You guys, I just can’t shake this scattered feeling. And I can’t even put my finger on WHY I feel so scattered- my life really isn’t that complicated. But I can’t seem to hold all the moving parts together, and have time to do everything I want to do. It’s baffling.
Anyway, here are a few of my scattered thoughts…
I hope everyone has been reading the trip recaps from Elisabeth, Kae, and SHU! If you’re like me, you’re ready to book your own flight to Nova Scotia. Unlike me, you probably don’t have an expired passport. Yes, I’m an idiot! And it’s not just a little expired- it’s WAY expired. But now I’m motivated to start the long, complicated, and expensive process of getting it renewed, sigh.
Don’t worry! I have the ‘Real ID” driver’s license, so I can still fly. That’s good, because I leave for Chicago on Friday! Chicago… where they will be having warmer than usual temperatures and rain for the weekend. The temps return to normal (crisp and cool) the day after I leave.
Am I disappointed? A little, but this is literally the story of my life. Anytime I go ANYWHERE, I bring the heat with me. We used to travel up north when the kids were little “to see snow.” but no matter how snowy it was before we arrived, it would all melt for our trip. If I visit you in the summer, it will be 110 degrees. I’m picturing a trip to Nova Scotia where Elisabeth and her family exclaim “We don’t understand it- it’s NEVER been 95 degrees on Canadian Thanksgiving weekend!!!” (I’ll just be sitting in the corner with my pumpkin pie, trying to look innocent).
So, no- I didn’t really expect cold weather on this trip. But I’m excited to see my son, sister and brother in law. That’s why I’m going.
Switching gears abruptly- after my failed long run last week, I completed a 12+ mile run this morning and felt great! What a difference a week makes. During this run I listened to the latest Girl Next Door podcast episode, where they talk about their recent and current reading. Kelsey mentions the latest Robert Galbraith, The Hallmarked Man. She really liked it, and I’m so excited to read it (I’m saving it for after my trip). She also recommends The Strike and Ellacott Files podcast, all about the series. Yes! I will listen to that.
For the end of my run, I put on one of my playlists, and “Age of Aquarius” came on. I love that song! Then I started thinking… when is the next Age of Aquarius? Because I feel like we’re in an ANTI-Age of Aquarius right now…
When the moon is in the seventh house
and Jupiter aligns with Mars…
Then peace will guide the planets
and love will steer the stars.
I looked it up! But it got into a deep dive about astronomy and astrology, way deeper than I wanted to go. It seems complicated, and as far as I can tell the next Age of Aquarius is either soon, or in 200 years. Sigh.
What do you do when you’re feeling scattered?
Are you a warm weather magnet?
30 Responses
Well, the good news about a way expired passport is that it’s the same amount of work to renew as a recently expired passport. The best time to renew it is when you don’t have a trip planned. So you’re good to go there.
I don’t live in CHI, so I can’t say specifically, but in general the weather up north has been way warmer than normal so you probably aren’t missing out on much of the crispness. At least it will be cooler than FL. AND IT’S CHI!!! YOU GET TO SEE YOUR SON!!! AND GO TO BOOKSTORES!!!
A 12 mile long run that felt good????? MORE YAY!!!
Yes! No matter what, it will be cooler than Florida. And it’s not like we have any weather-dependent activities. Bookstores are inside!
I’m so glad I didn’t miss your Chicago trip, Jenny…
I wish you a wonderful time with Paul and the rest of your fam <3
Thank you Maya! : )
Sorry about the rain, but we need it in Illinois.
I’m scattered too – I should get more done but have a hard time with holding together the necessities. I should put away my phone more, but insomnia and stress make it hard to be motivated.
Have a safe and lovely visit with your son!
Thank you!!! And- insomnia is the worst. It’s hard to feel good when you’re not getting enough sleep. I think you’re probably getting as much done as you possibly can under the circumstances.
You bring the warm weather?! I bring the cold! Or, rather, summon it, since it’s not like I’m bringing it from Florida. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard “it didn’t even snow all last winter!” and “It was 80 before you got here!” on my trips north. It never fails. Generally warms up after I leave as well. It’s really something.
Oh that’s funny- but I think that’s better. At least for you- maybe not for the people you’re visiting.
The weather will be cooler than Florida at least. Renewing your passport isn’t that complicated but learn from my mistake and know that you cannot pay passport renewal fees with a credit card. Sorry you are feeling scattered. Hopefully your trip gives you a fresh start feeling.
Thank you Sak! I think the reason I’m thinking it’s complicated is, there seem to be all sorts of rules like the one you mention. I guess I should research it before I go.
My brain is terribly scattered right now. I have to write everything down if I want to remember it. Otherwise it’s – poof – gone.
70 in Chicago might feel better than you fear as the humidity will be lower! I’m trying to put a positive spin on it… I hope the rain is very intermittent. It would be good weather for bookstore browsing, though!
Have the best time with Paul, your sister and BIL!!
Thank you! And- I can see why your brain would feel very scattered right now. You have a lot going on that’s way out of the ordinary.
For the weather- it does look really rainy for the weekend. As you said- good bookstore browsing weather!
