Since it’s been a minute since my last update post, a random things list:

1. Between the fact that I didn’t get my finalized schedule until two days before the beginning of the semester and I went from two preps to four and the Great Canvas Hack of 2026, I have felt off-kilter almost all semester.

But the semester is officially over. We did it, fam. WE DID IT.

2. I got my new fridge, and she is gorgeous. I had one of those side-by-side fridges before, and I am not a fan. Now, I have a fridge with French doors and a bottom freezer and, honestly, I forgot that my grandmother had that type of fridge until I started looking at them. So that’s a nice little bit of nostalgia I get every time I look at it. Also, and more importantly, IT WORKS and can hold a lot more food.

3. I took my mom on a cruise to the Bahamas over spring break. She had a great time. We had a great time. (My friend and her mom also went.) She said that it really helped to put a crack in her grief.

4. Also, my mom is hilarious. She’s an introvert and kept asking me what all she had to do on the cruise. I told her that all I required from her was dinner every night and the two experiences I paid for (adults only club w/lunch at the cruise line’s private beach and chef’s table dining). Other than that, I said, she could do whatever she wanted since it was her vacation. On the second to last night of the cruise, she basically told me she was done going to any other shows or hangouts. Let the record show that besides dinner, she went to the two stage productions with all of us. That’s it. But that was more than enough for her.

5. I went to theater camp! Best professional development ever.

6. I went to a some singles events/mixers. They were fun, generally speaking. One comedy show, one speed dating event, some traditional mixers. More women than men, so I met some very cool women. At the speed dating event two of the guys said they hated the traditional “what do you do? what part of town?” kind of questions so both opened with bangers. The first was “What’s an activity or hobby you want to share with your partner?” (He asked because he dances salsa and wants someone to practice with.) The second was “What’s a book that has impacted you?” When I told second guy I loved that question, he said, “Really?!” which told me everything I needed to know about how other women responded to that question hahahaha.

7. I finally finished the latest draft of my novel.

8. A women from my stand up class asked me to go see Margaret Cho with her, which, um, yes please. It was part of Netflix Is a Joke Fest, and was amazing. The other three weren’t bad either. All in all, a very fun night.

9. I was nominated for teacher of the year. I (correctly) predicted I wouldn’t be selected because one of my colleagues was retiring so I knew he would get it. But! I got so many lovely notes and so much kind feedback from my students. And one of the administrative assistants got me a frame for my certificate.

10. The semester ended pretty well. I was very impressed with my lit students’ final analyses, and the comp students’ presentations of their picture books is always a good time. I just had so. much. grading. at the end. I have no one to blame but myself, but still.

11. I had so much grading in fact that I spent more than a little time on Etsy and Redbubble. Part of that is because of procrastination but the other part is…

12. …my daughter is taking me on a Disney Cruise!

So obviously I had to look at cruise t-shirts. And pirate night outfit inspo. Obviously.

13. Also, my friend’s son graduated high school, and I was able to go celebrate with them.

I think that’s enough for now. Have a great week. everyone!