# The Hartwells > Elena Hartwell's journal. Started in a UNC dorm in 2007. Still going. The Hartwells is Elena Hartwell's personal journal. It began in 2007 as a college blog written from a UNC dorm room: one voice, no cast list. People enter the page when they enter her life. The site is Elena's voice and story, not a static family brand. - Site: https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/ - Language: en-US - Author / publisher: Elena Hartwell - Social: https://instagram.com/thehartwellfam · https://x.com/thehartwellfam - Content licence: All rights reserved. You may quote and cite with attribution and a link back to the source URL. ## Key pages - [Home](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/): Latest entries from the journal. - [About](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/about/): Who writes this and how it started. - [Archive](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/archive/): Every post in chronological order. - [Help](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/help/): Reader guide hub. - [How to read](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/help/reading/): Home, archive, posts, and where to start. - [Stay in touch](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/help/subscribe/): RSS, Instagram, and X. - [FAQ](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/help/faq/): Common questions about the journal. - [RSS feed](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/feed.xml): Machine-readable feed of recent posts. - [Sitemap](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/sitemap.xml): Full list of indexable URLs. ## Posts - [The spreadsheet is romantic, actually](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2026/07/13/the-spreadsheet-is-romantic-actually.html): 2026-07-13 · by Elena · Last December I built a shared calendar block called ‘Jake Time’ and honestly I was a little embarrassed about it. It felt like the least... - [The title caught up to the work](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2026/07/12/the-title-caught-up-to-the-work.html): 2026-07-12 · by Elena · The email came through on a Tuesday, which feels right somehow. Not a Monday with all that fresh-start energy. Not a Friday with balloons... - [The first call was supposed to take fifteen minutes](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2026/07/12/the-first-call-was-supposed-to-take-fifteen-minutes.html): 2026-07-12 · by Elena · Margaret gave me three names. Three families. A brief note next to each one, a sentence or two about who they were, what kind of material... - [The Fan Accord of July 2026](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/07/12/the-fan-accord-of-july-2026.html): 2026-07-12 · by Elena · 107 degrees outside. One floor fan. Two people with completely incompatible theories about airflow. This is us. - [Same rack. Same hand. No notes.](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/07/12/same-rack-same-hand-no-notes.html): 2026-07-12 · by Elena · The oven rack got me again. Not in a dramatic way, nobody’s going to the hospital, I have not lost function in any fingers, and I would l... - [What the cold broke open](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2026/07/11/what-the-cold-broke-open.html): 2026-07-11 · by Elena · It’s been warm enough now that the radiator situation feels almost like someone else’s problem. Almost. I’ve been sitting at this breakfa... - [The thing about finally meaning it](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2026/07/11/the-thing-about-finally-meaning-it.html): 2026-07-11 · by Elena · Three weeks ago I said something difficult to Alex and I meant every word of it. That’s the part that keeps coming back to me. Not the sa... - [No plan, no problem, no hearing](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/07/10/no-plan-no-problem-no-hearing.html): 2026-07-10 · by Elena · Tuesday. 5:47pm. Alex Chen texted me ‘you free tonight?’ and I made the mistake of saying yes before asking any follow-up questions. Fort... - [Fashionably late was always the plan](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/07/10/fashionably-late-was-always-the-plan.html): 2026-07-10 · by Elena · Michelle Rodriguez showed up at 7:15 when I said 7:30, which meant she had a full fifteen unsupervised minutes to audit my outfit choices... - [He read the recipe. Most of it.](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/07/09/he-read-the-recipe-most-of-it.html): 2026-07-09 · by Elena · The smell hit me before I even turned the corner from the living room. That specific combination of scorched tomato and good intentions. ... - [What I learned when I stopped being agreeable](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2026/07/08/what-i-learned-when-i-stopped-being-agreeable.html): 2026-07-08 · by Elena · Three weeks ago I said something out loud to Alex that I had been rehearsing silently for months. Not rehearsing in a scheming way — more... - [Graduate in the house](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/07/08/graduate-in-the-house.html): 2026-07-08 · by Elena · Sarah Chen has a master’s degree. I need everyone to sit with that for a second. The woman who color-codes her pottery glazing notes and ... - [The strangers at the corner table](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/07/07/the-strangers-at-the-corner-table.html): 2026-07-07 · by Elena · There were two women at The Grind yesterday — corner table, the one by the window that I always want but never get first. I wasn’t trying... - [The part nobody sees](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/07/07/the-part-nobody-sees.html): 2026-07-07 · by Elena · Jake’s on a late shift. Carmen texted the address forty minutes ago. The place has a rooftop and apparently the drinks are ‘extremely rea... - [She asked him why he looks tired](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/07/06/she-asked-him-why-he-looks-tired.html): 2026-07-06 · by Elena · It wasn’t planned. Jake picked up his laptop to move it off the coffee table and I said, almost without thinking, we should call Abuela R... - [Heat index 107, one fan, zero dignity](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/07/06/heat-index-107-one-fan-zero-dignity.html): 2026-07-06 · by Elena · The heat advisory was not a suggestion. I know that now. Sarah came over this morning with the plan of going through some of the coordina... - [The paint was just sitting there](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/07/05/the-paint-was-just-sitting-there.html): 2026-07-05 · by Elena · There was a set of watercolors in the cabinet above the bookshelf that I bought nine months ago and have opened exactly never. I know thi... - [The 2am street report](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/07/05/the-2am-street-report.html): 2026-07-05 · by Elena · Woke up at 1:47 and that was apparently that for sleep. Jake was completely out — the man sleeps like he filed paperwork for it — so I gr... - [What the broken AC was actually about](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2026/07/04/what-the-broken-ac-was-actually-about.html): 2026-07-04 · by Elena · The air conditioning is working again. Has been for about twelve hours now. And I keep waiting to feel relieved, but mostly what I feel i... - [He read the manual. Once. Briefly.](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/07/04/he-read-the-manual-once-briefly.html): 2026-07-04 · by Elena · The AC stopped working sometime between last night’s fireworks and this morning’s sunrise. I know this because I woke up at seven AM swea... - [The table fed everyone](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/holiday/2026/07/03/the-table-fed-everyone.html): 2026-07-03 · by Elena · Forty-eight hours ago I was lying on the floor of this apartment with Alex, unable to sort a single archive file because we kept ending u... - [Zero files were harmed in the making of this afternoon](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/07/02/zero-files-were-harmed-in-the-making-of-this-afternoon.html): 2026-07-02 · by Elena · Alex came over at noon with the stated intention of helping me organize the next phase of the heritage archive coordination. I made coffe... - [The sticky note situation](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/07/02/the-sticky-note-situation.html): 2026-07-02 · by Elena · Jake left before I was awake this morning. He does that sometimes — early shift, out the door before six, barely a sound. I’ve gotten use... - [The Voynich manuscript is not my problem and yet](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/07/01/the-voynich-manuscript-is-not-my-problem-and-yet.html): 2026-07-01 · by Elena · It started with a perfectly normal book. A real one, borrowed from Margaret last week — she pressed it into my hands at the end of one of... - [The tortilla was not going to make it](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/07/01/the-tortilla-was-not-going-to-make-it.html): 2026-07-01 · by Elena · Carmen came over this afternoon under the official pretense of helping me go through the next round of archive coordination materials — I... - [Two hours and counting](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/06/30/two-hours-and-counting.html): 2026-06-30 · by Elena · Called Abuela Rosa at two in the afternoon because I just wanted to hear her voice. That was the whole plan. Check in, catch up, ten minu... - [The window was open](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/06/29/the-window-was-open.html): 2026-06-29 · by Elena · It started because it was hot. Not unbearable — the building situation is mostly resolved now, so I’m not living through the disaster of ... - [One more episode](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/06/29/one-more-episode.html): 2026-06-29 · by Elena · Three o’clock on a Sunday afternoon, Sarah texted that she was ‘in the neighborhood’ and wanted to drop off something she’d borrowed. Tha... - [The pigeon had opinions](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/06/28/the-pigeon-had-opinions.html): 2026-06-28 · by Elena · Margaret came over this afternoon with a tin of those sesame cookies she always brings — the ones I keep telling myself I’ll only eat two... - [The floor is actually a great workspace](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/06/28/the-floor-is-actually-a-great-workspace.html): 2026-06-28 · by Elena · Eight in the morning on a Sunday and I am sitting in the middle of my living room floor surrounded by archival boxes like I am the main c... - [Rustic is a generous word](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/06/27/rustic-is-a-generous-word.html): 2026-06-27 · by Elena · Three days of feeding a starter I was convinced I had already killed, and somehow a loaf came out of my oven this afternoon. Not a beauti... - [Before the bun](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/06/27/before-the-bun.html): 2026-06-27 · by Elena · My hair has been in a ponytail or a bun for approximately eleven of the last fourteen days. Nursing shifts, the archive project spread ac... - [What the heat wave actually tested](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2026/06/26/what-the-heat-wave-actually-tested.html): 2026-06-26 · by Elena · The AC situation is more or less resolved — the building finally sent someone, there was a part, there was a delay, there was a second pa... - [The floor is the coolest place in this apartment and I live here now](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/06/26/the-floor-is-the-coolest-place-in-this-apartment-and-i-live-here-now.html): 2026-06-26 · by Elena · Ninety-four degrees outside and our building’s idea of air conditioning is ‘the suggestion of a breeze if you stand in front of the fan a... - [I thought I knew what I was doing](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2026/06/25/i-thought-i-knew-what-i-was-doing.html): 2026-06-25 · by Elena · Margaret gave me three names two weeks ago. Three families. Three contact sheets with phone numbers and brief notes in her tidy handwriti... - [The lid was right there](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/06/24/the-lid-was-right-there.html): 2026-06-24 · by Elena · Carmen came over to use the blender. That’s it. That’s the whole premise. We’ve been doing post-run smoothies at the apartment since spri... - [Day six of the starter situation](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/06/24/day-six-of-the-starter-situation.html): 2026-06-24 · by Elena · The starter has been sitting on the counter for six days and I have been — wait, no. I cannot open like that. That was literally a recent... - [What broke and what didn't](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2026/06/23/what-broke-and-what-didn-t.html): 2026-06-23 · by Elena · June feels like the right time to look back at February. I don’t know why — maybe it’s the distance, or the fact that the apartment is wa... - [The mystery object has no explanation](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/06/23/the-mystery-object-has-no-explanation.html): 2026-06-23 · by Elena · Carmen showed up at eleven with the energy of someone who had just meal-prepped for a week and was ready to fix everyone’s life. ‘We’re d... - [Fourth time's the charm (I'm lying to myself)](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/06/22/fourth-time-s-the-charm-i-m-lying-to-myself.html): 2026-06-22 · by Elena · The starter has been sitting on the counter for six days and I have been talking to it. That’s where we are. I don’t know when sourdough ... - [The two-hour rabbit hole we did not plan](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/06/21/the-two-hour-rabbit-hole-we-did-not-plan.html): 2026-06-21 · by Elena · Sarah texted at two saying she wanted to show me something on her new phone — one of those folding ones everyone kept saying was finally ... - [The afternoon that had no agenda](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/06/21/the-afternoon-that-had-no-agenda.html): 2026-06-21 · by Elena · Carmen texted at noon: ‘bringing coffee, don’t argue.’ I didn’t. I’ve been deep in the archive project for weeks — and not just the organ... - [The woman who outpaced me at 71](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/06/20/the-woman-who-outpaced-me-at-71.html): 2026-06-20 · by Elena · Margaret texted me Thursday morning: ‘Do you have Sunday free? I want to show you something.’ That was it. No other context. I’ve learned... - [The archive project has a spending problem and it's me](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/06/20/the-archive-project-has-a-spending-problem-and-it-s-me.html): 2026-06-20 · by Elena · Pulled up the budget spreadsheet this morning purely to feel responsible. Classic mistake. I had this whole plan — sit down, coffee in ha... - [Three binders and a feeling I wasn't ready for](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2026/06/19/three-binders-and-a-feeling-i-wasn-t-ready-for.html): 2026-06-19 · by Elena · Margaret dropped off the first introductions two days ago — three families, three contact sheets, three different requests for what they ... - [The accidental audit](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/06/19/the-accidental-audit.html): 2026-06-19 · by Elena · Carmen came over because I needed a second brain on the archive project budget. Margaret’s first family introduction went well — maybe to... - [What I didn't expect to learn about myself](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2026/06/18/what-i-didn-t-expect-to-learn-about-myself.html): 2026-06-18 · by Elena · Father’s Day weekend and Jake is out doing his thing, so I have the apartment to myself for a few hours. I made coffee, rolled out my mat... - [The conversation that changed how I lead](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2026/06/14/the-conversation-that-changed-how-i-lead.html): 2026-06-14 · by Elena · Three days later and I’m still unpacking that whole situation with Alex. - [What three weeks of cold taught us](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2026/06/11/what-three-weeks-of-cold-taught-us.html): 2026-06-11 · by Elena · Been sitting here thinking about those three weeks when our heat kept cutting out, and honestly? It stripped away all the polite relation... - [When simple becomes seriously complicated](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2026/05/31/when-simple-becomes-seriously-complicated.html): 2026-05-31 · by Elena · Margaret’s first contact came with a warning: ‘Mrs. Delgado has been saving everything since 1987.’ Everything, it turns out, includes ev... - [Study methods and friendly judgment](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/05/20/study-methods-and-friendly-judgment.html): 2026-05-20 · by Elena · Sarah arrives for our Tuesday study session carrying what appears to be a mobile office in her backpack. Color-coded pens arranged by urg... - [When your client becomes your teacher](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/05/09/when-your-client-becomes-your-teacher.html): 2026-05-09 · by Elena · Michelle shows up for what I thought was going to be a quick training review before her certification exam next week. Turns out she’s bee... - [The hardest leadership lesson nobody talks about](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2026/04/28/the-hardest-leadership-lesson-nobody-talks-about.html): 2026-04-28 · by Elena · Been thinking about that whole situation with Alex at work last week, and I keep coming back to the same realization: sometimes being a g... - [Midnight tech support](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/04/17/midnight-tech-support.html): 2026-04-17 · by Elena · Jake’s phone decided to update itself at 2 AM, which apparently triggered some deep organizational need in him to completely reorganize h... - [The attention span of a goldfish](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/04/06/the-attention-span-of-a-goldfish.html): 2026-04-06 · by Elena · Jake comes home to find me rewinding the same scene of The Bear for the third time because I keep missing crucial dialogue while checking... - [Gravity wins this round](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/03/26/gravity-wins-this-round.html): 2026-03-26 · by Elena · Carmen’s brilliant idea: ‘Let’s try that new climbing gym! It’ll be fun!’ Famous last words. Three hours later and I’m discovering muscle... - [When your client schools you in your own kitchen](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/03/15/when-your-client-schools-you-in-your-own-kitchen.html): 2026-03-15 · by Elena · Michelle shows up for our Sunday session carrying a grocery bag that definitely wasn’t workout gear. “We’re making tamales today,” she an... - [Archive prep and nervous energy](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2026/03/04/archive-prep-and-nervous-energy.html): 2026-03-04 · by Elena · Carmen texted back this morning - her mom can meet Thursday afternoon. Which means I have exactly two days to figure out how to ask someo... - [What broken things teach you](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2026/02/21/what-broken-things-teach-you.html): 2026-02-21 · by Elena · Funny how three weeks without reliable heat can strip away all the surface stuff and show you exactly what you’re working with. - [When your client becomes your dealer](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/02/10/when-your-client-becomes-your-dealer.html): 2026-02-10 · by Elena · Michelle shows up for her Tuesday session carrying a container of what I assumed were protein balls. Plot twist: chocolate chip cookies. ... - [When your living room becomes a war zone](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/01/30/when-your-living-room-becomes-a-war-zone.html): 2026-01-30 · by Elena · Carmen showed up at 2 PM with three textbooks, two energy drinks, and what she called “tactical highlighters.” Six hours later, my living... - [Building bridges to the past](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2026/01/19/building-bridges-to-the-past.html): 2026-01-19 · by Elena · Three hours in and I’ve created what might be the most elaborate family filing system in existence. - [The archaeology of family stories](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2026/01/08/the-archaeology-of-family-stories.html): 2026-01-08 · by Elena · Found myself on the living room floor at 7 AM this morning, surrounded by three generations of family photos and documents. - [The uncomfortable art of calling people out](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2025/12/28/the-uncomfortable-art-of-calling-people-out.html): 2025-12-28 · by Elena · Three days since I called out Alex’s competitive intensity during our workout, and I’m still processing what happened in that moment. - [What I learned from frozen mornings](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2025/12/17/what-i-learned-from-frozen-mornings.html): 2025-12-17 · by Elena · Been thinking about those three weeks when our heat kept cutting out. Not the part where I woke up to 52-degree mornings or Jake’s impres... - [Warrior pose meets guilt trip](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2025/12/06/warrior-pose-meets-guilt-trip.html): 2025-12-06 · by Elena · Twenty minutes into what was supposed to be a peaceful Saturday afternoon yoga session when my phone rings. Abuela Rosa’s name on the scr... - [The great lyric revelation of 2025](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2025/11/25/the-great-lyric-revelation-of-2025.html): 2025-11-25 · by Elena · Jake’s been confidently belting out what he thought was “hold me closer Tony Danza” for the better part of fifteen years. FIFTEEN. YEARS. - [The great lyric revelation of 2025](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2025/11/14/the-great-lyric-revelation-of-2025.html): 2025-11-14 · by Elena · Jake’s been confidently belting out what he thought was “hold me closer Tony Danza” for the better part of three years. - [The thing about difficult conversations](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2025/11/03/the-thing-about-difficult-conversations.html): 2025-11-03 · by Elena · Three days since I called out Alex’s competitive intensity during our workout, and I’m still processing what that moment taught me about ... - [What broken heating teaches you about unbroken relationships](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2025/10/23/what-broken-heating-teaches-you-about-unbroken-relationships.html): 2025-10-23 · by Elena · Three weeks of working heat, and I’m still thinking about those freezing mornings when Jake and I huddled together, problem-solving our w... - [The great coffee conspiracy of 2025](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2025/10/12/the-great-coffee-conspiracy-of-2025.html): 2025-10-12 · by Elena · Turns out I’ve been accidentally moving Jake’s coffee setup around for weeks. Every time I clean the kitchen, I put his grinder back in w... - [Twelve hours and three code blues later](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2025/10/01/twelve-hours-and-three-code-blues-later.html): 2025-10-01 · by Elena · There’s something deeply humbling about catching your reflection after a shift and realizing you look like you’ve been personally wrestli... - [Tax season solidarity](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2025/09/20/tax-season-solidarity.html): 2025-09-20 · by Elena · Nothing says ‘Saturday afternoon well spent’ quite like two women in their late thirties hunched over a kitchen counter, surrounded by re... - [Research and wine pairing](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2025/09/09/research-and-wine-pairing.html): 2025-09-09 · by Elena · Sarah shows up with a color-coded spreadsheet of tonight’s options. I’m talking venue reviews, crowd demographics, parking logistics - th... - [Saturday morning leadership lessons](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2025/08/29/saturday-morning-leadership-lessons.html): 2025-08-29 · by Elena · Three days since I called out Alex’s competitive