Hey friends. It’s been a week, I think? It was one where my body was like NOPE NAH NO THANK YOU we will no longer be participating in this reign of terror so here’s a couple of migraines and a medicine adjustment and let’s throw in some seasonal allergies for good measure.
Hey all! I’m a long time Lil’ Swipe but only a very sporadic commenter. I have severe OCD combined with anxiety/depression/panic disorder and sometimes even things that bring me joy, like these comments, are overwhelming. My OCD sucks so much energy out of me on a daily basis cause the most basic of things are hard for me. It’s also primarily focused on germs so the pandemic has been just a walk in the park for me. But whenever I’m in here reading comments, even if I’m not saying anything, I am just in awe of this community!!
For the fun stuff: I’m a wife and a mom of a red-headed, almost 9-year old (and this sentence does not pass the Bechtel test but I don’t know how to communicate that info more quickly.) I love reading and do it pretty voraciously, & I love tv so much too. Basically, I love story. I’m writing a novel, which is very new for me to claim outloud. I’m a knitter and a lover of red wine. But I don’t need fancy stuff, my $5 bottle suits me fine most of the time. 🤣 My 40th bday is coming up in May. I’m unclear about how I feel about that.
I’m super late to posting this intro, so I don’t know how many of you will see it. But I have a deep desire to be involved here even when I don’t do a good job at making it happen.
And...my sister and I took our mom to Asheville, NC (one of our fave cities and where my brother lives) for her big milestone birthday. It was the first time it has been just her and her 3 kids since I added an in-law nearly 18 years ago. Definitely a treasure!
hi everyone! i'm kayla and i work at a private college in minnesota. looking forward to my daily stroll off campus this afternoon to get a cold press and enjoy the sunshine. i had my second child in april 2020--so grateful for that little boy! he has brought us so much joy this past year. my fam is taking on the 1000 hours outside challenge this year! i love to read and i am so anxious to be able to travel again and take my kids on so many adventures. shoutout to the popcast, tik tok & heather mcmahan for also bringing me a lot of joy this year.
Hi! I am just reading this newsletter if that tells you how my weekend/week is going. :) I'm Alicia. I live northeast of Atlanta, GA in a town with a weird name that I think is mispronounced, but I have to say it like everyone else who lived here before me, I guess. One thing that brought me joy within the last year is adopting our second dog! He is some kind of mix of German Shepherd/Dutch Shepherd/Belgian Malinois (we'll do a doggie dna test eventually), but he is a delight! So much energy and so much joy.
Hi everyone! New to the community. :) My name is Maria. I currently live in upstate New York, in the Albany area. I have a few things that have been brining me joy lately. First, painting and drawing. Not the best at it but I'm trying to challenge myself. :) Also, I've been stepping it up in listening to podcasts and audio books. I started Zumba virtually of course, not the same but I love it! I so enjoy Zumba, it's like going out dancing but without having to worry about what to wear and dealing with the drunk rude guys. ;D
I've been reading past Lil' Swipes newsletter and comments, and I have to say this community is awesome! I love the energy and how y'all help each other out! It's so encouraging - thank you! :)
I’m Emily and I live in Kansas City, MO. Laughing til some of us actually cry (in a good way) with my mom, bro & SI💗 has really brought me joy and kept me sane. I really love this newsletter and this is my first foray into the comment section. Lately have been finding myself missing community...
Hi, everyone. I'm Erin and live in Jackson, TN (between the cooler cities of Memphis and Nashville). I have been reading this newsletter for a while but never jumped in the comments because I didn't realize they were a thing until a few newsletters ago, and then I let a case of the timids get me. And then I hesitated to post now because who will even read this the Tuesday after the newsletter comes out? Nevertheless, here I am!
The one (and maybe only) thing that brought me joy last year is that in spite of the fact that I have been suffering from a terrible bout of depression for over 2 years, I made it through all of 2020 without having to go to a psych hospital. Suck it, depression!
I'm Carissa from St. Albans, WV. Some of my joys from the past year have been extra time with my nephew and niece, this newsletter/comments, and podcasts (especially The Popcast).
Hello, I'm Abbey! first time commenting. I'm a southern expat currently living in Newberg OR, for the past 4ish years. 30 and single and here's a laugh, my mother signed me up for a dating website without telling me, I though my identity had been stolen/my email got hacked.
some treasures from this week, it's finally starting to feel like spring here in the PNW and the sun is showing its face again. this year has been much slower and much less busy and I'm grateful for that, although I really miss sports.
