size.
Realistic self-talk:
This too shall pass & my life will be better.
I am a worthy and good person.
I am doing the best I can, given my history and level of current awareness.
Like everyone else, I am a fallible person and at times will make mistakes and am committed to learning from them.
What is, is.
Look at how much I have accomplished, and I am still progressing.
There are no failures, only different degrees of success.
Be honest and true to myself.
It is OK to let myself be distressed for awhile.
I am not helpless. I can and will take the steps needed to get through during crisis.
I will remain engaged and involved instead of isolating and withdrawing during this situation.
This is an opportunity, instead of a threat. I will use this experience to learn something new, to change my direction, and/or to try a new approach.
Other people are responsible for their reactions to me.
I can stand anything for a while because I am resilient.
In the long run, who will remember or care?
I see all things through the eyes of compassion.
Slices of life: