Kim Hooper's Blog, page 20
September 10, 2021
Weekly Roundup: September 10, 2021
Quote of the week:
“…we read fiction because it suggests that life has a shape, and we feel…consoled…by that notion. Consoled to think that life isn’t just one damned thing after another. That it has sequence and consequence… Fictional narrative [makes] life seem to matter…it [pushes] away the meaninglessness of death.” –Sue Miller
What I’m reading:
Adultery by Paulo Coelho — terrible title for a novel, in my opinion, but I’m liking the story so far
I’m also reading Untamed by Glennon Doyle (I listened to it in 2020 and felt like reading it).
What I’m listening to:
Friends and Strangers — J. Courtney Sullivan
In all honesty, I have had a hell of a time finding a good audio book lately. I have started and stopped FOUR in the past month–yikes. Hoping this one is good.
What I’m watching:
9/11: One Day in America — such an intense docuseries, but so good
Writing news:
Under Cover Book Club is featuring No Hiding in Boise. You can read my little interview with them here, or listen to me read the first chapter of the book here.
What I’m talking about:
The 20-year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. I can’t believe it’s been 20 years. There are some great documentaries out that I plan to watchThe abortion ban in Texas. It continues to shock and anger me. Some good news: Lyft will cover the legal fees of any driver who is sued under the law (and they also donated $1M to Planned Parenthood)COVID-19 and fears of breakthrough infections. I learned this week that the breakthrough infection risk is 1 in 5,000, so that’s encouraging. I still worry about all the unvaccinated kids getting sickWeirdest thing I googled this week:
“what is lyophilization.” I saw this term in a work project I’m doing and had no idea what it meant. It basically means freeze-drying.
Interesting things I learned this week:
Nearly 1 in 3 Americans experienced a weather disaster this summer (read here)Vulnerable literally means “able to be wounded”Mexico is the first country in North America to ban cosmetic animal testingIllinois students will receive five mental health days from school–so cool!What I’m grateful for:
I’m so grateful for my friends lately. I consider myself a social introvert and I’ve had some great, fulfilling connections with friends lately that make my heart so happy. I’m also grateful for a little weekend away by myself–I leave in a few hours! And I’m grateful for the transition to fall. My morning runs have been so nice lately.
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September 3, 2021
Weekly Roundup: September 3, 2021
Quote of the week:
“Being yourself is a continuous effort. There is always another expectation placed upon you, another person pulling you toward their preferences, another nudge from society to act a certain way. It’s a daily battle to be yourself, not merely what the world wants you to be.” –James Clear
What I’m reading:
Monogamy by Sue Miller (I’m liking it, but it’s taking me a weirdly long time to finish… I’ve had a hard time focusing lately)
What I’m listening to:
A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins
What I’m watching:
Nothing at all. Like I said, I cannot focus.
Writing news:
Nothing to report this week. I should have a cover reveal for my 2022 novel soon!
What I’m talking about:
The abortion ban in Texas. I firmly believe in a woman’s right to choose. I know of so many stories of women who have been in extremely difficult circumstances and needed to make that choice (for example, finding out a baby has severe defects and will not survive). And I will never be okay with a bunch of men deciding this type of thingAfghanistan and war, in general. My heart has been so heavyThe commodification of self-care. This podcast with Rachel Yoder inspired me to think about self-care as being still with oneself, knowing oneself. It’s not all bubble baths and spa treatments. For me, self-care is running, writing, and napping (though I have not enjoyed that luxury in too long)Weirdest thing I googled this week:
“Do cats fart?” This was my sister’s inquiry and I decided to investigate. Interesting answer here. Also, if you type in “do cats…,” the first search term that follows is “fart,” so we are clearly not alone in wondering about this.
Interesting things I learned this week:
Emophilia is the ease with which people fall in love (people with higher levels tend not to need very long before falling head-over-heels)Americans average less than 6 hours of sleep per night. YIKES! My magic number is 9 hours, but I usually get 7 to 8What I’m grateful for:
I’m grateful for my girlfriends. And for my sister and mom. I’m grateful for marathon training (the structure of it has been so good for my soul). I’m grateful for books (I only wish I could read faster!). And I’m grateful for this giant dog who made my daughter smile so big.
