August 2022 Monthly Wrap-Up
August wasn’t the greatest month. I was majorly struggling with medical stuff and felt very rough. I had lots of appointments, some of which culminated in having surgery to place a port at the end of the month. However, there were definitely good spots in the month, too–like digging into TWL edits, going to a cat show, my grandpa visiting, and going to a wedding.
This month I’m…
Reading: Pacifica, Kristen Simmons (reread). The Night The Lights Went Out, Drew Magary. People We Meet on Vacation, Emily Henry. Salt in my Soul, Mallory Smith (reread). Always, Clementine, Carlie Sorosiak. Boston Jane, Jennifer L. Holm (reread). One Shot at Forever, Chris Ballard. The Shape of Thunder, Jasmine Warga. The Fountains of Silence, Ruta Sepetys (reread). The Last Mapmaker, Christina Soontornvant. Gallant, V.E. Schwab. Sitting Pretty, Rebekah Taussig. Breathe and Count Back From Ten, Natalia Sylvester. 13 total.
Listening to: This relaxing musical theatre playlist. My heavy-hearted playlist. Spotify’s Morning Coffee and Night Light playlists. My August playlist. Oh Wonder. The Manuscript Academy podcast and the Heart & Hustle podcast.
Watching: YouTube–Jordan Bauth, The Frey Life, Kiara Madisen, Katie Mack, Chronically Maz. Movies–Onward; A Hidden Life.
Writing: Despite feeling awful and having so much medical admin to do, I somehow made an impressive amount of money in August. Outside of work, I started doing some serious work editing Things We’ve Lost and workshopping my query letter; it’s been challenging, but I can see the progress I’m making. I also wrote songs, volunteered for the Diamonds Conference and People Hope, and played with a new novel idea.
Buying: Clothes (why do I keep doing this). A new phone (I’d had an iPhone 7 for about four years, and I went up to a 12). A flapping shark toy that both pets are scared of. Stuff for my port, like button-down pajamas, dry shampoo, and shower covers.
Grateful for: Grab-as-you-go clients. The feeling of moving my body in the water. Everything transferring to my new phone. Time with a friend who left for college this month. The clouds. The support of my church family. Great nurses. Minimal port pain.
What did you do in August? Let me know in the comments!
