Hi from a long time ago!
First post of 2024 at the end of July, 2024.
Hi All! I’ve gotten a few new “readers” (sorry there isn’t anything new to read, until TODAY!) lately and I want to say hi and sort of use this opportunity to restart, refresh, and get going on this substack-y once again.
What is this exactly?
So, I started this substack so long ago as one of the first tangible expressions of my dream of opening my own (used&new) Bookstore, that is a Thrift Store (highly curated with a focus on vintage), that also serves drinks/snacks/what-have-yous.
a BookstoreThriftstoreBar!
This substack, the related Instagram account, and getting my California ServSafe food handler certificate are the only steps I’ve taken towards this goal. And so much Zillow and Loopnet stalking, of course.
I have hoped that this would be a chronicle of my entrepreneurship journey. I also wanted to write once a month about the topics that first fueled the dream: cool vintage finds, drink recipes, cool places to drink, and books I’m reading.
This substack hasn’t been any of those things lately, and I’m not sure what it will be after this post. I know that I enjoy writing. I enjoy Instagram. I enjoy books/thrift/bars***(see below). I enjoy sharing here!
Thank you for being here!
Now:
I’m still an #officeLife by day. I really hope to make some big work related changes in 2025………stay tuned! I have also been helping out with my sister’s new business-it’s been fun! You can check out her entrepreneurship journey here!
Auntie-ing has taken a bigger role in my life and I love it (my nephews are 3 years old! OMG 3 years have flown by so fast!)!
January 2024 cuteness Being a partner has also taken on a bigger and better part of my life and I really love that! Living together full-time has been great and I hope that never changes!
Baseball Roadtrip April 2024 ****I’m sober since January 2, 2024!
Wow
I know!
What!??
Well, if you didn’t gather how much I LOVE(d) drinking alcohol (beer/wine/whiskey, etc.) from earlier posts or don’t know me IRL, you don’t understand what a big change this is!
I still Love visiting pubs and breweries (that also have snacks!) We have really enjoyed this new place in a nearby town, Reedley, CA. If you are in Central California, visit them! Great food, drinks, and vibes. This sobriety is a temporary choice for personal reasons that I hope to expand on more in future posts. Almost 8 months in, my experience of sobriety has been:
a. It’s not hard, and It’s not easy.b. There are days when I am reading #sober reddit and instagram and writing down my affirmations: I Am Committed to My Sobriety in 2024. Like any big life change, sobriety is something I have to work on/try/plan for. Days like Super Bowl, big family gatherings, and birthdays required a strategy and giving myself a TON of grace in other areas of life.
c. There are days when I don’t think of it (alcohol/drinking/not drinking) at all.
d. i. There are days/events I wish I hadn’t drank at last year—and it has been interesting/illuminating/exciting to experience those events this year with a completely clear head.
ii. There are days/events I really wish I could have celebrated in the same way as everyone else. With a potent beverage in hand!
NA Rose all day… If you are sober-curious, I do encourage you take the plunge! You don’t have to wait till #dryJanuary to take a month off.
AndIf you are enjoying a drink right now, please, fully, truly enjoy it and have another (responsibly:) for me!
What can you expect in future posts (if there are any ;)
What I am reading! I really do love books, reading, libraries and bookstores. They are my first love. Although I’m behind on my GoodReads reading goal by 9 books at the moment….
Thrift Finds! I haven’t invested in any cool vintage pieces this year but I have been going to thrift stores more often. Usually it’s been to get party/event/decor supplies and for books of course! Also on the lookout for monster truck toys—the nephews are obsessed!
Recent thrift book find at a Friends of the Libary shop in Carson City, NV July 2024
More food and drink adventures! Even sober, I still enjoy dining out, finding new breweries & wineries-many of them have excellent things to eat!, and exploring new cities. I have never drank more coffee in my life. And it’s been awesome!
Mocktails are often hit or miss but I have had a few very lovely and refreshing ones.
Thanks for reading and CHEERS!
