Today is Monday, September 14, 2026
Issue #329 ~ By Rachel Brandes
Did You Know?
Rachel recently added a section to the bottom of her blog for readers to rate, share with others and comment. She has received several messages and five-star reviews.
Something you may not know is that Rachel has no idea who the comments come from. Well, unless you sign your name. The messages have all been very nice.
If you are someone that has sent a message, she thanks you. If you are someone that hasn’t sent a message, she invites you to comment. She is also looking for section ideas. Is there anything that interests you that you would like Rachel to dig into? Any adventures you would like her to take and write about? Any questions you have for her that she can answer in the blog?
“ We are broken. We are healing. It never ends. And, if you look at it in just the right light, it is beautiful.”
– Jenny Lawson
Mental Health Minute
Feline Tomfoolery
By Brady Wilfork Snugglebum & Belichick McDaniels Runtzilla
Hey Humans! Thanks for stopping by today. This week, we show off our modeling skills in our very favorite toy, the tunnel. We have had the tunnel since we were little kittens. This may be the one toy we never tire of.
Moments by Mira
www.everafterphotograpypnw.com
Located in Gig Harbor, Washington, Ever After Photography PNW is owned and operated by Mira Nachtigall, a long-time friend of Rachel.
It’s a precious thing, the gift of life
Running for a Cause
When Rachel searched for a September 5k event, she wanted to do something different than last year. Last year she ran in the 9/11 Heroes Run 5K. Click here to check out Issue 277. While she enjoyed that 5k, she came across one that would benefit another great cause, DonorConnect.
Click here to learn more about the Donor Connect Foundation
On Saturday, September 12, 2026, Rachel was joined by her friend, Ahna, at Liberty Park in Salt Lake City, Utah for the Gift of Life Walk/Run SLC. The event offered a timed 5k (3.1 miles) and a 1-mile walk. The event honors donors, recipients, their families and supporters. What better way to spend a Saturday.
Ahna and Rachel arrived early and enjoyed checking out the booths and partaking in free face painting. Rachel was able to gather all of the free goodies she could. She just loves the free goodies. The event was fairly well attended with 515 participants, including friends and family cheering on the runners and walkers.
When the race was about to begin, Ahna and Rachel lined up towards the second half of the participants. They knew they would be running slowly and taking it easy. That doesn’t sound like Rachel, right? Well, she’s been pulling back on her efforts due to her new medication and Ahna hasn’t been running regularly. They agreed it would be more fun to enjoy the event together rather than push things.
To their surprise, everyone in front of them were walkers. Hundreds of walkers. They jumped off the sidewalk and into the road, along with other runners, to pass the walkers. Once they were clear, it was a nice run. They chatted throughout and had a great time. Of those 515 participants, the two came in 206 and 207th overall.
This was Ahna’s first 5k in which she received a medal and Rachel was excited to have been there for the moment. Are there more 5ks in Ahna’s future? You bet there are. The two are signed up for a Halloween themed 5k in October and are currently recruiting others to join them.
After the race, they headed to the Downtown Farmers Market. Their first stop, coffee. As they approached the first coffee booth, Rachel immediately recognized a Salty Star Run Club friend who also attends the Sunday Good Intentions Club. Small world. They chatted for a moment before Ahna and Rachel sauntered around from booth to booth.
Rachel was over the moon to have Ahna’s company Saturday. As regular readers know, Rachel is famous for solo adventures. While she is very comfortable with solo adventuring, she loves having a friend join her. What a fun day. Until next time, be well.
The Struggle is Real: An Update
For those of you that read last week’s issue, here is a little update. Today is 14 days since Rachel started her new medication. Week one, horrible side effects, week two, much better. She continues to have a bit of an elevated heart rate, which was normal in the beginning. While it could take four weeks to feel the full effects of the medication, Rachel reports feeling more calm with lower anxiety. She attributes this to no binging episodes and no shame coursing through her body. She’s been meal prepping with the help of ChatGPT and enjoying her options. Fingers crossed that the noises in her head will cease.
Feel free to stick around (below) and like, rate, share and comment (direct to Rachel). She is always looking for content ideas and would love input.