The last few weeks have been hella busy. I need some serious downtime. I’m looking forward to a bookish weekend (and hopefully getting my wi-fi in my apartment fixed soon – it’s a whole saga).
Notable things from the intrawebs in the past few weeks:
In her online community and her book Burn the Haystack, Dr. Jennie Young helps readers identify rhetorical patterns in online dating profiles that are red flags or indicative of future problems. She recently got the question: “What if the red flags are already in your house?” I love her thoughtful answer.
I’ve been on a specific culinary kick lately – bean dishes you can eat with a spoon or scoop with a piece of crusty bread (my preference). One of my favorites is broccoli/cheddar beans. It’s like the soup but chunkier. Easy? Check. Fast? Check. Healthier than most of the take-out I get? Check.
And finally – Archer & Olive’s fall collection is out. I need another journal like I need a second nose, but look how pretty. I especially like the Reading Season ones.
August remains the busiest month at work at UNT after switching departments. In advising, we are finishing up orientation and helping students navigate difficulties as classes begin. I’m just delighted to be doing it all indoors and in our own building.
This August brings some exciting milestones in my reading year. I am so, so close to finishing my Libro.fm challenge. I think I can do it this month.
Without further ado…here are the books!
[Ok, a little further ado – a disclaimer. I am a Bookshop.org affiliate – I get a cut of the sales from most of the links below.]
The end is in sight, and I’m pumped and up to the task! *Rocky theme song playing triumphantly in background* I got so excited when I started making this list in late July that I have already finished a couple of these books.
A Thousand Feasts by Nigel Slater (narrated by Nigel Slater) – Listen to a genre you’ve never tried on audio before. As I have tried almost every genre I read on audio before, it was a challenge to find one to fit this prompt. So I had to go very specific. I can honestly say I’ve never read a foodie memoir written in short essay/vignette form and narrated by the author on audio before, and I am looking forward to it!
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang (narrated by Emily Woo Zeller) – Listen to an audiobook by an author of Asian and/or Pacific Island descent. I liked this book, and the audio was…okay. I’m not sure I’m invested enough to commit to the series, though, and if I do, I’ll probably read the hard copy. The character development is good; I would expect no less from R.F. Kuang.
The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones (narrated by Shane Ghostkeeper, Marin Ireland, and Owen Teale) – Listen to an audiobook by an Indigenous author
Martyr! By Kaveh Akbar (narrated by Arian Moayed) – Listen to an audiobook by a South West Asian and/or North African author
Off Menu by Amy Rosen (narrated by Emma Johnson) – Listen to an audiobook from an independent press. The main character is not a great person or friend; her only saving grace is that her parents aren’t great at giving sound advice or being supportive beyond their own agenda, so clearly she’s modeling their bad examples and I can give her a little grace for that (although…if one has the means to do so…and she does…therapy is a thing that adults can do to fill in the inevitable gaps left by their raising and *gestures broadly at the world*…I’m just saying…). Also, the romance trope in this book is one of my least favorites. Both of those things could be chalked up to personal preference (i.e., not necessarily making the book “bad” but just “not for me”). The reason I gave it a low rating, though, was that the writer also dealt with several heavy topics way too lightly – almost flippantly. I suppose it could be argued that the flippancy was due to the (selfish, toxically positive) main character’s voice, but it landed as an excuse not to address the heaviness of the situations in the writing itself. It’s unusual for me to give a 2-star review (I usually just don’t finish if I’m getting so little out of it, but the book was short and checked a box on the challenge), but that was all the enthusiasm I could muster for this book.
Plan or join an audiobook outing (third time’s the charm) – I have struggled with this prompt, so I finally just googled “audiobook outing near me” and came across a book club at a local yarn store. As I understand it, they start an audiobook together at their meeting that they listen to while crafting, and they are tasked with finishing the audiobook by the next meeting. So I think I’m going to give it a try. If that doesn’t pan out, I’m just going to take a drive while listening to Flashlight by Susan Choi (narrated by Eunice Wong), and call it a day.
This week has felt 14,325 days long. I even had Monday off work, but that feels so long ago, I can’t even remember what I did.
Probably read? Probably cleaned? Maybe went to the library? Who knows?
Next week, I have Friday off to travel to the farm and help take care of some practical things for Mom and Dad. Then it will be August, and I’ll actually go back to working full weeks again (I’ve had a lot of time off in July, which has been nice). Maybe I’ll get to start working from home part of the time in August? Perhaps? We will see.
In the meantime, here are some things that have been helpful to me this week:
This may sound mean, but I’m so glad Nadia Bolz-Weber is bad at meditation. Me, too. But even stumbling at it is helpful, so I do it, even when I do it badly. “Not because after five minutes of breathing exercises the geopolitical situation improves. It doesn’t. But because it improves my spiritual bone density.” Well said.