Hi! I’m Tasha, and I’m from Central TX. Longtime subscriber, first time commenter because Erin Told Me To, and as my Madewell shopping cart now shows, I do what Erin says.
One thing that has brought me a lot of joy this year has been being able to stay at home with just my people without all of the “normal”obligations of life - Practices! Meetings! Meetings About Meetings! Forced Social Gatherings! I’m an Enneagram 5, and the weight of this year has not been lost on me, but when we were told to stay home, my heart sang a little. Order takeout instead of eat in a crowded, noisy restaurant? Yes, please. Curbside pickup at Target where I don’t have to even roll down my window to get my order? I’ll have some more of that. No more awkward small talk at meetings and now I can just turn my Zoom video off and listen attentively to the information I need then slip away unnoticed? PUT IT IN MY VEINS. TX even has drive-thru margaritas now, so really, what more could a girl need?
First timer to visit the comments - WOW, you are all so fun and supportive of one another. I love it! Happy to join the gang.
I'm Sara, originally from central IL, but have been living in Minnesota for the past 30 years. My company moved me up here, then I met my husband and stuck around here. Our 3 daughters are MN girls through and through, and openly mock me when I wear a coat and mittens in freezing weather.
I've survived quarantine by bingeing great shows like Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, Somebody Feed Phil, as well as taking plenty of Stupid Walks and listening to podcasts a-plenty.
Our two older daughters both moved out this year - the oldest graduated college and got a great job and a cute place in Minneapolis. The next one is attending college in IL, near my hometown. I'm grateful for the evenings I spend with our oldest and her menagerie of pets, including the cutest dog, a feisty turtle, and two leopard geckos. I'm glad for video chats to keep in touch with our college girl, who has persevered through SO MUCH in her senior year of high school and first year of college. Our youngest is a junior in high school, and she's my TV watching buddy.
Hi! First time commenter here. My name is Shana and I live in St. Paul, Minnesota. The best thing about this past year for me has been the chance we had last spring for our entire family to live under the same roof again -- we hadn't all lived in the same house for 3 years by the point when the pandemic hit, and without the pandemic I am doubtful that we would have ever all lived together again. Obviously there were annoyances with 8 people all living under the same roof who were out of practice with all living together, while simultaneously living in uncertain, unforeseen, unexpected, and unwelcome circumstances. Last year at this time, our kids were 20, 18, 17, 14, 11, and 9. We have all had pandemic birthdays since then and added a number to our ages. I would have never believed you if you would have told me this would all still be going now and my kids with spring birthdays would be preparing to celebrate a 2nd pandemic birthday (my 2 oldest will turn 22 and 20, respectively on the 23rd of this month -- yup, two kids, same birthday, different years!). I have enjoyed (MOST of the time, anyway) having extra time with my kids. Especially the older ones. It has been wonderful to see them grow closer to each other and develop actually caring, loving, adult relationships with each other. I don't have a good relationship with my only sibling, so I love that my kids are friends and seem to genuinely enjoy and care about each other! This year has certainly had its share of hard, terrible things, but overall I am grateful for the unexpected gifts that the past 12 months has given us. The 8 of us are healthy and employed (or in school, or both!), taken care of, and loved . . . and that is a lot for which to be grateful!!
Hi, I'm Laura! I'm originally from the Milwaukee, WI suburbs but have been in the Madison area for about 12 years. Something that's given me joy this year is camping with my family now that my kids are old enough (7 and 4.5) to not make the whole experience a nightmare. We even bought a pandemic pop-up camper. I've been following Erin and the PMG forever but I don't usually comment.
Hi there! I'm Melinda. My hometown is kinda far from most of the peeps here. Like a 21 hours flight if I'm going to New York. I'm from the city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! Was it two decades back or so? People stop thinking that we still Iive in trees. Guffaw. My joy this year (2020? 2021?) is I started doing silly dances around the house, like, silly, ugly; not silly, sexy. My husband joins in as well. (No, it didn't help to increase any libido whatsoever, in case you are wondering!) The dance can erupt for no apparent reason. And that's the whole fun part of it. It brightens up our mood, especially when things get a bit tough in life. Silly dance inspiration: https://gph.is/g/ZW756LZ
Hey all! I’m a long time Lil’ Swipe but only a very sporadic commenter. I have severe OCD combined with anxiety/depression/panic disorder and sometimes even things that bring me joy, like these comments, are overwhelming. My OCD sucks so much energy out of me on a daily basis cause the most basic of things are hard for me. It’s also primarily focused on germs so the pandemic has been just a walk in the park for me. But whenever I’m in here reading comments, even if I’m not saying anything, I am just in awe of this community!!
