Tonight’s Top Five

Today was a huge writing day for me at work. I put together a press release about the tragic shooting at a July 4th parade in Highland Park, IL. One of the people who died was a member of the organization where I work. It was a sad day for those who knew her or felt like we did when we learned more about her life. I don’t think I’ve ever worked so hard to compose four paragraphs.

Anyway, I’ve been sitting at my kitchen counter for the past hour writing a blog post that is not ready for prime time. Now, it is after 9 pm ET, and I have nothing to show for it. Desperate times call for desperate measures. So, here is a top ten list of random things on my mind. (Okay – it was going to be a top ten list, but I’m tired, so I cut it down to five. Sue me 😉 )

  1. I need some artwork or something to hang in my home office. At the moment, I’m looking at a blank wall. I used to have a Monet print that I moved from my bedroom wall to the living room to my home office. There is no good place for it. And frankly, I don’t like it. I took it down for good, and now I need something else to put there. I’m considering a vision board of inspirational quotes and photos of places I want to travel to when I retire. But that sounds like a lot of work, so I’m open to other suggestions.
  2. I have an old boss that haunts me in my dreams. He was awful to me when I worked for him, and while I haven’t thought about him in decades, he seems to have taken a starring role in my subconscious. And the dreams are so realistic that they are unsettling. I often wake up in a cold sweat and need a stiff drink.
    Ah, memories… How do I get him out of my head?
  3. Our dog might need knee surgery. She has this cute little bunny hop she does when she sprints across the lawn. But, we’ve come to realize that she is trying to keep weight off the one hind leg that gives her trouble. The vet gave us a referral for an orthopedist – for dogs. I didn’t know that was a thing. I’d do anything for my pup, but I’m really hoping the insurance covers it.
  4. I’m listening to Randy Rainbow’s memoir, “Playing With Myself,” on Audible, and it is such a fun summer read. If you don’t know who he is, check out his YouTube channel. He narrates the book, which is a real hoot! Highly recommend!
  5.   I’m so grateful to everyone who read my post yesterday. Writing something on July 4th about not feeling patriotic felt risky to me. I almost didn’t hit publish. I wasn’t sure if people would unfriend me or be upset by what I had to say. Maybe some people were upset but didn’t comment  – which is fine with me. For those of you who read it and supported me, I appreciate it. It is nice to be in a safe space with all of you. Thank you.

Time to call it a day, friends. See you tomorrow with a much better blog post than this one. 🙂

XO,

Elisa

3 comments on Tonight’s Top Five

  1. Alice Gerard
    July 6, 2022 at 12:01 am (2 years ago)

    I am so sorry for the loss of your coworker. Writing a tribute in such circumstances is very hard. You truly put your heart and soul into it. I was out all day yesterday so didn’t see any blog posts from yesterday, but I will check out your post. I haven’t felt patriotic in years so I’m sending you virtual hugs. You are not alone.

  2. Michelle Garrett
    July 5, 2022 at 11:36 pm (2 years ago)

    Big hugs to you for completing the press release about your co-worker. That is a lot to process and sit with. And YAY for staying committed to writing something for our challenge. I’m hoping things with your pup work out well. A good friend’s pup is recovering from a similar procedure. She struggled with the price. I think the insurance they had was too new to cover it and they couldn’t wait the 6 months for it to kick in.

  3. Doug
    July 5, 2022 at 10:24 pm (2 years ago)

    Hi, great to meet you here on UBC.
    Thanks for the intro to Randy Rainbow.
    There is a lot to be said about #1. I like the Vision board idea. How big is the space? Do you have room for a whiteboard and a corkboard too? How about a mirror so you can check your smile when you are talking on the phone.
    After your pup has had the surgery she will be stronger and you can sic her on your old boss. I
    In the meantime, I will go check out your patriotism issues while you blog on! 😉