future me

200 Day Time Capsule Blog #9

Has it really been 200 days already!?

In one sense, I feel like YES, January was 45 years ago, so much has happened since then, omg.

But in another sense I’m like, WOAH, it feels like yesterday.

Either way, we are back for another time capsule.

I always love getting these ~letters from the past~.

At the beginning of this one, I wrote, “Wishing you well on these next 200 days. Do your best and give yourself grace.”

That’s so nice, past me. I think I’ve done that, but there’s always room to do better. In these next 200 days, may we all strive for better.

1) What day is it?

My answer from the last time capsule (1/5/22): January 5th, 2022

2) Describe yourself today

My answer from the last time capsule (1/5/22): I feel calm. Which is kind of funny because looking at my crazy schedule for the next 6 months, there is NO reason to be calm. But I have been really prioritizing doing things that make me feel good (going on walks, doing yoga, cooking dinner, reading my Bible, working on my counted cross stitch, calling friends on the phone, going to bed early, etc.) and it has made me feel really good. It makes me excited for the year to come because I feel like I can always come back to this place if I get stressed. Aside from that, I’m in jeans and a sweater, in full New Year mode, wanting to learn and achieve everything all at once and practically bursting at the seams from the anticipation of what might come next. And yet, calm.

The funny thing about this is that around this same time, I was talking to my friend Nicole on the phone and I said, “I feel like everything is about to change. I don’t know in what way but I just feel like a lot of change is coming.” A few weeks later, our apartment flooded, and then over the next couple months we moved out, my sister got engaged and then married, and now I’m living with my parents while I look for a place of my own. So while I can’t say I’m still completely holding on to that “calm” I am optimistic about what’s coming next.

3) What did you do today?

My answer from the last time capsule (1/5/22): I feel like I always start these with “I worked.” She is so brave and hardworking, folks. But alas, I did work today, and I have plans of going for a run in this strangely wonderful 70 degree weather, then I’m going to do some writing, have some leftover roasted cauliflower tacos (yum!) and hangout (from afar) with my sister, who currently has COVID and is locked in her room, so we text and play iPhone games throughout the day. I might encourage us to get ice cream too since that is an *obvious* COVID cure.

Cannot confirm whether or not I went for that run, but a week later, once my sister was COVID free, we went out for ice cream. Two days later, I tested positive and was down for a week. I lost all of my running stamina and haven’t found the motivation to get it back. 🤷

4) What’s your favorite song right now?

My answer from the last time capsule (1/5/22): Oooh. This is usually an easy one for me, because I’m almost always in the process of overplaying a song, but I don’t have a particular favorite right now. Maybe “Oh My God” by Adele, or one of Leon’s new songs like “Soaked” or “Fade into a Dream.”

5) What’s the most recent movie you’ve seen?

My answer from the last time capsule (1/5/22): I just watched Red Notice on Netflix last night, which was pretty good. I’m excited about so many movies coming out this year!! This month alone I’m hoping to see West Side Story, Licorice Pizza, Redeeming Love and Belfast in theaters.

I saw all but Belfast in theaters (and have yet to see it now that I think about it!) and have been so excited to see a bunch more movies in theaters since. I missed the movies so much during lockdown and I’m trying my best to get there as often as possible.

6) Who did you last text and what did you say?

My answer from the last time capsule (1/5/22): I texted my sister “Omg SO close to a bullseye” because we’re playing darts on iPhone games. Haha!

These proved to be a lifesaver, both when she had COVID and when I did. I think we tried every game there was, and we weren’t all that good at them lol.

7) What is your biggest goal right now?

My answer from the last time capsule (1/5/22): Hmm, I don’t know if there is one that stands out above the others. I have my usual list of 17, and then I’ve created a small list of side goals for myself that are just self-care items that I’ve wanted to make habits of for a while, but nothing stands out as “THE ONE.” So maybe I’d just say that my biggest goal is to continue pursuing my best self. My most honest, genuine, and happy self.

I think I’ve done pretty well at continuing to pursue this. And I think part of living a good life is always pursuing this, as our “best” self will look and feel different as we grow and change. My best self now is probably already different than my best self then.

8) What are you most excited about?

My answer from the last time capsule (1/5/22): There is a TON to be excited about this year. Some friends are getting married, some trips and concerts are on the calendar. But I think the thing I’m MOST excited about would probably be our trip to Nashville coming up in March!

Spoiler alert: Nashville was incredible!

9) What are you most worried about?

My answer from the last time capsule (1/5/22): That we’ll find ourselves in the same place come this next time capsule (or even next January). I am just so tired of seeing the same arguments, the same news headlines, the same negative, fear based announcements that send the public into a constant tailspin. I really want to have hope that we are headed towards something better and brighter, but a part of me is afraid we won’t make any progress any time soon.

I’m keeping this worry in my prayers. I like to believe we’re always making progress somewhere, but in some cases I think it’s a one step forward, two steps back type of deal. Nonetheless, I do believe there always room for progress, and there are always people working to make it happen.

