Writing With Abandon

I “slept in” until 7am this morning after “staying up” to watch the Oscars. I knew I’d be sacrificing my early morning slice but the extra sleep was worth it. As my day unfolded slowly and steadily, I kept my eyes peeled for little slices along the way.

Enjoying my breakfast of an egg on toast with avocado, spinach, and HP sauce while I played the NYT games.

Taking Phoebe for a quick morning walk before my 10am meeting, listening to “Maroon” by Taylor Swift and thinking how much I love her music and could write a whole slice just about how my relationship to her music has changed over the years. No one was out on the street and so I sang along happily, marveling at this lyrical genius.

Greeting my coworker Teghan on our weekly check-in, her bright smile and voice coming through the screen. She’s been in Norway this month to scout a new program but is working EST hours this week, and I’ve missed her! If we lived in the same city, I know for sure we would hang out.

Playing Midnights while I plug away at cold outreach emails and budget actuals, work that I usually have to push, but which I’ve had time to work on this week and last. Thank god for spring break and a quiet inbox!

Pausing to eat lunch, a leftover sweet potato and black bean burrito with hummus and feta. Grateful for the quiet scrolling as I munch away.

Meeting with the two teacher chaperones I went to D.C. with this past December. Catching up and then talking about what changes we’ll make for this year’s program.

Having an exploratory call with another client, thinking about what destinations might speak to her middle school teachers, learning more about how they do things at her school.

Trying to stifle a laugh on my itinerary review call for an upcoming Iceland program when the local guide reads the description about getting the “energy of the forest directly into your veins.” Messaging Teghan about it and reminding myself to breathe and check my face, you’re on camera!!

Finally logging off, shutting down my external display, and closing all my windows, then changing into shorts for a walk in the neighborhood.

Talking to both my parents, first my mom and then my dad on two separate 15-minute loops. Passing the Little Free Library (another future slice). Feeling the warm breeze against my skin and face and hair. Grateful to be outside. All the smells of flowers and trees. My allergies — achoo!

Getting home, kicking off my sandals, and curling up on the couch to type this slice on my phone before I shower, warm up some leftovers, and turn on The Pitt.

A good Monday, filled with lots of little slices.