intensity during our workout, and I’m still processing what happened. - [When your workout buddy needs intervention](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2025/08/18/when-your-workout-buddy-needs-intervention.html): 2025-08-18 · by Elena · Alex shows up for our Tuesday training session claiming he’s been ‘perfecting his squat form’ all week. Evidence suggests otherwise. - [What cold apartments teach you about warm relationships](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2025/08/07/what-cold-apartments-teach-you-about-warm-relationships.html): 2025-08-07 · by Elena · Three weeks of proper heat now, and I’m finally putting away all the evidence of our winter crisis. - [When your pottery mentor becomes the student](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2025/07/27/when-your-pottery-mentor-becomes-the-student.html): 2025-07-27 · by Elena · Margaret Wu just completed her pottery teaching certification. At seventy. While I’m over here still figuring out how to center clay with... - [Morning coffee revelations](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2025/07/16/morning-coffee-revelations.html): 2025-07-16 · by Elena · 7am and I’m already three sips deep into what Jake calls my ‘thinking coffee’, the oversized mug that only comes out when I’m processing ... - [When your friends make you better hosts](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2025/07/05/when-your-friends-make-you-better-hosts.html): 2025-07-05 · by Elena · Carmen got promoted to senior project manager last week, and somehow we ended up volunteering to host the celebration dinner. Not entirel... - [Digital migration headaches](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2025/06/24/digital-migration-headaches.html): 2025-06-24 · by Elena · Spent my entire afternoon convinced I was smarter than my iPhone 15 Pro. Spoiler alert: I was not. - [Conference call chaos](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2025/06/13/conference-call-chaos.html): 2025-06-13 · by Elena · Sunday afternoon family calls hit different when you’re both homesick at the same time. Jake’s sister called from Portland right as Abuel... - [The Spanish inquisition (nobody expects it)](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2025/06/02/the-spanish-inquisition-nobody-expects-it.html): 2025-06-02 · by Elena · Walked into the living room to grab my water bottle and found Jake hunched over his desk with what looked like homework. Which would be w... - [5:45am and already behind](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2025/05/22/5-45am-and-already-behind.html): 2025-05-22 · by Elena · Nothing says ‘living the dream’ quite like setting three alarms and still somehow rushing around at dawn trying to remember if I packed e... - [What stays when the heat comes back](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2025/05/11/what-stays-when-the-heat-comes-back.html): 2025-05-11 · by Elena · The apartment’s been properly warm for three weeks now, but I keep thinking about those February nights when our heating was basically a ... - [Moving day memories](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2025/04/30/moving-day-memories.html): 2025-04-30 · by Elena · Margaret called this morning asking if I could help her move her late husband’s pottery supplies to the community center. They’re startin... - [The plant whisperer visits](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2025/04/19/the-plant-whisperer-visits.html): 2025-04-19 · by Elena · Sarah showed up this afternoon with a cardboard box full of succulent cuttings and approximately seventeen YouTube tutorials saved on her... - [Learning to lead without apologizing](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2025/04/08/learning-to-lead-without-apologizing.html): 2025-04-08 · by Elena · Been thinking all afternoon about that situation with Alex last month. You know how sometimes you handle something in the moment, think y... - [The great closet intervention](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2025/03/28/the-great-closet-intervention.html): 2025-03-28 · by Elena · Carmen showed up this morning with coffee and what she called ‘tough love energy.’ Apparently Jake mentioned that I’ve been complaining a... - [Operation paper tornado](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2025/03/17/operation-paper-tornado.html): 2025-03-17 · by Elena · Sarah came over to help me organize my nursing notes before tomorrow’s exam. Key word: help. - [Six hours and counting](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2025/03/06/six-hours-and-counting.html): 2025-03-06 · by Elena · 11:47 PM and I’m deep in the academic trenches. My NURS 4500 capstone project, a comprehensive care plan that’s basically my entire semes... - [Rice to the rescue](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2025/02/23/rice-to-the-rescue.html): 2025-02-23 · by Elena · Apparently I can successfully coordinate patient care for twelve people during a hectic shift, but ask me to text Jake while washing dish... - [What crisis reveals](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2025/02/12/what-crisis-reveals.html): 2025-02-12 · by Elena · Three weeks since our heating drama got resolved, and I keep coming back to those chaotic days when everything was breaking down. Not jus... - [Tamale tutorial gone wrong](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2025/02/01/tamale-tutorial-gone-wrong.html): 2025-02-01 · by Elena · Michelle texted this morning asking if I could teach her how to make Abuela Rosa’s tamales. ‘How hard can it be?’ she said. Famous last w... - [Mythology and coffee](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2025/01/21/mythology-and-coffee.html): 2025-01-21 · by Elena · Carmen showed up with three library books about Greek mythology and that particular energy she gets when she’s discovered something fasci... - [Questions I should have asked sooner](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2025/01/10/questions-i-should-have-asked-sooner.html): 2025-01-10 · by Elena · Going through that box of family stuff again, and this time I found something that stopped me cold. - [What broken heat taught me](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2024/12/30/what-broken-heat-taught-me.html): 2024-12-30 · by Elena · Three weeks since our heating drama finally got sorted, and I keep thinking about those two mornings when Jake and I tackled the whole me... - [Assembly required](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2024/12/19/assembly-required.html): 2024-12-19 · by Elena · Sarah texted around six asking if I could help her put together a bookshelf she’d been avoiding for three weeks. Of course I said yes, ev... - [Leadership lessons from messy moments](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2024/12/08/leadership-lessons-from-messy-moments.html): 2024-12-08 · by Elena · That whole situation with Alex three weeks ago keeps coming back to me, but not in the way I expected. - [Archive mode activated](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2024/11/27/archive-mode-activated.html): 2024-11-27 · by Elena · Started going through that corner where I’ve been stashing random family stuff, and wow. Three more handwritten recipe cards from Abuela ... - [Problem solving partners](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2024/11/16/problem-solving-partners.html): 2024-11-16 · by Elena · Two weeks ago when our heating started acting up, blowing cold air one minute, tropical heat the next, I thought we were looking at landl... - [Concert prep protocol](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2024/11/05/concert-prep-protocol.html): 2024-11-05 · by Elena · Michelle texted me yesterday asking if I wanted to check out this indie band she’d been obsessing over. Apparently they were playing at t... - [Dating debrief session](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2024/10/25/dating-debrief-session.html): 2024-10-25 · by Elena · Sarah showed up with her usual Saturday energy and a suspicious amount of curiosity about my love life. Within five minutes we were campe... - [Hindsight clarity](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2024/10/14/hindsight-clarity.html): 2024-10-14 · by Elena · Three weeks out from that whole situation with Alex at work, and I’m finally seeing it clearly. - [Research notes](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2024/10/03/research-notes.html): 2024-10-03 · by Elena · Spent the afternoon finally tackling that corner where random papers migrate to die. You know the spot - every apartment has one. Bills, ... - [Learning curve](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2024/09/22/learning-curve.html): 2024-09-22 · by Elena · That conversation with Alex last week keeps replaying in my head, but not in the way you’d expect. - [Scientific method](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2024/09/11/scientific-method.html): 2024-09-11 · by Elena · Michelle walked into today’s session asking about Jake’s mysterious glass bottles lining the kitchen counter. “What’s your boyfriend ferm... - [Professional development](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2024/08/31/professional-development.html): 2024-08-31 · by Elena · Michelle showed up at eight this morning looking like she just walked off the cover of Fitness Magazine - matching set, perfect ponytail,... - [Comedy hour with benefits](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2024/08/20/comedy-hour-with-benefits.html): 2024-08-20 · by Elena · Michelle came over for her usual Wednesday session and I made some completely ridiculous comment about how burpees were probably invented... - [Long distance heartache](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2024/08/09/long-distance-heartache.html): 2024-08-09 · by Elena · Margaret showed up at my door this afternoon with a tin of jasmine tea and that particular look that means she needs to talk about family... - [Advanced beginner](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2024/07/29/advanced-beginner.html): 2024-07-29 · by Elena · Tuesday afternoon seemed like the perfect time to finally try that watercolor tutorial I bookmarked three months ago. You know the one - ... - [The reveal in the process](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2024/07/18/the-reveal-in-the-process.html): 2024-07-18 · by Elena · Funny how you think you’re just planning a weekend getaway and end up learning something fundamental about how you and your person work t... - [Professional translator services](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2024/07/07/professional-translator-services.html): 2024-07-07 · by Elena · Carmen came over for our usual Sunday catch-up and walked straight into me staring at my phone like it personally wronged me. Three misse... - [Uncomfortable conversations](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2024/06/26/uncomfortable-conversations.html): 2024-06-26 · by Elena · Been sitting with last week’s situation at work for a few days now, and honestly? I think I needed that uncomfortable conversation with A... - [Paper trail discoveries](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2024/06/15/paper-trail-discoveries.html): 2024-06-15 · by Elena · Decided today was finally the day to tackle the stack of random papers that’s been living on Jake’s desk for months. You know the one - b... - [Planning committee of two](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2024/06/04/planning-committee-of-two.html): 2024-06-04 · by Elena · Jake walked in around four to find me surrounded by what he diplomatically called “research materials” but looked more like I’d exploded ... - [Kitchen counter takeover](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2024/05/24/kitchen-counter-takeover.html): 2024-05-24 · by Elena · Pharmacology final in three days and my kitchen counter has officially been declared a disaster zone. - [Setting the record straight](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2024/05/13/setting-the-record-straight.html): 2024-05-13 · by Elena · Been thinking about last week’s situation with Alex at work, and honestly? I’m kind of proud of how I handled it. - [Midnight revelations](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2024/05/02/midnight-revelations.html): 2024-05-02 · by Elena · Margaret mentioned something about proper chopstick technique during pottery class yesterday, and it’s been bugging me ever since. Not th... - [Morning surveillance](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2024/04/21/morning-surveillance.html): 2024-04-21 · by Elena · Rolled out my yoga mat this morning like any other Tuesday, went through my usual sun salutation sequence, and then caught movement outsi... - [Floor wisdom](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2024/04/10/floor-wisdom.html): 2024-04-10 · by Elena · Michelle showed up for her usual training session, but twenty minutes in she stopped mid-burpee and said, “Elena, can we talk about somet... - [Accidental treasure hunter](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2024/03/30/accidental-treasure-hunter.html): 2024-03-30 · by Elena · Went to the farmers market this morning for tomatoes and sourdough. Came home with a box of random vintage stuff from the estate sale tab... - [Pre-game protocols](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2024/03/19/pre-game-protocols.html): 2024-03-19 · by Elena · Sarah showed up an hour early to ‘help me get ready’ which apparently means completely overhauling my entire outfit choice and questionin... - [Midnight green therapy](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2024/03/08/midnight-green-therapy.html): 2024-03-08 · by Elena · Three in the morning and I’m sitting at our kitchen counter with a magnifying glass, painting microscopic leaves on terracotta pots the s... - [Bulletin board treasures](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2024/02/26/bulletin-board-treasures.html): 2024-02-26 · by Elena · Stopped by The Grind for my usual Tuesday afternoon latte and ended up spending twenty minutes at their community bulletin board. - [Studio rescue mission](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2024/02/15/studio-rescue-mission.html): 2024-02-15 · by Elena · Margaret called this morning with that slightly panicked voice that means her pottery studio looks like a tornado hit it. Yesterday’s wor... - [Reverse mentoring](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2024/02/04/reverse-mentoring.html): 2024-02-04 · by Elena · Michelle came over for our usual Tuesday training session, but somehow we ended up on my living room floor for an hour afterward just tal... - [Saturday surprises](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2024/01/24/saturday-surprises.html): 2024-01-24 · by Elena · Jake disappeared for about twenty minutes this afternoon while I was reading on the couch. Came back with that specific smile he gets whe... - [Flour power](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2024/01/13/flour-power.html): 2024-01-13 · by Elena · Carmen decided she wanted to learn how to make Jake’s favorite banana bread today. ‘How hard can it be?’ she said, pulling ingredients fr... - [Thursday quiet](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2024/01/02/thursday-quiet.html): 2024-01-02 · by Elena · Jake’s reading something about sustainable architecture while I sit here with chamomile tea, letting my mind wander. - [What crisis reveals](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2023/12/22/what-crisis-reveals.html): 2023-12-22 · by Elena · Been thinking about our heating situation from a few weeks back. Not the broken thermostat part, though that was its own special kind of ... - [The Carmen Challenge](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2023/12/11/the-carmen-challenge.html): 2023-12-11 · by Elena · Carmen walked into our apartment this morning with that look. The one that means she’s discovered some new torture disguised as fitness a... - [Trail mix and good intentions](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2023/11/30/trail-mix-and-good-intentions.html): 2023-11-30 · by Elena · Woke up with that specific Saturday energy where staying inside feels like a crime against nature. Jake’s got some work thing, but honest... - [6am mirror check](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2023/11/30/6am-mirror-check.html): 2023-11-30 · by Elena · There’s something about that post-workout glow that no filter can replicate. Six in the morning, twenty minutes of yoga and bodyweight ci... - [Accidental eavesdropping](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2023/11/19/accidental-eavesdropping.html): 2023-11-19 · by Elena · Our neighbors were having the most intense conversation on their balcony tonight. Something about whether you can really change after thi... - [Professional consultation vibes](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2023/11/08/professional-consultation-vibes.html): 2023-11-08 · by Elena · Michelle showed up thirty minutes after my shift ended, took one look at me still in scrubs, and declared we were doing an apartment sess... - [What confrontation teaches you](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2023/10/28/what-confrontation-teaches-you.html): 2023-10-28 · by Elena · Tuesday’s thing with Alex keeps coming back to me, but not in that replay-every-detail way that makes you want to hide under a blanket. M... - [Lessons from a broken thermostat](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2023/10/17/lessons-from-a-broken-thermostat.html): 2023-10-17 · by Elena · Three weeks since our heating drama ended, and I keep coming back to how well we handled it. Not the technical stuff, we’re still clueles... - [Weather betrayal](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2023/10/06/weather-betrayal.html): 2023-10-06 · by Elena · Checked the weather yesterday: 68 and sunny. Woke up this morning: 48 and the kind of gray that makes you question your life choices. The... - [Evidence of overthinking](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2023/09/25/evidence-of-overthinking.html): 2023-09-25 · by Elena · Cleaning out my desk drawer and found the planning notes from our anniversary weekend. - [Tool school](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2023/09/14/tool-school.html): 2023-09-14 · by Elena · Margaret came over this afternoon with a mission: to save my pottery tools from my complete lack of organization system. Apparently, toss... - [Leadership lessons from the firing line](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2023/09/03/leadership-lessons-from-the-firing-line.html): 2023-09-03 · by Elena · Tuesday’s confrontation with Alex keeps replaying in my head, but not in the way you’d expect. Not the uncomfortable part where I had to ... - [Care package diplomacy](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2023/08/23/care-package-diplomacy.html): 2023-08-23 · by Elena · Alex showed up with this mysterious foil-wrapped bundle that turned out to be his mom’s empanadas, and suddenly we’re both eight years ol... - [Kitchen table pottery school](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2023/08/12/kitchen-table-pottery-school.html): 2023-08-12 · by Elena · Margaret offered to bring her portable wheel over after I mentioned wanting to practice between classes. “The kitchen counter will work f... - [Crisis management aftermath](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2023/08/01/crisis-management-aftermath.html): 2023-08-01 · by Elena · Been sitting with the aftermath of our heating situation for a few days now, and honestly? The whole thing taught me more about Jake and ... - [Home kiln dreams](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2023/07/21/home-kiln-dreams.html): 2023-07-21 · by Elena · Margaret mentioned firing techniques at class Tuesday and somehow I convinced myself I could figure out a home setup. Spent the afternoon... - [After the storm](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2023/07/10/after-the-storm.html): 2023-07-10 · by Elena · Tuesday’s confrontation with Alex keeps replaying in my head, but not in the way you’d expect. Not the heated moment when I had to shut d... - [Algorithm breakthrough](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2023/06/29/algorithm-breakthrough.html): 2023-06-29 · by Elena · My iPhone finally cracked the code. After eight months of suggesting Taylor Swift deep cuts and random indie folk I definitely never sear... - [System administrator](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2023/06/18/system-administrator.html): 2023-06-18 · by Elena · Jake offered to help sort the laundry mountain that’s been growing in our bedroom corner for approximately three weeks. Sweet gesture, ri... - [Post-planning forensics](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2023/06/07/post-planning-forensics.html): 2023-06-07 · by Elena · Found myself staring at the aftermath of my anniversary planning session this afternoon - three notebooks, two different colored pen syst... - [Down the cryptozoology rabbit hole](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2023/05/27/down-the-cryptozoology-rabbit-hole.html): 2023-05-27 · by Elena · Started reading about local folklore for what I thought would be a quick twenty-minute break from organizing my pottery supplies. Four ho... - [Pre-game protocol](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2023/05/16/pre-game-protocol.html): 2023-05-16 · by Elena · Sarah showed up with her phone already loaded with what she calls ‘the definitive getting-ready playlist’ and immediately started connect... - [Clay wisdom](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2023/05/05/clay-wisdom.html): 2023-05-05 · by Elena · Margaret Wu has been throwing pottery for forty-three years, and within five minutes of watching me struggle with my first real bowl atte... - [Running on fumes and muscle memory](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2023/04/24/running-on-fumes-and-muscle-memory.html): 2023-04-24 · by Elena · Twelve hours. Times three. In a row. My feet are screaming, my brain feels like it’s been put through a blender, and I’m pretty sure I fo... - [Standing ground](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2023/04/13/standing-ground.html): 2023-04-13 · by Elena · Three days later and I’m still thinking about Tuesday’s shift. Alex had been pushing back on every protocol suggestion for weeks, questio... - [Planning revelations](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2023/04/02/planning-revelations.html): 2023-04-02 · by Elena · Cleaning out my anniversary planning folder this afternoon and honestly? The scattered notes and crossed-out lists tell a better story th... - [Junk drawer archaeology](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2023/03/22/junk-drawer-archaeology.html): 2023-03-22 · by Elena · Decided to tackle the kitchen junk drawer today because apparently I’m that person now. You know the one - the drawer that collects every... - [Code blue recovery mode](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2023/03/11/code-blue-recovery-mode.html): 2023-03-11 · by Elena · Sarah knocked on my door at 4:30 looking like she’d been through a medical drama episode. Same, honestly. We both just finished a shift t... - [Long distance warmth](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2023/02/28/long-distance-warmth.html): 2023-02-28 · by Elena · Thursday nights are for calling Abuela Rosa. Has been since I moved out, really, but especially since becoming the family heritage keeper... - [Emergency tea council](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2023/02/17/emergency-tea-council.html): 2023-02-17 · by Elena · Sarah showed up at my door looking like she’d been hit by a truck. Same energy, honestly. We both had that particular brand of February e... - [Pre-workout prep with the efficiency expert](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2023/02/06/pre-workout-prep-with-the-efficiency-expert.html): 2023-02-06 · by Elena · Carmen shows up at 6:45am looking like she stepped out of an athleisure catalog. Hair perfect, matching set, shoes already laced. Meanwhi... - [Thermal confusion at 7am](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2023/01/26/thermal-confusion-at-7am.html): 2023-01-26 · by Elena · The thermostat says 72 degrees. My body says we’re living in an arctic tundra. - [Window seat confessions](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2023/01/15/window-seat-confessions.html): 2023-01-15 · by Elena · Spent twenty minutes pressed against our living room window this afternoon watching the couple in 3B have what appeared to be a very anim... - [Down the illuminated manuscript rabbit hole](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2023/01/04/down-the-illuminated-manuscript-rabbit-hole.html): 2023-01-04 · by Elena · Started innocent enough. Was looking up something quick about book binding techniques for a pottery workshop idea Sarah and I were discus... - [Six-person gift tornado](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/holiday/2022/12/24/six-person-gift-tornado.html): 2022-12-24 · by Elena · Woke up to Jake already making coffee for an army. Forgot I’d invited literally everyone over for Christmas morning gift exchange until I... - [Notes from the archives](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2022/12/13/notes-from-the-archives.html): 2022-12-13 · by Elena · Cleaning out my anniversary planning folder today and stumbled across Jake’s note from that whole heating disaster back in February. You ... - [Sunday morning alchemy](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2022/12/02/sunday-morning-alchemy.html): 2022-12-02 · by Elena · Found myself awake before Jake this morning, which almost never happens, and decided to experiment with that French press technique Sarah... - [The art of going alone](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2022/11/21/the-art-of-going-alone.html): 2022-11-21 · by Elena · Drove up to that little mountain town about an hour north this morning. No plan, no agenda, just me and whatever the day wanted to offer. - [Blender betrayal and friendship cleanup](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2022/11/10/blender-betrayal-and-friendship-cleanup.html): 2022-11-10 · by Elena · Michelle arrived at 8am for her Saturday training check-in, armed with what she called her ‘secret weapon smoothie recipe.’ I should have... - [Adult Halloween energy unlocked](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/holiday/2022/10/30/adult-halloween-energy-unlocked.html): 2022-10-30 · by Elena · Thirty-four years old and still getting genuinely excited about Halloween costumes. There’s something beautifully ridiculous about a grou... - [Hair rebellion at dawn](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2022/10/19/hair-rebellion-at-dawn.html): 2022-10-19 · by Elena · Apparently my hair decided to stage a revolt overnight. - [Plot twist: actual studying happened](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2022/10/08/plot-twist-actual-studying-happened.html): 2022-10-08 · by Elena · Carmen texted asking if she could come over to “hang out and maybe look at some notes.” Translation: she showed up with three nursing tex... - [Leadership lessons from the trenches](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2022/09/27/leadership-lessons-from-the-trenches.html): 2022-09-27 · by Elena · Been sitting here with my journal for the past hour, processing that difficult conversation I had at work last week. - [Mission creep and trail mix](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2022/09/16/mission-creep-and-trail-mix.html): 2022-09-16 · by Elena · Started what should have been simple Saturday morning planning for a quick local hike. Keyword: should have been. - [Annual music judgment day](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2022/09/05/annual-music-judgment-day.html): 2022-09-05 · by Elena · Alex texted at 3pm asking if he could come over for what he called an ‘emergency consultation.’ Turns out he’d finally clicked on his Spo... - [Behind the scenes of compromise](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2022/08/25/behind-the-scenes-of-compromise.html): 2022-08-25 · by Elena · Spent the afternoon going through all our anniversary planning notes and realized something interesting. It wasn’t really about picking t... - [The art of strategic decompression](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2022/08/14/the-art-of-strategic-decompression.html): 2022-08-14 · by Elena · Twelve-hour shift complete. - [Wikipedia warning labels exist for a reason](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2022/08/03/wikipedia-warning-labels-exist-for-a-reason.html): 2022-08-03 · by Elena · Started innocently enough this morning. Jake mentioned something about castle architecture during breakfast, and I thought I’d just quick... - [Professional growing pains](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2022/07/23/professional-growing-pains.html): 2022-07-23 · by Elena · Had one of those uncomfortable work moments last week that’s been sitting with me ever since. - [Control freak recovery program](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2022/07/12/control-freak-recovery-program.html): 2022-07-12 · by Elena · Finished organizing all the anniversary planning stuff this afternoon and had to laugh at myself. - [Plot twist of the morning](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2022/07/01/plot-twist-of-the-morning.html): 2022-07-01 · by Elena · Walked out to grab coffee and found Jake sitting on our living room floor, completely absorbed in what I initially thought was origami. T... - [Advanced adulting curriculum](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2022/06/20/advanced-adulting-curriculum.html): 2022-06-20 · by Elena · Alex texted this morning asking if I could teach him “proper adult laundry skills” because apparently his mom is coming to visit next wee... - [Mathematical mysteries and expensive mistakes](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2022/06/09/mathematical-mysteries-and-expensive-mistakes.html): 2022-06-09 · by Elena · Decided to finally organize our coffee pod situation this morning because we’ve been going through them faster than usual. Turns out ther... - [Monday ambitions meet Monday reality](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2022/05/29/monday-ambitions-meet-monday-reality.html): 2022-05-29 · by Elena · Jake just woke me up from what I’m generously calling a ‘strategic study break’ but was actually me face-planting into my nursing notes a... - [Crisis revelations](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2022/05/18/crisis-revelations.html): 2022-05-18 · by Elena · Cleaning up all the anniversary planning materials today and found Jake’s note from our heating disaster tucked between my notebooks. - [Treasure hunting in the suburbs](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2022/05/07/treasure-hunting-in-the-suburbs.html): 2022-05-07 · by Elena · Hit three yard sales on my morning run route and came back with what I’m calling ‘curated vintage finds’ but what Jake will probably call... - [Pattern recognition](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2022/04/26/pattern-recognition.html): 2022-04-26 · by Elena · Cleaned up all the anniversary planning stuff today and had one of those uncomfortable moments where you see yourself clearly. - [The schedule revelation](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2022/04/15/the-schedule-revelation.html): 2022-04-15 · by Elena · Caught myself doing something today that would have horrified 25-year-old Elena. I was automatically checking Jake’s work schedule before... - [Masa disaster protocol](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2022/04/04/masa-disaster-protocol.html): 2022-04-04 · by Elena · Jake announced this morning that he wanted to learn how to make tamales. Not the easy kind from a box, actual tamales with masa from scra... - [Sunday phone marathons](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2022/03/24/sunday-phone-marathons.html): 2022-03-24 · by Elena · Started today with the best intentions. Had all my meal prep ingredients lined up on the counter, chicken thawed, vegetables chopped. The... - [The calibration conversation](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2022/03/13/the-calibration-conversation.html): 2022-03-13 · by Elena · Thursday’s meeting keeps replaying in my head, but now I’m seeing the layers I missed in the moment. - [Moving day logistics](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2022/03/02/moving-day-logistics.html): 2022-03-02 · by Elena · Alex texted this morning asking if I could help move his mom’s piano tomorrow. Not help move it exactly - apparently you need actual prof... - [Tea and truth telling](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2022/02/19/tea-and-truth-telling.html): 2022-02-19 · by Elena · Sarah came over around 2 PM with this specific look that meant she had Thoughts about my recent life choices. You know the one - eyebrows... - [Coffee shop sociology](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2022/02/08/coffee-shop-sociology.html): 2022-02-08 · by Elena · Claimed my usual corner table at The Grind around 2 PM with every intention of reading through some nursing journals. Instead spent two h... - [Departure scheduled](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2022/01/28/departure-scheduled.html): 2022-01-28 · by Elena · Flight confirmation email arrived at 2:47 PM. March 15th to El Paso, returning the 22nd. Seven days with Abuela Rosa learning everything ... - [Masa and mayhem](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2022/01/17/masa-and-mayhem.html): 2022-01-17 · by Elena · Carmen knocked on my door at 10 AM with a grocery bag full of corn husks and a determined look. “Today’s the day we finally do this,” she... - [The archaeology of planning](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2022/01/06/the-archaeology-of-planning.html): 2022-01-06 · by Elena · Spent the last hour going through all these anniversary planning materials one more time before finally putting them away. - [The aftermath wisdom](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2021/12/26/the-aftermath-wisdom.html): 2021-12-26 · by Elena · Three days of mental distance from Thursday’s meeting and I’m finally seeing it clearly. That moment when I had to call out Alex’s behavi... - [Adult night out protocols](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2021/12/15/adult-night-out-protocols.html): 2021-12-15 · by Elena · Carmen texted the group chat at 4 PM: “Drinks at Hendricks tonight. 7:30. No excuses.” Sarah immediately responded with three thumbs up e... - [Small notes, big realizations](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2021/12/04/small-notes-big-realizations.html): 2021-12-04 · by Elena · Found this little piece of paper tucked in my planner today while finally getting my organizational life back together. - [Study bunker activated](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2021/11/23/study-bunker-activated.html): 2021-11-23 · by Elena · Sarah texted at noon asking if she could bring her “emergency study kit” over because her apartment was too quiet and making her anxious.... - [The planning autopsy](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2021/11/12/the-planning-autopsy.html): 2021-11-12 · by Elena · Sitting on the floor with all these anniversary planning notebooks spread around me like evidence from a crime scene. - [Portrait mode breakthrough](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2021/11/01/portrait-mode-breakthrough.html): 2021-11-01 · by Elena · Carmen showed up with her new iPhone 13 this afternoon, completely baffled by all the camera options. ‘There are like seventeen different... - [Rise and fall](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2021/10/21/rise-and-fall.html): 2021-10-21 · by Elena · Alex texted yesterday asking if I wanted to try this bread-making kit she’d impulse-bought but was too intimidated to tackle alone. Sure,... - [The weight of necessary words](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2021/10/10/the-weight-of-necessary-words.html): 2021-10-10 · by Elena · Three days later and I’m still unpacking Thursday’s meeting where I had to call out a colleague’s behavior in front of the whole team. - [Crisis archaeology](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2021/09/29/crisis-archaeology.html): 2021-09-29 · by Elena · Cleaning out my school bag and found this crumpled piece of paper with Jake’s handwriting: ‘Elena - called landlord, left voicemail. Made... - [The art of collaborative control](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2021/09/18/the-art-of-collaborative-control.html): 2021-09-18 · by Elena · Spent the morning putting away all these anniversary planning folders and had one of those lightbulb moments about Jake and me. - [Table for six](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/milestone/2021/09/07/table-for-six.html): 2021-09-07 · by Elena · Decided this year I wanted to keep it simple. Just the people who matter most, takeout from that Thai place we all love, and a chocolate ... - [The aftermath of standing up](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2021/08/27/the-aftermath-of-standing-up.html): 2021-08-27 · by Elena · Been thinking all day about that meeting on Thursday where I had to call out Alex for undermining the cultural workshop planning. Not the... - [Breakfast burrito diplomacy](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2021/08/16/breakfast-burrito-diplomacy.html): 2021-08-16 · by Elena · Carmen showed up at 9am with breakfast burritos wrapped in foil like little silver presents. “I made extra,” she said, which in Carmen-sp... - [Crisis archaeology](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2021/08/05/crisis-archaeology.html): 2021-08-05 · by Elena · Cleaning out my school bag and found this crumpled piece of paper with Jake’s handwriting: “E - called landlord again, left VM. Picked up... - [Assembly required (friend not included)](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2021/07/25/assembly-required-friend-not-included.html): 2021-07-25 · by Elena · Carmen texted this morning asking if I had a screwdriver and maybe some patience. Turns out her new bookshelf came with approximately 847... - [The planning autopsy](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2021/07/14/the-planning-autopsy.html): 2021-07-14 · by Elena · Finally put away all the anniversary planning materials today and had one of those moments where you step back and see yourself clearly. - [Stars and stripes and six-string](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/holiday/2021/07/03/stars-and-stripes-and-six-string.html): 2021-07-03 · by Elena · Pulled together a last-minute Fourth of July thing and somehow everyone actually showed up. Carmen brought her famous guacamole, Sarah ma... - [Pizza philosophy](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2021/06/22/pizza-philosophy.html): 2021-06-22 · by Elena · Michelle came over for what was supposed to be a quick form check on her new strength routine. Somehow we ended up sitting on my yoga mat... - [When warrior pose meets kitchen choreography](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2021/06/11/when-warrior-pose-meets-kitchen-choreography.html): 2021-06-11 · by Elena · Twenty minutes into what was supposed to be a peaceful morning yoga session and my phone shuffled to that Dua Lipa song. You know the one... - [What cold taught us](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2021/05/31/what-cold-taught-us.html): 2021-05-31 · by Elena · The apartment feels different now that the heating actually works. - [Pancake choreography](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2021/05/20/pancake-choreography.html): 2021-05-20 · by Elena · Jake left early to help his parents move some furniture, so naturally I decided this was the perfect time to attempt pancakes from scratc... - [Archaeological tangents](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2021/05/09/archaeological-tangents.html): 2021-05-09 · by Elena · Started this morning with a simple question about why modern buildings don’t last as long as ancient Roman structures. Four hours later, ... - [What three binders taught me](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2021/04/28/what-three-binders-taught-me.html): 2021-04-28 · by Elena · Cleaning out my bag tonight and found the anniversary planning notebook - all three of them, actually, plus the backup folder and the con... - [Learning curves](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2021/04/17/learning-curves.html): 2021-04-17 · by Elena · Spent most of this afternoon thinking about Thursday’s meeting with the department head. - [Afternoon silence](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2021/04/06/afternoon-silence.html): 2021-04-06 · by Elena · Jake’s at his parents’ place helping them move furniture, and the apartment feels different when it’s just me. Not empty exactly - more l... - [Partnership in crisis mode](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2021/03/26/partnership-in-crisis-mode.html): 2021-03-26 · by Elena · The heating finally got fixed yesterday, but I keep thinking about the week we spent without it. Not the shivering part - though there wa... - [Recipe rescue mission](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2021/03/15/recipe-rescue-mission.html): 2021-03-15 · by Elena · Alex showed up this morning with three empty binders and the patience of a saint. “Let’s actually make sense of all those recipe cards,” ... - [Diploma day reflections](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2021/03/04/diploma-day-reflections.html): 2021-03-04 · by Elena · Picked up my diploma today. - [The planner's paradox](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2021/02/21/the-planner-s-paradox.html): 2021-02-21 · by Elena · Found my anniversary planning notebook tonight while cleaning out my bag. Three pages of lists, backup plans, and weather contingencies f... - [The anatomy of overthinking](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2021/02/21/the-anatomy-of-overthinking.html): 2021-02-21 · by Elena · Found myself sitting on the living room floor this afternoon, surrounded by what Jake diplomatically called my “planning explosion.” Thre... - [Crisis management styles](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2021/02/10/crisis-management-styles.html): 2021-02-10 · by Elena · The heating died completely last week - middle of February, naturally. While I was mentally calculating how many blankets we own and whet... - [Pancake geometry](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2021/01/30/pancake-geometry.html): 2021-01-30 · by Elena · Jake decided this morning that boxed pancake mix is “basically cheating” and he was going to make them completely from scratch. No recipe... - [Third time's the charm](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2021/01/19/third-time-s-the-charm.html): 2021-01-19 · by Elena · Jake’s been asking me to try his mom’s apple pie recipe since we moved in together. Not pressure exactly, but those wistful looks every t... - [Professional boundaries](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2021/01/08/professional-boundaries.html): 2021-01-08 · by Elena · Had one of those conversations at work yesterday that stays with you long after it’s over. Alex and I finally addressed the elephant in t... - [Project manager brain](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2020/12/28/project-manager-brain.html): 2020-12-28 · by Elena · Found my anniversary planning notebook today while cleaning out my bag. Three pages of lists, backup plans for the backup plans, and deta... - [Abracadabra disaster](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2020/12/17/abracadabra-disaster.html): 2020-12-17 · by Elena · I came out of the kitchen to find Jake in the middle of what can only be described as a magical explosion. Cards everywhere. Complete loo... - [6am engineer](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2020/12/06/6am-engineer.html): 2020-12-06 · by Elena · The coffee maker died this morning. Not sputtering, not weak, completely dead at 6am when I desperately needed caffeine before my anatomy... - [Digital discovery mode](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2020/11/25/digital-discovery-mode.html): 2020-11-25 · by Elena · Jake got his first iPhone last week. Today he discovered AirDrop. I’ve received seventeen photos in the past hour including: his coffee m... - [Delivery mystery](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2020/11/14/delivery-mystery.html): 2020-11-14 · by Elena · The doorbell rang at 2pm. Three times. Which should have been my first clue that today was about to get weird. - [Floor thoughts](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2020/11/03/floor-thoughts.html): 2020-11-03 · by Elena · There’s something about sitting on the floor that makes everything feel more real. Not the couch, not the desk chair, just me, the hardwo... - [Emergency protocols](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2020/10/23/emergency-protocols.html): 2020-10-23 · by Elena · Jake’s heating crisis flowchart just fell out of my anatomy textbook. Complete with arrows, backup plans, and a note that says “Elena’s c... - [Kitchen catastrophe artist](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2020/10/12/kitchen-catastrophe-artist.html): 2020-10-12 · by Elena · Jake decided to surprise me with breakfast this morning. Sweet gesture, questionable execution. I woke up to the sound of our smoke alarm... - [Market education](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2020/10/01/market-education.html): 2020-10-01 · by Elena · Michelle showed up at 8am sharp with her canvas tote and a mission. “We’re getting you real ingredients,” she announced, like my regular ... - [Midnight wisdom](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2020/09/20/midnight-wisdom.html): 2020-09-20 · by Elena · Sometimes the most important conversations happen weeks after the actual conversation ended. - [Twisted logic](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2020/09/09/twisted-logic.html): 2020-09-09 · by Elena · YouTube made it look so easy. Three strands, over-under-over, how hard could it be? - [Portrait mode apprentice](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2020/08/29/portrait-mode-apprentice.html): 2020-08-29 · by Elena · Michelle stopped by this afternoon with her brand new iPhone 11 and immediately recruited me as her test subject for portrait mode. Appar... - [Digital evangelism](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2020/08/18/digital-evangelism.html): 2020-08-18 · by Elena · Carmen showed up today with a mission: converting me to TikTok. Apparently I’m missing out on “the entire cultural conversation of our ge... - [Overheard Chronicles](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2020/08/07/overheard-chronicles.html): 2020-08-07 · by Elena · Laptop, coffee, corner table at The Grind. Perfect setup for productivity until the couple next to me started planning their post-pandemi... - [Salt water therapy](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2020/07/27/salt-water-therapy.html): 2020-07-27 · by Elena · Carmen convinced me to try surfing today. Apparently watching me struggle with basic human coordination sounded like quality entertainmen... - [Bubble trouble](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2020/07/16/bubble-trouble.html): 2020-07-16 · by Elena · Sarah came over to help me test out one of Abuela Rosa’s pasta recipes before I officially add it to my heritage cooking collection. Simp... - [Archaeological evidence](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2020/07/05/archaeological-evidence.html): 2020-07-05 · by Elena · Found Jake’s emergency heating protocol notes tucked inside my anatomy textbook