Kick Monday’s Ass: can one be too old for bunk beds? (July 6, 2021)

It’s time to kick Monday Tuesday’s ass…

This week’s existential pondering: am I too old for bunk beds? (subtext: oof, I hope not)

Last week I got to the new Airbnb in ATL, and was blown away by how well laid out it is. There is not an inch of wasted space in this place. The bedroom is tiny, but that’s because the living room and bathroom are large and spacious (and all I really do in the bedroom is read or sleep anyway).

Part of the smart use of space is the elevated bed – it’s up so high because there’s a washer/dryer and storage underneath. Storage included the method for climbing into bed (necessary, because the platform is almost as tall as I am), pictured below:

Stella is modeling the stepladder included by my thoughtful host, to better get in and out of bed. Placement is my own, and that’s a problem.

I’m sure there’s an explanation (because science!) about why this particular placement is problematic. My amateur hour theory: when climbing or descending, force is directed downward and outward.

Which means… ladder slip-n-slide, making getting in and out of bed a real adventure (and not the fun kind). I really had to COMMIT to being in bed once it was bedtime, because getting down off this thing in the middle of the night was NOT happening if it didn’t need to.

For almost a week I grumbled and griped, as I got in and out of bed. Why doesn’t this ladder have a hook that can attach to the railing and stabilize it? Why doesn’t it have rubber feet so it doesn’t slide so much?

Then one day it occurred to me:

Yes. It took me a week to realize that there was another way to position the ladder, in a way that would minimize the risk of me busting ass. I rotated the damn thing 90 degrees and wouldn’t you know it – stable AF. No more ladder slip-n-slide.

There is almost always more than one solution to any given problem. And sometimes all it takes is being open to an alternative to preserve one’s love of bunk beds.

 

Kick Monday Tuesday’s Ass: Copy Chief Radio edition!

I’m fortunate enough to have made it most of the way through 2020 with minimal change – my partner and I kept our jobs/contracts, were able to work remotely, and had access to all the TP (because I was a TP hoarder before it was cool. #hipster).

But somewhere in there, I realized my profession, copywriting, wasn’t lighting me up anymore. After many discussions, my partner and I decided I’d quit my retainer gig and make a serious go of my podcast and coaching biz.

Then six days after I gave notice, my partner turned off an episode of the Great British Baking Show and told me it was over – no warning whatsoever.

So there I was, about to be jobless, newly single, and completely overwhelmed. I can’t even begin to tell you how tempting it was to beg for my old gig back and go crawl into a Netflix-and-ice-cream hole to disappear for awhile.

Here’s what I did instead (and why it made all the difference): listen to the latest episode of Copy Chief Radio, featuring yours truly.

Badass of the Week

Today’s badass is Virginia “Ginny” Burton, a recovering addict who earned her degree in May.

She neatly sums up everything I have to say:

“Stop selling yourself short. You don’t know what tomorrow might bring so you might consider starting today.”

(If you know someone who should be featured as my Badass of the Week, leave a comment and tell me!)

 

New podcast episode!

 

What happens when you’re told at age 25 your writing career is over? That’s what happened to today’s guest, my new best friend, Mitali Deypurkaystha. Mitali’s journey took her from library loner to failed journalist to eight-time book author. This episode will have you laughing (there’s some adult humor in here, not gonna lie) while giving you some serious mindset gems.

Can’t-Miss Moments From This Episode:

• Kicking this episode off with a mini-rant! The one thing you NEED to get right to show respect. Just do the damn thing
• After overcoming addiction and becoming a journalist, a bullshit fear response sent Mitali out into the wilderness and onto the shitty-job-cobbled road to entrepreneurship
• How to get hired by experts even if you’re not one – The strategic attitude Mitali used to create opportunities
• What’s the real difference between being self-employed with a jerk boss (that’s you) and a real deal entrepreneur? The answer is simpler than you think.

You don’t want to miss this one. Click here to listen (and subscribe) now!

 

On Repeat This Week…

 

Last week I wrapped up recording the last episode of Permission to Kick Ass – for the entire year! It’s taking everything in me not to just dump 20 hours of pre-recorded content on you, but I will resist.

It’s fitting that my last guest of 2021 was my friend Allison Carpio, with whom I share an undying love for 90s RnB. Today I bring you Return of the Mack by Mark Morrison. Also sending a shout-out to my sister, who love this particular song. We may be far apart but the music keeps us connected. <3
_______________

So I’m back up in the game
Running things to keep my swing
Letting all the people know
That I’m back to run the show
‘Cause what you did, you know, was wrong
And all the nasty things you’ve done
So, baby, listen carefully
While I sing my comeback song

‘Cause she said she’d never turn on me
(You lied to me) But you did, but you do
(You lied to me) All these pains you said I’d never feel
(You lied to me) But I do, but I do, do, do

It is
(Return of the Mack) Come on
(Return of the Mack) Oh my God
(You know that I’ll be back) Here I am
(Return of the Mack) Once again
(Return of the Mack) Pump up the world
(Return of the Mack) Watch my flow
(You know that I’ll be back) Don’t you know