Some Brief End of Year Personal Updates

Felix is doing A-OK.

Felix living his best chubby life.

As the name of this newsletter would have it, I’m a bit of a hermit. So, for the five IRL friends who subscribe to my semi-regular missives and the other folks who care, I thought I’d share some non-writing personal updates. All of which, shockingly, are good.

Felix does not have cancer. My chubby diabetic tabby is a seasoned gentleman and with that comes health issues. This year was a particular grueling one for us as he was in and out of the vet and hospital many times, but he does not have cancer. As you know, this cat is the most important thing in my life and I will no doubt lose my shit when he inevitably gets really ill. But for now, he’s sleeping in front of my heater and paw-swatting me.

I am diabetes-free. Yes, my friends, I believe in the power of Ozempic. No, my friends, I am not ten pounds. This year, I made a point to focus on my health and lowering my A1c since I was diagnosed with diabetes early in 2024. I started taking Ozempic in March and this drug has changed my life. Since Metformin was a war crime and did nothing to lower my A1c, Ozempic was the lover I never knew I needed.

While I still have to take it to keep my blood sugar in check, I no longer have diabetes. Also, interestingly enough, it’s decreased my knee pain significantly (so I no longer need to get steroid shots and can hold off on surgery) and it’s removed all addictive cravings. I’ve seen early trials re: Ozempic and joint pain and addiction and it’s genuinely worked for me. I have no desire to touch alcohol—even in this year’s darkest moments. And while I’ve lost weight, it’s nothing like the Hollywood stories and that’s not something my doctor and I want. I go in for bi-monthly blood work and weigh-ins so my progress is slow and sustainable. I might have the only primary care in Los Angeles who cares more about health than weight loss.

Though, I did have cake for breakfast because this is my birthday week and YOLO. It was chocolate and as Edith Piaf so sagely sang, I HAVE NO REGRETS.

I’ve been sober for over a year and it’s awesome. While I miss Sancerre, I’ve recognized that alcohol has contributed nothing positive to my life. Kittens for everyone!

I have a real true crime addiction. I haven’t decided whether this is a good or bad thing, but I thought I’d put it out there. This is like the era when I watched The Shining every day for years.

I’m grateful for your time and attention. This year, on Substack and Medium, I’ve grown my readership and I’ve focused on sharing fewer, better stories. I don’t publish simply to “put content out there” because 1. I don’t create “content,” I’m a storyteller 2. I don’t want to be beholden to an algorithm. Because of that, I feel my writing is getting better and my readers (you!) seem to enjoy what I put out into the world. For an introverted hermit on the spectrum that means a lot to me.

So, thank you. Happy Holidays you crazy kids. Eat all the food and snuggle all your loved ones.

xo, Felicia