1. I have to sneak these Early Morning Confessions posts into the mix when I have a lot to share, don’t have the mental bandwidth to make multiple separate posts, and am eons behind in my posting. Then again…who even cares/knows if I am “behind?” Does anyone even read this blog anymore? Beuller…Beuller…
2. Summer has been in full swing over here, and for me that means go, go, gooooinggg. I try to be mindful of how much I bite off per week to prevent any type of burn out/flair ups, but for the past few weeks I have been living the epitome of YOLO. From friends visiting town, to nice weather, to the FOMO of summer ending I have been trying to do it all.
Duncan and I have been trying to get out on our bikes more this year, and we have spent a few weekends going to an island near us where it’s safer to bike. We have biked here twice lately – one 15 miler and one 20 miler. In the middle of each ride we stopped to have a baked good and some coffee. It’s the little things for me, like finding a gluten free treat at a new to me coffee shop.
3. I went blueberry picking recently and came home with 3.5lbs of berries. I have since made two batches of muffins, and I cannot get enough. The first batch made 12 muffins, and I ate 9 of those within 3 days. Can’t stop, won’t stop with the muffins.
4. Good thing I have been hiking more than anything this summer (after those muffins), and I had a few back to back adventures this month. First I had a friend visiting who I met while working in Yellowstone. He is one of those hardcore masochists who never seem to run out of energy. We went for a 14 mile hike passing by one of my favorite alpine lakes.
We had a full 8 hour adventure and it was so lovely to catch up on life.
Next I went for a hike with a girl I met in Germany, she was one of my roommates! She has since moved to Olympia, and is close enough for occasional get togethers. I dragged Duncan with me on this one because she and he are two weirdo peas in a pod. Obviously I am also a part of this pod, but it’s always a special treat with I can combine people in my life smoothly.
We hiked Mount Storm King, giving us beautiful aerial views of Lake Crescent.
5. Something that really grinds my gears is when the egg carton is not evenly distributed with the remaining eggs. Like…when someone pulls from one side exclusively and the entire carton is off balance when you pick it up. If I stumble onto a carton like this in the fridge I will move the eggs around until they are well balanced within the carton.
6. Piggybacking off of confession #4, the same weekend of my Storm King/Lake Crescent hike I went back to Lake Crescent that Monday for a bike ride with a few of my coworkers/friends. We planned to bike this section of the Olympic Discovery Trail, and we managed a good 28 miles of fun. This time instead of an aerial view of the lake, I got to bike right next to the lake.
We stopped at a tiny yet grossly overpriced general store where I bought a canned version of Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew. It was delicious.
7. All this business (I have also been working more) has left me with minimal mental energy to read lately. I have managed to finish a few books this month, one of which delighted my entire soul. I read All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot, and I cannot wait to read each book that follows this one. What a joyful man. I laughed, I cried, I raged (the farmers of the 1930’s have no chill), and I learned a thing or to about veterinary medicine. 10/10.
8. While I have been active the last few weeks, I have made sure to prioritize quality time with my best pal. Call me crazy, but I can tell a difference in his well being when I am away from home for too long (hence why I don’t go far), and I prioritize spending time with him as much as possible.
9. Buckle up for this one, I am about to pop off. I would be remiss if I did not share with the public the chaos that is Black and Decker customer service. Yeah, I am about to be THAT PERSON. Last summer I bought a portable AC unit after decades without. I’m a Washingtonain, we don’t need AC. Alas, I decided to bite the bullet. I used the unit for around two months last summer and tucked her away.
Three months ago we got the unit back out, and she was acting like a basic fan. Blowing air, but not frigid air. After talking with Black and Decker customer service they advised me that the compressor was likely shot and they would send me a new one free of charge. EXCELLENT, what great service I thought.
A full month goes by and I finally receive a new unit. I immediately knew something was wrong when I saw how mangled the box was. I then saw someone else’s address on a shipping label elsewhere on the box, and when I opened the box I found a dirty unit that smelled of a woman’s perfume. It’s ok, I’m fine, it’s 90 degrees when I received the used replacement, but I know mistakes happen.
