This will be a quick one. I’m actually writing this while standing in the rain right now (well, okay, mostly under a porch eaves situation, but still) and let me tell you, this felt like one of the longest weeks of my life. I am so, so tired and I don’t think I’ll ever feel rested again.

I don’t even know where to start. Between the business, George and the absolute mountain of emails sitting in my inbox like a digital game of Tetris where I’m definitely losing... it’s been full. I’m currently in that weird phase where I’m interviewing a couple new potential employees which is so exciting but also, more emails! More follow-ups!

But! Some good news! The pinched nerve that has been making my life a living hell is finally, finally gone. To celebrate (and to stop myself from vibrating out of existence from stress), I’m going to start running again. I honestly feel my absolute best when I work out. I need those neurochemical cocktails, you guys. Give me all the endorphins, the dopamine, the serotonin, pour it directly into my soul. I need that mental boost.

Anyway, I had to get away for a second. On Friday, Mom, George, and I headed up to Northern Vermont for my nephew, Jericho’s high school graduation. And wow, was I ready for a change of scenery. Have you guys been to Northern Vermont? Because it is stunning. I might just sell everything and become a goat farmer. *Goat cheese!* Anyone watch Vanderpump rules and heard of SUR’s goat cheese balls? Iconic cult favorite.

Anyway, the air up here just smells... clean? Is that correct? It’s like crisp oxygen mixed with a hint of pine and, okay, a very healthy dose of "cow stuff" because, you know, Vermont. But even the cow smells feel wholesome in a weird way. It’s so quiet. The towns are these quaint little clusters of brick and wood with tin roofs and the mountains are everywhere, just framing everything like a Bob Ross painting. I totally get why my brother loves it here. It’s peaceful in a way that my brain currently isn’t.

While I was standing out here taking in some of that fresh air, I was literally just greeted by the 3 biggest Colorado Mountain doggos I have ever seen in my life, absolute units, and also the biggest spider I have ever encountered. Nature is wild, man. One second you’re feeling all Zen and the next you’re doing a frantic "get it off me" dance in the middle of a goat pen. Balanced, as all things should be, right?

Yesterday, we went into Newport for breakfast at this adorable little nook, and then did a lovely dinner to celebrate Jericho. We were right on Lake Memphremagog which is honestly one of the coolest things I’ve seen. I wish I took a photo of the border situation because it’s wild, half the lake is US soil and literally right on the other side is Canada. The international border runs straight through the middle of the water. Hi to my friends in Canada! ☺️

I was low-key looking for Memphré the legendary lake monster. She’s basically the Loch Ness Monster’s Vermont cousin. Apparently, people have been seeing her since the 1800s. I didn't see any serpent-like humps in the water, unfortunately, but the way the mountains framed the lake was breathtaking enough. There is something about mountains meeting the water that just resets my internal clock. I could definitely use more of that these days instead of staring at spreadsheets.

Jericho’s graduation is today at 2:00PM. He’s graduating with 93ish other people, such a small, tight-knit class. I’m so proud of him! But here is the struggle, you guys (the "small business owner" struggle is real): the graduation ceremony is this afternoon, and I would LOVE to stay for the party afterwards because, let’s be honest, yo gurl loves cake. Georgie too, obvi.

But, I have to head home right after. It’s a 3-hour drive back, and I have to start meal prep for the week. The weekend juggle is honestly the hardest part of this job. You want to do all the family stuff and be present for the big moments, but you also have to work to afford the family stuff. It’s a constant tug-of-war. But really? I’m so used to it at this point. I just make it work. I’ll cry about the missed cake for like five minutes on I-91 and then I’ll get into boss mode and crush those meal preps later.

I’m feeling a little more human after the mountain air, even if I am still exhausted. We’re set to play with some baby goats in a few minutes and will pack up and head over to watch Jericho walk across that stage! If you're feeling as burnt out as I am, go find some water to wade in, look at a mountain, or just eat some really good cheese. It helps. I promise.

Current mood: Tired but grateful.

XX,

Abby

Song of the day: Tulsa Jesus Freak by the one and only Lana Del Rey.

The Northeast Kingdom is such a beautiful haunting place, especially with the mist-covered mountains, the dark, damp brick of the towns. This song sums up my quick weekend away. It was a grounding escapism that we all need here and there.