We've tried a lot of restaurants around Arlington and the DMV over the years, but there are certain places we just keep going back to. Some have become part of our weekend routine, some are worth driving a little farther for, and some get bonus points for having a patio where Olive can come along.

Lately at work, people have been calling anything that branches off from the main objective a "side quest." It comes from video games. You're supposed to be saving the world, but somehow you end up helping someone find a lost key, delivering a package across town, or collecting ingredients for a potion before you can get back to what you were originally doing. The more I heard people say it, the more I realized life works the same way.

Sometimes I get into these moods where I feel restless, but I also don’t really want to go anywhere or do anything particularly productive. I think there is a lot of pressure now to constantly optimize your time or make every evening “count”. In reality, some of my favorite nights are the quiet ones where I barely leave my apartment and do something small that is just for me.

I deleted TikTok and didn’t expect much. It ended up changing how I think, spend my time, and handle anxiety. Here’s what I noticed.

It might sound like a small thing, but having a leash and collar set that I love has made a difference every time I take Olive out. When I get her ready for a walk, she looks put together, which makes the whole routine feel a little nicer. It’s a small upgrade that makes an everyday moment feel a bit more elevated.

A personal reflection on five small changes that helped me feel steadier, think more clearly, and close the gap between who I was and who I wanted to become. From protecting my sleep and minimizing drinking to cooking at home and learning to be gentler with myself, this post explores how consistent self-care can lead to lasting clarity and growth.

A dog doesn’t have to be a reason to stay home. If anything, having one is an invitation to see your city differently. Olive has separation anxiety, which means we figure things out together. And in figuring things out, I've found some of my favorite places.

For a long time, I didn't really know what I wanted. About a year and a half ago, my life changed. And for the first time in a long time, I found myself truly alone with myself.

I get asked about my dog almost every day. Here’s what I always say.

I’ve Made a Collage Every Day for 235 Days. This Is What It Taught Me.