1- I decided to try Opal. I have found myself in an annoying pattern of over-checking my phone lately (I go through good periods and bad periods!) and as I noted, the iPhone Screen Time app has been making me mad. A few of you recommended Opal, so I downloaded a free trial of the Pro version.
I may downgrade to the free version, but I am already happier with it!! I love that you can exclude certain apps from the total (for me currently excluded: YNAB, Instacart, Google Maps). And, I love that you can set up focus periods and that you get a score. (Upholders like scores, what can I say).
I will have to decide if it’s worth the “Pro” version vs free, but I’m really glad I set it up so far. I will report back once the free trial (just a week) is over.
2- I slept 9.5 hours last night. And oh did I need it. Last night was super hectic – I took G to her school “Barnes & Noble Night” (fundraiser) which she love but is always chaotic, and a 25 minute drive from our house. THEN, rushed back to take A to acro class where she made her reappearance after a ~6 week hiatus for her broken finger. Josh ended up picking her up at 8 pm and then I begged to just . . . go to bed. I read for about 5 minutes and then fell asleep.
3- Speaking of B&N — if you preordered my book from B&N, you might get an early surprise in the mail — I just got an email from a listener named E that her copy arrived yesterday!!!!
4- I have a rather ambitious list of productive things to do today. Plus, brunch with endo colleagues. Josh is going with C to the MLS championship ANNNNND we have a Miami Heat game tonight! (Yes that is a lot of sports spectatorship on his part but he said he didn’t mind!).
5- A wants to go off in search of this:
Judging from the inflated prices on Etsy I am not that optimistic . . . but seems worth a try.
12 Comments
Opal sounds cool! I might have to check it out!
This past week has been bananas. There was a lot of fun and I had a sort of shouldless day yesterday but it was too much between book fair volunteering, Will’s birthday, a work holiday party, and my book club’s end of year party (which is a lot of work for me as we vote on 3 suggestions from each member and I pull library hold data ahead of the meeting so we know what book we will read in January). Will’s bday party is 9-11 today and then we have a double date tonight to caps things off. But after this week, the month will feel much more manageable!
My life of a show girl piano book arrived last night! Can’t wait to work on some songs!! Thanks again for highlighting that it was available!!
yayyyy! yes it has been fun to use the book — I need to get back to it! I find it pretty relaxing and fun to play – which is funny bc that is NOT how I remember piano practice from my childhood, haha.
It’s been good to show Paul what it looks like to learn a new song. He gets so so frustrated when he makes mistakes so I am showing him that making mistakes is part of the process!! I think he’s a perfectionist like me, though, so he comes by it naturally…
I might check out Opal too–let me know what you think! My screen time habits also ebb and flow, so it’s nice to have this in mind.
I went to Starbucks at noon the day those cups came out, and they told me they sold out in 2 hours. I hope you have better luck!!
I found one tumbler! It wasn’t A’s first choice but I went to 3 Starbucks so I think I’m done now!!
Great job!!! I should have been more persistent!
I ordered your book on Monday from B&N and it arrived yesterday! I’m going to start reading it tomorrow, but a quick flip through says I’m going to love it.
I’m so glad Tara! I hope you love it 🙏
I’m one of the people who recommended Opal – glad you’re liking it so far! I’ve had it for a couple months and probably need to go through again and tweak some of my settings but overall it’s been helpful so far.
I’m excited – I ordered your book from B&N for me and my two work-besties. And it’s supposed to arrive tomorrow! Christmas gifts with a side of New Year’s Energy?!? What’s not to love.
Ahhhhhh!!!!!! I’m so excited the Barnes and noble orders seem to be out already- what a great surprise!!