GIRL DREW
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Marry Christmas
A decade ago today, I woke up in a cabin in Blue Ridge, Georgia, ready to become Ramón’s wife. Typing “Ramón’s wife” still feels odd because, in many ways, it’s as though I never got to fulfill that role. It’s also weird because I tend to avoid titles, meaning I’d never really called him my…
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Let it slow
I’ve been meaning to post for the last several weeks, and I’m finally here. I was mostly busy judging the writing ideas that came to mind and, ya know, getting in my own way—something I think most of us can relate to. I’ve also been pretty sick for the past several weeks.
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You heard it here
Guess who was on a podcast?! Me! I recently had the opportunity to be a guest on Pam Baker’s podcast, The Lost Love Stories. Pam is a legend in the CF community. I feel cheesy saying that, like I’m trying to puff her up, but I mean it. Pam has two sons with CF, both…
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Doggone it
Yesterday marked one month without Noodle. I felt her absence strongly on Tuesday when I returned home from a trip. Often, reuniting with the dogs is the highlight of coming home from vacation. But on a shuttle at the airport, it struck me that Noodle wouldn’t be part of the welcoming committee for the first…
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Docu-Drama
One night last week, I decided to watch a documentary while I worked on a jigsaw puzzle. If that sounds nerdy, I agree—and I own every bit of it. I browsed titles, looking for one that sounded inspiring. I love all types of docs, but I wanted a boost that night. I landed on one…
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Pole dancing
A haiku:Drip drip drip all dayAlways dancing with the polePoison in my veins The countdown is on! I finish up IV antibiotics tomorrow, and right now it feels like I’ve never wanted something so badly in my life. Mainly I’m eager to get back to my normal sleep schedule—and ditch these side effects that make…
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Adieu, Noodle Lou
Growing up, I wanted a dog, but I feared the yet-to-be-acquired dog’s death. I suspect that’s not typical kid behavior, but my CF diagnosis instilled in me a death obsession. I grieved every loss I could dream up—even losses of relationships that didn’t yet exist. In May 2012, with Ramón’s encouragement, I decided I was…
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Week 4: Simple September
Another week of Simple September has come and gone. Of all the weeks this month, this was the least simple, but hey. A lot fell beyond the limits of my control, and I handled it with more grace than I anticipated. Although the week’s events weren’t particularly simple, I didn’t overcomplicate them—which is all I…
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Week 3: Simple September
I’m here with another Simple September recap. My biggest victory over the past week has been following my gut. Because of this, I was less sterotypically productive (i.e., working hard, making money) and a lot more that-book-is-really-calling-to-me-and-I-shall-answer productive (i.e., soul-level fulfillment). Some bigger things are happening this week, so check Instagram for the daily recap.…
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Week 2: Simple September
Another week of Simple September has come and gone! Most nights I found myself scrambling to think of something to post, which isn’t *quite* what I had in mind when I developed Simple September (#StressedAboutPostingSeptember?). So, my goal for this week is to be more mindful of my surroundings throughout the day. In other words,…
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Week 1: Simple September
Here’s what went down during the first week of Simple September. Highlights include fun socks, cozy naps, and threats of hospitalization. Dun dun dun… 💜Keep up daily on Instagram!💜
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Simple September
How is it already September? And will I ever stop saying that at the start of each new month? The answer is no. It’s part of being an adult. While reading this weekend, I saw the phrase “Lighten up.” My reaction was visceral, a sensation of rocks in my stomach. Nobody said it to me,…
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The Mystery of the Coatrack
Ramón and I returned home to our condo one night after playing trivia. When Ramón tried to push the door open, he was met with resistance, as though someone was barricaded inside. “Did someone break in?” I whispered to Ramón. “I don’t know,” he answered, then gave the door a shove.
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Reclaiming “How are you?”
I’m thinking about how I answer some everyday questions, like “How are you doing?” and “How’s it going?” I know the right answer is “Good!” because many people ask these questions as a substitute for saying hi—not an actual inquiry into my wellbeing. But I’m that person who may deliver an answer the asker didn’t…
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Normal: Not found
Today was back to reality after a week at the beach. For me, the primary symptom of post-vacation blues is a soul-level restlessness that I struggle to describe. Something always feels just a little bit off, like maybe I’m not supposed to be where I am. I know this feeling is normal—that it happens after…