For the next few weeks I’ll be traveling, and that means taking a break from Catch-all. I can’t wait to get away from Trumpland for a little bit, because hot damn, this administration and some of the deplorables who support it are sucking everything out of me, my family, my friends, my neighbors, and the whole world. But even typing that sentence got me worked up, so enough about that!
As the tweet above proves, one thing I’ve been pretty into lately is email newsletters. I receive quite a few (Ann Friedman‘s, Another Round‘s, Hot For Food‘s, and beyond) and I love the variety of content they provide me with – from cute puppy gifs to hard-hitting journalism. I’ve decided to take my love to the next level and formulate my last post before I leave on vacation similar to an email newsletter. Below I’ve included bits on what I’ve been watching, listening to, reading, thinking about, doing, eating, and fawning over, and I invite you to share some of what you’ve been up to in the comment section below.
WATCHING
I’ve been watching way more television than movies lately (way, way more) and could honestly be indulging in even more shows if I wasn’t a part of multiple TV series “relationships,” (as in there are certain shows that I’m bound to watching with specific people). Do TV relationships hold you back? I just finished S3 of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, which was aptly described by someone on Twitter as a children’s show for adults. Like the firs two seasons it’s unbridled fun, but I found this latest season to be even goofier (which I loved). Also, Titus Andromedon is the best character on television and that’s not up for debate.
Every week for the past few months I’ve been watching Chelsea, because Chelsea Handler does not hold back when it comes to taking the administration and GOP to task, and her show features amazing guests each week. I’m also watching Silicon Valley (if you don’t why don’t you start?), but I’ve found that I prefer missing a few weeks of episodes and then bingeing them. 30 minutes once a week doesn’t feel like enough time with the tech boys for me! I know that The Handmaids Tale just had its season finale, but I’m also behind on that and am working on catching up. Honestly, it’s just such an intense show that it’s taking me an extra long time to get through (I need emotional breaks). And I’m a millennial so I watch TV on my own schedule y’all! I’m also partway through Master of None S2 (OH MY GOODNESS IT’S AMAZING), the first season of the original Star Trek (so much makeup and drama!) and S3 of The Great British Bake Off (yes I’m a vegan watching a baking competition, but it’s too sweet and irresistible). PS: I’m on team Mary Berry.
While I have a couple of shows I want to start watching soon (the newest seasons of House of Cards and OITNB, and I’m also going to finally start The Crown) the only show I’m seriously dedicated to watching weekly is the new Twin Peaks. I have a lot of feelings about the revival season, but I’ll get into that once the series concludes. I will say that although I’m enjoying it, I’m getting pretty tired of watching violence against women enacted again, and again, and again (which you can read about here). Despite my criticisms there is so much I still love, and I’m basically along for the ride no matter because I’m holding out for pure, precious, hunky Dale Cooper. SNAP OUT OF IT COOP! I MISS YOU!
Anyways, what are you watching?! I wish I could pause life and just catch up on quality (and trash) TV…
Oh yeah, and I saw Wonder Woman last week and luhhhved it! Your thoughts?
LISTENING TO
I thought I could get through this post without mentioning *drumpf* too many times, but he’s come up again and I don’t think this will be the last time. For any anti-drumpf resistors out there, I recommend listening to Slate’s daily podcast Trumpcast, lead by alternating hosts Jamelle Bouie, Virginia Heffernan, and Jacob Weisberg. This week I’ve also shared my #RESISTANCE Playlist, which I think does the trick if you need some political rejuvenation.
I’ve also had Mac DeMarco’s newest album This Old Dog, on repeat, especially “On the Level.”
READING
I am so bad about reading consistently, which is a shame but I’m working on it! On my travels I’m bringing a few books including Jessica Valenti’s Sex Object, David Lynch’s Catching the Big Fish: Meditation, Consciousness, and Creativity, Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, and The Mailroom: Hollywood History From the Bottom Up by David Rensin. Hopefully I’ll sit down and read a novel rather than a memoir or academic text soon, but I need to start working on my resistance reading list so the odds of reading something fun soon are slim.
And here’s a bit of what I’ve been reading on the interwebs – some of these articles are old, some new, but all interesting and relevant:
- “Why You Should Date Taller Women” by Ann Friedman
- “It Is Happening Again: David Lynch’s Twin Peaks Returns – to its White Fantasia” by Niela Orr
- “On 50 Years of Loving, That Most Radical of Acts” by Sheryll Cashin
- “I Grew Up in a Fundamentalist Cult – The Handmaid’s Tale Was My Reality” by Hannah Ettinger
- “The Loneliness of Donald Trump” by Rebecca Solnit
THINKING ABOUT
On Sunday evening I learned of the terrorist attack in London, in which a man ran over worshipers outside of a mosque, during Ramadan no less. I also read about the heinous murder of Nabra Hassanen, a 17-year old Muslim girl from Virginia whose body was discovered after being kidnapped and beaten to death. This monstrous act of hate is so reprehensible that it’s difficult for me to write about, but her name and her story must be heard. If you can, donate here to help support her family.
That same night I also learned of the killing of Charleena Lyles by Seattle police. Lyles called 911 to report an attempted burglary, and when the cops arrived she was holding a knife. Charleena Lyles was shot and killed while her kids were in the apartment. Her children saw her die. She was pregnant and suffered from mental health issues. My heart breaks for Lyles, her children, and her family and friends. Shouldn’t trained police officers use a taser when dealing with someone holding a knife? This act of fatal violence that shouldn’t have occurred serves as a reminder that movements such as Black Lives Matter are extremely important. Here’s where you can donate to Charleena Lyles’ family.
DOING
I haven’t been doing anything interesting lately, but I have decided that it’s time that I take exercise and getting into shape seriously. I had a recent realization that in order to get fit (and stay strong) I need to make strength training a part of my schedule. This week I’ve been using weights at the gym and have been feeling stronger and more relaxed. Cardio doesn’t relieve stress for me in the same way that weights do (if anything, running stresses me out), and I know that by building muscle I’m also fortifying my ability to burn calories. Even though I just started exercising again after a very long break, I’m already feeling happier, more confident, and strong too!
EATING
Okay so this isn’t so much about what I’ve been eating, but what I plan on eating soon. Here are a few recipes that I’m going to make when I return to Los Angeles:
- Roasted poblano & jackfruit tacos with adobo cream sauce from Hot For Food
- Almond butter chocolate chip cookies from the Minimalist Baker
- Vegan naan from the Minimalist Baker
- Chipotle oyster mushroom sliders from Sweet Potato Soul
FAWNING OVER
I’ve been fawning over a few animal-centric Instagram accounts including @ruffcutzdtla, @theasherhouse and @rhea_thenakedbirdie. Honestly, the existence of @ruffcutzdtla is reason enough to be on Instagram.
After Wonder Woman I’ve also been drooling over Chris Pine, because HOT DAMN! And if you want more photos of Mr. Pine to ogle over, check out “When Did Chris Pine Get So Hot? An Investigation” because he did have quite the transformation.
In other beautiful people news, because I’ve been working more on toning up I’ve been thinking about women who inspire me to get strong and build muscle. The conclusion I came to is that Angela Bassett is my ultimate #fitspo. She is strong, smart, and beautiful! I mean just look at these stills from Strange Days! Wow.
BONUS: GIF’ING AROUND
A few of my favorite gifs as of late:
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So what are you into right now? Thinking about? Eating? Doing? Listening to? Watching? Let me know – and I’ll be back to posting in mid-July!