10) What’s the best thing you’ve eaten in the last 200 days?

My answer from the last time capsule (1/5/22): My mom’s Thanksgiving stuffing and/or the 5000 Christmas desserts that I ate for the entire month of December (and most of January).

The summer months in Southern California have not packed their usual grueling, boiling, sweaty punch this year, but I’m already craving those cool(ish) fall months that lead into the holiday season and the DESSERTS. Or maybe I’m just craving a cookie. I can’t be sure.

You can check out this page to see the growing archive of all of my time capsule answers. And don’t forget to check out this post to find out how you can create your own time capsule.

Our next delivery date is: Tuesday, February 14, 2023!!

As usual, I will excitedly await the arrival of this next time capsule and the future it lives in, but I won’t rush towards it. Here’s hoping there’s lots to enjoy between now and then.

Sending you well wishes. Do your best and give yourself grace ❤️

Time Capsule Blog Update!

So, we’ve made it. We are officially in the future!

If you remember a few months back—actually I just checked it was in JULY!—I made a time capsule blog, a blog-sule, if you will, using FutureMe.Org. I gave myself 10 questions to answer and then I sent them off into the universe, promising I would review and re-answer the questions the day before the Olympics started. (Note: The letter didn’t end up arriving until this morning at 2:15, so technically I have to answer them the day of the Olympics, but we won’t worry about the technicalities)

Let’s see what my answers were!

1) What day is it?

My answer then: Sunday July 9th, 2017

2) What’s the weather like outside?

My answer then: HOT. AS. HELL. Well, at least it was earlier. It’s actually not bad now. There’s a nice breeze happening and I’m here for it.

3) What did you do today?

My answer then: Taught in the elementary class at church, went to Quiznos with my mom, then spent the entirety of the afternoon battling the swarm of ants that have taken over our house. #ant-pocalypse2017

Note for past Kim: OH MY GOSH, ANT-POCALYPSE. I remember that day so clearly now. Don’t worry, your efforts paid off!

4) What’s your favorite song right now?

My answer then: Thunder by Imagine Dragons

Note to past Kim: This song will probably always hold a special place in your heart because it helped you run 1000 miles last year!

5) What’s the most recent movie you’ve seen?

My answer then: I think the Broadway Melody, though if we really want to get into the meat of my television/movie watching ways, LET’S TALK ABOUT GAME OF THRONES. How did Season 7 end? How are we doing with the way it ended? Oh my gosh I’m overwhelmed by all the questions I have.

Note for past Kim: No spoilers to anyone who is behind on Game of Thrones but, past Kim, it was EMOTIONAL! And now we have to wait almost two years for another season and it’s awful. Also, my favorite part about this question is knowing that after watching Broadway Melody, I watched about 70 more movies before the end of the year in order to accomplish my goal see every film that ever won best picture. Those last two months of the year were HECTIC. Procrastination at its finest.

6) Who did you text last and what did you say?

My answer then: A text to Natalee & Rachel in our Roomie text string, in regards to #ant-pocalypse: “they were slowing down pretty good earlier, we found some minor survivors, but applied the appropriate force. I’d hold off on calling for now. Let’s see how the next couple days go.” Follow up question: how DID the next couple days go? Did we win the war of the ants? Did we have to call the Terminix guys and let them take our money?

Note for past Kim: The next couple days went well. After we all had minor panic attacks when the ants returned, we called an ant guy who was an actual, real live superhero and he knocked them out completely. So yes, we did win the war of the ants, but yes, we did fork out some cash to win it.

7) What is your biggest goal right now?

My answer then: Publish a book

Note to past: In many ways this is a long shot, but the way I see it, even if a book isn’t in the cards, working hard and putting yourself out there is going to pay out to something. So just keep dribbling!

8) What are you most excited about?

My answer then: At this exact moment, this time capsule blog, but in general I’m excited about the possibility of getting a book out there in the world, I’m excited (and nervous) about my brother leaving for college, and I’m excited about all of the possibilities the future holds if I work hard enough!

Note to past Kim: see above.

9) What are you most worried about?

My answer then: Not accomplishing anything I want to. Being sad, alone, and covered in left over ice cream. The ants coming back. The Dodgers never winning a World Series in my lifetime.

Note to past Kim: Wow, I was feeling pretty down/snarky that day. Don’t fret, past Kim, good things are coming your way! And while the Dodgers still haven’t won a World Series, they did make it to Game 7, and you actually got to go to Game 6!! Bet you never saw THAT coming, did you?!

10) Tell yourself a really bad joke.

My answer then: You know you still like the “outstanding invoice” joke from your book. Just admit it.

Note to past Kim: You’re right, I do still love that joke, though only a few people have heard it, since “my book” is not really a thing yet. Maybe one day everyone will hear it. Like I said, keep dribbling!

Okay now I don’t know about you, but I absolutely loved that. I felt like I was having a great conversation with past me, checking in on where she was then and where I am now, so we can now move forward into what’s coming next. In fact, I think I might just make this a thing. For now I think I’ll stick to the same questions, just to keep things consistent, and then I’ll check in about every 200 days. We’ll call it the 200 Day Time Capsule! You are welcome to join me! If you missed the first time capsule blog, try this next one!