In a reading slump? It happens. I had a big ol’ slump in April-May-June-ish. I still read, but not nearly as much as I wanted to. I just could not focus. Regardless of why reading slumps happen, though, eventually they subside. Usually. Sometimes they need a little push. Such as a Couch to 5K…but for reading. This is an amazing idea, and I love how detailed the plan is.
I am HEAVILY invested in the blossoming love life of Trenchfoot and Doughboy. Jessica introduced me to them, and I’m so happy. Team Trenchfoot. Doughboy needs to grow up if he’s going to be her baby’s father. Get it together, my dude. Riveted.
I have been planning to write a post about my summer bucket list for about a month. Reading isn’t the only thing that’s slumping in my world. So I’m just living vicariously through Joy the Baker’s lists – Part 1 and Part 2. I may still write my own (at this point, my list is just “Survive August in Texas”), but I also may just make a spin on her peach melba ice cream and call it a day. I think that’s good enough.
Speaking of sweet treats, this is on my list of things to try. It’s took hot in Texas right now to mail chocolate, but there’s a shop nearby that sells it. I feel an adventure coming up soon!
Edited to add: It’s National Tequila Day. Proceed accordingly.
This week, I puzzled out an issue and solved a problem that a transfer student had been worrying about all summer. I feel good about that. That’s my favorite thing that happened this week.
Also, smart people said/wrote some lovely things on the internet:
Heather Havrilesky once again puts into words what I’m going through. Working with college students (and *ahem* also people in their 20s and 30s and sometimes 40s…when did I become the old person in the room?), I see them despair a lot, wondering if everyone is awful and everything is broken. Yes, in general, but also really no. There’s a lot of beauty and kindness below the surface. It takes some energy to see it, but if you’re already pouring vast amounts of effort into despair, maybe set aside a little of that for wonder and curiosity. It will make your life (and, dare to hope, your relationships) so much better. My life goal is to always remain curious about new ideas, new skills, and especially the people around me.
I was really looking forward to this being the first day I slept past 7:00 in what seems like a thousand years. I realize 7:00 is reasonable for many people, but when you naturally fall asleep (i.e., without sleep aid medication, which I don’t take unless I’m desperate) at 1:00-2:00 a.m., 7:00 is hella early.
Guess when the very loud thunderstorm rolled through. 6:30. Six. Thirty.
Not cool, thunder. Not cool.
At least I didn’t have to get out of bed. I guess that’s something.
Here are some things on the internet I liked this week.
Today is Juneteenth, which marks the anniversary of the news of emancipation finally reaching Texas. To celebrate on this and any other day, please consider donating to the good work We Have Stories is doing in NYC. Also, please consider looking at your own community and joining in the good work being done there. Also, please consider starting the good work if you don’t find any being done around you.
This whole quote – “Things can be hot in a book boyfriend and an absolute red flag in a real boyfriend. This is the nature of fiction.” (This is the smallest example of that, but like in romance novels men are always tilting her chin up with their finger. Touch me like that?!?!?!?! Put your fucking FINGER under my CHIN to get my attention?!?!?! I’m sorry but I would karate chop your throat. Sexy in a book. Would drive me crazy in real life.) “ I feel seen.
One of my great joys is following professional dancers (specifically, partnered dancers, but I am a sucker for any kind of dance) on Instagram. Emeline Rochefeuille is one of my favorites, and this is so cute.
While my new position did come with a slight pay bump, it was definitely a downgrade in responsibility. I went from supervising a staff of 12 to not being a supervisor at all. HIGHLY RECOMMEND even a temporary career downgrade if you are feeling those signs of burnout (…or even if you just want to. Turns out, you don’t have to wait until you are already at your wit’s end to do something that makes your life better.). Even if it had been a lateral move financially, it still would have been worth it for all the added peace it has brought to my private life.
I hope your Friday was good, and I hope you have a great weekend!
We have our first Transfer Orientation today. My first experience with orientation as an advisor. I anticipate going home and not wanting to talk to anyone for about 30 hours after it’s over, but otherwise having a pretty good day.
A few reads I’ve enjoyed this week:
I adore this piece on getting older. I want to be able to say kinder things about my body, like “It is doing its best with the hand it was dealt, and that is far more than I ever before thought possible.“ Good goal.
About once a decade, I get tired of my wardrobe. Some staples stay, but I get an itch to donate everything else and start fresh. In the past, I’ve done this quickly, but my intentional slow-down with spending is giving me the opportunity to search for things I really love and also not jump into getting rid of things that maybe just need minor repairs to be wonderful again. I go to thrift stores expecting not to buy anything, instead of just buying everything that strikes my fancy because it’s such a good deal. And I’m looking for things that are better for the earth. I’m currently dating (not committed yet, just seeing how things work out) a few cute items at Pact, so I’m happy to see them on this list.
Speaking of things I’m dating…I want this. I love a simple swimsuit with a short.
I like a niche memoir, and Leigh Kramer loves fashion fiction/nonfiction the way I love foodie fiction/nonfiction. I’ll have to check out a few of these (I’m especially interested in the Iris Apfel one).
