While the Dumpster’s on Fire

What a heck of a few weeks it has been. If you’re in this space, you know my politics. You know my world view. You know my morals. So it won’t surprise you to know I’m less than pleased with where our country has chosen to go for the next four years. I’m cycling through the stages of grief, and some of that includes a good amount of denial. There will certainly be more rage to come, horror to unpack, and mourning to do. There is action to take.

In this moment, I’m popping back to one of my first blog posts on the Nest – Little Moments of Happy. This outlook has been world-shifting for me – shifting in that I’m updating where I look for relief in life. It doesn’t force optimism. It doesn’t drain me financially or push for days of self care. I’m just tapping my brain and pointing when something feels a little bit good. And right now, I’ll take it.

When the world feels like a dumpster fire, at least I can make s’mores.

The October/November, 2024 “while the dumpster’s on fire” s’mores have included:

1. Time with friends. We spent two weekends away this past month re-connecting with friends who live far away. I talk with one of my oldest friends every week without fail. Hearing their voices, getting hugs, laughing over bagels… it has been such a comfort. I feel such joy in it.
2. Speaking of bagels…. bread. Bread brings me joy. New York bagels? Yes please. Homemade sourdough? Absolutely. A Cambridge bagel spot that took home the gold for best bagel this year? Obviously.
3. Can’t have bread without cheese. This is a food blog, so it is blasphemous that I’ve yet to share about my newest gig training as a Cheesemonger! More to come! But needless to say, I’ve been a full time cheese taster in the past weeks. A dream come true.
4. GOOOOOOD coffee/tea. We placed our order “for here” this weekend, and then we sat and drank our chai and latte from heavy, blue ceramic. What a blessing. I see the good in people at local coffee shops on a cold Sunday morning.
5. Thoughts of holiday time. I’m going to mash so many potatoes. I’m going to hang so many lights. I’m thiiiiis close to ordering a new ornament for our little pagan tree. It’ll be cold and I’ll take the train into Boston and walk around in my coat and feel warm inside.

What do your s’mores look like? I’ll gladly add them to my list.