On dropping the ball
After two straight months of running a never-ending marathon (and I don't even run!), I realized something had to give.
WATCHING America’s Sweethearts this Dallas-born, nine year competitive cheerleader is intrigued
READING Drop the Ball by Tiffany Dufu
OBSESSING Johanna Ortiz one piece swimsuit splurgy but omg the quality and cut are *chef’s kiss*
Currently
Hello! It's been six weeks since you’ve heard from me in this newsletter. But of course, I haven’t been completely MIA—you’ve been getting your weekly dose of The New Modern Mom Podcast (Apple | Spotify), despite my absence here.
Where have I been? Well, I've been applying the wisdom of Tiffany Dufu’s book Drop the Ball. After two straight months of what felt like pure chaos, running a never-ending marathon (and I don't even run!), I realized something had to give. Careful planning and prioritization weren't enough. I had to drop the ball.
If you’re new here, let me catch you up. In just two months, I launched a podcast, acquired a Pilates studio, sold our vacation home/rental in Tahoe, and prepared my family to leave our home in San Francisco to spend two months living abroad in Portugal. Talk about crazy, right?
So, as I took inventory of all the madness, this newsletter was one of the boxes I just couldn't keep checking. And I realize now, I never communicated that to you. For that, I apologize. I pride myself on diligence and consistency, and this community is not one I want to let down.
Honestly, it was a hard process to draw the line between what should be prioritized and what I simply wanted to do.
I'm not here to offer advice today. Instead, I want to reflect on the different seasons of life. Sometimes you’re walking, sometimes sprinting, occasionally running, and other times just sitting back and watching the race unfold. Each season has its hurdles and its happy moments, but none are permanent.
What I can tell you is this: my recent marathon is ending in one of the most unforgettable chapters of my life. Sitting here in this coworking space in Portugal, I don’t have a single regret about the race I just ran. Gratitude fills me up when I think about everything that got me here.
Thank you for your understanding, and I’m so excited to keep sharing this journey with you.
All The Things
I’ve been really leaning into the non-athleisure life in Portugal as we enjoy school drop off, slow mornings exploring Sintra, Cascais and Lisbon, and working around other people in the co-working space (what a change from four consistent years of WFH!). Here are the staples I’ve been leaning on.
Agolde dark wash denim shorts better “mom shorts” do not exist
Everlane light wash denim shorts okay fine, these may tie for best “mom shorts”
Donni Simple Linen Pants in Cream run, these are back in stock!
Jcrew oversized linen shirt size down, perfect for cooler mornings and nights
Cole Haan GrandPro these are the perfect white travel sneaker, had for years (lightest-weight sneaker you can find)
Tall Easy Zipper Tote in Ecru the perfect tote to go from work to the playground
A Emery Prince Slides a chic alternative to Birkenstocks
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