08. Rest

Rest is super important, yo.

Yet again, a brief life update

I got Covid (my first time). Thanks to my vaccines, boosters, and otherwise good health, my 5-day isolation was not too miserable. My good friend dropped off a mini pharmacy of flu pills and saved my life (thank you)! I had two days of fever, then a day that felt feverish, and then two days of feeling great but low energy.

And with low energy (recovering from illness is a lot of hard work for a body!), this issue will be short.

Tomorrow (or as soon as I test negative) I may rejoin the world while wearing a KN95 mask for 5 days.

Gratitude

Some have generously switched to paid subscriptions to support me. I’m so grateful! Knowing that you all are supporting me (in all kinds of ways) keeps me going. Thank you!

This newsletter isn’t weekly

No doubt you’ve noticed. It also isn’t released on the same day for each issue.

Sometimes one must rest, and for me, that usually means skipping something and replacing that time with rest. So sometimes that’s this newsletter of terrible writing. You understand of course.

You get some rest, too, y’hear?

To quote the old song, “Eat an apple every day, get to bed by three. Take good care of yourself; you belong to me.” Rest is an integral part of being alive and is required for your survival. This includes both sleep and other restful activities.

Please comment below

At the bottom of this (or any) issue, please share your thoughts with a like and a comment. Maybe you can share the activities which are restful for you?

Finally, a list

I talked about making lists like those in The Pillow Book of Seishonagon, and I wasn’t kidding. Here’s a list of cautions from Ruth Etting.

• Things that Ruth Etting cautions against:

  • Button up your overcoat when the wind is free

  • Eat an apple every day (or maybe a bell pepper?)

  • get to bed by three (the time of day is ambiguous, but the intent is clear)

  • Be careful crossing streets

  • Don't eat meat (Have you heard of weekday vegetarians?)

  • Cut out sweets (this goal, though impossible, must always be pursued)

  • Keep away from bootleg hooch, when you're on a spree (for one’s safety, consume products from trusted sources)

  • Don't step on hornets’ tails, or on nails, or third rails

  • Wear your flannel underwear, when you climb a tree

  • Steer clear of frozen ponds, peroxide blondes, stocks and bonds

  • Take the spoon out of your cup, when you're drinking tea (truly, mindful eating has many benefits)

  • Take good care of yourself, you belong to me