Bibliosphere

  It seems odd that four years have passed again, since I last checked to see if my vote had been counted. When it's a local or state election, I hope for the best, but presidential? Even though I know which way my state will go, I vote, for every race, even pulling up the judge reviews to carefully select who I wish to retain. If you are eligible, if you can, please do vote. While the deadline has passed to register in some states, many allow same-day registration, like Utah. Learn more from Vote.org .

I 100% meant to publish this October 1, but I was waiting for big news. I have that, I just can't share it quite yet. But suffice to say, it's going to be different. It's going to be ok, but it's going to be different.  I'm looking at a lot of changes. Some of them at work are coming into a more supervisory position, potentially more hours, and potentially changing a lot of processes. Now, work isn't the only area where there's changes. My home life is also going through changes, both related to and unrelated to work. Mostly I'm tired at this point. I'm trying my best, trying very hard, and there's a lot going on. As I juggle all of this, I'm unsure what the future will bring for many areas of my life.

 Heya, so, I know I don't have a huge following, but I'm asking for some help for an organization near and dear to my heart. You see, childhood cancer is not the only cause that I am passionate about, though it is up there. Mental health is also super important in my life, as the main thing that I seem to shape my life around. NAMI Utah is in a financial situation, and they need help. It's hard enough for an organization to be in that position, harder still to admit that to all of the people it serves (in a series of emails sent throughout today). I feel a huge amount of empathy and respect for any organization that can admit this. So, if you are so inclined, a donation would be greatly appreciated: https://www.namiut.org/get-involved/donate-to-nami-utah. NAMI Utah is a 501c3 nonprofit and donations are tax deductible.

 So, as of September 29, I have read 71 books in 2024. Twenty nine were in print, 42 audio. Five were in Spanish, the rest English. This year I've been learning that it's ok to put down a book you aren't enjoying, even if you never come back to it. I've put down a number of books this year, because I want to enjoy reading, and books that challenge me in a negative way are not a way to spend my down time.  The top books from August & September were (out of 16 finished during this time): The Teachers by Alexandra Robbins - This took me about 6 weeks to read due to... life stuff. But, it was well worth it and when things calmed down I finished it pretty quickly. Con el corazón abierto by Dalai Lama XIV - This one is important to me because it's the first book in Spanish that is for adults that I finished. Didn't understand all of it, but I did finish it. Owning Bipolar: How Patients and Families Can Take Control of Bipolar Disorder by Michael G. Pipich - I h...

Though extravagant, I subscribed to a produce box this August. I was convinced at a farmer's market stall, and I was skeptical. But, in all honesty, picking out fun and funky veggies has been an amazing source of joy these past couple of months. I've received 3 boxes so far. All have had something delightful. I couldn't even tell you my favorite veggie or fruit I've tried. Candystripe figs were a treat for someone who really only eats dried figs. Delicata squash has been on my "to try" list for ages (thanks cooking shows).  I'm very excited for these next couple of weeks too! I'm trying a whole bunch of things: burdock root, brown beech mushrooms, and honeynut squash. I also have ordered some tiny white turnips, some very interesting looking kiwi berries, and a few other goodies.   

 From ACCO, did you know, 1 in 6 children diagnosed with cancer won't survive more than 5 years after diagnosis. When I was younger, it was 1 in 5, so at least we're going in the right direction. But 1 in 6 is still far too many.