It’s the new year and we are… fine? We’ve both been cleaning our closets and reorganizing our entire lives. We both have mixed feelings about it. We’re not really feeling clear-eyed, or optimistic, or much other than tired, but we’re continuing with the routines and hoping they’ll get us through to the other side.

We’re getting a little done, getting a lot of family time in, and mostly just keepin’ on keepin’ on. Not much to say, but we’re finding some real life, or at least, in Tim’s case, trying not to be too grumpy. This is what normal days sound like.

Tim is kind of hungover and exhausted, but less grumpy than in the past few weeks. Jen is open and lucid. We try to put into words what is unusual about Jen’s process in making this new film. Something about making it feel right in the room, instead of right on camera.

Tim is revising and revising the next season of The Feels in the wake of the new world order. Jen is listening to her children laugh and divining wise words while making fudge. Also, our first sports analogy.

After the holiday weekend, we’re both in recovery mode. Power down, then slowly do cleaning and organizational tasks. Prepare the space so tomorrow it’s easy to get going.

While we don’t want to consider what’s been happening the past two weeks normal, we do recognize we need to upgrade ourselves to become people who can exist within the new reality. This is us figuring out what that means and looks like. Also, a letter from a friend has the just-right words.

Jen takes some time to reflect on the past week, in physical health, in political health, and in creative milestones. Tim is still embroiled in rage and incapable of forming meaningful sentences. Moving forward, figuring it out, following the light.

We’re working on stories that are quiet, unpolished, and maybe human? And next we’ll try to exist in them honestly. Uncertainties and hopes.

Jen and Tim are both learning to ask for help. For a while, it was correct to learn how to do every part of the process on their own. What other options did they have? But now it’s time to invite people onboard, and trust everyone will find value in being a part of something.

Tim is trying to learn how to break out of his slow-and-steady routine, and allow space for lightning strikes. Jen advises.