Monthly Roundup
Hello, Spring? Are you there?
I have claimed March as mine (spoken like a Romantasy character claims their mate). It is not only my birth month but also pretty accurately reflects my soul, I’d say. Some days, it’s 50 degrees and sunny, abolishing my seasonal depression and spreading hope into the Universe. Other days, there’s a disastrous ice storm, no one can leave their house, and we all wonder why we live here (no earthquakes, no hurricanes, no tornadoes). I resonate with this behavior on a deep level.
Turning 37 this past month made me feel a sort of way. I’m officially in the late-thirties phase of my life. I didn’t feel it at 36, but 37 hit differently.
Things I have noticed about myself in my late thirties:
If I don’t want to do it, and I have the option to not do it, I, in fact, will not be doing it.
Tired. All the time. No matter what I do!
Randomly paralyzed by the impermance of my (well, our) existence.
Just want to be comfy on the couch…
…but I am struck by anxiety that I should always be doing something productive/exciting.
My knees crack every time I bend them.
Have a very clear sense of friendship and intense gratitude for those who have been true friends to me during periods of life when I struggled.
Anyways, here’s a roundup of MY month.
Watching
The White Lotus, Season 3 finale
!!!SPOILER ALERT!!!
I am very talented when it comes to predicting plot outcomes. It’s a blessing and a curse. About 90% of what I predicted happened in the finale of White Lotus, so it was less shocking for me than the consensus I’ve seen on the interwebs. Overall, I enjoyed this season, but one thing I want to point out is the discourse surrounding Chelsea and Rick. Mike White did a great job of creating a beautiful romance for the end, but initially, Rick was a real asshole to Chelsea who just gave him all of her heart and soul. I’m seeing a lot of romanticization about their “love story” and I’m just over here pissed that sweet Chelsea died because of that grumpy man who couldn’t put the work in to heal his childhood trauma.
Anyways…
Running Point
I thought this new Netflix series that shows the life of a spoiled rich girl turned president of her family’s professional basketball team was going to be stupid, but the joke’s on me — I love it. I should have known that Ms. Penny Lane, aka Kate Hudson, could do no wrong. This show makes me laugh, and also, as a woman in leadership, I resonate with a lot of it. Watch if you need something light with short episodes in your life!
Reading
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
Hello, yes, hi — it’s me again, reading Romantasy. It’s become a vital part of my personality now. This book is by far my favorite of the ACOTAR series, mainly because of Nesta Archeron. This story centers around her mental health struggles with trauma and depression. Here’s a quote I just love…
I want to feel everything. I want to embrace it with my whole heart.
Even the things that hurt and hunt you? Only curiosity laced the question.
Nesta allowed herself a breath to ponder it, stilling her mind once more. We need those things in order to appreciate the good. Some days might be more difficult than others, but … I want to experience all of it, live through all of it. With them.
That wise, soft voice whispered, So live, Nesta Archeron.
Also, Cassian 🔥🔥🔥
Listening
Surf Curse
My stepdaughter has started to discover new music, and she has stumbled upon a few bands that I used to listen to often. When I worked at a music venue in Chicago, we saw a lot of independent, small acts from various genres. Surf Curse was one of my favorite discoveries many years ago, and recently, the middle schooler in my life reminded me of them. This indie surf rock band from Nevada gives me 1960s garage rock vibes but with a calmer, beachier vibe. The song “Freaks” is by far my favorite, and probably their most well known, but I also love “Disco” and “Maps to the Stars”. If you close your eyes, it’s summer, and you’re at the ocean, and the sun is gently warming your SPF-laced skin. It’s happy music to me.
LABOUR by Paris Paloma
I have this fantasy of singing this to a crowd of men while dressed as a character from The Handmaid’s Tale. That’s all.
Wearing
As far as fashion goes these days, I’m embracing my quirky aunt phase. I also DGAF about what people think of what I’m wearing. This is a new development in my life.
Quick overview…
Currently Wearing
Still love barrel pants
Oversized, baggy denim jackets
Bright colored shoes and sneakers
My red Converse, green and pink Adidas Gazelles, and red JCrew flats.
Baseball/trucker hats
Striped PJ pants as work wear
Wishlist
Track pants
More patterned silk scarves
Matching sets
Red gingham
Layered maxi skirt
Et Cetera
Winter…I’m so over it, and it will not go away. One more snowstorm and I swear to everything holy I will lose my mind…I want to be frolicking in wildflower fields, wearing a sundress with my Vitamin D pill pushed to the back of the cupboard...
I’m currently working on a paper about the effective rhetorical devices in Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department album. I have always been fascinated by Taylor Swift’s writing and career in general. This is the last paper of my graduate school career, so why not explore a fun topic I’ve always been interested in? Maybe I will share it here to see if it might be publishable…
I traveled to Chicago this month, where I lived for 10 years. It was my first time being in the city proper for a while, and I can confidently say the food there is the best I’ve had in the U.S. Stay tuned for a dedicated post on my perfect Chicago day.
What U.S. city do you think has the best food? Tell me in the comments!
Also, I want to read your final paper!
I can't pick one! My favorite place to eat is probably Hawaii because I'd happily live on raw fish and fruit. If I had to choose a city, Chicago takes it for the Midwest because you can find ANYTHING. Down South, I'd say Birmingham, Alabama. It is exceptionally underrated.