Pics or it didn't happen
Plus, a highly unsatisfying update on my COVID status.
Last December, I wrote about goal setting for 2022. I identified four personal and five professional goals, which I spelled out on my vision board.
Now, I’ve checked off another of those professional goals: I finally got new professional headshots. I’ve been needing them for years, but it seemed daunting. Hair, makeup, outfit — that’s a lot of brain cells and bandwidth.
Last year, I scheduled the session with someone whose event photography I’ve long admired: Katee Grace. I’ve always loved the portraits she took of me in the context of events where she was shooting. But twice in 2021 it fell apart: once when my mom got sick, and once when whatever variant (Delta I guess?) was freaking me out and I kicked the can.
But finally, we got it back on the calendar, and now it’s done! A sample of the fruit of our labor:
Photo: Katee Grace
Since I’m always trying to offer a pat takeaway, here’s one: When a thing feels daunting, it will only get more so over time. So just make the call, book the thing, write the words — whatever it is. And then it’s done.
Now, for those who have been intently following my is-it-or-is-it-not-COVID saga at home. I still don’t know. I took a CVS antibody test, but it was inconclusive. Today, I’m scheduled for a blood draw at Cedars-Sinai as part of my regular participation in a longitudinal study on COVID antibodies. Maybe I’ll learn something (in a month when I get results), or maybe not. I won’t hold my breath.
Open Press Opportunities
For Verywell Family, I’m looking for qualified sources — in particular, an interior designer — to comment on kids’ bedding. What materials are best? What kinds of prints and colors can you choose that kids won’t grow out of in a month? How can you involve kids in the process? Any trends to watch? (Not looking for products at this time.)
Also for Verywell Family, I’m seeking experts to comment on the best baby shower gifts: a baby shower planner, a baby nurse/doula, or someone else who knows what new parents need. For the experts, what gift have you seen please the most parents? What is the most useful kind of gift? When is it OK to give something that’s fun and not necessarily useful? What should you not give?
For the Verywell Family baby shower gifts story, I will also be looking for several product ideas to include.
For AFAR, I’m rounding up the best botanical gardens around Los Angeles. If you work with one of the biggies (Descanso, Arboretum, Huntington, etc.) or have an idea that might have escaped my radar, please reach out.
For Insider, I’m continuing to work on a story rounding up domestic hotels with large standard rooms (not talking about suites, unless it’s the standard accommodation) that are well-suited for spreading out with a family — such as ample space to set up a pack-and-play, or a separate sitting area with a pullout sofa. Please pitch relevant spots in desirable family destinations.
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