I call and get a new agent, he is clearly mortified and ensures me he will make it right and send me a new unit. Another month goes by, I am following up each week, and after my third follow up he informs me they don’t have my unit in stock, but they can send me an upgraded one. Ok, sure, fine, but maybe you could have let me know this instead of waiting for me to reach out?
I get the new unit, I open the box, and the HOSE THAT CONNECTS THE UNIT TO THE WINDOW (to blow out the hot air) IS BROKEN. At this point I can’t help but laugh, I don’t even know what is going on anymore. I tell them what happened, and they offer to send me a new hose. SURE, GREAT, that would be swell, by the time I get a working unit the summer will be over, but YES PLEASE.
Fast forward to two weeks ago, which is now over three months since this all started. I haven’t heard anything from them despite them telling me they would send me a tracking number for the hose. Then I suddenly see the package on my steps and I am pumped. Finally this will all be over, and I will be able to chill my bones in the hades heat of the summer. I open the box, and IT’S THE WRONG HOSE. The hose is still missing one of the end pieces, and the other end has a piece meant for a different unit.
I have reached out YET AGAIN, and they are sending me the “correct” hose. I ended up taping the broken hose to attempt to make it work in some way, but I have lost my ever loving mind at this point, and I will never be buying another Black and Decker item in my life. Thank you for listening. That is all.
10. My mom left her interior light on over the weekend recently, and when she went to start her car next her battery had died. Duncan and I decided we would change her battery ourselves (mostly Duncan), so we took the battery out of her car and took it to O’Reilly’s for them to test the battery. It was shot, so we bought a new one and Duncan put it in. Meanwhile I changed out her cabin air filter.
This was incredibly liberating, saving money always gets my serotonin flowing.
Alright. That’s enough for one post.
Q: What’s your confession?
Blissfulbritt 
60 thoughts on “Early Morning Confessions”
TimeRichFi
I reckon at this stage Black & Decker should be giving you a new unit and a refund. Hope all goes well 🙂
Brittany
I think on the third mishap I told them I wasn’t sure this was working out and that I’d like a refund, but of course that wasn’t acknowledged. Using the unit right now with the packing tape is allowing it to work, but also the point is that I want a non broken hose that doesn’t need packing tape! 😂
It’s been so hot here I think I’ve just been thankful for any unit that blows cold. We shall see if I get the right hose eventually.
pausesandclicks
I’m still reading Brittany and always enjoy your posts. And I’m also one of those “egg carton balancers!”
Brittany
Us egg carton people will unite! It’s such a funny little pet peeve. I wrote this above in a reply too, but I’ve nearly dropped the carton multiple times because the eggs were all to one side!
matt
If it helps, you’re only “THAT PERSON” when the customer service actually exists.
Brittany
HAHAHA this one made me laugh out loud. Amen!! I have worked customer service jobs for so many years of my life, and when I experience a poorly run system all I can think about is how much better it could be handled. To me this all screams a lack of organization, and the continual excuse is: “this is our busy season thank you for your patience.”
matt
I try to be patient with customer service people, even when it’s pretty bad. Usually, the person in the trenches isn’t the one who made the decisions leading to poor experience for customers.
But.. what you’re describing is an excrement exhibition of the first order.
Brittany
10000% with you. I will always be patient, I think everyone should have to work at least 6 months of CS just to be aware what it’s like to be on the other end. However, I agree that this situation is on another level of chaos. 🤣
Emily B
I’m still reading Brittany! I love seeing the pictures of your hikes – so beautiful. I wish wish wish I had that kind of scenery nearby.
Brittany
I wish you did too!! I’m thankful I don’t take these views for granted just because I live near them.
Roy McCarthy
Just reading your lifestyle wears me out Britt. Do you never sit down and do nothing (which I do lots). You’ll probably know that All Creatures Great and Small was adapted into a very successful TV series – not sure if it was shown outside of the UK though.
Brittany
I did see that it was adapted into a show!! I have not watched it, but I should look into it. Did you watch it? And yes I absolutely have days where I do nothing…but they are few. Usually when I’ve been doing too much and my body forces me to stop. 😂 In fact it happened just yesterday and for the entire morning I was useless. Then, at 3pm my energy came back and I was up and moving! I will say if I know I have a big hike coming, the day before I will do as little as possible. Haha.
