Breathing, Bogotá, and Brushstrokes
The past few months have been a whirlwind of tests, tubes, and triumphs, basically a medical mystery novel with a splash of acrylic paint.
😴 Health Adventures: The Sequel
I recently participated in a sleep study and discovered that I stop breathing more than 17 times an hour. Apparently, my body likes to play “freeze tag” with oxygen. The diagnosis: sleep apnea. The solution: a CPAP machine, which I started using this week. It’s… an adjustment. Imagine trying to sleep while auditioning for a role as a jet pilot. But once I get used to it, I’m told I’ll enjoy deeper sleep, fewer midnight restroom trips, and less daytime fatigue (basically, the deluxe sleep package).
I also had a neuropsychological exam. My twin sister and nephews were recently diagnosed with ADHD, and curiosity got the better of me. Turns out, I don’t have ADHD — but I did get a fascinating peek into my own wiring. I won’t see the full results for a month or two, but the doctor described me as smart, kind, creative, and hardworking, but also someone who fears rejection and struggles with belonging. (So, basically, a human.) She also said I’m “exceptionally intelligent,” which was flattering until I realized it means I now have to live up to it. My preliminary scores were quite strong across the board, with a standout in fluid reasoning — apparently, I’m good at figuring out how things balance. (See attached puzzles for examples. These got pretty complex, and I got all of these type questions correct, which only .4% of people can do!)
Other health updates: my endocrinologist wants to remove my adrenal gland due to an adenoma, so I’ll be meeting with a surgeon in December. And I had a colonoscopy in August, an experience I wouldn’t recommend for fun, but at least it didn’t reveal anything alarming.
✈️ Travel Plans and Minnesota Tokens
On a brighter note, my Bogotá trip is officially booked! I’ll be flying out November 30 and returning December 4. I’m ridiculously excited. Now I just need to decide what Minnesota‑themed gifts to bring for my international teammates. Mini Paul Bunyan figurines? Maple syrup? Abdallah Chocolates? A snow globe so they have an inkling of what we experience for a third of every year? I do not intend to bring Nut Rolls (I don’t want them representing our state, nor would I inflict them on my coworkers). Maybe some Wild Rice Soup ingredients? Spam? It’s a WIP.
🎨 Art Updates: Closing Chapters and New Beginnings
My first art exhibition wrapped up today. Taking everything down was bittersweet, like saying goodbye to old friends who’ve been hanging out in public for months. I’m thrilled to have my favorite pieces back home, though. “Kilo” will soon go to my stepmother, and “Quiescent Company” and “Orange You Glad I’m Not Blue” are headed to my aunt.
Meanwhile, I think I’ve officially retired straight pours. They were fun while they lasted, but I’m craving more challenge and complexity. I’m currently working on about six new paintings, all in various stages of chaos and brilliance. Most should be ready in the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned for fresh Artavi magic.
📚 Academic Adventures
I’m taking Business Accounting this semester, and let me tell you, I love math, but accounting feels like math with a grudge. My brother‑in‑law is an accountant, and I honestly don’t know how he does it. I respect the profession, but I’d rather balance colors than balance ledgers.
💫 Closing Thoughts: Kindness in Color
If there’s one thing all these updates remind me of — from sleep studies to paint studies — it’s that life is a balancing act. Sometimes literally, if you’ve ever tried to weigh triangles and pentagons like in those figure‑weight puzzles. But whether it’s health, art, or accounting homework, I keep coming back to the same truth: kindness and inclusivity make everything lighter.
Kindness doesn’t need grand gestures; it’s in the small things. A patient word, a shared laugh, a willingness to listen. Inclusivity is its twin, reminding us that everyone deserves a seat at the table (or a spot on the canvas). Together, they’re the colors that never clash.
So here’s to breathing easier, painting bolder, and continuing to build a world — and a studio — where everyone belongs.