The Weekender 10/3/25
Madonna, AF dance parties, lymph health and a new NA that transports straight to Italy.
Life is big and full, and if we are lucky, we will stay multi-passionate, curious, and perpetual students of life. The perpetual student part was something a loved one said to me once when describing me, but it wasn’t in a nice way. But I adored that label and took it with honors. Who doesn’t want to keep learning, discovering, and trying new things? I never want to stay the same or do the same thing over and over, day in and day out. Monotony is a four-letter word to me. I thrive as a nurse because I also have a purposeful, creative outlet (tSG) outside of nursing. If I focused on only one thing, I would eventually start losing interest, and that would turn into loathing and resentment. Even as a nurse, I have tried many different types of nursing, because I never want to get too comfortable.
The same goes for showing up here. I love to write about the AF lifestyle because it encompasses so much more than just the acute quit phase. In this space, I get to share all the things that I love and find useful for this chosen way of life, as well as incorporate my knowledge and experience as someone educated in the Western medical world.
Each Weekender is essentially a list of all my favorite AF things to try, see and do.
The interview heard around the world—Madonna x Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast. As a Gen Xer, and I assume many of you are as well, I was thrilled to listen to this. This is her first interview in nearly a decade. It felt like a quiet luxury to listen to.
After working a 12.5-hour shift, my body is spent, especially my legs. While putting my legs up the wall is one thing, lately, I need more help. For the last two weeks, I have been using the Therabody Jetboots Prime and we are in love. I say we because, of course, my husband stole them immediately, as he always does. If you are a nurse or a first responder, you can get 20% off via ID.me. Big score! Additionally, if you are a medical professional, you should be aware of ID.me for numerous discounts. I always check it before making big purchases.
On the topic of lymphatic support, I see a lot of influencers recommending compression socks. But I have noticed that they are more designer socks and light on the compression. Personally, I’m intense, so if I am going to wear stockings or socks with a purpose, I prefer them to be as tight as possible. Medical-grade compression socks actually need a prescription. However, you can get excellent ones online, and make sure they are at least 20-30mmHg. I go full granny mode and wear the waist-high stockings, I don’t care. They are also great on planes! Not only am I saving my legs, but I also don’t get as tired.
Now this is a brilliant idea, and if you know these ladies, give them a high-five from me. The Five-to-Nine Club is a women-only, alcohol-free dance party, from five to nine (obvi) in Baton Rouge, LA. While I am nowhere near LA, if you are, please go! The next one is scheduled for Oct 7th. I wish every city had this! Spread the word, or start your own please and thank you.
OK, you knew I was going to say it. Ghia dropped a new flavor of NA drinks. I absolutely love seeing this company and its founder win.
The herb that is in heavy rotation lately. Eye Health from HerbPharm. If you are staring at your phone, computer, or TV all day long (like most), and especially if you are a Gen Xer, I know you need this. When perimenopause hit, it felt like my eyesight changed overnight. It was fast and drastic. This herbal concoction won’t reverse it, but I find it does alleviate some of the effects.
Happy AF Weekending!
