Establishing a Base Camp
Is not just for climbers of Mount Everest.
Greetings from my home office, which I’ve recently organized and tidied up after a couple of press trips, tax season, and general small business remnants stopped in for an office visit and never left. Most associated items are either back in their respective places or on a postal truck with half my money, headed for my pal Sam’s bank account.
Now, tax season alone tends to tip the scales and make one feel a little off and overwhelmed by papers.
And numbers.
BUT.
If you’ve been following along, you know that we’re in the middle of some renovations at my casa. (ICYMI, read about our bathroom reno where we’re saying adios to what I call “Liberace’s Palace.”)
That said, if you’ve gone through a reno of any sort, you know that it throws everything off. Our dining room table is pushed against the window, covered with art from the walls, while the remainder of the room holds a vanity, medicine cabinets, lights, and my favorite dining room accessory…a toliet.
All boxed and ready for a near-future install.
The $*#tshow continues throughout our house as various bedroom and bathroom items have been displaced. And please, don’t expect any great outfit combos from me, because your guess where half my clothes are is as good as mine.
It’s all good, believe me. I am so excited and grateful to have a new bathroom on the way.
And, of course… I know the chaos is temporary and this is nothing on the grand scale of things.
Roger (all of) that.
It’s just that…
I don’t know about you, but sentiments like “this is nothing” annoy the *bleep* out of me. It’s like telling someone who’s getting divorced that their spouse’s affair is just a symptom of something else. Harry understands. Yes, we can “bright side” or “could be worse” or “must be a sign” any one of our problems, but those helpful reminders aren’t always helpful.
That’s because…
Every this is nothing is actually something
in the eye of the beholder.
Step into my $*#tshow and tell me how that nothing feels.
Bottom line…
The sky does not have to also be falling to justify why something “minor” is bothering you.
With this sentiment in mind, I’ve created a strategy to cope with times when a this is nothing situation is messing with your mojo. And wouldn’t you know, those nothings are What I’d Rather Be Talking About this week.
In the midst of the chaos from my nothing, I developed a strategy…
I decided my office would be my base camp.
Not in the sense of the Mount Everest base camp (I could never survive on freeze dried food, sleep outside, or climb those heights)…
but rather, I used the principle of a base camp to offer some relief.
A base camp, per my AI research assistant, looks like this: “In essence, the principle of a base camp, whether for mountaineering, military operations, or other activities, is to serve as a central hub for supplies, shelter, and communication, providing a secure and organized location for planning and executing activities.”
So I tidied things up and stocked up on some essential supplies so that my office can serve as my base camp. It’s the one place I feel secure and organized so I can launch into whatever activities I need to accomplish.
I can’t tell you how good it feels to have a room that’s clutter-free, clean, and just plain (as my dad would say) pleasant.
Now, you don’t need to have a bathroom demo going on to feel chaos or disarray. In case you haven’t noticed, chaos is trending in 2025.
In fact, I bet if you’re reading this, you probably have a this is nothing situation that’s something pretty freakin’ major in your world.
And while we may not be able to make those nothings go away, we can create spaces for ourselves where we feel safe and calm, if only for a few minutes at a time.
Inviting you to create or find your base camp.
Fill it with chocolate, tea, moonshine, aromatherapy, puppies, baby goats… whatever floats your boat.
I promise you’ll like it there.
With that, moving on to the links where I’ve got some strategies in making various rooms in your house feel safe and cozy… like a base camp.
Also, as always, lifestyle advice, podcast recs, and a ton of surprises, each offering a new idea to take (or not) into your daily lives.
Enjoy!
let’s talk about connecting
Calling your inner Norm… here’s an incredible piece by one of my favorite Substacks -Nedra Nuggets - on the power of being a regular. Plus, find out what happens when you say hello to strangers while traveling the world… in this episode of Extra Pack of Peanuts.
let’s talk travel
When I’m on the road, I try my best to bring the things that make me feel at home… such as a travel blender, all my powders and tinctures, and slippers.
One thing I always take is a collapsable “vessel” for jewelry, glasses, and all the stuff I’d otherwise put on the nightstand. These gestures help me stay organized and at home. Next trip, I’ll try these hotel hacks for an even homier feel.
Also… Jenga isn’t just a Hasbro game, it’s a strategy for packing lighter. If you still have trouble packing, use these Chat GPT prompts to get the aliens to help.
on making your home feel homier
When we move back into our bedroom/bathroom after our bathroom remodel (two weeks and counting!), I’m totally vibing up our bedroom using this advice from home stagers, plus I’m trying to incorporate some Moroccan vibes into our space.
Also, I’m going to completely declutter and spring clean our home. Watch for before and after pics.
an interview with so many takeaways
A great watch is