10 Feb 2026 I’ve been waiting more than a month to write this

New Year’s week this year had everyone talking about their “word of the year.” I didn’t know that was a thing … but apparently, it’s a whole thing.

Felt like everyone was coming up with theirs.

Some were inspiring.
Some were a little predictable.
Then my friend Joseph Briggs — rockstar realtor in Columbia County — posted his.

His word of the year?

Paraskevidekatriaphobia.
I had to Google it.

It means fear of Friday the 13th.

Which is ridiculous in the best way.
Because someone, somewhere, said, “We need a long Greek word for this very specific anxiety.”
And they were right.

Even if you’re not superstitious, we all have our own versions of this.
Not fear exactly. More like that little ugh feeling.

Maybe yours is:

• the “low tire pressure” light that comes on just to ruin your day
• an email that starts with “Can you hop on a quick call?”
• the fridge smell you keep pretending isn’t happening
• or walking barefoot across a floor that might be… gritty (the betrayal!)

I consider myself a rational adult.
And then a weird noise happens in the house and suddenly I’m starring in a low-budget thriller.

Maybe that’s why little rituals feel so good — morning coffee from your mug, a walk after dinner, a familiar playlist.
They steady you. They calm things down. They make life feel less chaotic.

And honestly? Cleaning does that too.
Not the intense, dramatic, scrub-everything-with-a-toothbrush kind.
More like the quiet relief of order.

The sink is empty, the counters are clear… and suddenly your brain unclenches.

So no, I’m not worried about Friday the 13th.
But I am deeply suspicious of my kitchen floor … which is feeling kinda sticky.

Hope your Tuesday is smooth, your socks stay clean, and your fridge smells… normal.

Stay brave,