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August 27, 2021
Weekly Roundup: August 27, 2021
Quote of the week:
“Today I am a woman torn between the terror that everything might change and the equal terror that everything might carry on exactly the same for the rest of my days.” –Paulo Coelho
What I’m reading:
Monogamy by Sue Miller
What I’m listening to:
What You Don’t Know by JoAnn Chaney
What I’m watching:
The finale of “Alone” — always so emotional“Toast of London” on Netflix (before it goes away on Augusts 31!)Writing news:
I dipped my toe into writing a new novel this week. Eek. I’m also very close to being able to show you the cover for my book that comes out next summer!
What I’m talking about:
Afghanistan. What a mess. It’s all very distressing. I feel for everyone involvedThe absurdity of California’s recall election. I got my ballot in the mail and was appalled to google some of the candidates, like this oneThe Lying Flat movement, which is basically a movement to work less and rest more (read here)Weirdest thing I googled this week:
“Liquid bonsai fertilizer.” My friend gave me a plant and I’m committed to keeping it alive.
Interesting things I learned this week:
Only 7% of U.S. adults have an electric or hybrid carThe baby on Nirvana’s “Nevermind” album cover is suing (he’s 30 now), alleging child pornography (read here)Less than 1% of the U.S. population has completed a marathonWhat I’m grateful for:
I’m grateful that I’m finally feeling better after 10+ days of one of the worst colds of my life (negative for Covid). I’m also grateful to this silly kitty for brightening every day.
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August 20, 2021
Weekly Roundup: August 20, 2021
Quote of the week:
“Sometimes I can feel my bones straining under the weight of all the lives I’m not living.” –Jonathan Safran Foer
What I’m reading:
Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy — I’ll finish this tonight and I’m already sad about that. I love her writing
What I’m listening to:
Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder
What I’m watching:
“Nine Perfect Strangers” on Hulu — I tried one episode but wasn’t feeling it“Modern Love” on Amazon Prime — some episodes better than others, but enjoyable overallWriting news:
All the Acorns on the Forest Floor is officially out in paperback!
What I’m talking about:
Afghanistan. I do think it’s best that we are pulling out our troops, but my heart breaks when I think of those who will suffer under Taliban ruleHaiti. So many heavy things lately. I just donated to Together Rising to help with relief efforts (and I urge you to join me)The recall election here in California. I just learned this week that if 51% of the voters want to recall Newsom, then the candidate who has the greatest percentage of votes (even if it’s only 20%) becomes governor…which seems crazyWeirdest thing I googled this week:
“Get while the getting’s good.” I was using this phrase in something and then it sounded weird to me so I wasn’t sure if that was the phrase. Ha. I guess it is? It still sounds weird.
Interesting things I learned this week:
Clinical trials for an HIV vaccine are underway–how cool!A slice of Charles and Diana’s 1981 wedding cake sold for over $2500The runner’s high is related to endocannabinoids (not endorphins…which was always thought to be the case) (read here)What I’m grateful for:
My daughter’s preschool (she started her new class this week and loves it so much). My online running coach who has made marathon training so enjoyable for me (so far). The friends who have said, “Can I come to your dad’s memorial? I’d like to support you” (it’s tomorrow and I’m anticipating a lot of emotion). A new novel idea… I haven’t been in a mental space to start writing, but the idea is growing and I’m loving it.
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August 13, 2021
Weekly Roundup: August 13, 2021
Quote of the week:
“Living things tend to change unrecognizably as they grow. Who would deduce the dragonfly from the larva, the iris from the bud, the lawyer from the infant? Flora or fauna, we are all shapeshifters and magical reinventors.” — Diane Ackerman
What I’m reading:
Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy
(Since I loved her debut, Migrations, so much)
What I’m listening to:
The Husbands by Chandler Baker — just finished
Mother May I by Joshilyn Jackson — just started
What I’m watching:
Writing news:
I’m flirting with starting to write a new novel. The seed has been planted and it is germinating. I love this phase! I’m hoping to share the cover for my 2022 novel soon. I’m excited about this one.