this morning. Apparently when our heat went out in Februa... - [Paper trail detective work](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2020/06/24/paper-trail-detective-work.html): 2020-06-24 · by Elena · Alex volunteered to help me sort through six months of financial chaos today. What started as “let’s just organize your bills” quickly tu... - [Floor time philosophy](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2020/06/13/floor-time-philosophy.html): 2020-06-13 · by Elena · Three days of replaying that conversation with the charge nurse and I finally figured out what’s been bothering me. It wasn’t that she qu... - [Equipment explosion](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2020/06/02/equipment-explosion.html): 2020-06-02 · by Elena · Twenty minutes into what was supposed to be a quick morning HIIT session and I’m sitting in the middle of what looks like a sporting good... - [Dawn patrol](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2020/05/22/dawn-patrol.html): 2020-05-22 · by Elena · Alarm went off at 5:15 and my first coherent thought was wondering if it’s possible to IV drip coffee directly into my bloodstream. Three... - [Crisis management styles](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2020/05/11/crisis-management-styles.html): 2020-05-11 · by Elena · Three weeks later and I’m still finding Jake’s notes from our Great Heating Crisis of March. - [Morning circus act](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2020/04/30/morning-circus-act.html): 2020-04-30 · by Elena · Apparently Jake finds my morning routine entertaining enough to document. Can’t say I blame him, watching someone attempt to apply mascar... - [Receipt roulette](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2020/04/19/receipt-roulette.html): 2020-04-19 · by Elena · Asked Alex to help me figure out where my money actually goes each month. Seemed like a reasonable request until I pulled out my ‘filing ... - [Lines in the sand](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2020/04/08/lines-in-the-sand.html): 2020-04-08 · by Elena · Been replaying Tuesday’s shift in my head for three days straight. Alex got frustrated during our team meeting about the new protocol cha... - [Planning styles and love languages](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2020/03/28/planning-styles-and-love-languages.html): 2020-03-28 · by Elena · Watching Jake plan our anniversary weekend has been like getting a master class in project management. - [Receipt archaeology](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2020/03/17/receipt-archaeology.html): 2020-03-17 · by Elena · Spread every single receipt from the past year across our living room floor thinking I’d be methodical and organized about this whole tax... - [Playlist sabotage](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2020/03/06/playlist-sabotage.html): 2020-03-06 · by Elena · Picture this: you’re three minutes into a solid HIIT routine, sweat already building, getting into that zone where you actually start bel... - [Herman's great escape](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2020/02/24/herman-s-great-escape.html): 2020-02-24 · by Elena · Woke up to what looked like a science experiment gone wrong in our kitchen. - [Paper hearts and friendship](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/holiday/2020/02/13/paper-hearts-and-friendship.html): 2020-02-13 · by Elena · Jake mentioned this morning that he wanted to make me a card instead of buying one, which somehow turned into me texting everyone to come... - [Professional boundaries and pad thai clarity](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2020/02/02/professional-boundaries-and-pad-thai-clarity.html): 2020-02-02 · by Elena · Had one of those nights where your brain won’t stop replaying a conversation, so I ordered way too much Thai food and pulled out my noteb... - [Theme song disasters](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2020/01/22/theme-song-disasters.html): 2020-01-22 · by Elena · Jake just spent twenty minutes insisting that ‘The One Where Ross Says Rachel’ is the greatest Friends episode ever made, which is object... - [Kitchen studio](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2020/01/11/kitchen-studio.html): 2020-01-11 · by Elena · Text from Sarah at 2pm: “Studio heater died. Rain check?” My response: “Bring your clay. I have a kitchen counter.” - [Accountability and champagne](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/holiday/2019/12/31/accountability-and-champagne.html): 2019-12-31 · by Elena · Carmen showed up at 8pm with a bottle of champagne and the declaration that this year we were doing resolutions properly. Not the kind yo... - [Knife skills and life skills](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2019/12/20/knife-skills-and-life-skills.html): 2019-12-20 · by Elena · Michelle knocked on our door this afternoon with a confession and a request: she’d been living on takeout and frozen meals for months, an... - [Sunday stillness](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2019/12/09/sunday-stillness.html): 2019-12-09 · by Elena · Carmen brought over this mystery novel she’s been raving about and ended up curled on our living room floor, completely absorbed. - [Competitive spirits and warrior poses](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2019/11/28/competitive-spirits-and-warrior-poses.html): 2019-11-28 · by Elena · Alex showed up this afternoon convinced that yoga would be ‘easy’ since he’s in decent shape from all those weekend basketball games. Twe... - [Medal worthy](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2019/11/17/medal-worthy.html): 2019-11-17 · by Elena · Carmen just walked through our door with the biggest grin I’ve seen in months, clutching her first 10K finisher’s medal like it’s made of... - [6AM confessions and warrior poses](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2019/11/06/6am-confessions-and-warrior-poses.html): 2019-11-06 · by Elena · Sarah knocked at 5:58am sharp because she’s the kind of person who shows up exactly when she says she will, even for ungodly early yoga s... - [Gnome sweet gnome](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2019/10/26/gnome-sweet-gnome.html): 2019-10-26 · by Elena · Carmen dragged me to three yard sales this morning because apparently I ‘need to get out more’ and ‘see what the neighborhood has to offe... - [Planning revelations and pad thai](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2019/10/15/planning-revelations-and-pad-thai.html): 2019-10-15 · by Elena · Turns out three hours of anniversary planning teaches you more about your relationship than three years of regular life. Jake and I final... - [Clay and concentration](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2019/10/04/clay-and-concentration.html): 2019-10-04 · by Elena · Never thought I’d be sitting on my yoga mat with a ball of clay at 2pm on a Saturday, but here we are. Sarah’s been talking up this potte... - [Receipt reality check](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2019/09/23/receipt-reality-check.html): 2019-09-23 · by Elena · Michelle showed up with three grocery bags and a confession: she’d been avoiding looking at her grocery receipts for two weeks. “I just s... - [Twelve shades of indecision](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2019/09/12/twelve-shades-of-indecision.html): 2019-09-12 · by Elena · Carmen showed up at 9am with a gym bag and the announcement that we were ‘getting ready together’ before our pottery class. I thought thi... - [Plans, patterns, and partnership revelations](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2019/09/01/plans-patterns-and-partnership-revelations.html): 2019-09-01 · by Elena · Three hours, two notebooks, seventeen browser tabs, and one very patient discussion about hiking versus spa weekends later - we have an a... - [Salt, coffee, and questionable life choices](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2019/08/21/salt-coffee-and-questionable-life-choices.html): 2019-08-21 · by Elena · 7:15 AM. I’m running on four hours of sleep because someone decided to reorganize the entire spice cabinet at midnight (that someone bein... - [Sunday truths and coffee refills](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2019/08/10/sunday-truths-and-coffee-refills.html): 2019-08-10 · by Elena · Michelle showed up at 2pm with that look - you know the one. The ‘I need to talk through something complicated and you’re the only person... - [Midnight drawer therapy](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2019/07/30/midnight-drawer-therapy.html): 2019-07-30 · by Elena · Apparently my response to having life revelations is to reorganize the junk drawer at 11:47 PM. Jake’s been asleep for an hour, and here ... - [Growing pains and coffee stains](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2019/07/19/growing-pains-and-coffee-stains.html): 2019-07-19 · by Elena · That conversation with Alex keeps replaying in my head. Two weeks ago when I had to address his competitive intensity during our team wor... - [Boundaries and breakthroughs](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2019/07/08/boundaries-and-breakthroughs.html): 2019-07-08 · by Elena · The apartment’s quiet tonight - Jake’s at his guitar lesson, and I’m sitting here with my notebook, trying to process what happened with ... - [Color-coded revelations](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2019/06/27/color-coded-revelations.html): 2019-06-27 · by Elena · Three notebooks, seventeen lists, and one very patient boyfriend later - our anniversary weekend is officially booked and planned. - [Leadership lessons from unexpected places](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2019/06/16/leadership-lessons-from-unexpected-places.html): 2019-06-16 · by Elena · Jake’s been at his guitar lesson for two hours, which means I have the apartment to myself for processing last Tuesday’s drama at work. - [Emergency protocols and pad thai](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2019/06/16/emergency-protocols-and-pad-thai.html): 2019-06-16 · by Elena · Michelle’s text came in at 9:47 PM: “Elena - emergency situation. Can I come over?” My brain immediately went to worst-case scenarios inv... - [What broken things teach you](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2019/06/05/what-broken-things-teach-you.html): 2019-06-05 · by Elena · Three months later, I still catch myself checking the thermostat twice before leaving the apartment. - [Learning what we're made of](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2019/06/05/learning-what-we-re-made-of.html): 2019-06-05 · by Elena · Three weeks without consistent heat will teach you things about yourself and your relationship that you never thought to ask. When our ra... - [Community produce and weekend priorities](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2019/05/25/community-produce-and-weekend-priorities.html): 2019-05-25 · by Elena · The farmers market was packed this morning - apparently everyone had the same idea about taking advantage of this perfect spring weather. - [When your friend shows up with a laptop and changes your life](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2019/05/14/when-your-friend-shows-up-with-a-laptop-and-changes-your-life.html): 2019-05-14 · by Elena · Sarah knocked on the door at 4pm holding her laptop and wearing that expression that means she’s been thinking. Not the casual ‘hey what’... - [The great bread experiment continues](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2019/05/03/the-great-bread-experiment-continues.html): 2019-05-03 · by Elena · Flour in my hair, on my shirt, somehow on the floor three feet from the counter. This is attempt number three at the same sourdough recip... - [Seven AM and already winning](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2019/04/22/seven-am-and-already-winning.html): 2019-04-22 · by Elena · The coffee maker decided this morning was the perfect time to stage a revolt. Water everywhere, coffee grounds scattered like confetti, a... - [First draft done](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2019/04/11/first-draft-done.html): 2019-04-11 · by Elena · Seventeen pages. That’s what three months of scattered thoughts about cultural cooking workshops looks like when you finally sit down and... - [Eight PM texts and second thoughts](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2019/03/31/eight-pm-texts-and-second-thoughts.html): 2019-03-31 · by Elena · Carmen’s text lit up my phone while I was already in joggers, mentally committed to a Netflix night and early bed. ‘Want to try that pott... - [Three o'clock makeup check](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2019/03/20/three-o-clock-makeup-check.html): 2019-03-20 · by Elena · Nothing quite like catching yourself in the bathroom mirror at 3pm and realizing your foundation has taken on a life of its own. - [Six AM adventures](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2019/03/09/six-am-adventures.html): 2019-03-09 · by Elena · Carmen’s text came in at 6:17: “Want to drive to the coast? Leaving in an hour.” No context, no plan, just pure spontaneity calling. - [Digital native meets digital immigrant](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2019/02/26/digital-native-meets-digital-immigrant.html): 2019-02-26 · by Elena · Carmen showed up today with her phone already out, declaring it was time I joined “the streaming revolution.” Apparently my collection of... - [The aftermath of planning](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2019/02/15/the-aftermath-of-planning.html): 2019-02-15 · by Elena · Staring at this coffee table covered in three weeks’ worth of anniversary planning notes, I’m struck by what the whole process revealed a... - [Setting boundaries isn't being mean](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2019/02/04/setting-boundaries-isn-t-being-mean.html): 2019-02-04 · by Elena · That confrontation with Alex last week keeps circling back in my head. Not because it went badly - actually, it went better than I expect... - [What crises teach you](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2019/01/24/what-crises-teach-you.html): 2019-01-24 · by Elena · Been thinking about last month’s heating disaster - three days of space heaters and calling the landlord every few hours while the temper... - [Leadership lessons from uncomfortable conversations](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2019/01/13/leadership-lessons-from-uncomfortable-conversations.html): 2019-01-13 · by Elena · Had one of those conversations at work last week that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since. You know the kind - where you have to... - [The planning aftermath](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2019/01/02/the-planning-aftermath.html): 2019-01-02 · by Elena · Three weeks of anniversary planning notes scattered across my coffee table, and I’m finally seeing the real story they tell. - [Budget intervention required](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2018/12/22/budget-intervention-required.html): 2018-12-22 · by Elena · Michelle showed up with coffee and good intentions to help me figure out where all my money went this month. Turns out having a personal ... - [Chord progressions and ego checks](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2018/12/11/chord-progressions-and-ego-checks.html): 2018-12-11 · by Elena · Jake came home from work to find me surrounded by chord charts and what can only be described as the musical equivalent of a crime scene. - [Three years in a drawer](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2018/11/30/three-years-in-a-drawer.html): 2018-11-30 · by Elena · Found my marathon medal this morning while digging through the junk drawer for batteries. Still in the plastic bag from 2015, still tangl... - [Champagne on a Tuesday](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2018/11/19/champagne-on-a-tuesday.html): 2018-11-19 · by Elena · Sarah texted me at 5:30 asking if I was free tonight because she had news. Big news. The kind that apparently requires champagne on a wee... - [What planning teaches you](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2018/11/08/what-planning-teaches-you.html): 2018-11-08 · by Elena · Finally closed my notebook after three weeks of anniversary planning, and honestly? The whole process taught me more about Jake and me th... - [Three hours for three ingredients](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2018/10/28/three-hours-for-three-ingredients.html): 2018-10-28 · by Elena · Alex showed up at 2pm with a notebook and the most serious expression I’ve ever seen him wear for anything non-work related. “I want to l... - [Emergency chocolate protocol](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2018/10/17/emergency-chocolate-protocol.html): 2018-10-17 · by Elena · Carmen has this sixth sense about when I’m having a weird night. I was sitting on the living room floor at 9pm, surrounded by Jake’s enti... - [Post-game analysis](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2018/10/06/post-game-analysis.html): 2018-10-06 · by Elena · Alex showed up at my door tonight with a large pepperoni pizza and a very serious need to discuss our third-place finish at trivia night.... - [Downward dog meets diagnostic terms](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2018/09/25/downward-dog-meets-diagnostic-terms.html): 2018-09-25 · by Elena · Started my morning with every intention of doing a full yoga flow before hitting the books. Twenty minutes in, I’m looking at my anatomy ... - [Market research](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2018/09/14/market-research.html): 2018-09-14 · by Elena · Carmen convinced me we needed to hit the farmer’s market this morning because she read somewhere that September is peak season for everyt... - [Dance floor disasters](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2018/09/03/dance-floor-disasters.html): 2018-09-03 · by Elena · Carmen showed up tonight with this grand plan to teach me salsa dancing. “It’s just like your fitness classes,” she said, “but with more ... - [Planning reveals everything](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2018/08/23/planning-reveals-everything.html): 2018-08-23 · by Elena · Three weeks of anniversary planning officially done, and I’m finally sitting down to process what actually happened. - [What crisis teaches you](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2018/08/12/what-crisis-teaches-you.html): 2018-08-12 · by Elena · Sitting here with my journal tonight, trying to process everything that happened with our heating situation last month. - [Crisis management style revealed](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2018/08/01/crisis-management-style-revealed.html): 2018-08-01 · by Elena · Jake brought me coffee this morning without being asked, and it hit me how much that simple gesture captured what I learned about us duri... - [Lines in the sand](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2018/07/21/lines-in-the-sand.html): 2018-07-21 · by Elena · Pulled my journal out after dinner tonight and found myself writing for almost an hour straight. The whole situation with Alex this week ... - [Distance measured in time zones](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2018/07/10/distance-measured-in-time-zones.html): 2018-07-10 · by Elena · Mom called right when I was getting ready for bed, which means it was breakfast time for them. - [Planning personality revealed](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2018/06/29/planning-personality-revealed.html): 2018-06-29 · by Elena · Three weeks of anniversary planning officially wrapped, and I’m sitting here staring at what can only be described as a paper explosion a... - [Chapter and verse](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2018/06/18/chapter-and-verse.html): 2018-06-18 · by Elena · Three hours. Three solid hours of highlighting what I thought was the cardiovascular system chapter, making detailed notes in the margins... - [Leadership lessons learned the hard way](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2018/06/07/leadership-lessons-learned-the-hard-way.html): 2018-06-07 · by Elena · Pulled out my journal tonight to process what happened with Alex this week. The confrontation at work has been sitting with me for days, ... - [Budget reality check](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2018/05/27/budget-reality-check.html): 2018-05-27 · by Elena · Apparently when you spend three weeks planning the perfect anniversary weekend and actually follow through on booking everything, somethi... - [Helpful intentions](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2018/05/16/helpful-intentions.html): 2018-05-16 · by Elena · Jake announced this morning that he was going to “tackle the linen situation” while I was doing yoga. Noble goal. - [Unexpected planning committee](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2018/05/05/unexpected-planning-committee.html): 2018-05-05 · by Elena · Alex texted around noon asking if he could swing by to grab some client files he’d left here after our last meeting. Twenty minutes later... - [Weight of inheritance](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2018/04/24/weight-of-inheritance.html): 2018-04-24 · by Elena · Been sitting here for two hours now, going through everything Abuela Rosa gave me. - [Three hours and a cloud of flour later](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2018/04/13/three-hours-and-a-cloud-of-flour-later.html): 2018-04-13 · by Elena · Decided this morning I was going to make pasta. Not buy pasta - make pasta. From actual scratch, with just flour and eggs and whatever ma... - [The spreadsheet says it all](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2018/04/02/the-spreadsheet-says-it-all.html): 2018-04-02 · by Elena · Found myself staring at the anniversary planning aftermath this afternoon - sticky notes, printed restaurant reviews, and my color-coded ... - [Balance checkpoint](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2018/03/22/balance-checkpoint.html): 2018-03-22 · by Elena · Michelle came over this afternoon for our usual Friday yoga session, determined to finally nail warrior III without the dramatic arm flai... - [Down the rabbit hole again](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2018/03/11/down-the-rabbit-hole-again.html): 2018-03-11 · by Elena · Started innocently enough. Jake mentioned we should probably test the soil before planting more herbs this spring, so I figured I’d do a ... - [Assembly required](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2018/02/28/assembly-required.html): 2018-02-28 · by Elena · Jake suggested we needed a proper coffee table for the living room. ‘How hard can it be?’ he said, scrolling through IKEA’s website. Famo... - [Project manager mode: activated](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2018/02/17/project-manager-mode-activated.html): 2018-02-17 · by Elena · Laid out every piece of anniversary planning on the coffee table this afternoon to finally make some decisions. Color-coded sticky notes ... - [Gravity wins again](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2018/02/06/gravity-wins-again.html): 2018-02-06 · by Elena · Note to self: attempting to grab your phone, check the time, AND pour coffee simultaneously is not actually multitasking. It’s just askin... - [Keeper of stories](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2018/01/26/keeper-of-stories.html): 2018-01-26 · by Elena · Spread everything out on the coffee table this afternoon - all the recipe cards, photographs, and notes Abuela Rosa gave me last month. - [Clay therapy session](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2018/01/15/clay-therapy-session.html): 2018-01-15 · by Elena · Brought home my pottery homework yesterday - just a simple bowl we’re supposed to practice centering techniques on. Left it on the kitche... - [Domestic engineering failure](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2018/01/04/domestic-engineering-failure.html): 2018-01-04 · by Elena · Jake decided today was the day he’d master folding fitted sheets. I found him in the bedroom holding one above his head like he was surre... - [Christmas morning chaos](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/holiday/2017/12/24/christmas-morning-chaos.html): 2017-12-24 · by Elena · Six adults tearing into presents like we’re still eight years old. Carmen brought homemade cookies that disappeared before the first gift... - [Attack of the paper pile](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2017/12/13/attack-of-the-paper-pile.html): 2017-12-13 · by Elena · That pile on the coffee table finally reached critical mass. You know the one - random mail, important documents mixed with grocery store... - [Estate sale archaeology](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2017/12/02/estate-sale-archaeology.html): 2017-12-02 · by Elena · Sarah knocked on my door this afternoon with a cream-colored box under her arm and the kind of grin that means she either found treasure ... - [The great spice cabinet intervention](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2017/11/21/the-great-spice-cabinet-intervention.html): 2017-11-21 · by Elena · Alex showed up this afternoon claiming my spice organization system was ‘chaotic’ and needed ‘proper engineering.’ Twenty minutes later, ... - [The line in the sand](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2017/11/10/the-line-in-the-sand.html): 2017-11-10 · by Elena · Been sitting here for an hour with leftover Thai food, trying to put words to what happened with Alex at the gym yesterday. You know that... - [Assembly required](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/holiday/2017/10/30/assembly-required.html): 2017-10-30 · by Elena · Apparently when you tell five people to come over and get ready for Halloween together, what you actually get is a living room that looks... - [Morning assembly required](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2017/10/19/morning-assembly-required.html): 2017-10-19 · by Elena · Alarm went off at 6:30 and my first coherent thought was wondering if dry shampoo counts as actual hygiene. The answer is obviously yes, ... - [Trail mix and reality checks](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2017/10/08/trail-mix-and-reality-checks.html): 2017-10-08 · by Elena · Michelle texted yesterday with ‘want to try that new trail at Shenandoah?’ and somehow eight miles later we’re both sprawled in my living... - [The planning autopilot](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2017/09/27/the-planning-autopilot.html): 2017-09-27 · by Elena · Jake asked me yesterday what I learned from planning our anniversary weekend, and I gave him some surface answer about restaurant researc... - [Trail mix and tall tales](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2017/09/16/trail-mix-and-tall-tales.html): 2017-09-16 · by Elena · Sarah texted at 8am with ‘want to see a waterfall?’ and somehow I said yes without asking the important questions. Like how far. Or how s... - [The great paper explosion of 2017](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2017/09/05/the-great-paper-explosion-of-2017.html): 2017-09-05 · by Elena · Decided this afternoon would be perfect for a quick organization session. You know, just sort through that pile of nursing notes, old wor... - [Artistic ambitions meet reality](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2017/08/25/artistic-ambitions-meet-reality.html): 2017-08-25 · by Elena · Alex showed up this afternoon with a watercolor set and grand plans to teach me painting techniques. Two hours later, we’ve successfully ... - [Emergency beauty protocols](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2017/08/14/emergency-beauty-protocols.html): 2017-08-14 · by Elena · Carmen showed up at 6:45am looking like she’d wrestled with a mascara wand and lost spectacularly. Apparently her bathroom light burned o... - [Navigation optional](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2017/08/03/navigation-optional.html): 2017-08-03 · by Elena · Jake swore he knew a shortcut to Lake Anna. Twenty minutes of confident turns later, we’re parked on the side of what I’m pretty sure is ... - [The aqueduct incident](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2017/07/23/the-aqueduct-incident.html): 2017-07-23 · by Elena · Started reading about ancient Rome for my world history assignment. Needed one paragraph about the Colosseum. Simple enough, right? - [Color coordination expert](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2017/07/12/color-coordination-expert.html): 2017-07-12 · by Elena · Left Jake alone while I grabbed coffee with Carmen this morning. Came back to find him at his desk with every single guitar pick he owns ... - [Assembly line Sunday](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2017/07/01/assembly-line-sunday.html): 2017-07-01 · by Elena · Three baskets of clean laundry have been staring at me from the couch since Thursday. Today they finally won the standoff. - [Portrait mode converts](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2017/06/20/portrait-mode-converts.html): 2017-06-20 · by Elena · Michelle came over to test out her new iPhone 7 Plus and somehow I became the unofficial photography instructor. We spent two hours on my... - [Midnight mission](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2017/06/09/midnight-mission.html): 2017-06-09 · by Elena · Tickets purchased three weeks ago. Outfit planned since Tuesday. Jake questioned my commitment to a midnight showing on a work night exac... - [Cinderella syndrome](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2017/05/29/cinderella-syndrome.html): 2017-05-29 · by Elena · Carmen’s birthday dinner was supposed to be a quick celebration at that new tapas place downtown. Three hours and way too many small plat... - [Crisis management for beginners](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2017/05/18/crisis-management-for-beginners.html): 2017-05-18 · by Elena · Three weeks of broken heat will teach you things about your partner that two years of normal life never could. - [Cardiac terminology and caffeine crashes](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2017/05/07/cardiac-terminology-and-caffeine-crashes.html): 2017-05-07 · by Elena · Michelle arrived at seven with her anatomy textbook and enough highlighters to color-code the entire human circulatory system. Three hour... - [Live entertainment, ground floor](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2017/04/26/live-entertainment-ground-floor.html): 2017-04-26 · by Elena · Three o’clock on a Tuesday and the courtyard below our apartment has turned into dinner theater. Woman in 2B is having what appears to be... - [Leadership lessons from awkward places](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2017/04/15/leadership-lessons-from-awkward-places.html): 2017-04-15 · by Elena · Spent the afternoon finally processing what happened with Alex last month at the gym. - [Dawn patrol](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2017/04/04/dawn-patrol.html): 2017-04-04 · by Elena · 6:15am and Jake’s already up making his signature scrambled eggs. I swear this man could sleep through a fire alarm but somehow always wa... - [Lost in translation](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2017/03/24/lost-in-translation.html): 2017-03-24 · by Elena · Abuela Rosa’s recipe cards arrived yesterday in a manila envelope with my name written in her careful cursive. I spread them across the k... - [Energy reserves at 12%](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2017/03/13/energy-reserves-at-12.html): 2017-03-13 · by Elena · Sarah’s birthday dinner is in an hour and I’m sitting here staring at my closet like it personally wronged me. - [Temperature check](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2017/03/02/temperature-check.html): 2017-03-02 · by Elena · Three weeks without consistent heat will teach you things about yourself and your relationship that you didn’t know you needed to learn. - [Assembly line friendship](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2017/02/19/assembly-line-friendship.html): 2017-02-19 · by Elena · Carmen arrived at noon with three Target bags full of party supplies and announced we had exactly four hours to transform my living room ... - [The tiny house conspiracy](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2017/02/08/the-tiny-house-conspiracy.html): 2017-02-08 · by Elena · Started reading one article about space-efficient storage solutions this morning. Now it’s 4pm and I’m three library books deep into sust... - [Tissues and fictional trauma](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2017/01/28/tissues-and-fictional-trauma.html): 2017-01-28 · by Elena · Michelle stopped by after work with takeout and the brilliant idea to catch up on Grey’s Anatomy together. We’re three episodes behind an... - [Taco bar engineering](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2017/01/17/taco-bar-engineering.html): 2017-01-17 · by Elena · Alex volunteered to help set up a taco bar for Sarah’s promotion celebration tonight, which sounded great in theory. In practice, it mean... - [Midnight furniture shuffle](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2017/01/06/midnight-furniture-shuffle.html): 2017-01-06 · by Elena · Jake went to bed an hour ago and I was supposed to follow, but then I looked at our living room and thought - what if the couch was over ... - [Budget reality check](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2016/12/26/budget-reality-check.html): 2016-12-26 · by Elena · Sarah showed up with a shoebox full of receipts and her calculator, claiming she needed to “figure out where all her money went this seme... - [Paper towel politics](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2016/12/15/paper-towel-politics.html): 2016-12-15 · by Elena · Carmen dragged me to Target this morning because she needed “a few things” and didn’t want to go alone. Three hours later we’re back at m... - [Namaste at home](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2016/12/04/namaste-at-home.html): 2016-12-04 · by Elena · Carmen showed up at 2pm with a yoga mat under her arm and way too much confidence. “How hard can it be?” she said. “We run five miles. Yo... - [Double duty reality check](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2016/11/23/double-duty-reality-check.html): 2016-11-23 · by Elena · Week one of officially working at the campus rec center while keeping up with anatomy and physiology is… a learning curve. - [The fitted sheet incident](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2016/11/12/the-fitted-sheet-incident.html): 2016-11-12 · by Elena · Carmen showed up this afternoon with a basket of clean laundry, claiming she wanted to “finally master the art of fitted sheet folding” w... - [Sunday morning negotiations](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2016/11/01/sunday-morning-negotiations.html): 2016-11-01 · by Elena · Jake’s been sitting at the breakfast bar for twenty minutes now, methodically writing down every single thing we might possibly need at t... - [Planning styles and partnership](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2016/10/21/planning-styles-and-partnership.html): 2016-10-21 · by Elena · Three cups of coffee deep and I’m still processing everything about our anniversary weekend planning. - [Paint and possibilities](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2016/10/10/paint-and-possibilities.html): 2016-10-10 · by Elena · Carmen convinced me to stop by that art supply store near campus yesterday, insisting I needed a “creative outlet” beyond color-coding my... - [Neighborhood theater](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2016/09/29/neighborhood-theater.html): 2016-09-29 · by Elena · Alex came by around 3pm to borrow Jake’s anatomy textbook, but somehow we ended up making coffee and getting completely sucked into the d... - [Down the research rabbit hole](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2016/09/18/down-the-research-rabbit-hole.html): 2016-09-18 · by Elena · Started reviewing a chapter on physical therapy interventions around 2pm. Somehow ended up reading about the evolution of artificial limb... - [Twenty-eight and surrounded by the good ones](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/milestone/2016/09/07/twenty-eight-and-surrounded-by-the-good-ones.html): 2016-09-07 · by Elena · Jake insisted on making his famous blueberry pancakes this morning, which meant I woke up to the smell of butter and vanilla and the soun... - [Learning to navigate together](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2016/08/27/learning-to-navigate-together.html): 2016-08-27 · by Elena · Three weeks later and I’m still thinking about that whole heating disaster. - [Learning curves and schedule juggling](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2016/08/16/learning-curves-and-schedule-juggling.html): 2016-08-16 · by Elena · 6:30am and I’m already second-guessing everything about this polo shirt. - [Midnight recovery mode](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2016/08/05/midnight-recovery-mode.html): 2016-08-05 · by Elena · Alex convinced me to catch that indie band at the Fillmore tonight, and three hours of standing in a packed venue later, we’re both quest... - [Small gestures, big hearts](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2016/07/25/small-gestures-big-hearts.html): 2016-07-25 · by Elena · Carmen showed up this afternoon with a tupperware container full of her grandmother’s snickerdoodles and an idea. Mrs. Patterson from 4B ... - [Study hall session](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2016/07/14/study-hall-session.html): 2016-07-14 · by Elena · Michelle texted this morning asking if I had any tricks for memorizing muscle groups, and before I knew it she was at my door with her an... - [Stars, stripes, and family secrets](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/holiday/2016/07/03/stars-stripes-and-family-secrets.html): 2016-07-03 · by Elena · Turns out mixing Abuela Rosa’s enchilada recipe with Fourth of July planning creates the kind of chaos that ends with everyone in my kitc... - [The art of compromise](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2016/06/22/the-art-of-compromise.html): 2016-06-22 · by Elena · Jake’s been gone for an hour and I’m still sitting here in the middle of our anniversary weekend aftermath - maps, restaurant reviews I p... - [Drawing lines in permanent ink](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2016/06/11/drawing-lines-in-permanent-ink.html): 2016-06-11 · by Elena · The Alex situation from last month keeps circling back in my head, and I finally figured out why. It wasn’t just about him pushing too ha... - [Party aftermath and perfect moments](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2016/05/31/party-aftermath-and-perfect-moments.html): 2016-05-31 · by Elena · Sarah walked across that stage this morning with her nursing degree, and somehow we ended up volunteering to host the celebration. Twenty... - [Emergency assistance](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2016/05/20/emergency-assistance.html): 2016-05-20 · by Elena · Alex knocked on our door at 2pm looking like someone had stolen his puppy. Turns out his laptop crashed this morning and took three weeks... - [Treasure hunting with purpose](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2016/05/09/treasure-hunting-with-purpose.html): 2016-05-09 · by Elena · Alex showed up at 8am with a thermos of coffee and a printed list of garage sale addresses. Apparently he’s been tracking Craigslist post... - [Three hours and counting](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2016/04/28/three-hours-and-counting.html): 2016-04-28 · by Elena · Mom called this afternoon while I was folding laundry, and somehow we ended up talking for three hours straight. - [Finding my voice](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2016/04/17/finding-my-voice.html): 2016-04-17 · by Elena · Turns out there’s a difference between knowing you should say something and actually saying it. Yesterday’s conversation with Alex at the... - [Expert instruction](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2016/04/06/expert-instruction.html): 2016-04-06 · by Elena · Alex showed up this afternoon with his gym bag and a very serious expression. ‘I’m going to show you the proper way to use resistance ban... - [Grounds for disaster](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2016/03/26/grounds-for-disaster.html): 2016-03-26 · by Elena · Jake left early for a run and I thought this would be the perfect time to try that French press technique Sarah mentioned. Spoiler alert:... - [Week one reality check](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2016/03/15/week-one-reality-check.html): 2016-03-15 · by Elena · Five days into the campus rec job and I’m learning that ‘entry level’ doesn’t mean ‘easy.’ Between figuring out the equipment checkout sy... - [Two left feet and counting](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2016/03/04/two-left-feet-and-counting.html): 2016-03-04 · by Elena · Carmen signed us up for beginner salsa at the community center without asking. ‘Trust me,’ she said. ‘It’ll be fun,’ she said. What she d... - [Love songs and tone deafness](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2016/02/22/love-songs-and-tone-deafness.html): 2016-02-22 · by Elena · Jake disappeared into the storage closet for twenty minutes tonight and emerged with his guitar, announcing he had something “special” to... - [Learning curve](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2016/02/11/learning-curve.html): 2016-02-11 · by Elena · Apparently there’s a reason Italian grandmothers make this look effortless. I’ve been at this for two hours and my kitchen looks like a f... - [The ambush workout](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2016/01/31/the-ambush-workout.html): 2016-01-31 · by Elena · Alex knocked on the door with that innocent ‘hey, want to do some quick core work?’ smile. Twenty minutes later I’m face-down on my yoga ... - [The anatomy of planning](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2016/01/20/the-anatomy-of-planning.html): 2016-01-20 · by Elena · Three coffee cups deep and I’m finally seeing the pattern. - [Finally finding the rhythm](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2016/01/09/finally-finding-the-rhythm.html): 2016-01-09 · by Elena · Jake wandered out of the bedroom this morning to find me camped on the living room floor with every anatomy book I own spread in a perfec... - [Pages from the past](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2015/12/29/pages-from-the-past.html): 2015-12-29 · by Elena · Three hours into sorting through Abuela’s recipe collection and I’m realizing this project is way bigger than I thought. - [Dawn patrol](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2015/12/18/dawn-patrol.html): 2015-12-18 · by Elena · Alex knocked on our door at 6 AM sharp, looking like he’d been hit by a truck. I probably looked worse. We’re both scheduled for the open... - [Lines in the sand](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2015/12/07/lines-in-the-sand.html): 2015-12-07 · by Elena · Jake’s making pancakes and I’m sitting here on the living room floor, journal open, thinking about Friday’s mess with Alex at the rec cen... - [Recipe for disaster (or triumph)](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2015/11/26/recipe-for-disaster-or-triumph.html): 2015-11-26 · by Elena · Three hours ago, I decided I was going to make Thanksgiving dinner from scratch. Not just the turkey, everything. Stuffing, cranberry sau... - [Rolling in the deep end of embarrassment](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2015/11/15/rolling-in-the-deep-end-of-embarrassment.html): 2015-11-15 · by Elena · Michelle showed up two hours early for our Adele concert prep, armed with a bottle of wine and zero shame about her vocal abilities. With... - [Pre-game rituals](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2015/11/04/pre-game-rituals.html): 2015-11-04 · by Elena · Jake has turned smoothie-making into performance art. While I’m over here doing basic stretches on my yoga mat, he’s measuring out three ... - [Mathematical cookies](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2015/10/24/mathematical-cookies.html): 2015-10-24 · by Elena · Sarah showed up at my door with a plate of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and a calculator. ‘I figured if we’re going to suffer through b... - [Big picture thinking](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2015/10/13/big-picture-thinking.html): 2015-10-13 · by Elena · That regional coordinator position isn’t leaving my head. Jake found me staring at my laptop this afternoon, reading the job description ... - [Different roads, same destination](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2015/10/02/different-roads-same-destination.html): 2015-10-02 · by Elena · Jake’s still asleep and I’m sitting here with my second cup of coffee, thinking about how our anniversary planning went down last month. - [When the music hits](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2015/09/21/when-the-music-hits.html): 2015-09-21 · by Elena · Third Stone From the Sun came on Pandora while I was stretching after my run. I know, I know - Hendrix isn’t exactly cool-down music. But... - [Party like it's 2009](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2015/09/10/party-like-it-s-2009.html): 2015-09-10 · by Elena · Carmen’s birthday party tonight and I’m having one of those moments where I put on the same black dress I’ve worn to every semi-important... - [Peak sophistication achieved](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2015/08/30/peak-sophistication-achieved.html): 2015-08-30 · by Elena · Decided this morning I was going to be one of those people who watches prestige television while doing yoga. You know, multitasking my wa... - [Drawing lines in the sand](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2015/08/19/drawing-lines-in-the-sand.html): 2015-08-19 · by Elena · Woke up this morning still thinking about yesterday’s showdown with Alex at the rec center. - [Down the rabbit hole](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2015/08/08/down-the-rabbit-hole.html): 2015-08-08 · by Elena · Started reading this mystery novel Jake picked up for me at the used bookstore. Cute gesture, right? The detective keeps mentioning these... - [Kitchen table counsel](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2015/07/28/kitchen-table-counsel.html): 2015-07-28 · by Elena · Jake pulled out his laptop and a legal pad like we were about to draft a business plan. “Walk me through it again,” he said, settling int... - [Crisis management and coffee](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2015/07/17/crisis-management-and-coffee.html): 2015-07-17 · by Elena · Funny how a broken heating system can teach you more about your relationship than months of normal life. - [Learning curve ahead](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2015/07/06/learning-curve-ahead.html): 2015-07-06 · by Elena · Three alarm clocks and I still almost overslept for my first real shift. Not “helping out during busy times” or “shadowing while we figur... - [Planning personalities](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2015/06/25/planning-personalities.html): 2015-06-25 · by Elena · Watching Jake organize our anniversary weekend plans has been… enlightening. - [Numbers and gut feelings](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2015/06/14/numbers-and-gut-feelings.html): 2015-06-14 · by Elena · Fifteen schools. That’s the number that keeps running through my head as I sit here with Jake, the job offer spread out between us like a... - [Flour