Joanna Urban
I still write on this blog, occasionally. Maybe once or twice a year. The truth is, it’s been difficult to write about COVID-19 life in a creative way, especially when I’m thinking and writing about coronavirus in an informational and scientific way all day at work. But lately, I’ve felt the urge to write about life lately more informally, which leads me here.
Continue reading “reflections on the covid-19 pandemic, one year in”
It’s hard to believe that not only a new year, but a new decade is upon us! When I think back to where I was ten years ago – a Freshman at Penn State trying to decide on a major and construct some sort of a plan for my career and life – I honestly don’t think my eighteen-year-old self could have imagined most of the incredible, beautiful, and difficult experiences that have unfolded this decade.
Happy Pisces season, all! I have numerous blog posts that I’ve been trying to post this year – all sitting in my drafts – but somehow none of them have made it to fruition. Anyhow, here is some food for thought as we swim through Pisces season.
Continue reading “intuition is a superpower – thoughts for Pisces season”
I went to the Hirshhorn this past weekend on a date. Little did I know, looking at contemporary art together can be a good litmus test for compatibility.
It’s now the beginning of November and I’ve just finished taking an awesome writing class. I haven’t written on this blog lately because I’ve been busy getting down the first draft of my novel, but I wanted to share some updates on what I learned in this class.
Continue reading “how to write your first novel… what i’ve learned so far”
Recently, I asked one of my writing buddies how she is able to find so much time to write. That’s something I’ve struggled with lately. I’ve felt guilty about it because this is the time of my life when I have no responsibilities other than myself. If I can’t find an hour or so to write now, when I’m twenty-seven, living alone, without even a goldfish to take care of, then how will I be able to write when I’m, say, forty years old, potentially with a family and real responsibilities?
In my foray into dating apps, I’ve noticed some troubling trends in people’s dating résumés or calling cards. On most platforms, at least the free phone apps, you only have a certain character limit (about the length of two tweets) to present yourself in the best possible light to a pool of potential suitors.
One way to automatically feel better when things are going less than optimally, or not as planned, is practicing gratitude. Basically, listing or thinking about things that you’re grateful for serves as an exercise in flipping your perspective to focus on the good.
Back in April, I wrote a blog post about gray area drinking, drinking that isn’t ‘troubling’ or dangerous by official standards, but that can nonetheless have negative impacts on individuals. To revisit that, I’m talking today about my experience this past month not drinking.
Continue reading “on not drinking: alcohol and self-fulfilling prophecies”
It’s a personal question that might involve many factors. Are dating apps and the people you meet through them fun and interesting? Do apps fit your lifestyle better than meeting people out in public? What are you looking for on these apps?
la fille americaine 