Sorry for my prolonged absence. It was not planned but life. And life has its own plans, right? Admittedly my blogging mojo had been a little low as of late (it happens to all of us!) and with all the crap going on in the world, it was hard to put a happy face on. I’ve worn a pretend happy face before and it really doesn’t end well.
The whole fake your happiness thing is B.S. in my opinion. You shouldn’t necessarily marinate in bad thoughts or emotions but there is no shame in feeling anything but happy. And since I wasn’t happy with the state of the world, I struggled to write anything without it feeling trite.
Now this is not to make anyone feel bad because they can write happy posts when the world is not a happy place. In fact, as long as you are not doing the whole pretend it’s not happening because it doesn’t affect you, I truly appreciate my blogging friends who can keep things light when life is dark. Things that make me laugh. Bring a smile to my face. A little joy to a world that seems to lately thrive on despair and discord.
But that’s not my gift.
So What’s New with Me
Honestly, not as much as you’d think.
A Stolen Life
Well, that sounds dramatic, eh? But true. I got mugged in June, although mugged sounds awfully scary and violent. And the actual purse snatching felt surreal but not really scary or violent. No weapons or threats or anything like that (this is where I should probably remind you that I read a lot of mysteries/thrillers so I know what a “literal” mugging is and mine was boring in comparison). I was just in the right place at the wrong time, and a kid on a bike took off with purse and my life because that’s what we carry in them. It’s a huge pain and for the 10 lousy dollars he got, I will spend hundreds replacing/fixing everything.
I seriously want to find the kid, not so much to prosecute him, but to hit him repeatedly with my handbag. Dumbass.
It’s My Birthday Month … errr… Tomorrow
Yup, I’m a Cancer, which always weirded me out as a kid. Since, you know, nobody wants Cancer! ๐ But it felt more right when I saw the symbol was a crab because I’m kind of crabby (or more like moody). I planned to make July super special somehow (more an idea with no concrete specifics) but life. So I’m just keeping it simple and low-key and celebrating with some friends, which is perfect.
I Have Not Read Anything Since May
This feels the weirdest. Even weirder than getting mugged. I am a reader. PERIOD. Sure it ebbs and flows but I always read something, even just rereading a favorite book. But I didn’t even do that! Nothing sounded good to me. It even felt stranger to not participate in this month’s Show Us Your Books link-up.
Originally I planned to make July the best reading month ever but I’ll be pleased as punch to read even one book. Any recommendations? I’m really looking for something lighter and more uplifting because I need the mood boost.
It’s Freaking Hot in LA and I Hate It!
Listen, I ain’t a fan of heat. I like 75 degrees with a cool breeze. Not 90+ degrees with some humidity. Fairness makes me acknowledge that California humidity doesn’t even register against Minnesota humidity but it still annoyed me. I melt in heat. Act like I’m 2 years old. Get super whiny. And sweaty. Let me tell ya, there ain’t nothing more attractive then a soon to be 43-year-old woman who is sweaty and whiny.
It’s actually been a bit better (I wrote the majority of this last week) but I’m still running my air conditioner more than I’d like.
Get Healthy Journey is Slowly Getting Back on Track
I’m eating a bit better and started working out again after quitting in June. Now you can blame the mugging (and I totally plan to) but I technically stopped working out prior to it sooooooo … it’s probably on me. But I’m not stuffing my face with as many carbs or overeating in general, which is good. And I am grumbling my way through workouts, although this heat does not help. At. All.
I also plan to eat my way through the next three days because BIRTHDAY! And carbs, calories and fat DO NOT COUNT.
A Birthday Laugh or Two
I feel like I’ve been kind of whiny and a Debby Downer so let’s leave on a funny note.

I feel like some days people would laugh uproariously at my pratfalls because I am a proud klutz. But more frequently, I feel like people would both laugh and come running, cuz that old coot just tripped and fell on her face and probably broke a creaky bone or two.
I’ve been a crazy cat lady since I was two, son. Age ain’t gonna change that.
I’m hoping to be back to a regular blogging schedule. But I’m not making any promises! ๐
So tell me what’s new with you? Any book recommendations?
Tanya
happy birthday!!
omg i’m glad you were ok from the mugging; that must have been so scary.
i’ve been reading Throne of Glass series and love it.
Glad to see you around this space, even if just to pop in and fill us in!
Poop on that mugger! I’m so glad it wasn’t anything violent or threatening but it’s SUCH a violation when someone steals something that is yours. How frustrating (and scary!). I’m glad you’re ok but I will join you in smacking the kid around with a handbag if you find him ๐
I hope you have a very happy birthday!!!
I was totally going to email you this week to see how you were doing because I noticed your absence on the โol interwebs. Glad to hear from you! Sorry about the mugging, ugh!
Happy Birthday my beautiful friend! May it be everything you wish! ๐
Oh man that is awful about the mugging but I’m so glad there were no weapons involved or anything…but still…Nice to see you back. And have a great birthday! I get the heat thing. Even with the cooler temps I don’t have AC so sleeping is not always the best. ๐
That is so infuriating to me to think people think its totally OK to just TAKE other peoples things. UGHHHH. Glad you werent hurt in it though.
not reading???? WHAT IS HAPPENING?!?!??!?!!?
I understand not writing in this fucked up world – I don’t find it as easy as it used to be. I’ve touched on that a few times. If you take a break, don’t feel the need to say sorry for being absent because we don’t owe anyone an apology or explanation for being inaccessible. One of my blogging pet peeves LOL
Happy birthday month! So sorry about the mugging, what a violation and also PITA
Happy Birthday month and possibly belated birthday! I hope you get your reading mojo back. I know what a book lover you are. But, you can’t force it. Have you tried an audio book? I’m so sorry to hear about your mugging. Regardless that it wasn’t like what we read about in book, I’d be scared as heck. And I can only imagine what a pain it is to cancel your credit cards and get a new license, etc. It’s been hot here too and I’m not a fan either. July is coming to a close and I hope August treats you much better. Sending positive vibes!!
Happy belated birthday! Hope you enjoyed it! I’m sorry about the mugging. That’s so shitty. People suck. ? It sucks trying to get all of your cards and IDs and everything back too. Ugh . I feel for you, girl. So frustrating. Glad you’re ok though!!
I’m a first time visitor and followed you because I love your writing style, you’re hilarious! I’d love if you’d follow me back if you get a chance! Looking forward to reading more from you. ?
xo, Sarah
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