Here’s how it works:

1) Go to FutureMe.org

2) Fill in your email address & put “200 Day Time Capsule Blog” (or whatever you want) as the subject line.

3) Copy and paste the questions below into “Your Letter”

What day is it?
What’s the weather like outside?
What did you do today?
What’s your favorite song right now?
What’s the most recent movie you’ve seen?
Who did you last text and what did you say?
What is your biggest goal right now?
What are you most excited about?
What are you most worried about?
Tell yourself a really bad joke.

4) Answer each question

5) Set your “Deliver on” date to 200 days from now, so: August 28th, 2018

6) Click “Send to the Future!”

Note: It will ask you to verify your email before it “officially” sends, so after you click “Send to the Future!” go to your email and click the verification link to make sure your letter officially enters the internet machine!

Note #2: After you click that link, it will take you to a page that tries to get you to donate money. You do not have to donate money. If you want to, you can, I’m sure the lovely people at FutureMe would appreciate your generosity, but otherwise you can just close the window.

Come August, we’ll check in on how we’re doing, which I hope is fabulous!

If you did participate in the first time capsule blog, I’d love to hear your results! And if you have any suggestions for future questions, I’d love to hear those as well. If you can’t tell, I’m minorly nerding out about all of this, so any and all suggestions are welcome.

I hope you have a wonderful day and I’ll see you in the future!

2018 Olympics Time Capsule Blog

As I have mentioned before (possibly more times than I’ve realized), I love the Olympics.

LOVE.

So much so that once every two years I repeatedly say, “no, I can’t hang out today—or any day for the next two weeks—because I’m inside watching every single minute of Olympic coverage I can absorb.” (Undoubtedly while wearing something patriotic and tossing around the idea of body paint.) So when I realized that the 2018 Olympics are now only about 200 days away—which is considered close in my die-hard fan book—you can imagine I was more than a little excited.

As I was writing this blog post, I was constantly looking up how many hours, minutes, and seconds were left until Opening Ceremonies, and nerded out each time another minute ticked off the clock. I could picture myself there, flashing forward through all these upcoming days, to being on my couch, wearing my favorite USA hat, cheering for my fellow countrymen.

I. was. ready.

But then I started thinking.

You see, I have this thing about time. And I say thing because I’ve never really figured out another way to describe it. I just seem to notice how fast it moves. You know how parents always say, “it’ll be here before you know it?” I think about that all. the. time. Both for things I’m looking forward to, and for things I can’t wait to be over.

Just think, I’ll tell myself, before you know it, you’ll be in a different moment, passed this one, and you’ll wonder where all the time went.

And it’s always true.

I guess what I’m saying is, I’ve learned to respect time.

What does this have to do with the Olympics? Well, I figured since they are so close, yet so far, yet going to be here in a blink, I thought I’d show you just how fast time moves, in quite arguably the best way possible: A time capsule…blog! A blog time capsule! A time blog-sule! Whatever a cool word for it could be!

How will we do this, you ask? We can’t really bury a blog and then dig it up later. Are we actually going to time travel? Is this the part where Doc comes out and we all get to wear puffy red vests and Nike sneakers and defy science?

Unfortunately, no. BUT, we are going to talk to our future selves, using the super cool *internet machine.*

You see, there is this website called FutureMe.Org, which I found a while back when I was preparing to study abroad in Australia. It allows you to write a letter to your future self, available to be received on any day you choose. Before my semester in Australia, I asked my future self questions about the trip, made predictions on how I was feeling afterwards, and told myself a really terrible joke that still made me laugh 5 months later. Cool, right?

*assumes everyone nods in amazement*

Okay, so, this is how our time blog-sule will work:

Go to FutureMe.org
Fill in your email address & put “2018 Olympics Time Blog-sule!” (because we don’t shy away from cheese here) as the subject line.
Copy and paste the questions below into “Your Letter”
1. What day is it?
2. What’s the weather like outside?
3. What did you do today?
4. What’s your favorite song right now?
5. What’s the most recent movie you’ve seen?
6. Who did you last text and what did you say?
7. What is your biggest goal right now?
8. What are you most excited about?
9. What are you most worried about?
10. Tell yourself a really bad joke.
Answer each question
Set your “Deliver on” date to February 8th, 2018 (that’s the day before Opening Ceremonies)
Click “Send to the Future!”

I sent in my blog-sule yesterday and honestly CANNOT wait. I am such a nerd for this kind of stuff. Just think of all the things that are going to happen that we don’t know yet! Won’t it be weird to look back knowing there was a time before they happened?

*pauses writing blog post to have a 15 minute mind blown zone out session*

Once I get my email (in the future!) I’ll write a reaction post, and hopefully get to hear about some of yours, and then we can all collectively exclamation point about how fast everything went and how everything is the same and different at the same time and oh my gosh is it the future yet?

Check out the results of the this time capsule here.