What I’m talking about:
COVID. A few weeks ago, there were 10,000 new cases per day in the US; now there are over 100,000. It’s all very unsettling. My daughter was home from preschool this week with a cough. I was an anxious mess until we got the test result–negative. I’m bracing myself for an anxiety-filled FallThe latest report on the climate crisis, which used the words “code red for humanity” (this is a good summary)The passing of the $1 trillion infrastructure bill–so good to see Democrats and (some) Republicans joining forces on this oneWeirdest thing I googled this week:
“Caramel vs carmel.” This google search occurred in the midst of an argument about the correct spelling and pronunciation. I won this argument. To confirm: “Generally, ‘caramel’ is defined as a chewy, light-brown candy made from butter, sugar, and milk or cream… Caramel is the correct spelling if you’re talking about food or colors. Carmel is a misspelling when used in those contexts, but it is a word that can be used as a name for people or places.”
Interesting things I learned this week:
There is a World Lion Day and it was this past Tuesday (August 10)Softball was invented in 1887There is only one Friday the 13th in 2021–and it is TODAY! (I actually learned this a couple weeks ago, but it deserved a mention today)According to a study (!), kittens view their owners as their parentsFlorida accounts for 1 in 5 Covid cases in the USWhat I’m grateful for:
Lots of things–a negative Covid test for my daughter, flexibility in my work life so I could take care of her this week, Charlotte McConaghy’s writing, my therapist, early morning runs, deep talks with my sister, life-sustaining texts with friends.
Reading time with the pets.
As seen on my run.The post Weekly Roundup: August 13, 2021 appeared first on Kim Hooper's Blog.
August 6, 2021
Weekly Roundup: August 6, 2021
Quote of the week:
“If you love to read, or learn to love reading, you will have an amazing life. Period. Life will always have hardships, pressure, and incredibly annoying people, but books will make it all worthwhile. In books, you will find your North Star, and you will find you, which is why you are here.” –Anne Lamott
What I’m reading:
Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy
I have about 100 pages left. I’m quite sure this will make my list of all-time favorite books.
What I’m listening to:
The Husbands by Chandler Baker
What I’m watching:
More Olympics. I am in awe watching the runners.
Writing news:
I had a wonderful call this week with the brilliant screenwriter who is adapting No Hiding in Boise. The script is fantastic and I can’t wait for this to come to life. More details coming soon.
What I’m talking about:
The Delta variant. We’re on a steep upward trajectory where I live in southern California. I worry so much for my daughter, who is too young to get vaccinatedGrief, grief, grief, all things griefMy disbelief that it’s August. June and July were blips on my radar. I lost sense of time for a while there
Weirdest thing I googled this week:
“What causes cat purring?” (I learned a wealth of information at this website, including that mongooses, guinea pigs, and raccoons can purr. I also learned that cats that purr, such as mountain lions and bobcats, can’t roar; and cats that roar, such as lions and tigers, can’t purr. Who knew?)
Interesting things I learned this week:
Matrophobia is the fear of becoming one’s mother (coined by poet Lynn Sukenick)Fewer married people (29%) reported feeling that their marriage was in trouble in 2020 than the year before (40%)What I’m grateful for:
I’m grateful for all the things that are getting me through this tough time of life–cat snuggles, texts with friends that include quotes from “Tommy Boy,” long runs, my dad’s t-shirts (aka my pajamas now), craft beer, good books, the Olympics, occasional naps, and the relentlessly joyful energy of my little girl.
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July 30, 2021
Weekly Roundup: July 30, 2021
Quote of the week:
“Fiction is truth, even if it is not fact.” –Cassandra Clare
What I’m reading:
Of Woman Born: Motherhood as Experience and Institution — Adrienne Rich
What I’m listening to:
— Chanel Miller
I also listened to Glennon Doyle’s podcast episode about parenting and really loved it.
