Happy Bday to my smokeshow of a husband 
(I hope you're mortified when you see this)
 
I'm going to spare you any public display of affection on his birthday, but what I will do is share one of his favorite stories to tell. And that is how your dearest art hoarder acquired the nickname, Swamp Thing.
 
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In the first few months of dating, we were at a bar and I think some girl had said I don't drink much, and I somehow received that as an invitation to prove her wrong. Who knows, maybe I was trying to impress my now husband, either way, WHO WAS SHE TO SAY I COULDN'T DRINK MUCH? 
 
Several whiskey shots later, the joke was on me. I was ready to take my hoop earrings off and fight a girl that was hitting on my husband before he grabbed me and said it was time to go home. But not before I projectile vomited all over his new car and myself. I don't remember any of this, but apparently I emerged from the car with vomit and hair covering my entire face like a freak show out of a movie. Well, specifically Swamp Thing.
 
Kudos to him for cleaning me up while I cried and told him I thought I was dying all night only for him to repeatedly inform me that I was not in fact dying, and I just needed a burrito, a gatorade, and some sleep. 
 
Happy Birthday baby, you are a saint.
 
 
I love this
 
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LOVED this podcast
 
Ray Dalio was on Jay Shetty's Podcast this week. I wasn't familiar with his work but I really enjoyed the episode. And while it was long, I totally think it's worth the listen. Below are a few nuggets I really loved.
 
He said he got in the habit at a young age that whenever he made a decision, particularly a painful decision, he would pause and reflect. He had a principle: Pain + reflection + progress. He said this really helped him gain clarity--without reflection, there's no progress and you're just left with pain. I found this incredibly relevant to my life right now. (He has a new guided journal I may check out)
 
They also had such a great discussion on the importance of being assertive and open-minded, and the dangers of surrounding yourself in an echo chamber. I found this incredibly relevant to our political climate and how we surround ourselves with people to reaffirm our political beliefs. Ray went on to say that the biggest threat to society are individuals who are highly opinionated and will not exchange open-mindedly. 
 
Their discussion was an hour and a half and I really enjoyed it. If you want to listen, you can check it out HERE.
 
Things that made me laugh/smile
 
 
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The full list of 40 “average parent problems” is HERE and some of them are hilarious.
 
Things I loved this week
*This section contains affiliate links. That means, while it's the same price for you, I get a very small commission out of it that helps my family and I. But most importantly, helps fund my art and Diet Coke addiction.
 
 
 
 
 
Thank you to all of you that purchased items from those two families in need this week--they were so incredibly grateful! 
 
I'm putting together a list of fun family traditions (when you were a kid, or one you do now), I'd love to hear yours.
 
If you're new here, I LOVE IT WHEN YOU RESPOND TO MY EMAILS. SERIOUSLY, PLEASE RESOND.
And since you missed last week's email, I've shared it HERE.
 
Merci Ktir <3
 
If you missed the meaning behind “Merci Ktir," click here.
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