Roy McCarthy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bU9CmGJTdYc&list=PLbD6vM9jvwIChPR4TAfb5fXX3i-4OGZku I don’t know if this series can be viewed where you are Britt.
Brittany
Looks like I can watch it on PBS! 🙌🏻
Bonnie Rae
I’m a new reader of your blog but a loyal one. Living vicariously through your adventures is a good way to experience the PNW in ways I might not otherwise have a chance to enjoy. I suspect all of us bloggers wonder if we’re reaching our audience, but at the end of the day, it’s enough that we do it for ourselves. That said, Brava! ( That Black & Decker story is ferociously funny and reminds us never to take ourselves too seriously)
Brittany
You are absolutely right, in fact just the other day I was going through old posts to share something with my partner. I said to him “this is why I love blogging.” It’s like an internet diary I can always refer back to! Thank you for being here too, and I’m glad you enjoyed the B&D story. It’s too insane not to be funny.
hyddyr
So identify with the balanced egg carton! It’s a metaphor for life isn’t it? And All Creatures Great and Small (ACGS) is marvelous. You will definitely enjoy it! B&D service needs an actual letter sent via USPS with a stamp! Just copy and paste from here. No need to rewrite other than to add that it’s from your blog. Harrumph! Grrrrrrr! And, final confession for me, YES still reading and loving the photos. ❤ So happy for your sweet >^•^< . Enjoy(?) this heat wave we’re having and, please, keep blogging for all of us.
Brittany
LOL I’m so glad I’m not alone with the egg carton. Cracking me up to hear others feel the same. I just started book two in the All Creatures series, I adored book one! The writing is excellent and so fun.
B&D will be the death of me. I’m thankful the taping of the broken hose with packing tape has allowed me to use the unit at least because this heat wave has been rough! 🤪
1navypatriot
Number five had me rolling on the floor. I am the exact same way. I hated, (I know, strong word), when the kids made eggs for breakfast. Like a mother hen, I would stand over their shoulders and make sure the eggs in the carton were balanced. Who does that? Apparently you and I do. 😉😅🥰
Yes, I still read your blog without fail everytime you post. Your words keep me in touch with what’s going on in your life; makes me feel like I’m sharing a part of it right there with you.
Love you,
Honey
Brittany
Hahahahaha how have I never seen this egg carton hovering of yours?? I don’t understand why everyone wouldn’t want the carton balanced! I’ve nearly dropped it more than once because all the eggs were to just one side.
Thank you for always being here. I love you toooo. ❤️❤️
Sheree
Getting out more on your bikes is great
Brittany
I so wish I could go out my back door and immediately get on the bike. It’s harder to find the motivation when I have to put the bike rack on and drive 30-40 mins away. But I’m always glad after I’ve done it!
Sheree
I know exactly what you mean Brittany
C.A. Post
I usually read your posts and pray for you and Duncan as I do.
As for the B&D fiasco, customer service just ain’t what it used to be!
I have had a few encounters that were difficult to handle such as this, from having to fire a mason who would not complete his task and ALWAYS have excuses, to arguing with a shop that had a sign in it, “Low price is long forgotten after poor service is long remembered.” Apparently they had not read their sign in a while.😏
As for the eggs… okay, you are officially neurotic!😂
❤️&🙏, c.a.
Brittany
I think as I’ve gotten older my need for things to be a certain way have gotten worse! Have I ever mentioned how when I open a new jar of any kind of nut or seed butter (almond butter, peanut butter, sunflower seed butter) I have to get all of the foil covering off? If there is any remnants of the safety seal left on the sides of the jar it bothers me. 😅
As someone who has worked customer service jobs for most of my working life it baffles me when people drop the ball so bad! I don’t need you to bend over backwards for me, I don’t even need you to smile at me, I just need you to do the basic job correctly. Like providing me with the item I paid for. 🫠
C.A. Post
As YOU’ve gotten older!? Woman, that makes me a dinosaur‼️😂
Okay, I guess I am neurotic also, as I feel the pain your feel when the foil won’t come off the jar top! Anita has caught me using my pocket knife to make it right.
