I sat down to write a blog post and realized I haven’t written a post in more than a month. So before I dive into a more traditional post, I wrote a catch-up post on what I’ve been doing lately.
Doing …
We’ve been enjoying summer and checking off items on the annual summer bucket list. Even though Sophie starts back to school next week, I still consider summer to be in full force until after Labor Day weekend. I’ll have a full post about how we did on the summer list with photos come then.
We’ve been trying to get outside as much as possible — swimming, walking and going to the park. Terre Haute has had a relatively mild summer; not quite as hot and humid as last year. We went to San Diego for a week to visit my family. Ironically it was more humid the week we were in San Diego than it has been here in Indiana.
I’ve been doing a lot of writing the last few months (clearly not on this blog). I’m excited to write regularly for two local magazines, and I’m writing several stories about life in Indiana for national publications. Stay tuned for an update on that project later.
Inspired by …
I had the pleasure of interviewing two inspiring Indiana State University graduates who started a loaded French fry food truck and ended up solving a big problem for college students in Terre Haute. I’m excited The Good Men Project published the piece, and you can read it here: College Entrepreneurs Open a Food Truck and Solve a Problem in Small Town America. One of the reasons I love Terre Haute is discovering the hidden gem stories to tell, like this one. Would love it if you check it out!
Thinking About …
Fall! I know it’s just the beginning August, but I’m already excited for the return of autumn. I started when we bought back-to-school supplies last week since Sophie starts school next week. And then I was seduced by the autumnal candle sale at Bath and Body Works. Although I refuse to burn my candle haul until September, smelling them scents make me long for the end of the month.
And of course, fall television premieres is always a good thing since I’m running out of shows to watch (see the next section of this post). And maybe it’s the “cooler-ish” weather we’ve been experiencing, but I just can’t wait for the leaves to change color and to physically and environmentally experience my favorite season.
Watching …
Oh television, how I love thee! The big hit recently was finishing “The Wire.” I never watched the show when it was on HBO in the early 2000s. I really liked the show, and can see why it’s become so acclaimed over the years. I’m already longing for the return of “Better Call Saul.” The thought of waiting almost nine months for season four makes me sad.
We are enjoying “Ozark” on Netflix. Already looking forward to season two. And I’m liking “American Crime,” which I’m watching for the first time.
I watched season one of “The Leftovers” and “Fargo.” Both were good, but not sure how much more I’ll go with “Fargo.” Just not sure if it’s my thing. So I’m almost out of shows to watch. Recommendations please!
Reading …
I’ve been making progress on my summer reading list. I loved David Carr’s The Night of the Gun: A reporter investigates the darkest story of his life. His Own, and Joyce Maynard’s Under the Influence.
I also bought two books that were not on my list that: The Velveteen Daughter and Move Fast and Break Things: How Facebook, Google, and Amazon Cornered Culture and Undermined Democracy. Looking forward to starting those after I finish The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit.
Listening to …
Everyone was raving about the S-Town Podcast, so I started listening to that on the airplane ride back to Indiana. It’s pretty fascinating and hooked me in right away. It’s sometimes tough for me to find the time to listen to podcasts since I’m not in the car nearly as much as I was in San Diego. And when I run and walk the dogs, I prefer music. But when I do listen, I’m loving the Happier with Gretchen Rubin podcast, and her sister’s new podcast, Happier in Hollywood.
Eating/Drinking …
I just made a batch of my Creamy Tomato Soup using tomatoes I picked from The Pickery, a certified organic u-pick vegetable garden here in Terre Haute. It was – quite honestly – the best batch of tomato soup I’ve ever made. I shared the soup recipe and wrote about the origins of our traditional Sunday dinner in a local magazine. Read the recipe and story here.
What’s currently going on in your life these days? Got television, books or podcast recommendations?