Every spring, I look forward to the day when it's possible to open the windows. I adore these weeks when we can turn off our heat, open the windows as far as they will go, and enjoy the fresh air.

In our area, however, there is one major downside to this time of the year. Pollen. Lots and lots of pollen.

When we leave our windows open, inevitably we get a fine layer of green over almost everything we own. This is most visible on the black IKEA bookcase we use as a sofa table. Last week, I dusted it to a pristine clean on Thursday. We opened the windows and less than 2 hours later, there was a fine spray of pollen all over the top. When I clean our surfaces now, I wipe up a gross - but also oddly satisfying - greeny yellow dust. 

I'm willing to put up with this because letting in the cool breezes and fresh air makes it all worth it. I see windows open season as a way to put winter behind me and welcome the warmth. In spring, I always feel some pep in my step, a boost in my mood, and the desire to tackle new projects.

What's your favorite/least favorite part of spring?

I’ve decided that I need to clear some space on my bookcases. While the non-fiction shelf is the most crowded, I was not in the mood to dive into something intellectual. Instead, I opted to start reading A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas. I went on a Maas binge the year our kiddo was born. It was one of the things that got me through the first few sleepless months. It’s been nearly two and a half years since I read the last book in this series. While the writing is just as enjoyable as I remember, my memory of the characters is shot. Might need to dive into an online summary to reorient myself to everything.

• Where density doesn't make sense. [The Deleted Scenes]

• Breaking down the loaded language we use. [Anti-Racism Daily]

• The role of skills in the new job market. [LinkedIn]

• File this under things I never knew: Australia once declared war on emus. [Atlas Obscura]

• Tweet thread by a man getting dysentery for science. [@wokeglobaltimes]

• When we revere libraries as safe spaces, we overlook the actual dangers. [Electric Lit]

• How to hide the cords in your home. [Real Simple]

• Time to inhale some fresh air. [Life Kit]

• Louis Armstrong sounds like a charming person. [Atlas Obscura]

• Cookies have been around for a really long time. [Gastropod]

• Russia's debt payments explained. [The Indicator]

• I rewatched both seasons of Bridgerton. I enjoyed it just as much the third time around as I did the first and second. [Netflix]

• We don't really celebrate Easter, but the hubby did use it as an excuse to make sous vide duck a l'orange. I'm glad he did because this recipe is utterly delicious. Years ago, he made this recipe the traditional way (lots of rotating for self-basting) and it took hours. It was good, but this method is not only easier, it's better. The sauce is silky and perfect for dipping. Just keep an eye out for the whole peppercorns. [Anova]

I love watching mid-credit or post-credit movie scenes. I hate waiting to find out if there are going to be any. I would like to personally thank What’s After the Credits for existing. It lets you know if there’s anything worth sticking around for.

I used to subscribe to every news newsletter that existed. If it was published by The Washington Post, The New York Times, AP, CNN, Time, or really any other news outlet, it landed in my inbox. That was unsustainable. I unsubscribed from almost everything. What I did keep (aside from all my WaPo newsletters) was AP’s The Morning Wire. It’s just a few headlines from around the globe. Simple, straightforward, and informative.

I’m presenting at an online conference this week. The proposal title I submitted, “Stop That!: Management Techniques that Need to Die,” was more of a lark than anything. Turns out, the organizers liked the idea. Now I’m trying to find the right balance of snark and actual information.