Set the Setting: August 2025

Meme drop, Remodel Update, Adaptogen Queen, My prozac puppy, Catch me IRL in Seattle (August 13-18), Photo drop

Aug 02, 2025

Meme drop

I suppose the Double Rainbow youtube video from 2010 is breaking my typical meme format but perfectly apropos to describe the past 12 months. Last August, in the immediate aftermath of the FDA’s decision on MDMA-assisted therapy, I stepped into an executive position at MAPS alongside Betty, Izzy and Lindsay. We needed a code name for our meetings. We called it Double Rainbow:

:00-:25 - “whoa… oh my god… it’s so intense…” was the period of trying to grapple with team layoffs, while restructuring teams and filling holes with contractors
:26-:1:15 - “it’s FULL ON! wooo!” was the next few months of unconsolable sobbing and joyous exaltation; feeling simultaneously overwhelmed and exhilarated at the opportunity/challenge
1:16-3:15 - “what does this mean?!” followed by intense moaning because I feel like I am barely holding it together. Followed by laugh-crying and more moaning because I can’t tell if it’s so beautiful or if it’s too much
3:16-3:29 - a moment of quiet reflection, some deep breaths… “whoaaa”

Remodel Update

People have been asking. I wish I could share more.

The truth is that I’m going through a really difficult time and I can’t hide the fact that I’m struggling. If I’ve seemed distant lately, less present, or taking longer to get back to you, I’m so sorry.

I have an incredible team by my side: my loyal general contractor, my badass owner’s representative, my dedicated architectural engineering team, my prudent seismic team, and yes, my lawyer (we’re at that point now - it’s why I can’t share more at this time). And of course, my family and friends have given me so much support throughout this challenge.

Two recent gifts that have really helped:

Aaron gave me the best advice for dealing with heightened baseline anxiety: don’t stop doing the things you love. It was a really good reminder to not wallow in sadness and to just get out there and live my life.
Mitsu gave me a shard of blue kyanite for my altar. It’s a water sign stone that helps reduce anger and promote love, allowing it’s holder to find the truth within themselves, in another person, or in any situation.

Adaptogen Queen

While we’re on the woo woo topic of precious stones and altars, I am now claiming the identity of an adaptogen queen! What are adaptogens, you might be asking? Fair question.

Adaptogens are remarkable botanical treasures that help the body restore balance and adapt to stress. They work by increasing the body’s resistance to multiple stressors, including physical, emotional, chemical, and environmental. They also shield against acute and chronic stress. By working nonspecifically, they alter base operations within an organism, regaining homeostasis through their regenerative properties and helping to harmonize the body, spirit, and mind.

This means that Mateo and I make our morning coffee with a quarter teaspoon of ashwagandha, eleuthero, and jiaogulan; adaptogens with a focus on brain function and muscle recovery. Maca in our protein shakes for mood and energy boost. Nettle powder in my matcha for it’s digestive health and anti-inflammatory properties. I also have licorice root powder but I haven’t found a good way to integrate that one in yet.

Note that some of these have contraindications, so if you have any underlying conditions or are taking medications, do your research. If you are in SF and want any of the adaptogens I mentioned, let me know. I only use a quarter of a teaspoon at a time, so I have plenty to share!

My prozac puppy

Bauer is named after Jack Bauer, the highly skilled special agent of the show 24. Like his namesake, Bauer knows how to break through a door - with his teeth!:

Bauer’s only flaw is that he loves me too much. I’ve tried to manage his separation anxiety with CBD, and then trazodone, with no success. Last month he broke his tooth (requiring a surgery) trying to break out of his crate, I knew it was time for prozac. I was nervous at first, but I’m happy to report that we’re just over one month in and the drugs are working:

He’s noticeably less anxious. Ok, so truth be told he has another flaw: he has overactive anal glands and he squirts them when he gets spooked by sudden/loud noises. But ever since he’s been on puppy prozac, he hasn’t squirted his glands and even tolerates the Dark Lord of Vacuum!

Catch me IRL in Seattle (August 13-18)

On Saturday, I’ll be reconnecting with old classmates at my 20th high school reunion and on Sunday I’ll be competing in my 4th Pac Cup Tennis Tournament at Lower Woodland Park near Green Lake. I probably would have come up to Seattle for either of those things independently, but I love a chance to get two birds stoned (as we say at MAPS!).