1- NPR Songs list (their picks, top songs of 2025) is out. I am more of a ‘top albums’ person but will definitely listen to the playlist.
2- Some super interesting posts from the lovely Frugal Girl (Kristen) lately, including this one about the idea of a ‘container‘ metaphor for the size/scope of one’s hopes and dreams. I will admit my tangible wants and desires tend to change over time EVEN when I know that these things really aren’t the most important (and I ironically wish I had fewer physical things)! I may need to read the book she recommends (Happy Money, by Ken Honda). (He is not related to the Honda brand of autos by the way – I just checked. A born-in billionaire telling us all how to be happy with a smaller ‘container’ probably wouldn’t work so well . . .)
3- DO I NEED A LAP DESK? This article made me feel like I do. Maybe if I did, I would be more likely to journal in bed or on the couch with the kids while they watch TV?
(DIDN’T I JUST SAY I WANTED FEWER THINGS? GAHHH. I probably don’t need a lap desk. But I am considering it.)
4- I liked how Kendra described her holiday season brain dump method in this ep, and my favorite part was when she reminded people NOT to look at lists not relevant to the pertinent time frame. This is a key under appreciated feature (in my opinion) of the way I do goals: I look at my weekly list once a day, monthly list once a week, and so on. That’s it! The only list I’m looking at frequently is my daily list, which is (relatively) short and only includes things I’d like to do that day. For me, life feels much less overwhelming when I focus on what’s in front of me.
(I even have to stop myself from perusing my patient schedule into the future. My brain starts churning as if I’m seeing all the patients at once! And I’m not!!)
5- I kind of want a hot chocolate and I think I am going to succumb. Someone brought a box of those packets and while I am almost never tempted by office treats (donuts, cookies, bday cake – all generally get a ‘nah’ from me) a hot cup of sugary Swiss Miss is apparently calling my name. Well. I guess it’s the season . . .
MONTANA COUNTDOWN: 13 days. Let’s DO THIS!!
PS: I am STILL DOING THE MORNING PAGES THING! It’s starting to go quicker – today was 17 minutes. We will see if I keep it up . . .
7 Comments
The kids and I all have a “pillow desk” as we call them and use them constantly. I use mine many times a week!
In Australia they were always called Stable Tables. I just use a hardcover book to balance my laptop- perhaps I should upgrade!
You mean Stabie Tabies? Just kidding, but love the Australian slang for things.
I think the container idea is interesting… but wondering about how it applies to aspirations rather than things. Like I find I have been able to adjust my career aspirations to be more in line with what I want my life to look like, but I still have searing hatred towards other people who have gotten what I thought I wanted before. For a variety of reasons but mostly bc they act like they think they are better than me. So is my container *actually* smaller or have I been able to distract myself effectively most of the time? Anyway.
I have a lap desk next to my nightstand AND one next to the couch. The one next to the couch is really a giant clipboard made for artists that I got at Five Below a long time ago – for $5! So it doesn’t have to break the bank. But these things get used almost daily for exactly what you said – journaling in bed and on the couch next to the kid. Also useful for my laptop!
I’ve been leaning into hot chocolate season. My favorites are Starbucks brand mix from Costco and dark chocolate mint from TJs. I make it with Fairlife milk for the protein boost, but enjoying the sweet treat! Classic Swiss Miss is always a win. ☕️
I really love my lapdesk. Sometimes I’ll have a quiet start to the AM and bash through email while drinking tea in bed.