Here’s a recap of my September 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.
September Recap
This month is when things get fun! Football season is fully underway and the anticipation for fall weather and activities is strong.
- It had been four years since going to my last Longhorns game, so it was a fun (though very hot) experience.
- I also saw Glass Animals in concert again. Their new album is thoughtful and full of gratitude. The last time I saw them was two years ago in San Antonio, which reminds me, I need to visit again soon.
- I also joined my friend at Electric Shuffle, which is a great upbeat option for food and games with a group.
- We celebrated our anniversary this month! We celebrated with sushi and a spa day, and now I have a goal of getting more massages in my life.
The Little Things
It had been a long time – years? – since our garage door worked. I never thought it was a big deal since we could manually open it. It was a minor inconvenience but it worked “fine” and we would fix it eventually. One day, I woke up thinking about our house to-do list, so I did a quick search and made an appointment. Two days later, someone came and fixed it (replaced the system) within two hours. Immediately, something that had been fine was 100% and I don’t know how we were ok with fine for so long and why it took so long to make it right. Two things I thought about:
- Stop putting it off. It seemed like such an insignificant thing but it felt life-changing to not have to get out of the car to manually close the garage door. And to think I’ve spent so much time thinking about getting it done when it could have been taken care of so quickly.
- Hire a professional. It’s even easier knowing there are professionals who can take care of it. The money spent is worth the knowledge that it’s done efficiently and effectively. (Gator Garage Door Repair was the perfect service experience.)
Small, Consistent Action
Speaking of little things, small habits create big changes. I recently jumped back on my Duolingo practice for Spanish and Mandarin. The lessons go so fast that five minutes a day feels doable. Eventually, hopefully, I’ll be able to converse in these languages because I kept up with a (seemingly measly) five minutes a day. This is also a good reminder for big projects or things you don’t want to do. Can you chip away at it for five minutes a day? As Author Gretchen Rubin said: “What you do every day matters more than what you do once in a while.”
5 Lessons for Happiness
Every couple of months, I share another new article about Denmark and happiness. If only we could keep up with these habits around the world. This article shares 5 happiness lessons, and the one I want to focus on next month is “play is for all ages.” Life is too serious sometimes!
Women-Owned Businesses
This map of women-owned businesses around the world is new! The makers hope people will use it to support these businesses where they live and when they travel. Spread the word to add more businesses.
Omnivore
I recently finished this documentary series called Omnivore on Apple TV. Chef René Redzepi narrates this global exploration of chile, tuna, salt, banana, pig, rice, coffee, and corn. These are some of the most widely consumed ingredients and they have a few things in common. As the show synopsis describes, these ingredients have “built societies, shaped beliefs, and forever altered the tapestry of humanity.” Also, the commoditization has damaged our environment, our health, and our futures. It’s a beautiful yet poignant show that will take you around the world and teach you something new.
Your Next Trip
I’ve been thinking about travel lately. We’ve been trying to decide where to go next. Here are some destinations I recommend in the next six months:
- Japan – a popular choice for the spring
- Dominica – where to get away from winter
- Costa Rica – always a good choice
5 Things I Love Lately
- Pumpkin baked goods
- Nobody Wants This – cute Netflix rom-com series
- Sabrina Carpenter’s new album
- Petting a longhorn!
- Dreaming about the next trip
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