What I’m watching:
THE OLYMPICS! Specifically, gymnastics. So excited for Suni Lee, and so supportive of Simone Biles.
Writing news:
No news. However, I did find a Post-it in my day planner (yes, I still have a paper day planner) with a little note to self that says: “Summer 2021 — start writing new novel.” It is summer 2021 and I have not started writing a new novel. I did see cover art for my novel that comes out next summer–more on that soon!
What I’m talking about:
The Delta variant, the CDC recommendation to wear masks indoors again, the continued misinformation about vaccines — I am feeling so overwhelmed by all of thisHow surreal my dad’s death continues to be The Delta variant, the CDC recommendation to wear masks indoors again, the continued misinformation about vaccines — I am feeling so overwhelmed by all of thisHow surreal my dad’s death continues to be
Weirdest thing I googled this week:
“Wally Funk.” (It’s only weird if you don’t know it’s a person’s name. She’s a cool person. You should google her)
Interesting things I learned this week:
I usually keep a running list in my phone of interesting tidbits throughout the week. This week, there is no list. So I guess I was too busy or distracted. Or there were no interesting things.
What I’m grateful for:
A yoga class with my mom. Even though she sort of hated it (the class was erroneously described as a “gentle flow”), I got this smile out of her.
I’m also grateful to everyone who donated to the McCourt Foundation in my dad’s name. I hit my fundraising goal of $1,000 thanks to you!
Have a great weekend, everyone 
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July 23, 2021
Weekly Roundup: July 23, 2021
Quote of the week:
“The thing that screws us up the most is the picture in our head of how things are supposed to be.” –Glennon Doyle
What I’m reading:
With or Without You by Caroline Leavitt
What I’m listening to:
Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin
What I’m watching:
“The Accidental Tourist” (oldie but goodie)
A bunch of Dateline murder mystery episodes
The new season of “Alone“–caught up to the latest episode
Writing news:
My first piece for the New York Times was published this week: “I Gave Birth, but My Husband Developed Postpartum Depression.” Reading this will give you some insight into what inspired the Angie storyline in my latest novel, No Hiding in Boise.
In other news, I received the below email from a reader, which made me chuckle.
What I’m talking about:
The dramatic rise in Covid cases across the country. This gives me a lot of anxiety, particularly because I have a young child who is not eligible to be vaccinated yetThe Olympics! I’ve got my DVR set to record all the gymnasticsHow the pandemic highlighted that women/mothers are always expected to put themselves last. This is a great read. Quote: “Our society functions because women have been conditioned to believe that it is our job to accommodate, to step in when someone is needed, to put others first. We get this messaging from society: Selfless mothers are praised while “bad” moms are shamed, and our role as mother is assumed to be our primary identity“How companies need to be prepared for employees to quit if they are not allowed to continue working remotely (read here). Side note: I resigned from my full-time job to take on a freelance role and one of the reasons was that the pandemic showed me how much I love working at home. I always wanted to work remote but was never allowed. My former company is back to in-person work and I’m so glad I don’t have to deal with thatBillionaires going to space. It’s made for a lot of great jokes (my favorite below), but it’s really so maddening. These men could literally solve world hunger with just a portion of their wealth
Weirdest thing I googled this week:
Mac and cheese ice cream. (I was curious after hearing about this on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert. It’s a real thing. Sounds…weird).
Interesting things I learned this week:
Teeth enamel is the hardest thing in the bodyEvery 7 to 10 years, most of our cells replace themselvesThere is only one Friday the 13th this year, and it’s next month!Australian researchers want to rename shark attacks “incidents” or “interactions”The US life expectancy has dropped by 1.5 years, the steepest decline since World War IIThe beds in the Olympic village are made of cardboardWhat I’m grateful for:
The ability to run. My dad was a runner for much of his 30s. I never understood the appeal until I hit my 30s and started running more seriously. Now I love it. I love the time to think, the magical flow state. I’ve spent a lot of time talking to my dad on my runs lately. I decided to sign up for the L.A. Marathon (it’s November 7). My dad ran it twice and I think it will be special to do the same race. For anyone interested, I’m raising money for The McCourt Foundation here.