I am also an official member of the Grammar Police:https://capost2k.wordpress.com/2022/01/05/beware-im-joining-the-force/
“…when people drop the ball so badLY!” You’re welcome, but just watch it next time.😎
Brittany
I’m dead. Grammar police away, because I’ll do it too. Clearly there is more for me to learn! 🤣🤣
Melissa Widmaier
That egg carton thing gets me too. LOL.
I’ve been a fan of James Herriot since I was small. My mom would read his children’s books to me. My youngest likes “Smudge, the Little Lost Lamb” but I haven’t read “Only One Woof” to him yet. Herriot has an idyllic charm.
Brittany
I only recently discovered James Herriot and he is such a delight! His writings are so inviting and I truly feel like I’m reading something from a pal. How wonderful you were able to grow up with his books. And now to pass them on to your little one. ❤️
Egg carton balancers unite. 🤣
Duncan
It’s been quite the active summer and I am thrilled to be a part of it!
Storm King was great, I’m not sure I’d do it again soon because of the crowds, who knows, maybe a sunrise hike there sometime!
Always happy to be of service to you or your mom, gives me the chance to utilize the very little automotive knowledge that I have retained.
The black and decker saga has been so infuriating, and the fact that it still isn’t completely resolved is so absurd that I still have difficulty processing it.
Here’s to a few more adventures before summer ends!
xoxox
Duncan
P.S
I was unaware of the egg pet peeve, I’m sure I have contributed to the chaos that is the carton
Brittany
Now you will never forget. I actually don’t know if I’ve noticed it with your eggs, but my mom is the most common offender. She read this post and immediately went to mess with me by scrambling the eggs (not literally) in the carton.
Brittany
We can rest when the sun is gone!
XxooO
The Omil
The Herriot books were the subject of a very good and long running TV series here in the UK from the late 1970s into the 80s (with a new version started in 2020). I wonder if they are available to you in the USA?
Brittany
I just found the new version available through PBS! I will absolutely be watching.
The Omil
If it’s half as good as the original, it will be worth watching (but keep an eye open for the original).
Thistles and Kiwis
Looks like you had a great summer! My confession? I love talking about food, about cooking.
Brittany
This is a great confession!! I love hearing people talk about food. I love taking photos of beautiful food. Food is life. 🤣
Valerie Writes
Oh man, to wait three months to get the A/C corrected and working is called PATIENCE. I’m sorry you went through all that.
Brittany
I think because I spent so many years without the unit I was able to just roll with the punches. Thankfully we only get a few weeks of hot weather here, but it’s the hot season now!!! Patiently waiting for the correct hose. 🤪 I’m able to use the broken hose with lots of packing tape, but that’s definitely not a long term solution.
mjeanpike
Sounds like a busy and beautiful summer (except for the AC debacle. Aarrrgh!) For the record, I enjoy your blog very much 🙂
Brittany
I hope to squeeze in a few more summer adventures, and I hope I can come back home to a COOL living space. 🤪
mjeanpike
I hope you can, too 🙂 The heat and humidity have been brutal in southern Ohio this summer. I’m so ready for fall!
Peg
1. 🙋🏼♀️ First off, I am still reading your blog, and still enjoying it.
2. So glad to hear you are riding your bikes. That used to be a thing I looked forward to every summer, but didn’t get to last year because of my fall, and I have been scared to get back on it this year, afraid of another fall. Fingers crossed for next year. Of course, I never rode as far as you guys do. Nice pic of the two bikes “kissing tires”.
3. Wow, I bet those muffins were delicious!
4. Once again, gorgeous pictures from your hikes. I am glad you have so many friends who like to hike with you.
5. I am kinda that way about the egg carton, too.
6. Nice bike ride, 28 miles! When I was young I used to ride my bike around the residential neighborhoods of my hometown, and I think I may have gotten that many miles in a couple of times.
7. I agree with you about James Herriot’s books. I read a few of them several years ago and loved them. I am having trouble with staying awake while listening to my audiobooks these days, I keep falling asleep and then I wake up and I’m way far ahead in the story, LOL!
8. Totally understandable about not wanting to leave your furbaby for too long. We’re that way as well. Loving the toe beans pic!
9. Sorry you had such a bad experience with B&D. They used to be a respectable company way back when, but like a lot of others, not anymore.
