catching up
just the hits #48
It’s been over 6 months since my last catch up post. Some things have mercifully changed, and some are the same.
Things continue to be busy on all fronts. My day job is running Rhoshan Pharmaceuticals (we’re developing injectable aspirin for hospital use), and it’s a critical time for us, and that’s all I can really share. I’ve been doing a lot more technical writing, and I’m surprised at how much I’m really enjoying it. I’m also consulting on a program that I project managed over 10 years ago, and I’m hopeful that we can resume development and get it to the market with one of our longtime partners.
A bit about my pharmaceutical career: I’ve been working in small, R&D pharma for almost 20 years, holding roles in project management, operations, business development, and now running a company. We’ve focused on developing improved version of existing injectable hospital or oncology drugs, with benefits for the provider (ready-to-administer presentations instead of having to reconstitute a product or infusing the medication in a quarter of the time than the innovator product) and to the patient (formulating the drug in easier-to-tolerate excipients that can eliminate steroid premedication). I can’t speak to the specifics of active development programs, as the FDA may view it as pre-approval marketing and deny our application or approval. I care deeply about what we do and that we do so with integrity and scientific rigor, and it’s been a huge privilege to work alongside my father in the development of these programs.
I took a pause from speaking over the summer, but it’s back on the front burner this quarter. We start filming season 2 of That Desi Spark begins this week. I’m incredibly proud of our first season of the relaunched show (and grateful to
for creating this show in the first place, and trusting me to take the mic). I moderated a panel on rest & sleep for Brunel last month, and was a panelist at Next Chapther’s Women & Wealth luncheon last week.I haven’t been able to write or post on Instagram as much as I’d like, which has been the downside to this particular season. But I’m working on a content series (short, actionable posts) that works for this particular chapter of my life. More to come next week.
On the health front, I’m in a much better place than I was in March. I started my GLP-1 shortly after publishing the last catch-up, which has made a massive difference on all health fronts. I feel good, and feel good consistently. I don’t take this for granted, and I’m much better at prioritizing my health habits (instead of working myself to a state of total burnout). I’m also much better at taking breaks and resting when I need to. I’m currently easing up on strength training as my arm heals from a bad case of tennis elbow/carpal tunnel/whatever is happening in my arm. It’s annoying, but necessary.
Things are solid on the home front. The boys have settled into their new schools well, and I need to prioritize more playdates with their new classmates and get to know the parents a bit more. I didn’t consider how much I would miss my friendships and the ease of knowing the kids’ old teachers and the school culture, and making sure we keep in touch with those friends as well. We try to line up a family playdate on Saturday afternoons to maintain these friendships, and that’s been a highlight of my week.
Life is steady right now, and I’m feeling consistently content. After a roller coaster of the past few years, I’m grateful for this steadiness and to focus on excelling in these areas.
How are you doing right now? What’s new with you?
Catch up on the latest:
things i’m loving right now
Elemis gifted me this set a month ago, and I’ve already purchased the travel set because they’re that good (and I love that I can refill the travel cleansing balm and facial pads tubs with the main sizes). I do apply this sunscreen on top of the moisturizer to get enough protection (because
taught me well).This random post helped reset my Threads feed (which was veering into alt-right and MAHA content).
I found some of my favorite things on sale at Nordstrom Rack—these studded flats, this lace trimmed skirt, this short-sleeved jacket (save it for next spring/summer), and my cropped trench.
Diane Keaton, you legend. I had to revisit my favorite interview with her, and will be watching Father of the Bride with my dad tonight.
My niece (a third year med student who’s living with us right now) read me the riot act for my wrist/arm pain. In addition to rest (and using voice-to-text all the time now), I got this cooling wrist brace and elbow sleeve, and these wrist rests for my desk.
I was lucky enough to get this advice from
before she shared it with the world.
If you enjoyed this weekend’s letter, please consider:
tapping the ❤️ icon below
tapping the 💬 and share your own check-in. I’d love to read how you’re doing.
upgrading your subscription, if budget permits
Wishing you a wonderful Sunday.
xo,
HPN
it's you! you're the friend!
(thank you so much for including! xoxo)
This fall definitely feels more focused. Glad to hear you are feeling good consistently. My next health thing is figuring out what the heck perimenopause is doing to my body. Fun times…