Here’s a recap of my July 2024. Captivations is a monthly feature with links, stories, and news that captivated me. It’s also a monthly update/recap of what’s going on in my world.
July Recap
Some favorite things from this month:
- Getting together with my Asian Elder Millennial Girl Gang. Developing friendships with strong, Asian women inspires and encourages me. I’m so thankful for them!
- We spent a week and a half dogsitting Kaira’s 11-month cousin. It was non-stop play and a good test for having two dogs, which I don’t think is a good idea now.
- Lots of great date night dinners
- I tried a mosaic lamp class and made a candle holder. It was a fun time
- I hit 300 classes at Orangetheory!
Time
I’ve been thinking about time lately. Usually, it’s about the lack of time, like how weekends fly by so fast and wishing I had more hours. But this post about how to have more time puts things in a different light. Maybe it’s not about having more time but prioritizing my time better.
I also like the advice of letting go of things you keep putting off. Eventually, those things that are continually on your to-do list become burdens that you’re not excited about and (depending on what it is) it’s ok to let it go. That’s what happened to my quarterly Fearless Wanderlust series. You’ll see travel tips incorporated into my Captivations posts or past Fearless Wanderlust posts have lots of great info!
Inadequacies
My brother-in-law is a musician and has finally recorded his music! His song “Inadequacies” is one of my favorites, and his full EP is coming soon.
Michelin in Austin
The foodie news everyone was talking about this month was the Michelin Guide coming to Texas. There are pros and cons, but ultimately, I think it’s a good idea. See this post for my thoughts and predictions.
45 Life Lessons
I liked this list of life lessons from Khe Hy.
Things I echo:
- Simplicity = Peace
- Read more fiction
- Feeling stuff in your body is cool
“Aha” learnings:
- Making an “impact” is misguided
- Stop turning everything into a challenge
- Time freedom is overrated
Is it even a city?
Oslo, Norway’s tourism board put together this brilliant ad. It’s worth a watch.
Celebrations
You might have celebrated a friend’s engagement, marriage, or new baby, but what about a health achievement or personal milestone? This is a good way to celebrate others, especially if they don’t have a partner or child. Here’s a list of options for you.
Duty to Act
“Those who have the privilege to know have the duty to act.” – Albert Einstein
I’ve been thinking about things related to this quote this month. Mainly, the disconnect between what we know we should do versus the things we end up doing. In the end, we will do what we think is best for ourselves in that moment, based on what we feel and typically for present-day self.
5 Things I Love Lately
- Watching the Olympics
- My fig tree is fruiting a lot
- Funny Story by Emily Henry
- Watermelon season
- Face masks