Happy Friday, friends! This week’s post is weirdly shopping heavy, but I’m here for it. I mean, some of the implied shopping is books, so at least that tracks.
Yesterday was Diada de Sant Jordi (Saint George’s Day), otherwise known as Day of Books and Roses. One of my coworkers surprised us with a selection of bookish stickers (“team whoever the villain is” is my favorite), bookmarks, roses, and a book of our choosing from her donation pile.
Excited about Independent Bookstore Day tomorrow. I mean, every day is Independent Bookstore Day to me, and event days are crowded, so I’ll probably skip the festivities at my local shops. But I like the opportunity to celebrate them, even if from afar. I also love Modern Mrs. Darcy’s list of great indie bookstores around the world.
I took Montana Happy’s cozy living style quiz. Zero surprise that “whimsical retreat” is my brand of cozy (although I do like a garden, and also a house, not an apartment, is my ideal).
My current financial goal is to insert a pause on purchases. I am a quick decision-maker, which is beneficial in literally every facet of my life…except shopping. It urges me to buy things that, if I put just a little more time and thought into it, I might not want in the long run and thus regret buying. So this cute top is on pause right now. I want more spring/summer casual business clothes for work…but also need to reassess if this is one I really love or if it just checks that box (meaning there might be something else I want more). If I still love it in a week, I’ll take the leap.
Speaking of things I took off pause…these are the best under-skirt shorts I’ve ever worn. I have only worn them once, but it was on a super mobile day (i.e., I walked around a lot rather than just staying in/near my office, like most days), and they did not budge even a little bit. They’re also lightweight and super soft and low maintenance. I’m going to pause a little before purchasing more – give them a couple more wears to see if it was a one-time thing or if the quality persists after multiple washes – but if they continue to perform as well as they did the other day, Thigh Society can just take all my money. A good undershort is hard to find.
Enjoy your weekend! I hope you get to visit at least one indie bookstore (if that’s your thing)!
Happy Friday, friends. We did it. Despite being absolutely covered in pollen every time I step outside, I have made it through the week. Claritin is my friend.
I’m a big fan of these five things this week:
This is the deep dive into bar soap that I didn’t know I needed, and I am here for it. Bar soap for life. I mean, not Irish Spring, as I’m allergic. But you can pry my locally crafted soaps and my Dr. Bronner’s peppermint away from my cold, dead hands.
HARRY STYLES TALKING TO HARUKI MURAKAMI ABOUT RUNNING! “One of the most important things for a human being is to embrace the contradiction.” I feel better about life in general just having read Murakami saying, “What is this chaos in me?” Same, Murakami.
Today, we are celebrating International Waffle Day (Observed) in the office because we had another lunch to attend on Wednesday, when it was actually International Waffle Day. Of course, I brought my waffle iron to work. While Mark Bittman’s quick and easy waffles are my favorite go-tos, I make a mess when I mix them up. I needed something more portable, so I adjusted to a mix I could just shake and pour. I tested it last night, and it was fine. Meh. It was waffles from a mix. It will work. I have cranberries and thyme to add to it, so that will spruce it up a bit. At any rate, yay waffles for lunch!
I’m going to make this dish this weekend. Baharan brought it to cookbook club, and I can’t stop thinking about it. So simple. So delicious. So easy to make, even on busy days.
My first full week in office in my advisor position! The first week had Monday as a holiday, and the second week was mostly working from home due to the winter storm that swept through this area. It’s been a long week, but it’s been good. I haven’t quite outfitted my office yet, so I’m going to do some more decorating next week.
I’m looking forward to going out with some friends tonight and I have a few events this weekend. Hopefully, I’ll also have some time to read, clean, and generally decompress as well.
Some links for the week:
This opinion from US District Judge Fred Biery on the release of Liam Arias and his father Adrian is a good read. “‘We the People’ are hearing echoes of that history,” is the type of statement that once inspired me to consider the law and eventually judgeship as a career path. As much as I would probably loathe being a judge most of the time, I would enjoy writing things like this.
How to make soup and also write a novel. I’m going to add this wisdom to my Fall Curriculum (spoiler – my goal will be to revamp my writing practice and finish a manuscript).
Troubles in Minneapolis persist, and friends of a friend have a good resource on the ground if you are looking for a place to donate. The Helping Hand Fund through Our Savior’s Lutheran Church supports their neighbors in need, and you can donate generally or designate your donation as “immigrant support” if you want to specify where you’d like it to go.
I hope you get time and space to decompress this weekend!
After a winter storm last weekend that expanded into icy conditions pretty much all week here, I have spent a lot of time working from home. Grateful to have a reliable setup to do so. Here are five things on my mind this Friday.
This is a succinct summary of the national shutdown/general strike happening today. It can also serve as a reminder that these actions can be effective at any time, so today is not the only good day for these actions.
M. Suzanne Terry 