Everyday ordinary overload
on miracles, mayhem, and returning home
// My words of the year are wonder and play, but I’ve decided 2025’s word of the year is OVERDRIVE.
// I like to see what’s trending on YouTube. This is most likely a leftover habit from listening to Casey Kasem’s American Top 40 on the radio, and later, MTV’s Top 20 Video Countdown. What can I say? It’s the cultural anthropologist in me.
// Anyway, I recently saw that this video was trending, “The Internet is No Longer Fun Anymore,” and I thought, YOU THINK?
A little late to have received the memo, but at least you got there, sport.
// The problem isn’t that folks shouldn’t be entitled to their opinion, the problem is we’re in contact with it all. It’s like hearing everyone’s voice in your head, and that, my friend, is a form of insanity.
And to make matters worse, everyone’s (mostly) angry, or outraged, or depressed. It’s not a good look for us, but I understand it’s addictive hold.
// My brother got into an accident. He’s fine though, so let’s get that out of the way. Yes, he was in the crosswalk. Yes, he was walking. Yes, the woman ran over him with both the front and rear wheels. Yes, completely ran over him.
Not. A. Broken. Bone.
//After 10 hours in the hospital, they called him Iron Man. Now, he’s not like back-at-work-hitting-the-gym-fine, more like at-home-recovering-with-pain-meds-legs-elevated-fine. But it’s a miracle. My mom and I believe that Dad protected him, and if you’ve been reading along, you understand the significance behind this.
// Speaking of family, I’m flying back to Hawaii soon. It’s been such a busy term, but part of the reason (besides WORK) is we’ve been more social. No one says on their death bed, “I wish I had spent more time online.” Within all the doomsday prophecies, there’s very little hope or humor to be found on screens, and if we’re truly on borrowed time, then I want to spend it with people. I’m going analogue.
// I catch myself feeling impatient with humans, and then I remember to slow down and be present. I’m with my students, going in earlier to be with my colleagues, and savoring my time with my husband and friends.
// It’s AI, robots, and roaches from here on out, kids. Get busy lovin’ the shit out of life.
Wishing you nourishment for your body and soul ~ and plenty of mindful moments on the terrain. xo
Love this, Lani!
Glad your brother is doing well.
Have a great time in Hawaii and wishing your brother a quick full recovery! I came back from an 18-day trip back in China and I am totally in agreement with everything you said, about this everyday ordinary life we are living in this world right now!