WO: Weekly Obsessions
It’s nearly 6pm PT on this hellish Hump Day and I’d like to say I have four things to share with you. Operative word being “like” … but sadly, that’s not the case.
Between the emotions of Father’s Day, my parents’ anniversary, a work trip in Sacramento, a friend’s wedding in NYC and the dumpster fire that is the immigration debate, I just don’t have it in me this week.
And since I’m working really, really hard on self-care, I’m not pushing myself to do it. I would apologize, but that’s also part of learning self-care.
So instead, please take the 10(?) minutes you’d spend reading my WO to do a meditation, journal, call a friend, make a playlist, read, or whatever you do to take care of yourself.
Consider it my gift to you, friends.
WO: Weekly Obsessions
Re: Ariana and Pete’s engagement, I’m still processing this information and have so many questions about two people I’ve never met. Don’t @ me.
As I try to unpack that, I think it’s only fitting you take a trip down memory lane with these longtime (2 years?) friends and newfound lovers.
…That was the only sketch I could find. So here’s some other Ariana-only highlights:
WO: Weekly Obsessions
I’m gonna tell you straight: I had a 9-hour safety training today, so pls excuse any typos. Now wouldn’t that be a great email signature “sent from my iPhone”?
- Remembering Kate Spade: The tragic news of Kate Spade’s apparent suicide sent shock waves in my circles yesterday. How could someone who seemingly had it all take their own life? As of this writing, I don’t know exactly what mental health or other struggles Spade endured. I do know, though, her legacy won’t soon be forgotten. For more, read one author’s take on what she meant for women. As always, if you or someone you know is struggling, there are resources available. Including me ❤
- “Am I There Yet?: The Loop-de-Loop, Zig-Zagging Journey to Adulthood” – Mari Andrew: You may have followed author and artist Mari Andrew’s doodles for years on Instagram; or you may have just learned of her work with her annual, viral Mother’s Day illustration (or you may be just hearing of her now). In any case, her debut book illuminates more of Andrews’s personal life, coupled with those oh-so-relatable drawings and doodles.
- Mari Andrew in SF: After I myself became familiar with her work in 2016 with this Identifying the Problem post, I knew I just had to learn more about this Mari Andrew woman. The day has finally come and I’m super pumped for her event tonight at the JCC in SF. I may secretly check the Warriors/Cavs score but am otherwise thrilled to have the chance to hear her speak about #HowToAdult.
- “No Tears Left to Cry” – Ariana Grande”: I’m still on the fence about her new relationship with Pete Davidson (don’t even get me started on ScarJo-CoJo’s), but it’s impossible to escape this bop so here we are. The always intriguing, incredibly talented Grande puts out an earworm like no other and this latest offering is no exception.
Images courtesy of: Andrew Toth, Amazon, Clémènce Polès, Genius
WO: Weekly Obsessions
I acknowledge time flying by nearly every week here, but I just have to say, I was asked about my plans for the fall today and nearly had a full-blown meltdown. I understand June is creeping around the corner but THE FALL? Please, don’t make me think that far. I can barely plan my next hour.
- Overdrive: An added benefit to voraciously reading Refinery 29’s Monday Diaries is that I often learn about apps and services to make life easier. It’s how I heard of this app, and “obsessed” is an understatement. Simply log in with your library card and gain instant access to thousands of options. It’s my first actual foray into e-reading, but I’m beyond excited to dig into more books than ever before.
- MealPal: While I’d heard of MealPal while living in NYC, I hadn’t researched or revisited it since moving here. Then I read yet another R29 MD and, well, now I’m its newest member who’s enjoying $6 lunches (instead of $20 salads). Want a promo code? Sign up here.
- Half-Price Mondays: Memorial Day was the perfect backdrop to join some girlfriends from Tampa at the A’s/Rays game. And wouldn’t you know it? The Treehouse — a beautiful, shiny stadium spot with a full bar and games — offers half-price drinks on Mondays. No mustache required, and it almost made a 13-inning game painless.
- “This Is America” – Childish Gambino: Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve likely already heard and watched this. Breaking news reporting over here, I know. But I haven’t covered it yet with WOs AND Cardi B brought it top of mind with her *shocking* discovery that Donald Glover and Childish Gambino are the same person. Pssst … the video is NSFW, in case you haven’t heard.
WO: Weekly Obsessions
I thought I’d take a different approach this week, since a common theme has surfaced time and time again recently: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.
The Good: My beloved laptop did not have a meltdown, as I feared it might, while my young nieces played assistant and tapped, tapped, tapped away on my keyboard Monday night. I was fortunate to be able to work remotely during a quick trip to Florida, but man was I fearing the worst while they oohed and aahed over a non-touchscreen device.
The Bad: I did have a meltdown. A fatal flaw of mine is taking on the weight of the world, and it’s something I struggle with on a daily basis. It’s part perfectionism, part insanity, but I can’t seem to let things go or let others “do” for me. This often manifests itself in my impatience and lack of trust, and sometimes, it gets so bad I go into full shutdown mode.
The Ugly: The emotions from said shutdown, plus from seeing my family for such a fleeting few days, made for quite the ugly cry. Thankfully, hugs from my nieces, comforting words from my mom, support from my brother and sister-in-law, and all-around love from extended family and friends helped me get through the worst of it. Just goes to show, no matter how old you are, your support system is everything.
Which of these smileys most closely fits your week? Let me know in the comments below!
WO: Weekly Obsessions
It’s a good thing we’re halfway through May since it is thoroughly kicking my ass. Between visitors, work trips, dog-sitting, volleyball, volunteering and um, my day job, I am le tired.
I was a little depressed about being far from family on Mother’s Day weekend. And, I was “missing” an event due to the recent break-up. To say I was in a funk is an understatement. A hike up Lake Berryessa last weekend couldn’t have come at a better time.
And, let me tell you firsthand: This hike has no time for funk. It’s about 2.5 miles of switchbacks up the whole way. Not much shade, nowhere to hide. I seriously contemplated having my friends leave me to be eaten by vultures, but I persevered.
And boy, was the view worth it.
Full disclosure: It helped that we had the promise of wine and cheese and meat at a nearby winery after.
So the next time you’re dying on the side of a mountain (figuratively or literally), remember this view and how much the pain is worth it. If He brings you to it, he’ll bring you through it. Cheers to that!
WO: Weekly Obsessions
It feels more common than ever where the week gets away from me and before I know it, a month or more has passed in the blink of an eye. It’s a good problem to have, overall, but I often find myself rushing from one thing to the next, rarely stopping to pause or reflect on what the heck I’ve done.
This week is no exception, as I’ve had a particularly packed few days and the most intense are yet to come. In the spirit of keeping a 350+ week streak going, though, here’s the earworm on repeat in this constant chaos of mine.
Until next week…