I’m still struggling through The Hallmarked Man. If something doesn’t change soon, I might give up on it. I had counted on this being a solid read and am disappointed. Just so you know!
Okay, well I will read it soon and let you know! Kelsey definitely liked it, so I’m hopeful I will too.
Nice job on that long run, Jenny! I may have missed it, but are you training for an upcoming race?
Enjoy your warm weekend in Chicago!
Ha, thanks Catrina! And- Right now I’m just slowly building up my mileage with the vague plan of a race in January (probably 50K) My big “adventure” will be in March, but I need something in between now and then!
Jenny, I hate that scattered feeling! I hope that, for you, it’s just pre-trip nerves/anticipation and that it goes away quickly. UGH to poor weather on the other end! But maybe it will change?!? Your trip is bound to be wonderful no matter the weather, just because of the company.
I really enjoyed the latest Galbraith and I can’t wait to hear your take on it!
Ooh I’m glad you liked it! I’ll read it soon and report back. And you’re right- weather forecasts aren’t a definite thing. It could still change.
I laughed at the image of you eating pie in the corner while a heat wave blazes outside… hahahah! I hope the weather cooperates for your trip. The only good thing about rain in the fall is that at least it kind of helps with “cozy vibes”? I mean, I know you might need want that during a trip to see family… that might work out better for a trip where you could go linger in a fall themed coffee shop while rain pitter patters on the windows. I feel like it would be very unlikely to rain all weekend though! It just rarely does that here. So I bet you’ll get dry spells too. I hope you have a wonderful time!
Thank you Kae! You’re right, rain can really contribute to cozy fall vibes. At this point I’ll just take whatever I can get- it will be fun no matter what.
It’s you? You’re the reason it’s gonna rain here on Saturday? Kidding- maybe you’re only to blame for the warm temps.
I am not a warm weather magnet, but since I live in Chicago burbs- I do enjoy the warm weather. Because I know what’s to come.
When I feel scattered- it’s probably because there’s too much clutter on my kitchen counter. I clear my counter and swear to stay ahead of the paperwork – but that’s not the way things turn out. Shock.
You know Ernie- I think part of the reason I feel scattered is there’s too much clutter in my house! I could take about 30 minutes and clean things up and I would probably feel better.
I only take responsibility for the heat, not the rain, lol.
That damn clutter. It’s so hard to stay on top of and feed people and do laundry and all the other things, like Work. I need time to stand still for like a week and do a thorough deep dive into the house’s needs – but that’s not happening. Hoping your Chi-town trip is great. I feel like the rain forecast isn’t as bad as it was initially?
Jenny, I am feeling SO scattered. I feel like I let everything drop while I had company and now I don’t want to get caught up. Oops. Baby steps is how I’m approaching things and a lot of lists which rather depressingly seem to get longer by the end of each day, not shorter.
I also think I ALWAYS feel scattered before a trip of any length. My brain is always distracted and divided. I bet you’re going to have an AWESOME time with Paul, and come back feeling a little less scattered once the trip is done.
Selfishly I am determined to see you renew your passport. I can picture it now: cozy fall vibes, Jenny sitting in my living room sipping an Earl Grey, before heading out to run an ultra in crisp, NS weather. A girl can dream, right??!!
Can’t wait to read all about your trip. Have a great time!
Thank you Elisabeth! You do paint an enticing picture… I’ll get moving on that passport after this trip. You’re right, I’m sure part of the scattered feeling is because of the trip. I’m looking forward to getting to the airport and just relaxing!
I’m the opposite — I don’t have my real ID (I don’t want to have to deal with the DMV ugh!) but my passport is still current. I’ve never actually used it except to get clearance to get on the local Air Force base for my job since our district does some school programs there, but I’m hopeful that I will do some air travel at some point before it expires in 2029.
I had to laugh about your weather comment! Definitely don’t come visit Arizona, at least the desert parts, in the summer or you will be dealing with 110+ degrees for sure! After the hurricane remnants came through here last weekend and brought lots of much needed rain, we actually have beautiful weather now — today it’s supposed to be in the mid 70s which is actually cooler than normal. Last year at this time, it was still 100 degrees many days so I will take this! Your weather in Chicago, though rainy, will at least be an improvement over Florida!
I’m always feeling scattered, haha! I either do a brain dump in a notebook or pick 3 small and quick things I can get done when helps clear the chaos. I’m so glad your run went well and that you get to see your son (even if the weather isn’t as cool as one would expect)!
Thanks for posting the Chicago weather— I’m there T-Th but only have a chance to run Wednesday morning.
I’ve been lucky with weather on recent trips but have had my share of rainy days too—especially in NYC recently.
I definitely understand that scattered feeling. I’m right there with you!
It wasn’t as cold as I expected in London either, but it also only rained one day the whole time we were there, which was a great treat!
Take me with you on your trip to Nova Scotia! I need to live out all of my fall dreams!
I keep reading that getting a passport is very hard in the US. Maybe take us (me) along, Here its just an appointment at the Citizens Registration Office and spend about 80€ or something and then 6 weeks later ist ready for pick up.
Anyways I am also thinking I am doing everything and nothing. I guess this year we are all feeling it. There must be something going on in the universe.