power](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2015/06/03/flour-power.html): 2015-06-03 · by Elena · Decided today was the day I’d finally try making pasta from scratch. How hard could it be, right? Famous last words. - [Sunday morning standards](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2015/05/23/sunday-morning-standards.html): 2015-05-23 · by Elena · Jake has this theory that the first pancake is always a throwaway. “Calibration,” he calls it, like the pan needs to learn what we’re ask... - [Assembly required (patience not included)](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2015/05/12/assembly-required-patience-not-included.html): 2015-05-12 · by Elena · Alex showed up this afternoon with a coffee table still in the box and the optimistic announcement that “how hard could it be?” Famous la... - [Festival aftermath](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2015/05/01/festival-aftermath.html): 2015-05-01 · by Elena · Dragged myself through the door at 4am with mud-caked boots and glitter in places I didn’t even know existed. - [Party prep and heel negotiations](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2015/04/20/party-prep-and-heel-negotiations.html): 2015-04-20 · by Elena · Carmen’s turning twenty-eight tonight and apparently that means cocktails at some new place downtown with a name I can’t pronounce. - [Barista dreams and reality](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2015/04/09/barista-dreams-and-reality.html): 2015-04-09 · by Elena · Watched this barista at The Grind yesterday create these perfect little hearts in people’s lattes like it was nothing. Made it look so ea... - [Official employee status](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2015/03/29/official-employee-status.html): 2015-03-29 · by Elena · Forty-five minutes until my first real shift as an actual employee instead of just that girl who helps out sometimes. - [Kitchen utensil karaoke](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2015/03/18/kitchen-utensil-karaoke.html): 2015-03-18 · by Elena · Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” came on while I was making lunch and apparently I have zero self-control. - [Morning inventory](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2015/03/07/morning-inventory.html): 2015-03-07 · by Elena · Tuesday morning, coffee in hand, watching Jake do his thing. - [Quality control](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2015/02/24/quality-control.html): 2015-02-24 · by Elena · Jake announced this morning that he was going to “help” me get our tax stuff organized. Twenty minutes later, I found him sitting in the ... - [Glue stick archaeology](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/holiday/2015/02/13/glue-stick-archaeology.html): 2015-02-13 · by Elena · Carmen showed up with a grocery bag full of construction paper and announced we were doing Valentine’s cards “the right way this year.” A... - [Brush strokes and bad technique](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2015/02/02/brush-strokes-and-bad-technique.html): 2015-02-02 · by Elena · Alex stopped by this afternoon with a small watercolor set and announced he was going to teach me the “therapeutic art of painting.” I wa... - [Dead laptop, live possibilities](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2015/01/22/dead-laptop-live-possibilities.html): 2015-01-22 · by Elena · My laptop decided to give up the ghost right in the middle of updating my curriculum notes for next week’s pilot program meeting. Just co... - [Planning languages](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2015/01/11/planning-languages.html): 2015-01-11 · by Elena · Jake spreads everything out like a military operation - maps, printed hotel reviews, restaurant menus, all organized by category and cros... - [Resolution accountability squad](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/holiday/2014/12/31/resolution-accountability-squad.html): 2014-12-31 · by Elena · Turns out I’m not the only one who gets overwhelmed by the whole “new year, new me” pressure. Carmen texted the group last week suggestin... - [Mirror check](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2014/12/20/mirror-check.html): 2014-12-20 · by Elena · Caught myself doing that thing this morning where you stand sideways in the mirror and suck in your stomach. Then let it out. Then suck i... - [Flour everywhere](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2014/12/09/flour-everywhere.html): 2014-12-09 · by Elena · Jake found a pasta recipe on some cooking blog and announced we were making dinner “the Italian way” tonight. Never mind that neither of ... - [Receipt archaeology](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2014/11/28/receipt-archaeology.html): 2014-11-28 · by Elena · Sarah showed up this morning with her laptop and a shoebox that looked like it had been through a paper shredder explosion. Apparently we... - [The thirty-second decision](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2014/11/17/the-thirty-second-decision.html): 2014-11-17 · by Elena · Stared at that email for twenty minutes. Read it four times, started typing responses I didn’t send, closed my laptop twice. The nursing ... - [Crisis management, relationship edition](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2014/11/06/crisis-management-relationship-edition.html): 2014-11-06 · by Elena · Watched Jake tackle our temperamental thermostat this afternoon and realized something. - [Two left feet and no rhythm](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2014/10/26/two-left-feet-and-no-rhythm.html): 2014-10-26 · by Elena · Jake found a YouTube video for beginner salsa dancing and announced we were having “culture night” in our living room. I should have know... - [Decoration intervention](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2014/10/15/decoration-intervention.html): 2014-10-15 · by Elena · Carmen showed up at 2pm with what looked like the entire contents of a craft store stuffed into her oversized tote bag. “We’re doing this... - [The supplement intervention](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2014/10/04/the-supplement-intervention.html): 2014-10-04 · by Elena · Sarah showed up this afternoon with a grocery bag full of bottles and the kind of determined expression that means business. Turns out sh... - [Opening shift reality check](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2014/09/23/opening-shift-reality-check.html): 2014-09-23 · by Elena · Alarm went off at 6:30am and my first coherent thought was definitely not printable. - [The paper trail of us](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2014/09/12/the-paper-trail-of-us.html): 2014-09-12 · by Elena · Cleaned up the anniversary planning explosion from our coffee table today and couldn’t help staring at the evidence. - [The label maker intervention](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2014/09/01/the-label-maker-intervention.html): 2014-09-01 · by Elena · Alex knocked on my door at 1pm with a box of file folders and that evil grin he gets when he’s about to reorganize someone’s entire life.... - [Neighborhood theater](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2014/08/21/neighborhood-theater.html): 2014-08-21 · by Elena · Jake positioned himself by the living room window around 3pm with a cup of coffee and apparently decided our neighbors were putting on th... - [Coffee shop sociology](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2014/08/10/coffee-shop-sociology.html): 2014-08-10 · by Elena · Sarah came over with every highlighter known to humanity and her entire anatomy textbook collection. We had the best intentions - really.... - [Long distance love](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2014/07/30/long-distance-love.html): 2014-07-30 · by Elena · Sarah’s mom sent a care package yesterday - twelve frozen tamales wrapped in enough aluminum foil to build a small spacecraft. We’ve been... - [Planning revelations](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2014/07/19/planning-revelations.html): 2014-07-19 · by Elena · Spread my notes from our anniversary weekend planning across the coffee table today and realized something. - [What broken heat teaches you](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2014/07/08/what-broken-heat-teaches-you.html): 2014-07-08 · by Elena · Three weeks without reliable heat and I learned more about Jake and me than I expected. Not the dramatic relationship-testing stuff you s... - [Mile 6.2](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2014/06/27/mile-6-2.html): 2014-06-27 · by Elena · Gun went off at 6:30am sharp and I was ready. All those 5am training runs with Carmen, all those weekend long runs when I wanted to stay ... - [Trial by clipboard](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2014/06/16/trial-by-clipboard.html): 2014-06-16 · by Elena · Standing in front of my bedroom mirror at 7:15am, adjusting my campus rec polo for the fifth time. - [Color coded chaos](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2014/06/05/color-coded-chaos.html): 2014-06-05 · by Elena · Sarah showed up at 2pm with her entire highlighter collection and zero patience for my scattered note-taking system. Three hours later, m... - [Tamale disaster zone](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2014/05/25/tamale-disaster-zone.html): 2014-05-25 · by Elena · Carmen showed up this afternoon with a bag of masa harina and complete confidence that we could recreate her mom’s famous tamales. “It’s ... - [Lines drawn](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2014/05/14/lines-drawn.html): 2014-05-14 · by Elena · Alex cornered me after today’s staff meeting about the fitness challenge teams. Not literally cornered, but you know that thing where som... - [Sunday gravy success](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2014/05/03/sunday-gravy-success.html): 2014-05-03 · by Elena · Jake’s been talking about his grandmother’s Sunday gravy for months. Every time we’d have pasta, he’d get this wistful look and say “Nonn... - [Down the rabbit hole](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2014/04/22/down-the-rabbit-hole.html): 2014-04-22 · by Elena · Started reading about the history of engagement rings for my nursing ethics paper. Somehow ended up learning about Victorian mourning jew... - [Kitchen disasters](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2014/04/11/kitchen-disasters.html): 2014-04-11 · by Elena · Michelle showed up this afternoon with a bag of flour and grand plans to teach me how to make fresh pasta from scratch. “How hard can it ... - [Pinterest lied to me](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2014/03/31/pinterest-lied-to-me.html): 2014-03-31 · by Elena · Decided to surprise Jake with homemade Easter cookies today. How hard could it be, right? I’ve got steady hands from all that anatomy lab... - [Flying solo](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2014/03/20/flying-solo.html): 2014-03-20 · by Elena · Survived my first shift running the front desk completely on my own today. - [Signal strength](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2014/03/09/signal-strength.html): 2014-03-09 · by Elena · My phone rang right as I was spooning Lucky Charms into my mouth at 6:30pm because that’s apparently what constitutes dinner when you hav... - [Flour power](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2014/02/26/flour-power.html): 2014-02-26 · by Elena · Alex knocked on our door this afternoon with a bag of groceries and big plans. “We’re making fettuccine from scratch,” he announced, like... - [Theory meets reality](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2014/02/15/theory-meets-reality.html): 2014-02-15 · by Elena · Alex knocked on our door around 2pm with his anatomy textbook and what he called “a breakthrough understanding of muscle fiber compositio... - [Sunday sorting](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2014/02/04/sunday-sorting.html): 2014-02-04 · by Elena · Four loads of laundry later and I’m sitting in the middle of our living room like some kind of domestic tornado hit. - [Temperature check](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2014/01/24/temperature-check.html): 2014-01-24 · by Elena · Three weeks without consistent heat will teach you things about your relationship that you never expected to learn. - [Midnight showing](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2014/01/13/midnight-showing.html): 2014-01-13 · by Elena · Jake surprised me with tickets to the midnight premiere of The Wolf of Wall Street tonight. I haven’t done a midnight showing since… hone... - [Full circle moments](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2014/01/02/full-circle-moments.html): 2014-01-02 · by Elena · Been scrolling through old posts this afternoon, and it’s wild how this little blog has turned into something I never expected. - [Victory lap](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2013/12/22/victory-lap.html): 2013-12-22 · by Elena · Alex knocked on my door at 3pm with the biggest grin I’ve seen all semester. “Tell me you checked yours too,” he said, waving his anatomy... - [Window seats](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2013/12/11/window-seats.html): 2013-12-11 · by Elena · Alex came over this afternoon to work on our anatomy study guide, but we got completely derailed by the drama unfolding outside our livin... - [Reading between the lines](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2013/11/30/reading-between-the-lines.html): 2013-11-30 · by Elena · Been sitting here for the past hour with my notebook, trying to make sense of everything that happened during our anniversary planning ma... - [Technology conductor](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2013/11/19/technology-conductor.html): 2013-11-19 · by Elena · Carmen came over to help me organize my disaster of a music collection, but the moment I showed her how my phone connects to Jake’s TV sp... - [Processing time](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2013/11/08/processing-time.html): 2013-11-08 · by Elena · Michelle came over this afternoon ostensibly to talk through her half-marathon training plan, but somehow we ended up dissecting everythi... - [Gravity wins](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2013/10/28/gravity-wins.html): 2013-10-28 · by Elena · Carmen has been bugging me for weeks to try the new climbing gym downtown. I kept making excuses because honestly? Heights and I have an ... - [Window shopping](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2013/10/17/window-shopping.html): 2013-10-17 · by Elena · Sarah came over to review my guest post draft, but we got completely sidetracked by this orange tabby who appeared on our fire escape aro... - [Battery low](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2013/10/06/battery-low.html): 2013-10-06 · by Elena · There’s this moment around 9pm when my brain just… stops. Like someone unplugged it. I’ve been staring at the same page about cardiac rhy... - [Finding my voice](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2013/09/25/finding-my-voice.html): 2013-09-25 · by Elena · That conversation with Alex from last week is still bouncing around in my head. - [Parallel processing](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2013/09/14/parallel-processing.html): 2013-09-14 · by Elena · Sunday night reality check: Jake’s got three engineering problem sets due tomorrow that he swears he started “plenty early” (translation:... - [Digital doorways](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2013/09/03/digital-doorways.html): 2013-09-03 · by Elena · Sarah texted me this afternoon asking if I’d be interested in joining her Thursday evening running group. Nothing unusual there - we’ve t... - [Rhythm optional](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2013/08/23/rhythm-optional.html): 2013-08-23 · by Elena · Carmen mentioned this salsa dancing class she’s been taking, and somehow that turned into me ordering a beginner DVD online. Seemed logic... - [Research mode](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2013/08/12/research-mode.html): 2013-08-12 · by Elena · Woke up this morning with that restless feeling that means I need to get out of the apartment and do something different. Jake suggested ... - [Planning revelations](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2013/08/01/planning-revelations.html): 2013-08-01 · by Elena · Jake and I spent the entire afternoon trying to nail down our anniversary weekend details, and somewhere between debating mountain cabin ... - [Early bird reality check](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2013/07/21/early-bird-reality-check.html): 2013-07-21 · by Elena · 7am shifts seemed like a good idea when I was filling out my availability form. Get to work early, finish early, have the whole afternoon... - [Assembly line efficiency](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2013/07/10/assembly-line-efficiency.html): 2013-07-10 · by Elena · Sarah texted me at 8am asking if I had any spare boxes and maybe some time to help sort through three years of accumulated grad school ch... - [Midnight logistics](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2013/06/29/midnight-logistics.html): 2013-06-29 · by Elena · Apparently I thought I could throw together movie snacks in thirteen minutes before we had to leave for the midnight Man of Steel premiere. - [Connection points](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2013/06/18/connection-points.html): 2013-06-18 · by Elena · Alex stopped by yesterday to grab those physics books, and somehow we ended up talking for an hour about training schedules and running r... - [Kitchen physics](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2013/06/07/kitchen-physics.html): 2013-06-07 · by Elena · Alex knocked on the door this afternoon looking for Jake’s thermodynamics textbook. Simple enough request, right? Twenty minutes later he... - [Learning curve](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2013/05/27/learning-curve.html): 2013-05-27 · by Elena · Three notebooks, two coffee refills, and approximately forty-seven crossed-out ideas later, I think I finally understand what happened du... - [Full circle moments](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2013/05/16/full-circle-moments.html): 2013-05-16 · by Elena · Six hours ago, I was frantically shoving Jake’s textbooks into a drawer and wiping down surfaces because four nursing classmates were com... - [Decision mode](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2013/05/05/decision-mode.html): 2013-05-05 · by Elena · Found this taped to the staff bulletin board when I got to work today - some kind of spring fitness challenge thing the rec center is doi... - [Unexpected bridges](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2013/04/24/unexpected-bridges.html): 2013-04-24 · by Elena · Three years of posting random thoughts about training schedules and anatomy study sessions, and somehow it connected me to people I never... - [Navigation patterns](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2013/04/13/navigation-patterns.html): 2013-04-13 · by Elena · Jake’s been gone since noon helping his buddy move furniture across town, which means I’ve had three hours of apartment silence to fold l... - [Precision brewing](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2013/04/02/precision-brewing.html): 2013-04-02 · by Elena · Carmen arrived this morning with her grandmother’s French press and very specific opinions about water temperature. Apparently my usual m... - [Stillness practice](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2013/03/22/stillness-practice.html): 2013-03-22 · by Elena · Sarah showed up today insisting she needed to learn how to meditate. “I read this article about stress management and apparently sitting ... - [Athletic genius](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2013/03/11/athletic-genius.html): 2013-03-11 · by Elena · Sarah came over today determined to finally master some basic yoga poses before her next running group meeting. She’d been talking about ... - [Precision training](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2013/02/28/precision-training.html): 2013-02-28 · by Elena · Sarah finished our five-mile loop twenty minutes ago and she’s still stretching. Not casual stretching, methodical, timed stretching with... - [Spice lesson](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2013/02/17/spice-lesson.html): 2013-02-17 · by Elena · Carmen knocked on the door at noon with a canvas bag full of mysterious ingredients and way too much confidence in my ability to follow d... - [Sunday stillness](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2013/02/06/sunday-stillness.html): 2013-02-06 · by Elena · Jake’s at his brother’s helping with some furniture project, and the apartment feels unusually quiet. Not lonely quiet, just peaceful. Th... - [Reaching out](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2013/01/26/reaching-out.html): 2013-01-26 · by Elena · Fifteen minutes into writing what I thought would be a quick text to some classmates about maybe studying together this spring, and I’ve ... - [Unexpected doors](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2013/01/15/unexpected-doors.html): 2013-01-15 · by Elena · Three years of writing about my random thoughts and training adventures, and apparently people actually read this thing. Got an email yes... - [Down the rabbit hole](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2013/01/04/down-the-rabbit-hole.html): 2013-01-04 · by Elena · Started reading about stress responses for my pathophysiology review. Somehow ended up three chapters deep in a psychology textbook Jake ... - [Assembly required](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/holiday/2012/12/24/assembly-required.html): 2012-12-24 · by Elena · Carmen texted at nine this morning: “Bringing everything for tamales. Clear your counter.” By ten-thirty my kitchen looked like a masa ex... - [Care package assembly line](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2012/12/13/care-package-assembly-line.html): 2012-12-13 · by Elena · Finals week hits everyone differently, and I’ve been watching some of my nursing classmates really struggle lately. Sarah mentioned yeste... - [Flour everywhere](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2012/12/02/flour-everywhere.html): 2012-12-02 · by Elena · Carmen showed up this morning with a bag of flour and way too much confidence about teaching me to make bread from scratch. “It’s therape... - [Lessons from the cold](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2012/11/21/lessons-from-the-cold.html): 2012-11-21 · by Elena · Sitting here with my tea getting cold (again) and thinking about how much you can learn about someone when the heat goes out for three we... - [Gravity lesson](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2012/11/10/gravity-lesson.html): 2012-11-10 · by Elena · Apparently when the recipe says ‘gently fold in flour,’ it doesn’t mean ‘aggressively whisk while balancing bowl on counter edge.’ Physic... - [Costume assembly](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/holiday/2012/10/30/costume-assembly.html): 2012-10-30 · by Elena · Five adults standing in our living room dressed like we’re twelve again, and honestly? Zero regrets. Carmen showed up in this perfect vin... - [Planning revelations](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2012/10/19/planning-revelations.html): 2012-10-19 · by Elena · Staring at our coffee table right now and it looks like a paper tornado hit it. - [Finding my feet](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2012/10/08/finding-my-feet.html): 2012-10-08 · by Elena · Kicked off my sneakers twenty minutes ago and my feet are still thanking me. Third official shift at the campus rec center is done, and f... - [Heat wave](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2012/09/27/heat-wave.html): 2012-09-27 · by Elena · Carmen found this hot yoga video online and convinced me we needed to try it. “It’ll be great for flexibility,” she said. “Super relaxing... - [Teaching rhythm](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2012/09/16/teaching-rhythm.html): 2012-09-16 · by Elena · Flashcards spread across the entire living room floor again, but tonight feels different. - [Crisis curriculum](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2012/09/05/crisis-curriculum.html): 2012-09-05 · by Elena · Three weeks without consistent heat and you learn things about someone you thought you already knew everything about. - [Digital connections](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2012/08/25/digital-connections.html): 2012-08-25 · by Elena · Coffee getting cold while I scroll through old blog comments, trying to figure out how exactly I ended up here. - [Pattern recognition](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2012/08/14/pattern-recognition.html): 2012-08-14 · by Elena · Cleaning up the last of our anniversary planning papers this morning and I keep thinking about something Jake said yesterday. We’re sitti... - [Teaching moment](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2012/08/03/teaching-moment.html): 2012-08-03 · by Elena · Floor covered in anatomy note cards again, but this time it’s not just cramming. - [Strategic planning](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2012/07/23/strategic-planning.html): 2012-07-23 · by Elena · Jake’s staring at our kitchen counter like it’s a crime scene. Three different grocery store flyers, last week’s receipts, a half-finishe... - [Ripple effects](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2012/07/12/ripple-effects.html): 2012-07-12 · by Elena · Sitting here scrolling through old blog comments and it’s kind of wild to think about how that random post about running led to Sarah rea... - [Crisis management](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2012/07/01/crisis-management.html): 2012-07-01 · by Elena · Three weeks without consistent heat and suddenly you learn things about each other you never knew. Like how Jake goes into full fix-it mo... - [Uninvited supervisor](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2012/06/20/uninvited-supervisor.html): 2012-06-20 · by Elena · Hour three of cramming for my anatomy final and apparently I’ve attracted some outside supervision. - [Study buddy potential](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2012/06/09/study-buddy-potential.html): 2012-06-09 · by Elena · Floor covered in anatomy diagrams, three different textbooks open, index cards scattered everywhere. This is what my living room looks li... - [Master organizer](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2012/05/29/master-organizer.html): 2012-05-29 · by Elena · Decided this morning would be perfect for tackling our pantry situation. You know how it is - everything shoved wherever it fits, no syst... - [Morning regular](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2012/05/18/morning-regular.html): 2012-05-18 · by Elena · Three days now. Same time, same spot on our window ledge. This little robin shows up every morning around seven-thirty, tilts his head at... - [The process matters](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2012/05/07/the-process-matters.html): 2012-05-07 · by Elena · Funny how planning something can teach you more about yourselves than actually doing it. - [Home base](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2012/04/26/home-base.html): 2012-04-26 · by Elena · Twelve hours on my feet and I’m dragging myself through the door like a zombie. But there’s Jake in the kitchen, plating up what smells l... - [Party hosts recovery mode](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2012/04/15/party-hosts-recovery-mode.html): 2012-04-15 · by Elena · Never again am I letting Carmen convince me that “just a few friends” for Sarah’s graduation means twenty people crammed into our living ... - [Spring fever](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2012/04/04/spring-fever.html): 2012-04-04 · by Elena · Temperature outside: 45 degrees. Jake’s outfit: shorts and a t-shirt. Windows: wide open because “it’s officially spring now.” Logic: now... - [Treasure hunting](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2012/03/24/treasure-hunting.html): 2012-03-24 · by Elena · Jake thought I was crazy when I dragged him out at 8am to hit the neighborhood yard sales, but look what I scored! - [Bone deep](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2012/03/13/bone-deep.html): 2012-03-13 · by Elena · Three hours in and I’ve officially taken over the entire living room floor. - [The good mail](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2012/03/02/the-good-mail.html): 2012-03-02 · by Elena · Found myself just sitting with this letter for twenty minutes today. Not reading it again - I’ve already memorized every word. Just holdi... - [Unexpected expertise](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2012/02/20/unexpected-expertise.html): 2012-02-20 · by Elena · Picture this: I’m three chapters deep into pathophysiology, highlighter in hand, when I hear this weird gurgling sound from the bathroom.... - [Adult responsibilities](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2012/02/09/adult-responsibilities.html): 2012-02-09 · by Elena · Michelle showed up at my door this afternoon with a shoebox full of receipts and that look people get when they realize tax season is act... - [Domestic goddess in training](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2012/01/29/domestic-goddess-in-training.html): 2012-01-29 · by Elena · Decided today was the perfect day to try making Jake’s favorite chocolate cake from scratch. How hard could it be, right? I’ve successful... - [Down the rabbit hole](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2012/01/18/down-the-rabbit-hole.html): 2012-01-18 · by Elena · Started reading about illuminated manuscripts for my art history class this morning. Innocent enough, right? Just needed to understand th... - [Natural teacher](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2012/01/07/natural-teacher.html): 2012-01-07 · by Elena · Spent the afternoon reorganizing all my nursing materials and had this weird moment of clarity. - [Science experiment](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2011/12/27/science-experiment.html): 2011-12-27 · by Elena · Michelle texted me at 9am with “bringing breakfast ingredients over - trust me.” Should have known I was in trouble. - [Grocery store warfare](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2011/12/16/grocery-store-warfare.html): 2011-12-16 · by Elena · Michelle came over this afternoon armed with three weeks’ worth of Sunday circulars and a manila folder that apparently contains her “sys... - [Mirror mirror](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2011/12/05/mirror-mirror.html): 2011-12-05 · by Elena · Jake decided to preheat the oven for leftover pizza this afternoon and somehow managed to scare himself with his own reflection in the ov... - [Letter day](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2011/11/24/letter-day.html): 2011-11-24 · by Elena · The envelope was thin. I almost threw it away thinking it was junk mail. Thank god Jake grabbed it from the counter this morning and actu... - [The planning tells the story](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2011/11/13/the-planning-tells-the-story.html): 2011-11-13 · by Elena · Been thinking all afternoon about how our anniversary weekend came together. - [Finding my rhythm](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2011/11/02/finding-my-rhythm.html): 2011-11-02 · by Elena · Week one of actually getting paid to work at the rec center is officially in the books. - [Crisis management](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2011/10/22/crisis-management.html): 2011-10-22 · by Elena · Sitting here next to our perfectly functioning heating vent, and I keep thinking about last month. - [Kitchen experiment](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2011/10/11/kitchen-experiment.html): 2011-10-11 · by Elena · Carmen showed up this morning with a grocery bag full of corn husks and her grandmother’s handwritten tamale recipe. “How hard could it b... - [Teaching moments](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2011/09/30/teaching-moments.html): 2011-09-30 · by Elena · Spent the afternoon reorganizing my anatomy flashcards and something clicked. - [Cultural analysis](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2011/09/19/cultural-analysis.html): 2011-09-19 · by Elena · Carmen came over tonight to catch up on Friends reruns and somehow we ended up in this massive debate about whether Rachel’s character de... - [Plot twist](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2011/09/08/plot-twist.html): 2011-09-08 · by Elena · Michelle showed up for our usual Friday session and ten minutes in she just started crying. Not workout tears - real tears. Turns out she... - [Send button courage](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2011/08/28/send-button-courage.html): 2011-08-28 · by Elena · Stared at my phone for twenty minutes before finally typing it out: “Hey everyone - wondering if anyone wants to start a regular anatomy ... - [Learning curve](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2011/08/17/learning-curve.html): 2011-08-17 · by Elena · Four shifts down and I’m finally starting to feel like I know what I’m doing. - [Study buddies](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2011/08/06/study-buddies.html): 2011-08-06 · by Elena · Sarah showed up with her anatomy textbook and this brilliant idea that we could quiz each other on muscle origins. Two hours later we’re ... - [Party planning reality check](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2011/07/26/party-planning-reality-check.html): 2011-07-26 · by Elena · Carmen’s engagement party was supposed to be “just a few friends over for champagne.” Somehow that turned into twenty-three people, three... - [Long distance](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2011/07/15/long-distance.html): 2011-07-15 · by Elena · Mom called right after dinner and somehow three hours just disappeared. - [System check](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2011/07/04/system-check.html): 2011-07-04 · by Elena · Spread all my anatomy notes across the living room floor this afternoon and had one of those moments where everything just clicked into p... - [Sunday stretch](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2011/06/23/sunday-stretch.html): 2011-06-23 · by Elena · Jake wandered out of the bedroom this morning to find me already on my mat, and instead of heading straight to the coffee maker like usua... - [Team players](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2011/06/12/team-players.html): 2011-06-12 · by Elena · Three months later and I’m still thinking about our heating disaster. Not because I miss being freezing cold in the bedroom while sweatin... - [Group text courage](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2011/06/01/group-text-courage.html): 2011-06-01 · by Elena · Anatomy final is three weeks away and I’ve been staring at the same chapter for an hour. The smart move would be studying with other peop... - [Deep end](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2011/05/21/deep-end.html): 2011-05-21 · by Elena · T-minus one hour until my first real shift at the rec center and I’m staring at this employee handbook wondering if I accidentally signed... - [Making it official](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2011/05/10/making-it-official.html): 2011-05-10 · by Elena · Spent the afternoon doing something I probably should have done months ago - actually organizing all my tutoring materials instead of jus... - [File under: productive chaos](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2011/04/29/file-under-productive-chaos.html): 2011-04-29 · by Elena · Sarah knocked on my door this afternoon with coffee and an offer I couldn’t refuse - help organizing my training notes that have been liv... - [Planning mode](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2011/04/18/planning-mode.html): 2011-04-18 · by Elena · Sitting here surrounded by confirmation emails, handwritten notes, and a detailed itinerary that would make my mom proud. - [Plot twist](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2011/04/07/plot-twist.html): 2011-04-07 · by Elena · Just had one of those moments where you realize something you do casually actually matters to people. - [Worth every decibel](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2011/03/27/worth-every-decibel.html): 2011-03-27 · by Elena · My ears are still ringing from tonight’s show at the Fox Theatre. Kings of Leon with The Whigs opening - absolutely incredible. - [Crisis management 101](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2011/03/16/crisis-management-101.html): 2011-03-16 · by Elena · Three weeks ago our heater decided to play favorites - blasting the bedroom while leaving the kitchen arctic. Last night we finally got c... - [Group text sent](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2011/03/05/group-text-sent.html): 2011-03-05 · by Elena · Spent twenty minutes staring at my phone before hitting send. “Hey everyone - want to meet up Thursday to go over cardiac anatomy? I’m th... - [Unexpected visitor](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2011/02/22/unexpected-visitor.html): 2011-02-22 · by Elena · Started my morning yoga routine and discovered we have company. This orange tabby has been showing up at our living room window for the p... - [Mind blown](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2011/02/11/mind-blown.html): 2011-02-11 · by Elena · Jake just discovered Netflix’s instant streaming feature and I think his brain might actually be melting. - [Learning curve](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2011/01/31/learning-curve.html): 2011-01-31 · by Elena · Walked out of the rec center tonight with my head spinning and a stack of training materials thicker than my anatomy textbook. - [Emergency hotline](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2011/01/20/emergency-hotline.html): 2011-01-20 · by Elena · Carmen showed up this afternoon with groceries and announced we were making empanadas from scratch. “How hard can it be?” she said, pulli... - [User manual not included](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2011/01/09/user-manual-not-included.html): 2011-01-09 · by Elena · Michelle’s iPhone started making some weird chirping noise today during our training session review. Not the usual text sound - something... - [Sunday check-in](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2010/12/29/sunday-check-in.html): 2010-12-29 · by Elena · Mom called right as I was settling in with my anatomy flashcards this afternoon. Three hours later, the flashcards are exactly where I le... - [Color coded chaos](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2010/12/18/color-coded-chaos.html): 2010-12-18 · by Elena · Whoever invented the color-coding study method deserves a medal. And possibly a straightjacket. My living room floor currently looks like... - [First day nerves](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2010/12/07/first-day-nerves.html): 2010-12-07 · by Elena · Clocked in fifteen minutes early because apparently that’s what responsible employees do. - [Artisan in residence](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2010/11/26/artisan-in-residence.html): 2010-11-26 · by Elena · Carmen showed up this morning with a duffel bag full of soap-making supplies and announced she’s turning my kitchen into her personal wor... - [Fashion consultant](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2010/11/15/fashion-consultant.html): 2010-11-15 · by Elena · Asked Jake to help me fold the clean laundry this afternoon. Twenty minutes later I find him trying on every single shirt like he’s prepa... - [Against my better judgment](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2010/11/04/against-my-better-judgment.html): 2010-11-04 · by Elena · Carmen showed up at nine-thirty with that look in her eyes, the one that usually means trouble. I was already in my sweatshirt and ready ... - [Ambush birthday](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2010/10/24/ambush-birthday.html): 2010-10-24 · by Elena · Walked into my own apartment after my anatomy study session to find Carmen, Sarah, and Jake hiding behind the couch like they’re planning... - [Morning regular](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2010/10/13/morning-regular.html): 2010-10-13 · by Elena · This guy showed up at our kitchen window around seven-thirty, same as he has every morning this week. Just sits there on the sill, head t... - [Network building 101](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2010/10/02/network-building-101.html): 2010-10-02 · by Elena · Sitting here staring at my laptop screen for twenty minutes before finally hitting send. Five different emails to classmates from my Adva... - [Negotiation tactics](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2010/09/21/negotiation-tactics.html): 2010-09-21 · by Elena · Jake has seventeen museum brochures spread across his desk like he’s planning a cultural pilgrimage. I have trail maps covering my yoga m... - [Victory lap](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2010/09/10/victory-lap.html): 2010-09-10 · by Elena · The laundry basket has been giving me dirty looks from the corner of our bedroom for exactly nine days. Not that I was counting or anything. - [Unexpected visitor](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2010/08/30/unexpected-visitor.html): 2010-08-30 · by Elena · Sarah came over to help me meal prep for the week ahead, we’ve been trying to get better about actually planning our groceries instead of... - [Assembly required](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2010/08/19/assembly-required.html): 2010-08-19 · by Elena · Carmen volunteered to help me put together the new bookshelf I’ve been avoiding for three weeks. “How hard can it be?” she said. Famous l... - [Official shift number one](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2010/08/08/official-shift-number-one.html): 2010-08-08 · by Elena · The polo shirt feels different when it’s actually your job. I’ve been volunteering at the rec center for months, but today I clock in for... - [Literary detour](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2010/07/28/literary-detour.html): 2010-07-28 · by Elena · Michelle showed up for our usual check-in about her post-race recovery plan. I had my notebook ready, questions about how her legs felt, ... - [Scheduling dilemma](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2010/07/17/scheduling-dilemma.html): 2010-07-17 · by Elena · Three different people asked me this week if I could help them with anatomy review. Not the random “can you explain this one thing” but a... - [Brain drain central](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2010/07/06/brain-drain-central.html): 2010-07-06 · by Elena · Sarah showed up with her massive stack of anatomy flashcards and the optimistic belief that two heads are better than one. Three hours la... - [Accidental 3am club](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2010/06/25/accidental-3am-club.html): 2010-06-25 · by Elena · Jake’s phone decided to sound the alarm at 3:17am instead of 6:30am. Something about the time change function getting confused, but hones... - [Command central](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2010/06/03/command-central.html): 2010-06-03 · by Elena · Turns out being the person everyone comes to for anatomy help means I should probably make it official. Spent this afternoon creating an ... - [Before the storm](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2010/05/01/before-the-storm.html): 2010-05-01 · by Elena · Sarah knocked on the door twenty minutes early, which should have been my first clue that she was as nervous about tomorrow’s exam as I w... - [Receipt archaeology](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2010/04/20/receipt-archaeology.html): 2010-04-20 · by Elena · Carmen came over to help me sort through my tax stuff, which was optimistic of both of us. Turns out keeping receipts in three different ... - [Ground zero study zone](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2010/04/09/ground-zero-study-zone.html): 2010-04-09 · by Elena · Three exams in four days. My living room looks like a medical textbook exploded. - [Tuesday night wheels](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2010/03/29/tuesday-night-wheels.html): 2010-03-29 · by Elena · Michelle finished her interval workout today and was stretching when she pointed to the roller rink across from the gym. “We should total... - [Professional organizer in disguise](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2010/03/18/professional-organizer-in-disguise.html): 2010-03-18 · by Elena · Michelle came over to help me tackle the disaster zone that is my dorm room, and I’m starting to think she missed her calling. While I’m ... - [Strings attached](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2010/03/07/strings-attached.html): 2010-03-07 · by Elena · Jake’s been trying to teach me guitar for exactly forty-three minutes and I think I’ve successfully mastered making it sound like a dying... - [Double shift documentation](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2010/02/24/double-shift-documentation.html): 2010-02-24 · by Elena · Covering for someone who called in sick means I’m here from noon to close. - [Anti-Valentine's becomes pro-friendship](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/holiday/2010/02/13/anti-valentine-s-becomes-pro-friendship.html): 2010-02-13 · by Elena · Started the day planning to ignore Valentine’s Day completely, but Sarah had other ideas. She texted this morning asking if we wanted to ... - [Natural curiosity](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2010/02/02/natural-curiosity.html): 2010-02-02 · by Elena · Walked past the Museum of Natural Sciences on my way back from the library and realized I’ve never actually been inside. Not for a class,... - [Rental skates and poor decisions](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2010/01/22/rental-skates-and-poor-decisions.html): 2010-01-22 · by Elena · Walking past the campus rink after my anatomy study session, Sarah grabbed my arm and pointed at the sign. ‘Two-dollar Thursday! Come on,... - [Equipment expert in training](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2010/01/11/equipment-expert-in-training.html): 2010-01-11 · by Elena · First week of actually being on the payroll instead of just shadowing, and I think I might survive this job after all. Turns out there’s ... - [Actual planning session](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/holiday/2009/12/31/actual-planning-session.html): 2009-12-31 · by Elena · Five of us crammed around Sarah’s coffee table this afternoon with notebooks and way too much caffeine, turning New Year’s resolutions in... - [Blue people and long lines](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2009/12/20/blue-people-and-long-lines.html): 2009-12-20 · by Elena · Never thought I’d be the type to wait three hours in a parking lot for a movie, but here we are. Carmen bailed last minute (something abo... - [Coffee delivery service](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2009/12/09/coffee-delivery-service.html): 2009-12-09 · by Elena · Jake showed up halfway through my double shift with a vanilla latte and that grin that means he’s definitely up to something. - [Paper trail](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2009/11/28/paper-trail.html): 2009-11-28 · by Elena · Certificate came in the mail yesterday. Three months of anatomy diagrams, practice tests, and way too much caffeine, all folded into one ... - [Business cards and