Hello, my loves. Welcome to Tuesday. Last week I threatened a short issue—claiming and believing breaks are important for everyone. If I recall correctly, it wasn’t short at all. This week will be. Bye :)
Cemetary Update
As promised a few issues back, I scoured the cemetery where my mom is buried, looking for the grave of the boy whose mother accused me of hitting her car while we were both visiting our deceased loved ones.
I didn’t find his grave, but I did find the woman and her dog Bali. We talked for 30 minutes after Bali pulled her to the ground upon seeing and lunging at me (don’t worry, she’s friendly—the dog and the woman).
It turns out I did not know her son. He went to a school in a neighboring town. His mom, Shannon, is odd and sweet (mostly sweet). My name touched her. Her son’s name was Simon (my brother calls me Simon).
I’m certain we’re not done running into one another. In fact, she was there a few days later. I turned my car around. Sometimes I need my space.
171 Days
Stephen and I have been an item for 171 days. Each of the 4104 hours has been pure bliss. Not one second of the 246,240 has been anything short of marvelous.
That’s a partial lie because I revealed we’d had a hard day with some issues back. In any case, it’s quite wonderful sharing time and space. We’re both experiencing a type of healthy relationship we never had before. Meeting someone when you both feel whole(ish) means you add to each other’s lives. It’s that simple.
Stephen started a position as a ranger in Point Reyes, which he loves. Formerly, he was a ranger on Alcatraz. Did you know? There are two types of rangers: those who are law enforcement and those who foster community and care for the land. Stephen is the latter.
Last Saturday was Take Your Girlfriend to Work Day (we made it up), and we hiked 10 miles to Tomales Point with Stephen in his ranger suit and me in my trail clothes.
A reader mentioned I hadn’t offered an update on us in a while. Consider this your update 💚
Backsies
I recommended sunscreen weeks ago. I’d like to recant my reco. According to my new favorite app, Yuka, this Trader Joe’s sunscreen isn’t good for you. Neither is this, Sun Bum. We have both at our house. We’ll use them up and not rebuy.
My apologies to those who followed me into the abyss (I followed me too). I’m sure it’s not the first or last time things will get dicey. Exercise caution whenever taking my advice.
Did You Know?
Op-ed means “opposite the editorial”—space dedicated to commentary by readers. I knew, and I didn’t. Now that we all know, how many of you could write an op-ed for this newsletter? Too many to count!
Stephen seems like a gentle soul. 😌
Loved the short and sweet update