You can listen to an audio version of this newsletter above. I’m recording in my home office and this is unedited. I’ve got my overhead fan on, but I don’t think you can hear it. Enjoy!
I’m sending next week’s post early because I’m about go to on my writing retreat! I love when folks share roundup posts, so I wanted to send along a post of things that I’ve been inspired by or curious about lately. None of these are affiliate links; I just thought they were interesting and wanted to share. I hope you enjoy!
PS: Co-working for paid subscribers is next Thursday the 21st from 12-3pm ET. You can learn more and access the Zoom link here.
Wows!
Rachael Stephen’s Constellation Clarity Course is Next Weekend!
I can’t say enough good things about Rachael Stephen’s Constellation System (but you can read some things I have said here and watch my interview with Rachael here). Rachael’s offering her Constellation Clarity course again on the 16th and 17th and registration is open through Tuesday the 12th. You can learn more and sign up for the course here.
“Notify Me When It’s Back In Stock” Emails
I collect artisan ceramic mugs. A few years ago, I discovered the Ceramic Tortoise Shell mug made by Workaday Handmade for Beklina, and I fell in love. I promised myself I would buy it to celebrate selling my first Intentionally Productive Scholars Program, but by the time I signed the contract the mugs were sold out! I thought it would always be the mug that got away, but I clicked the “notify me when this item is back in stock” button anyways. I was thrilled when Beklina emailed me last night that it was finally back!!! After literally cheering with glee and reaching for my wallet, Kris offered to get it for me as a early birthday gift (thanks, Sweetie!). I can’t wait to finally own a Workaday piece.
Baldur’s Gate 3
Would it really be a recommendation list without mention of a video game? While I’ve never actually played Dungeons & Dragons, I’m still really enjoying this game. Kris is on sticks (playing) and I’m on sights (watching and looking things up online for tips), and so far it’s been a blast. Fighting is turn-based and your party of characters each has special abilities (like talking to animals!). I’m also impressed that the developers allow you to choose your voice, pronouns, gender identify, and body, which means you can plan as a trans or nonbinary character. Way to go, Lairan Studios!
Hmmms…
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
The only reason this is a hmmm is because I haven’t actually started it yet (I’m saving it for my writing retreat), but it comes highly recommended from a group of my friends and I’ve got high hopes that it will turn into a wow! The novel’s premise is that four folks who live at a retirement home are working together to solve a murder, which sounds like it’s going to be a lot of fun! It’s also a series (woohoo!). I’ll report back on what I learn.
Student Loan Forbearance
When I first heard that student loan repayment was starting back up here in the U.S., my heart sank. As you might guess, an undergrad + two masters degrees + a PhD has saddled me with a lot of student loan debt. Most of my federal student loans are through Aidvantage, and when I chatted with the helpful representatives (seriously, they explained things kindly and clearly, even though I bet their jobs really suck right now), I learned that people with federal loans have 36 months of forbearance they can take. This means they’ll accrue interest but won’t be penalized for not paying. I chose this option until I can file my 2023 taxes as married filing separately, at which point I’ll be able to use the SAVE or Income Driven Repayment and have a lower monthly payment. If you have loans and you haven’t checked it out yet, the government’s student loan simulator is pretty great.
The Men Yell at Me post Dingus of the Week: Definitely Not Sophie Turner
It’s hard to be on social media right now without seeing posts about Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas’s divorce. I’ve always been curious about celebrity gossip, but the news campaigns I’ve been reading feel one-sided and harmful in their use of “she’s a party girl” and “bad mom” rhetoric. Lyz’s take on the debacle was funny but also astute.
What about you?
What’s making you say Wow! or Hmmm… recently? Please share below!
I’ll be back in your inboxes on the 20th. I hope you have a restful, nourishing week.
Take care and talk soon,
Dr. Kate