This is my dad helping me during the last mile of a marathon I ran in 2015.The post Weekly Roundup: July 23, 2021 appeared first on Kim Hooper's Blog.
July 16, 2021
Weekly Roundup: July 16, 2021
Quote of the week:
“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” –Elisabeth Kübler Ross
What I’m reading:
A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis
With or Without You by Caroline Leavitt
What I’m listening to:
The Mothers by Brit Bennett
Plus a number of podcasts:
-Eckhart Tolle: “Finding Death Before Death Finds You“
-Writer, Mother, Monster: “Motherhood and Mental Health“
-On Purpose with Jay Shetty: “Esther Perel on Finding Love and the Real Reason Couples Break Up“
-We Can Do Hard Things: “Our Bodies“
What I’m watching:
-“False Positive” on Hulu, which was very weird and reminded me that I wanted to watch a documentary on a similar topic…
-“Baby God” on HBO is that documentary
Writing news:
Psst–My very first piece for the New York Times will be published next week!!!
What I’m talking about:
My dad. Grief. Mental fog. At some point, I’ll care about what’s going on in the world again, but that point is not right now.
Weirdest thing I googled this week:
Roadrunner bird symbolism.
Interesting things I learned this week:
The Goo Goo Dolls were originally called the Sex MaggotsCostco food courts sell enough ice cream cups and sundaes each year to fill more than 32 average-size swimming poolsThe concept of Body Mass Index (BMI) was created by a Belgian astronomer in the 1800s (because he was trying to quantify “the ideal man”). Basically, it’s silly that it’s in use today to tell us what weights are healthyWhat I’m grateful for:
The outpouring of love my family has received in the wake of my dad’s passing. It’s been such a strange and surreal time. I’ve been saying that grief is one of the worst human experiences that can reveal the very best in people. Thank you to everyone who has reached out. My dad could be quite sentimental and I know he would have tears in his eyes seeing all the support my mom, sister, and I have received.
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July 9, 2021
In memory of my dad
My dad died.
My dad died.
My dad died.
I keep thinking these words, waiting for them not to shock me. They still shock me. If I say them out loud–”my dad died”–my eyes well up with the kind of tears you get when you pluck a nose hair––instantaneous, uncontrollable tears. Tears that surprise you.
The end was excruciating, but he was peaceful. This is supposed to comfort me. I asked him to send me a sign from the other side. Some hours after he passed, the cactus on my mom’s balcony bloomed. There are other signs too, ones I keep to myself. They are mine, the last gifts he’s given me. Or maybe not the last ones. Maybe there will be more. I can hope.
My dad was a good man. A decent human being. How rare those seem to be. He was warm. He was playful and funny. He loved his girls. He raised us to see possibilities. He was hardworking and loyal. He wrote notes on napkins with little smiley faces and put them in our lunch bags. He coached us in softball and in so many other things. He was always there. He stood on his tippy-toes in photos so he’d be taller than my sister and me. He loved sports as much as he loved musicals. The soundtrack to Les Misérables will always remind me of him. He read every one of my books, except the last, the one that comes out in a year, the one I finished when he was no longer able to read. It’s dedicated to him.
I don’t know who’s going to ask me how my car is running now. I don’t know who is going to sing “happy birthday” on my voicemail every year. I don’t know who’s going to text me and ask if I need anything at Costco. I’ve never known life without my dad in it. This is an obvious fact, a “duh.” But it feels so poignant. No wonder I feel so off-kilter. Forty-one years with this man who contributed half of my DNA. I took for granted there would be more years for us, but there are just more for me. Somehow, I both knew this would be reality and never considered it. The words “I’ll miss him” don’t suffice, but they are all I have. I’ll miss him.
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