*SMASH*

The moment I overheard someone say "he hit a convertible," I knew the convertible was my beloved Veronica. I ran past people wearing a bikini top and skirt coverup not bothering to pause to put on shoes. How bad was it?

As I tried to see the damage, people came up to me and explained he came in the backyard and tried to find the owner, but ended up leaving a note.

There were maybe 20 people at the pool party. The yard was not that big.

I want to write about my hurt, but writing about my hurt will hurt others because my hurt is in their reactions. Hurt isn't the right word. Disappointment is.

The car is drivable. It is deeper than a scratch, and knowing how expensive it is to repair cars these days will likely cost a couple of thousand dollar since two panels will need to be repaired.

But, the driver took full responsibility and his insurance will pay for it.

I'm out the time to get the car repaired and the hassle of jumping through hoops.

I'm more upset about the reactions from the community. I both want to record what was said because I find writing freeing, and don't want to write because I don't want to spread my hurt to those who said it.

I'm upset enough to rethink a big decision. To put a pause in the future.  

Halfway Point of 2025

Today marks the halfway point for the year. I spent a few minutes reviewing my goals for the year and mentally thinking through my progress. 

With the exception of writing a book and redoing photo albums, I am on track with most of my goals. My "new to me" country turned out to be Norway, a complete surprise as it was really just an overnight layover between Belgium and the United States. 

I decided to postpone the 10-mile race for another year, mostly because they sold out before I could make up my mind. I did run the 7 km race in Liege, and the 5 miler (8k) in Perth.

We have gotten together with a few couple friends, not as many as once a month, but there is still time to catch up.

Goals I did not anticipate, but are happening include:

1) Attending protests at least once a month.

2) Seriously exploring co-housing

I am shedding my volunteer activities. I still write the monthly newsletter for Alliance Française and dig at Newlin Grist Mill, but stopped volunteering with the Ewing Historical Preservation Society and have not volunteered much with Dress for Success this year. No decisions were intentional, but only what I see happening.

Let's see where the second half of 2025 takes us.