It's Kind of a Long Story... about TIME

It's Real Talk o'Clock

Hey Drama Goblins,

I’m not going to say I haven’t had time to write this week, I’m going to say I’ve prioritized things other than writing.

We all have the same 24 hours in a day as Beyonce, and how we spend them reveals our values, needs, and purpose.

This week, instead of writing, I’ve spent my time:

• Helping several friends sort out some of their personal shizz.

• On long phone calls with my oldest and newest friends.

• Watching the Opening Ceremony from Paris and being blown away by the city and the audacity and filling up with Olympic spirit.

• Taking advantage of my last few weeks on a freelance schedule by inviting friends over for lunch in the middle of the week.

• Attended the 28th annual all-girl “Gab Fest” sleepover party my friend Beth hosts and staying up until 6:00am gabbing.

• Arranging to get a low-income young reader score a full set of Dog Man books.

• Hosting two Charm Schools that were incredibly gratifying.

• Repairing the puncture in my new inflatable hot tub. I’m so damn proud of myself. When I noticed it was losing air, I didn’t panic. I didn’t spiral into negative self-talk about how I shouldn’t have bought it in the first place. I didn’t see it as punishment for spending the money. I didn’t think, “Of course it’s damaged. The universe doen’t want you to have nice things. Who are you to think you deserved this?” I asked a few questions in the inflatable spa-owners Facebook group, watched a couple of YouTube videos, and calmly fixed it. I can not overstate how remarkable this is. What a complete 180 from how I would have responded a year ago.

• Shopping for clothes that fit the body I have now at the Salvation Army $2.99 sale (scored so many cute things!)

• Calling and writing the Public Works department about an unsafe walkway on my street like a total Gladys Kravitz.

• Getting into it - firmly but politely - with a sexist dude in a networking group.

• Coining the term Mutterstolzschande: The feeling of simultaneous pride and shame when your kid calls you out on your shizz. (I’ll let you guess why)

• Getting Time Zoned (that’s intentionally vague)

Underlying all of that is the whirlwind of the Kamala campaign. I think we’re all a mix of exhausted and exhilarated by how fast the mood has changed. The feeling of hope we haven’t felt since the early days of the hope-y, change-y guy.

I’ve joined groups and Zooms to get educated and inspired by the Kamalamentum.

I’ve spent a lot of time sharing couch sex memes.

I guess what I’m saying is, last Fall when I started this Substack, writing was my medicine. I needed it to survive.

That’s need has evolved into want. There are kinda long stories I’m looking forward to writing when the time is right.

And now, almost a year after I took my mental health leave, what I need to survive is community and connection. I need to be of service with the skills and abilities and time I have.

I’m more grateful than I can ever express that you’re spending some of your precious time with me.

I’m so glad you’re here,

Lara

Lara Sez…

Listen!

80’s Deep Cut of The Week! I have no idea what Prefab Sprout means, and only vaguely know who Faron Young is, but damn I loved this album.

Follow!

@SomeSmallToken makes tiny, foldable paper rooms. So specific! So delightful!

Buy!

I’m lucky I’ve always had “good hair,” thick, straight and happy to be washed with cheap shampoo. But, as I’ve gotten older the texture has changed and it’s more… I don’t even know what. Frizzy?

Watever it is, this goop has fixed it! I was scrolling Instagram and Hoda Kotb was going bonkers over it. That was enough for me! They sell a small size for $12 at Sephora if you wanna give it a go.

Before I let you go…

I’d love to know how you’ve been spending your free time. What does it tell you about what your needs?