butterflies](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2009/11/17/business-cards-and-butterflies.html): 2009-11-17 · by Elena · Printed fifty business cards this afternoon and suddenly everything feels real. - [Bartending school dropouts](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2009/11/06/bartending-school-dropouts.html): 2009-11-06 · by Elena · Carmen’s 22nd birthday called for something more sophisticated than beer pong, so Sarah volunteered her apartment and I volunteered to he... - [Saturn has rings](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2009/10/26/saturn-has-rings.html): 2009-10-26 · by Elena · Walking past the physics building after my shift tonight, I noticed this weird dome thing on the roof with a warm glow coming from inside... - [Learning the ropes](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2009/10/15/learning-the-ropes.html): 2009-10-15 · by Elena · Week one of actually being responsible for keeping this place running and I’m discovering there’s a lot more to the campus rec center tha... - [Pink happens](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2009/10/04/pink-happens.html): 2009-10-04 · by Elena · Apparently there’s a reason people separate their laundry. - [Customer service comedy](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2009/09/23/customer-service-comedy.html): 2009-09-23 · by Elena · Two weeks of solo shifts and I’m discovering that working at the rec center is less “inspiring people to fitness” and more “explaining th... - [Official business](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2009/09/12/official-business.html): 2009-09-12 · by Elena · Reserved study room 306 for three hours today and sent actual email invitations. Not just the usual “hey want to study?” text, but proper... - [Cranial nerves and crisis mode](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2009/09/01/cranial-nerves-and-crisis-mode.html): 2009-09-01 · by Elena · Carmen showed up at my door with a family-size bag of Cheez-Its and the declaration that we were going to “conquer the nervous system or ... - [Five minutes of courage](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2009/08/21/five-minutes-of-courage.html): 2009-08-21 · by Elena · The sign-up sheet had three names on it when I walked into Brew & Bean tonight. I was just there to grab an iced coffee before headin... - [Office hours by accident](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2009/08/10/office-hours-by-accident.html): 2009-08-10 · by Elena · Third time this week someone’s slid into the chair across from me at Caribou and asked if I could help them with skeletal muscle insertions. - [Long distance everything](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2009/07/30/long-distance-everything.html): 2009-07-30 · by Elena · Dad called right when I was starting to feel sorry for myself about being here all summer instead of home. Something about hearing his vo... - [Helmet hair and heartbeats](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2009/07/19/helmet-hair-and-heartbeats.html): 2009-07-19 · by Elena · Jake’s friend Tommy left his motorcycle parked outside Caribou while he grabbed coffee, and Jake jokingly asked if I wanted to sit on it.... - [Flying solo](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2009/07/08/flying-solo.html): 2009-07-08 · by Elena · Three weeks of training and today was my first shift completely on my own at the rec center. No supervisor hovering over my shoulder, no ... - [Digital breadcrumbs](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2009/06/27/digital-breadcrumbs.html): 2009-06-27 · by Elena · Funny how putting your thoughts out into the void actually brings people back to you. - [Making it official](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2009/06/16/making-it-official.html): 2009-06-16 · by Elena · Reserved study room 204B for two hours today and sent out actual invites to six people from my prerequisite classes. Not just “hey, want ... - [Taking the leap](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2009/06/05/taking-the-leap.html): 2009-06-05 · by Elena · That email has been sitting in my inbox for three days now. The one asking if I’d be interested in doing some paid fitness coaching for a... - [Accidental office hours](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2009/05/25/accidental-office-hours.html): 2009-05-25 · by Elena · Apparently I’ve become the unofficial anatomy tutor at Caribou without actually trying. - [Roadside education](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2009/05/14/roadside-education.html): 2009-05-14 · by Elena · Sarah’s car picked the absolute worst time to start making weird clicking noises. We were literally pulling into the library parking lot ... - [Care package casualties](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2009/05/03/care-package-casualties.html): 2009-05-03 · by Elena · Sarah’s mom sent a care package today, which basically turned us into five-year-olds fighting over the last piece of Halloween candy. - [Unexpected bridges](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2009/04/22/unexpected-bridges.html): 2009-04-22 · by Elena · Three drafts later and I’m still trying to figure out how to write about something I didn’t see coming. - [Rush decisions](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2009/04/11/rush-decisions.html): 2009-04-11 · by Elena · Spent most of today bouncing between different sorority houses for rush events. - [Learning curve](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2009/03/31/learning-curve.html): 2009-03-31 · by Elena · Sarah picked me up for what she called an “easy recovery run” this afternoon. Thirty-five minutes later I’m discovering muscles I didn’t ... - [Taking charge](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2009/03/20/taking-charge.html): 2009-03-20 · by Elena · After helping that girl with her anatomy homework last week, I kept thinking about how many nursing students seem to be struggling with t... - [Field notes from table seven](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2009/03/09/field-notes-from-table-seven.html): 2009-03-09 · by Elena · Been camped out at Caribou for three hours now with my anatomy book, but honestly the people-watching has been way more educational than ... - [Baptism by fire](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2009/02/26/baptism-by-fire.html): 2009-02-26 · by Elena · Turns out there’s a big difference between helping out during my interview and actually being responsible for the front desk during peak ... - [Accidental teacher](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2009/02/15/accidental-teacher.html): 2009-02-15 · by Elena · This girl at the next table kept sighing really loudly over her anatomy book, and I finally couldn’t take it anymore. Walked over and ask... - [Study buddy system](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2009/02/04/study-buddy-system.html): 2009-02-04 · by Elena · Jake and I figured out the perfect solution to our lunch-versus-study-time dilemma. Instead of me feeling guilty about skipping meals or ... - [Study group coordinator](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2009/01/24/study-group-coordinator.html): 2009-01-24 · by Elena · Apparently I’m the type of person who volunteers to organize things now. - [Flour everywhere](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2009/01/13/flour-everywhere.html): 2009-01-13 · by Elena · Decided today was the day I’d finally try making bread from scratch. How hard could it be, right? - [Pancake catastrophe](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2009/01/02/pancake-catastrophe.html): 2009-01-02 · by Elena · Jake decided he was going to surprise me with homemade pancakes this morning. From scratch. Without a recipe. Because apparently measurin... - [Recovery position](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2008/12/22/recovery-position.html): 2008-12-22 · by Elena · Carmen and I dragged ourselves back to my room around 2am and immediately collapsed. - [The great playlist debate](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2008/12/11/the-great-playlist-debate.html): 2008-12-11 · by Elena · Jake came over to study and somehow we ended up in a forty-minute discussion about music organization. He has this elaborate system on hi... - [2am confessions](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2008/11/30/2am-confessions.html): 2008-11-30 · by Elena · There’s something weirdly honest about being alone in the library when it’s completely empty except for the kid in the corner who’s been ... - [Thursday morning panic mode](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2008/11/19/thursday-morning-panic-mode.html): 2008-11-19 · by Elena · Sarah called me at 2pm asking if I wanted to grab coffee, and somehow forty minutes later we’re both registered for the Turkey Trot 5K on... - [Franklin Street bound](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2008/11/08/franklin-street-bound.html): 2008-11-08 · by Elena · Jake’s roommate makes these ridiculous loaded nachos that are basically a full meal disguised as a snack. We demolished an entire plate w... - [Learning the ropes](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2008/10/28/learning-the-ropes.html): 2008-10-28 · by Elena · Jake spent my entire first shift teaching me approximately seventeen different ways the computer system can malfunction. Apparently Tuesd... - [Professional in training](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2008/10/17/professional-in-training.html): 2008-10-17 · by Elena · Three hours of orientation videos and I’m officially employed at the campus rec center. Tonight was my first real shift and let me just s... - [Professional shoppers we are not](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2008/10/06/professional-shoppers-we-are-not.html): 2008-10-06 · by Elena · Sarah texted me this morning asking if I wanted to go to Target for “just laundry detergent and maybe some snacks.” Two hours later we’re... - [Saturday morning survival mode](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2008/09/25/saturday-morning-survival-mode.html): 2008-09-25 · by Elena · Bank account balanced, laundry actually folded instead of living in the basket for three weeks, and I even managed to organize my desk dr... - [Two thousand feet of perspective](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2008/09/14/two-thousand-feet-of-perspective.html): 2008-09-14 · by Elena · Woke up this morning with absolutely no plans and somehow ended up driving two hours to Pilot Mountain by myself. - [F-stop what now?](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2008/09/03/f-stop-what-now.html): 2008-09-03 · by Elena · Sarah met me at Java Joe’s this afternoon with her fancy digital camera and infinite patience. Turns out there’s actually science behind ... - [B-plus beautiful](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2008/08/23/b-plus-beautiful.html): 2008-08-23 · by Elena · My phone buzzed at 6:17am and I honestly thought it was my alarm going off early. Nope - email from Professor Martinez with final anatomy... - [Trail mix and bad directions](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2008/08/12/trail-mix-and-bad-directions.html): 2008-08-12 · by Elena · Carmen showed up at my dorm this morning with two water bottles and absolutely zero plan except “let’s go somewhere.” Next thing I know w... - [Birthday prep mode](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2008/08/01/birthday-prep-mode.html): 2008-08-01 · by Elena · Carmen’s turning 21 tomorrow but we’re celebrating tonight with dinner at that new Italian place on Franklin Street. She showed up to my ... - [Making it official](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2008/07/21/making-it-official.html): 2008-07-21 · by Elena · Spent the afternoon color-coding my planner and trying to figure out if I’m completely insane for what I’m about to do. - [Accidental tutoring session](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2008/07/10/accidental-tutoring-session.html): 2008-07-10 · by Elena · Headed to the rec center this afternoon to meet Carmen for our usual workout when I spotted this girl from my anatomy class looking compl... - [Chapter 12 versus my sanity](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2008/06/29/chapter-12-versus-my-sanity.html): 2008-06-29 · by Elena · Four energy drinks, two protein bars, and approximately seventeen highlighter colors later, I’m starting to think the circulatory system ... - [Midnight strings and sore fingertips](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2008/06/18/midnight-strings-and-sore-fingertips.html): 2008-06-18 · by Elena · Bought this acoustic guitar three weeks ago from some guy on campus for forty bucks and I’m pretty sure he saw me coming from a mile away... - [Inbox conversations](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2008/06/07/inbox-conversations.html): 2008-06-07 · by Elena · Three emails this morning from people asking about starting their own workout routines. Five more asking for study tips. Two asking how I... - [Mile 6.2 and counting](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2008/05/27/mile-6-2-and-counting.html): 2008-05-27 · by Elena · Crossed the finish line at 7:04am this morning and I’m pretty sure my legs forgot how to work properly. - [Teaching moment](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2008/05/16/teaching-moment.html): 2008-05-16 · by Elena · Something amazing happened in study group today. We were all staring at this impossible circulatory system diagram when I just… started e... - [Coffee shop theater](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2008/05/05/coffee-shop-theater.html): 2008-05-05 · by Elena · Trying to memorize the cardiovascular system at Franklin Street Coffee when the table next to me becomes my own personal soap opera. This... - [Saturday morning ritual](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2008/04/24/saturday-morning-ritual.html): 2008-04-24 · by Elena · Carmen dragged me to the farmers market this morning and I’m so glad she did. - [Digital archaeology](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2008/04/13/digital-archaeology.html): 2008-04-13 · by Elena · Staring at this text message for the past twenty minutes and I’m pretty sure I need a PhD in male communication to figure out what “cool,... - [Finding my voice in room 204B](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2008/04/02/finding-my-voice-in-room-204b.html): 2008-04-02 · by Elena · Third week with the nursing study group and something clicked today. Instead of sitting there trying to look like I belonged, I actually ... - [Trial by textbook](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2008/03/22/trial-by-textbook.html): 2008-03-22 · by Elena · Finally made it to that nursing study group I’ve been psyching myself up to join. Three other girls who’ve been meeting for months - they... - [Trial by flashcard](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2008/03/11/trial-by-flashcard.html): 2008-03-11 · by Elena · Walked into that study room at 3pm today with my anatomy book clutched like a security blanket and approximately zero confidence. The nur... - [Found money miracle](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2008/02/29/found-money-miracle.html): 2008-02-29 · by Elena · Carmen came over this afternoon with her usual Wednesday crisis - we’re both completely tapped until our next paychecks hit Friday, but w... - [Blades of glory (or terror)](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2008/02/18/blades-of-glory-or-terror.html): 2008-02-18 · by Elena · Decided today was the day Carmen and I would finally try ice skating. She’s been talking about it for weeks and I kept making excuses bec... - [Weather warriors](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2008/02/07/weather-warriors.html): 2008-02-07 · by Elena · Carmen showed up at my door this afternoon with her running shoes on, ready to drag me outside for our usual Friday run. Only problem? It... - [The Tuskegee files](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2008/01/27/the-tuskegee-files.html): 2008-01-27 · by Elena · Started reading this book for my medical ethics class about the Tuskegee experiments and three hours later I’m deep in a Wikipedia spiral... - [Philosophy majors in the wild](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2008/01/16/philosophy-majors-in-the-wild.html): 2008-01-16 · by Elena · Sitting at Franklin Street Coffee trying to memorize the bones in the human foot when I become an accidental witness to the most pretenti... - [When support changes everything](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2008/01/05/when-support-changes-everything.html): 2008-01-05 · by Elena · Been thinking a lot today about that phone call with my parents last week. - [Heavy lifting and good friends](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2007/12/25/heavy-lifting-and-good-friends.html): 2007-12-25 · by Elena · Carmen called this morning asking if I could help her mom move some furniture around her apartment. Apparently Mrs. Rodriguez decided the... - [Stage fright and spotlights](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2007/12/14/stage-fright-and-spotlights.html): 2007-12-14 · by Elena · Carmen dragged me to Murphy’s tonight and before I could chicken out, she had signed us up for karaoke. My hands were literally shaking w... - [Making it official](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2007/12/03/making-it-official.html): 2007-12-03 · by Elena · Just walked out of the advisor’s office with my major declaration form signed and submitted. Elena Rodriguez, nursing major. Has a nice r... - [Method to the madness](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2007/11/22/method-to-the-madness.html): 2007-11-22 · by Elena · Three weeks of banging my head against this anatomy textbook and tonight something finally clicked. - [Thanksgiving breakthrough](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2007/11/11/thanksgiving-breakthrough.html): 2007-11-11 · by Elena · Had dinner with my parents tonight and something shifted. Dad asked me about my anatomy class struggles and instead of launching into his... - [Death by fake vampire fangs](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2007/10/31/death-by-fake-vampire-fangs.html): 2007-10-31 · by Elena · Carmen found me this afternoon looking like I’d been hit by a truck driven by the Grim Reaper himself. Last night’s Halloween party at Ph... - [Vertical learning curve](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2007/10/20/vertical-learning-curve.html): 2007-10-20 · by Elena · Carmen dragged me to Triangle Rock Club this afternoon with zero warning. Just showed up at my door with climbing shoes in two different ... - [Green thumbs and dirty fingernails](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2007/10/09/green-thumbs-and-dirty-fingernails.html): 2007-10-09 · by Elena · Carmen showed up this afternoon with a bag full of tiny succulents and declared we were having a “plant intervention” in my room. Apparen... - [Mission partially accomplished](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2007/09/28/mission-partially-accomplished.html): 2007-09-28 · by Elena · Three weeks of strategically timing my coffee runs to coincide with Jake’s study sessions and today I finally did it. Actually walked up ... - [Operation perfect study selfie = epic fail](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2007/09/17/operation-perfect-study-selfie-epic-fail.html): 2007-09-17 · by Elena · Spent twenty minutes trying to take one decent photo of myself studying because Matt from my sociology class asked how my Tuesday was goi... - [Breakthrough at 12:47am](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2007/09/06/breakthrough-at-12-47am.html): 2007-09-06 · by Elena · Finally cracked the code on this stupid anatomy chapter that’s been making me want to throw my textbook across the room for three days st... - [Finding my voice at the dinner table](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2007/08/26/finding-my-voice-at-the-dinner-table.html): 2007-08-26 · by Elena · Tonight’s family dinner took an unexpected turn when my dad asked how I’m really feeling about starting nursing prerequisites next week. ... - [Real people read this thing?](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2007/08/15/real-people-read-this-thing.html): 2007-08-15 · by Elena · Just spent the last hour going through comments on my fitness posts and I’m kind of blown away. Like, there are actual people reading thi... - [Training day one: reality bites](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2007/08/04/training-day-one-reality-bites.html): 2007-08-04 · by Elena · Carmen showed up at my dorm at 6:30am with a printed training schedule and this look in her eyes that said ‘I’m about to destroy you.’ Sh... - [Reality check in room 247](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2007/07/24/reality-check-in-room-247.html): 2007-07-24 · by Elena · Seventeen hours into my first nursing prerequisite textbook and I’m officially questioning everything. - [Heavy lifting and friendship](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2007/07/13/heavy-lifting-and-friendship.html): 2007-07-13 · by Elena · Carmen called at 9am asking if I could help her move the last of her stuff to her new place near campus. Obviously I said yes because tha... - [Math breakthrough (finally!)](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2007/07/02/math-breakthrough-finally.html): 2007-07-02 · by Elena · Carmen convinced me to tackle pharmacy calculations today instead of putting them off until August like I was planning. Thank GOD she did... - [Market research](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2007/06/21/market-research.html): 2007-06-21 · by Elena · Carmen texted me at 8am asking if I wanted to check out the farmers market downtown. Apparently she’s been meaning to go for weeks but ne... - [Competitive streak activated](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2007/06/10/competitive-streak-activated.html): 2007-06-10 · by Elena · Three weeks of working out with Carmen and I’ve officially become one of those people who tracks every single rep. - [Unexpected workout buddy](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2007/05/30/unexpected-workout-buddy.html): 2007-05-30 · by Elena · Carmen and I just finished destroying ourselves at the rec center (her idea of a “light cardio day” nearly killed me) when this little or... - [Processing and planning](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2007/05/19/processing-and-planning.html): 2007-05-19 · by Elena · Just got off a two-hour phone call with my parents about the whole nursing thing. - [Trail mix and life talks](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2007/05/08/trail-mix-and-life-talks.html): 2007-05-08 · by Elena · Carmen suggested we get out of Chapel Hill for the day and I am SO glad I said yes. Falls Lake is only like 45 minutes away but it felt l... - [Workout buddy status: official](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2007/04/27/workout-buddy-status-official.html): 2007-04-27 · by Elena · Carmen and I finally synced our schedules and hit the rec center together today! - [Morning after clarity](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2007/04/16/morning-after-clarity.html): 2007-04-16 · by Elena · Nothing like waking up in yesterday’s jeans to make you think about your life choices. - [Death by flashcards](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/everyday/2007/04/05/death-by-flashcards.html): 2007-04-05 · by Elena · Seventeen hours straight of studying and I’m pretty sure I can name every bone in the human body but I’ve forgotten how to form complete ... - [Following my gut (finally)](https://www.thehartwellfamily.com/storyline/2007/03/25/following-my-gut-finally.html): 2007-03-25 · by Elena · Three hours at UNC Hospital today and I think I’ve figured something out.