For the fun stuff: I’m a wife and a mom of a red-headed, almost 9-year old (and this sentence does not pass the Bechtel test but I don’t know how to communicate that info more quickly.) I love reading and do it pretty voraciously, & I love tv so much too. Basically, I love story. I’m writing a novel, which is very new for me to claim outloud. I’m a knitter and a lover of red wine. But I don’t need fancy stuff, my $5 bottle suits me fine most of the time. 🤣 My 40th bday is coming up in May. I’m unclear about how I feel about that.
I’m super late to posting this intro, so I don’t know how many of you will see it. But I have a deep desire to be involved here even when I don’t do a good job at making it happen.
Seen it :) Saying 👋🏻 Happy 40th in advance! 40s is 🔥. 😆
Oooh! That makes me feel better!!!
And...my sister and I took our mom to Asheville, NC (one of our fave cities and where my brother lives) for her big milestone birthday. It was the first time it has been just her and her 3 kids since I added an in-law nearly 18 years ago. Definitely a treasure!
I'm fully vaccinated!!! Woo Hoo! I still feel kinda yucky from the shot, but still excited to be part of the solution.
hi everyone! i'm kayla and i work at a private college in minnesota. looking forward to my daily stroll off campus this afternoon to get a cold press and enjoy the sunshine. i had my second child in april 2020--so grateful for that little boy! he has brought us so much joy this past year. my fam is taking on the 1000 hours outside challenge this year! i love to read and i am so anxious to be able to travel again and take my kids on so many adventures. shoutout to the popcast, tik tok & heather mcmahan for also bringing me a lot of joy this year.
Yay Minnesotan! What college? I went to Hamline :)
I work at CSB/SJU but I'm a Gustie! :)
Oh wow! I had friends that are SCSU/CSB alums :) *Waves in your direction*
Hi! I am just reading this newsletter if that tells you how my weekend/week is going. :) I'm Alicia. I live northeast of Atlanta, GA in a town with a weird name that I think is mispronounced, but I have to say it like everyone else who lived here before me, I guess. One thing that brought me joy within the last year is adopting our second dog! He is some kind of mix of German Shepherd/Dutch Shepherd/Belgian Malinois (we'll do a doggie dna test eventually), but he is a delight! So much energy and so much joy.
Thanks for letting me come to the comment party!
Hi everyone! New to the community. :) My name is Maria. I currently live in upstate New York, in the Albany area. I have a few things that have been brining me joy lately. First, painting and drawing. Not the best at it but I'm trying to challenge myself. :) Also, I've been stepping it up in listening to podcasts and audio books. I started Zumba virtually of course, not the same but I love it! I so enjoy Zumba, it's like going out dancing but without having to worry about what to wear and dealing with the drunk rude guys. ;D
I've been reading past Lil' Swipes newsletter and comments, and I have to say this community is awesome! I love the energy and how y'all help each other out! It's so encouraging - thank you! :)
I’m Emily and I live in Kansas City, MO. Laughing til some of us actually cry (in a good way) with my mom, bro & SI💗 has really brought me joy and kept me sane. I really love this newsletter and this is my first foray into the comment section. Lately have been finding myself missing community...
Hi, everyone. I'm Erin and live in Jackson, TN (between the cooler cities of Memphis and Nashville). I have been reading this newsletter for a while but never jumped in the comments because I didn't realize they were a thing until a few newsletters ago, and then I let a case of the timids get me. And then I hesitated to post now because who will even read this the Tuesday after the newsletter comes out? Nevertheless, here I am!
The one (and maybe only) thing that brought me joy last year is that in spite of the fact that I have been suffering from a terrible bout of depression for over 2 years, I made it through all of 2020 without having to go to a psych hospital. Suck it, depression!
I'm Carissa from St. Albans, WV. Some of my joys from the past year have been extra time with my nephew and niece, this newsletter/comments, and podcasts (especially The Popcast).
Hello, I'm Abbey! first time commenting. I'm a southern expat currently living in Newberg OR, for the past 4ish years. 30 and single and here's a laugh, my mother signed me up for a dating website without telling me, I though my identity had been stolen/my email got hacked.
some treasures from this week, it's finally starting to feel like spring here in the PNW and the sun is showing its face again. this year has been much slower and much less busy and I'm grateful for that, although I really miss sports.
Hi! I’m Tasha, and I’m from Central TX. Longtime subscriber, first time commenter because Erin Told Me To, and as my Madewell shopping cart now shows, I do what Erin says.
