Current Scene + 2024 Word/Concept

Current scene: G’s doll hospital

Reason for said scene: School is closed because of . . . rain.

Okay fine, there was some flooding in some areas. And our school is prone to flooding. Safety is important. HOWEVER, the actual weather outside is quite delightful (and I didn’t actually see much standing water locally) so it’s a bit frustrating. I did ask our nanny to come at 10 AM (I have an interview, a BLPA session, a podcast to record) but I still doubt my ability to focus the way I can when the kids are . . . not here.

Ahh well. I can be grateful for my flexibility today AND mildly annoyed at the same time, I suppose! Will try to lean more on the former because this is not a problem I can really solve.

(Though I can go work in my closet/”recording studio”. That is the closest thing I have to a private office space in this house!)

Also there will 100% be screen time. I’m just trying to hold it off for a couple of hours. At least a) we don’t get snow days and b) the school usually adds days or changes existing half-days to full days to make up for the missed time.

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Word of the year . . . already!?

I KNOW. It’s not even December. But what can I say – I had lots of time to reflect already, with BLP Live and a plane flight! And Elisabeth inspired me too, with her year of shmita declaration. So whatever, I’m calling it!

My 2024 word of the year: E X P E R I E N C E

I feel like this word has so many facets that apply!

First, there’s the idea of just paying attention to my own experiences. To try to really take everything in and not be distracted.

Then, I think about the idea of curating my experience. The act of say, bringing a kid to soccer could be a tiring chore or it could be an experience of going outside, enjoying some fresh air and a book and a bit of connection during the car ride. Choosing books or podcasts that give me something positive to experience with my consumption.

Next, the word experience makes me think of the senses and the different ways you can experience anything by paying attention to sights / sounds / textures / smells / tastes and even memories and historical context.

Finally, I feel like — in my 40s — I have some experience which can be leveraged in different ways. I’m no longer a new podcaster, writer, or doctor. I’m experienced, which means I have a lot to share and bring to the world. I also have had such great learning experiences along the way and want to take those lessons with me as I progress along various avenues.

I’ve been trying to decide what to do with my incredibly cute a6 Hobonichi with the gorgeous liberty print cover — I think it would be so much fun to have an experience journal – just to describe daily something about the experiences of the day. I also think this would be a great place to track media and journal about my relationship with devices/screens since they impact today’s overall experience of living SO MUCH.

So yay! Excited for this. (My 2023 word was CLEAR which actually did work out in many ways and I’ll discuss at a later point, but I think this will be even more fun 🙂 )