This week, I’m grumpy ~gestures around~ obviously. So rather than a thoughtful essay on some brilliant topic (AS PER USUAL, RIGHT?), I’m just going to list a bunch of little reasons I’m grumpy and I suspect many of them are going to be commute related! None of these are “real” problems, but they are still making me so cranky and right now that is where I am at, energy-wise.
Why would you cross in front of me on the sidewalk and then slow down? Why are you on the left side of the escalator but not walking? Reading a book with my headphones on but you still want to try to chit chat on the morning commute? Criminal behavior! Putting in my airpods and realizing they are dead?! That’s on me, but UGH. Wanting a very specific snack but not having it at home? So dumb. Being certain your favorite shirt is clean but then you go to put it on and it’s in the dirty laundry? Why is the next chapter not showing up in Libby when I am underground? DID I NOT ALREADY DOWNLOAD YOU?! I ordered new pants and they have not arrived and no, I didn’t pay for expedited shipping. No new episodes of any show I’m watching when I think there is a new episode waiting for me. Related: shows that don’t go on streaming until 5 am the next day. What kind of dumb ass time is that? My socks slipping into sneakers even though I’ve worn both like one hundred million times. Thinking I had cold brew in the fridge, but I did not and I am the only person who drinks the cold brew so once again this is my fault. One of my favorite lipsticks broke and fell to the ground. And I was so upset about it I threw it away without making note of the brand/color. Sadist conductors why are you waiting until my train pulls into the station and stops to close your doors and pull away? Did no one hug you as a child?!?!?! My eyes have been itchy and I’ve not been able to wear my contacts and my glasses are so annoying. I went to the eye doctor and I wanted an instant solution and didn’t get it. Why is it always cold at my desk at work?! I misplaced my favorite hat. My nail broke. If the train is crowded, and there is an open seat SIT DOWN to make more space for the overcrowded folks who are standing! Use some common sense! STOP WALKING IN FRONT OF ME AND SLOWING DOWN.
WHEW. That felt great to get out of my system.
This week in reading. . .
I tried to do some counter-programming I finished Trespasses, not a light book to read at this time, but a solidly good one. Signal to Noise was one of those books that was on my library queue for ages. I find Ashley Poston to be very hit or miss, but the premise of A Novel Love Story was just too perfect to pass up - the protagonist winds up in the fictional town from her favorite book series. Come onnnnnnnnn. Catnip! Andrew Colarusso’s new collection was gorgeous, especially the writing about art. There was a lot of praise and hype surrounding Martyr! and I get it. For me, there was one big flaw, but overall, I thought it was a really excellent book.
This week in listening. . .
Dan Savage on This American Ex-Wife, he is consistently one of the best interviews.
Joshua Jackson on Brett Goldstein’s podcast. YES. (h/t EQ)
This week in TV. . .
Absolutely OBSESSED with the new HBO version of Like Water for Chocolate. Also I am being so delusional thinking they will write a different outcome for the characters!!!!
Cautiously optimistic about the return of Bad Sisters, a show that really and truly does not need a second season.
This week in a gif. . .
pancakes for the table, always
This week in movies. . .
Why did they not let Glen Powell be shirtless in Twisters? Why didn’t they let him and Daisy kiss? Why did they cast Anthony Ramos? Why was the movie so dumb? Why did I enjoy it anyway?
This week in a newsletter. . .
Obsessed with Rachel Cohn interviewing a guy that it didn’t work out with.
This week in google searches. . .
storm chasers who died
lexile levels
does your IQ change with age
etymology cookie
This week in one good thing. . .
Gotta really focus on these moving forward for obvious reasons. Zu brought a book into class (Dory Fantasmagory, Book 5) and according to her teacher, was not only pointing out all the sight words for the class, but the kids loved the book so much that she asked if Zu could bring it back. So basically my kid is a book influencer??! Leave it to Zuri??!
For the past seven years, writer and friend of the newsletter, Jazmine Hughes has been collecting funds to redistribute to Transanta. Last year, she raised nearly $5k.
I’d love to kick things off before the holiday season begins in earnest. I’ll match up to $250, send me your receipts!
Here are all the ways to donate:
venmo: black__santa (two underscores)
cashapp: jazmine69420
paypal: [email protected]
No donation is too small -- or too big.
This week in a quote. . .
“Without the right to choose, women are not full participants in a democracy or an economy.” - Jia Tolentino
This week in artsy stuff and photo things. . .
Listen to a random forest. It is lovely.
I love these clever photographs by Denis Cherim.
The Clock is back!!!!
This week on the internet. . .
A long read on Emily Oster (I am surprised there is nothing here about her new podcast which is on Bari Weiss’ platform)
Will Leitch on his marathon experience.
Can someone put together a calendar of these look-alike contests so I can be AWARE? Thanks.
A brief history of the F word.
The way I would risk it all for Jonathan Bailey knowing that it would be a complete waste of time.
This very sweet piece by Jason Diamond about date nights with his wife.
me, shopping,
Leonor
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