One thing that has brought me a lot of joy this year has been being able to stay at home with just my people without all of the “normal”obligations of life - Practices! Meetings! Meetings About Meetings! Forced Social Gatherings! I’m an Enneagram 5, and the weight of this year has not been lost on me, but when we were told to stay home, my heart sang a little. Order takeout instead of eat in a crowded, noisy restaurant? Yes, please. Curbside pickup at Target where I don’t have to even roll down my window to get my order? I’ll have some more of that. No more awkward small talk at meetings and now I can just turn my Zoom video off and listen attentively to the information I need then slip away unnoticed? PUT IT IN MY VEINS. TX even has drive-thru margaritas now, so really, what more could a girl need?
Hi all,
First timer to visit the comments - WOW, you are all so fun and supportive of one another. I love it! Happy to join the gang.
I'm Sara, originally from central IL, but have been living in Minnesota for the past 30 years. My company moved me up here, then I met my husband and stuck around here. Our 3 daughters are MN girls through and through, and openly mock me when I wear a coat and mittens in freezing weather.
I've survived quarantine by bingeing great shows like Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, Somebody Feed Phil, as well as taking plenty of Stupid Walks and listening to podcasts a-plenty.
Our two older daughters both moved out this year - the oldest graduated college and got a great job and a cute place in Minneapolis. The next one is attending college in IL, near my hometown. I'm grateful for the evenings I spend with our oldest and her menagerie of pets, including the cutest dog, a feisty turtle, and two leopard geckos. I'm glad for video chats to keep in touch with our college girl, who has persevered through SO MUCH in her senior year of high school and first year of college. Our youngest is a junior in high school, and she's my TV watching buddy.
Hi! First time commenter here. My name is Shana and I live in St. Paul, Minnesota. The best thing about this past year for me has been the chance we had last spring for our entire family to live under the same roof again -- we hadn't all lived in the same house for 3 years by the point when the pandemic hit, and without the pandemic I am doubtful that we would have ever all lived together again. Obviously there were annoyances with 8 people all living under the same roof who were out of practice with all living together, while simultaneously living in uncertain, unforeseen, unexpected, and unwelcome circumstances. Last year at this time, our kids were 20, 18, 17, 14, 11, and 9. We have all had pandemic birthdays since then and added a number to our ages. I would have never believed you if you would have told me this would all still be going now and my kids with spring birthdays would be preparing to celebrate a 2nd pandemic birthday (my 2 oldest will turn 22 and 20, respectively on the 23rd of this month -- yup, two kids, same birthday, different years!). I have enjoyed (MOST of the time, anyway) having extra time with my kids. Especially the older ones. It has been wonderful to see them grow closer to each other and develop actually caring, loving, adult relationships with each other. I don't have a good relationship with my only sibling, so I love that my kids are friends and seem to genuinely enjoy and care about each other! This year has certainly had its share of hard, terrible things, but overall I am grateful for the unexpected gifts that the past 12 months has given us. The 8 of us are healthy and employed (or in school, or both!), taken care of, and loved . . . and that is a lot for which to be grateful!!
Woot a Minnesotan! :) I'm near Blaine :)
Ya Minnesota -- I'm actually in Roseville, but I thought "St. Paul" made more sense since most readers are outside of MN!
I lived in Roseville for years!! Right by Rosedale. Such a great area-- except for fair season pre-covid.
Hi Shana - First time commenter here, too, and also living in MN (White Bear Lake).
Ya Minnesota -- I'm actually in Roseville, but I thought "St. Paul" made more sense since most readers are outside of MN!
Hi, I'm Laura! I'm originally from the Milwaukee, WI suburbs but have been in the Madison area for about 12 years. Something that's given me joy this year is camping with my family now that my kids are old enough (7 and 4.5) to not make the whole experience a nightmare. We even bought a pandemic pop-up camper. I've been following Erin and the PMG forever but I don't usually comment.
Hi there! I'm Melinda. My hometown is kinda far from most of the peeps here. Like a 21 hours flight if I'm going to New York. I'm from the city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! Was it two decades back or so? People stop thinking that we still Iive in trees. Guffaw. My joy this year (2020? 2021?) is I started doing silly dances around the house, like, silly, ugly; not silly, sexy. My husband joins in as well. (No, it didn't help to increase any libido whatsoever, in case you are wondering!) The dance can erupt for no apparent reason. And that's the whole fun part of it. It brightens up our mood, especially when things get a bit tough in life. Silly dance inspiration: https://gph.is/g/ZW756LZ
In honor of time change and the loss of an hour of our life -- https://youtu.be/jpvl3o7x-Hs