10. Lucky you to have a boyfriend who is also handy with doing repairs! Yay for Duncan!!
Hope this LONG comment is okay, but I really, really enjoyed this blog and wanted to let you know.
Brittany
I ADORE your long comment. Thank you for everything you wrote. I’m glad you’re here, I appreciate you and I enjoy your friendship!
I don’t blame you for being trepidatious about biking, falling of any sorts is scary. I will be sending good vibes your way to get you back on your bike.
Sometimes I will listen to my audiobooks before bed on purpose to help me get sleepy. Works nearly every time! But thankfully I can catch it before I fully fall asleep so I can stop the book.
Sarah W
Always love reading your posts and looking at the photos too! Hope you enjoy watching the Herriot series. There’s even a museum here in the UK, not visited yet but definitely on my list-World of James Herriot Museum | Home of All Creatures Great & Small
Brittany
A museum!? This is so wonderful!! I will have to visit next time I am in the UK. Thank you for sharing!
Grace @ Cultural Life
Freshly picked blueberries sound wonderful! They don’t grow in the UK but we have bilberries, their wild cousins which grow in moorland and forested areas. A smaller, less sweet version.
I loved the James Herriot series as a child. Reading those books over and over made me want to become a vet! I grew up not very far from the place where James Herriot lived. He fictionalised the name of the town but it’s based on the real-life town of Thirsk in North Yorkshire, also home to the museum. And, fun fact, he was the vet for a friend of my mum’s (my claim to fame haha).
Can’t believe the Black and Decker saga. That’s beyond a joke! I hope it finally gets sorted out for you soon.
Brittany
I don’t think I’ve ever had a bilberry! Do they taste similar to blueberries??
Someone else commented about the James Herriot museum, and I looked it up and it’s officially on my bucket list! I’ve been to the Peak and Lake Districts, but I now must go to the Yorkshire Dales National Park! 😍 Your claim to fame is AWESOME!! I would have loved to meet him, he sounds like he was such a gem of a human!
Grace @ Cultural Life
Kind of similar, but the flavour is more tangy and tart.
The Dales are spectacular! If you visit one day and would like to meet up in person, let me know. It would be fun to do a hike there 🙂 I highly recommend the area around the Yorkshire 3 Peaks (Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen y Ghent). I’ve hiked the 3 Peaks twice and that is a long old day! Lewis did his ultra-marathon there in May this year and we stayed near a little place called Malham. Very pretty places to explore.
Brittany
I will absolutely be reaching out to meet you for a hike (or whatever works best with your schedule.) I have to remember I live in a state with so many amazing outdoor spaces, but there is something magical about the UK that just hits me in my soul!! You live in a wonderful place. What a beautiful background for an ultra.
Allie Zottola
Those toe beans on Little. Ugh! I cannot!!
Sounds like you’ve had such a nice summer! Yay for saving money on car stuff, too 🙂
Brittany
I adore the beans so much. 😭 I love his paws and when he lets me hold them I take full advantage.
Peabea
Just found your blog because you liked my bread post. Had to smile at the blueberry muffins as I too would have eaten them all. Can’t stop myselft. That’s great that you have someone to go hiking with that lives fairly close. Fun to have met, and became friends. I have lately let my blog go, but and trying to get back at it. Seems lots of bloggers I use to follow have gone to other venues or just stopped blogging. Have a great weekend. 🙂
Brittany
The majority of blog friends I’ve made over the last decade have also moved to other platforms. Not many people blog anymore, but I can’t seem to give it up!
Amy
I love your Early Morning Confession posts!! It’s so fun to see what you’ve been up to. What a lovely blend of summer adventures, friends, and Little! The AC saga, not so much… And I am TOTALLY that egg carton person too. I purposely start at the ends and work my way to the middle to make sure the carton is fully balanced at all times. It’s the most logical way, at least in my crazy mind! 😂
Brittany
Haaahaha YES. Working our way to the middle of the carton, that is me too. I have nearly dropped the entire thing when the carton was imbalanced (by someone else of course.) 🤣
stewedpears.com
I read the blog! Not always on the day you post, but I get there! I read pretty much all the James Herriot books when I was younger. They are genuinely life (animal and human) affirming!
Brittany
I appreciate you being here! I haven’t found an author I adored quite as much as James Herriot in a long time.
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