5 Things I Love Friday

What. a. week. Wow – one week officially into 2021 and I am exhausted. Let’s cut the chit-chat and dive right into this week’s edition, shall we?

5 Things I Love Friday

Meet Indi. Have you ever seen such a cute face?! He is the son of a family I love. On Monday, he was running an extremely high fever and 24 hours later, he became unresponsive and was taken to one of the best pediatric hospitals in the area.

He has some underlying health challenges which may be contributing, but the tests and scans being run are coming back looking normal with a lack of clear cause or direction for treatment. His fever remains high and he continues to be unresponsive. The doctors anticipate a long stay for Indi as more tests are being ordered to try and find some answers.

If you are the praying type, this family could really use it. If you are the giving type, a GoFundMe has been set up to help Lindsey, Eric, Indi, and their growing family.

Last fall, I got an assignment to cover a 96 year-old veteran. I called Alan Lombardi, who happened to be driving back to New Jersey from NYC, “Kait I need to call you back when I get back to the office…” When he called back, we spent two hours on the phone talking about things like how he was so stressed on D-Day at Normandy he ate an entire box of Mounds candy and getting separated from his unit during an air raid in Belgium. When I hung up, I cried. There’s a reason they are called “The Greatest Generation” and this was easily my favorite interview of 2020. You can read all about Alan and his incredible story in the January issue of GI Jobs.

Is it me or is there a giant (more than usual) focus on weight loss this year? I know that with the start of the new year always comes a focus on ‘new year, new me’ style marketing, but I feel like this year it is tenfold. Last year was hard. This year isn’t looking any easier, so I guess this is just your reminder that if you are alive and healthy, you are doing a great job. 

This week, I saw that one of my favorite brands, Athleta, launched a sleepwear collection. I got quite a few new pairs of pajamas for Christmas, so I’m holding out (for now), but if you’ve ordered I would love to know your thoughts. As good as everything else Athleta makes? I’ve got my eye on the culottes!

Worthy Reads From Around The Web 

What If You Could Do It All Over? | A closer look at our un-lived lives

Hoda’s Emotional Run-In With Former Boss | Gave me goosebumps in a good way

Story Behind Viral Photo of Women Carrying Electoral College Votes | A good read 

In photos: The pro-Trump coup attempt that took over Congress | What the history books will show one day

Where The Pandemic Will Take America In Year Two | A good breakdown of how COVID-19 is covered

The Hilaria Baldwin Controversy, Explained | If you are just as confused as I am…

Majestic Dogs Pose In Natural Landscapes Like Travel Influencers | The smile we all need