2nd Avenue – yoga, writing, cooking, and whatever else catches my fancy

Ducking the US

Before the current administration imposed tariffs on Canadian goods (and those from Mexico and China) and President Trump took to calling Prime Minister Trudeau ‘Governor’ (and threatening to make Canada, Greenland, and Panama part of the States), I wanted to create some distance from the US. Initially, my motivation was related to gun violence and then to the first Trump presidency—and now there’s even more reason to stay away and spend money elsewhere.

Here’s how I’ve been voting with my dollars over the last few years and how I’m stepping up avoiding US-based goods and services. It takes effort and mindfulness and I am not absolutist in my approach (well, other than bourbon, Levis, and Harley Davidson). I’m not suggesting my self-imposed limits are right for anyone else (case in point: my other half sometimes enjoys a little bourbon) or judging others’ purchasing decisions (loving Tar-jay or Val-de-Mart is not something to feel guilty about), but making thoughtful choices makes me feel a tiny bit better about the state of the world and my role in it.

Making 180 days more comfy

Part of the relocation package when we’ve moved with Tony’s work is a place to live upon arrival. This not only gives us somewhere to lay our heads, but also facilitates the necessary immigration admin like registering with local authorities (essential for Germany, Switzerland, and Denmark), getting set up with bank accounts, and all the rest.

When we moved to Switzerland and the UK, the company provided temporary accommodation (basically an Airbnb) for a month. The apartments are furnished (interior designers for such corporate housing tend to be fans of faux leather sofas) and include the basics (bedding and towels, rudimentary kitchen equipment, a TV), but lack any sense of homeyness.

A colourful blanket and socks in the foreground with a window behind. Looks very cosy and comfy — A bit of cosiness in our temporary flat

With this move to Denmark, we get three months accommodation, which is great—and a long time to live somewhere relatively soul-less.

After a few relocations, we’ve learnt to pack a few beyond-basic items that make everyday life more comfortable. Here’s what we brought this time around…

Starting again (again)

The author (Laura) grinning with a Christianshavn canal and clear blue skies in the background. Showing how delightful it is to be back in Denmark. — Hej fra Christianshavn! Det er dejligt at være tilbage i Danmark! (*Hello from Christianshaven! It’s delightful to be back in Denmark!*)

Another (much welcome) relocation. Another temporary flat (thankfully quite comfortable). Another monsoon of admin (visas, residency registrations, bank accounts, insurance, it feels like the list never ends).

New streets to learn. New transit options to figure out (so many Metro stops opened in 2024!). New paths to explore (and familiar ones to retread).

Selected short reading (vol. 7)

It’s International Transgender Day of Visibility, which celebrates transgender people and their contributions to society, along with raising awareness about discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide.

I’m joining in the celebrations by recommending a couple short pieces by trans authors.

I love libraries — and their deposits

I’ve got a thing for libraries. I visit them on vacation (including dragging family members to the main branch of Seattle Public Library shortly after it opened in 2004), make special trips to see them (like a worthwhile pilgrimage to the St Gallen monastery library in Switzerland*), and consider them top post-relocation destinations (even before getting health care sorted). I have a masters degree in Library and Information Studies and, several lives ago, spent many Saturdays doing reference desk duty at a public library.

I borrow hundreds of ebooks and digital magazines every year, although I’d prefer not to disclose precisely how many library cards I currently have 🙈

Libraries are perpetually intriguing to me. My latest fascination is deposit libraries, an old concept with some modern complications.

The in-between time

We’re in the midst of relocating from Switzerland to England. And, as with any move, there is much (oh so much) that can only become clear in the fullness of time. I know that patience is necessary, but I’m struggling with the culturally conditioned drive for productivity.

I want to jump into action (find a place to teach yoga! start the job search! investigate dog adoption!), but inaction is far more appropriate in so many areas.

Countdown to calm

Keeping calm and counting on five fingers

On a Sunday evening a couple weeks ago, I got stuck in an elevator with a friend and his six-year-old kid. Panic was inevitable.

My anxiety transformed into a super power in that elevator, though (so much practice halting my own downward spirals!). And I wanted to share the straightforward trick that helped me and that six-year-old avoid a full meltdown.