This year’s quarantine has meant that since my last work trip at the beginning of February, I have not left the city of Lexington. I don’t think I have spent that long (eight-ish months) in one single town since I turned 18. I was desperately in need of a change in scenery, (and hadn’t seen my grandparents since Christmas) so I spent last week in Pennsylvania with my family. While I was there, I felt really compelled to start writing again. I started writing down the things I gravitated to in the last week or so. So here are all the items I’m currently loving this October. Oddly, it is very romantic comedy heavy. Maybe it’s that time of the year?
Reading
Tools of Engagement by Tessa Bailey. I read the conclusion to the Hot and Hammered trilogy in 4.75 hours. It had me laughing out loud but also weeping at the sweetness of these characters. Tessa Bailey did a fantastic job with this trilogy. It was just what I needed this quarantine season.
Eating
Good Culture Cottage Cheese. I know that sounds so gross and weird but hear me out. I have historically never liked cottage cheese. The texture was weird, but I wanted to like it because it smelled so good. My best friend told me to try Good Cultures. She mentioned it was the only one she ate and the texture was good. I got completely hooked. I load that thing up with Everything but the Bagel seasoning and wow it is a snack made in heaven.
Watching
Emily in Paris. If you haven’t watched the first season of this Lily Collins-led rom-com, what have you been doing for the last week? Is it an accurate portrayal of a social marketing maven/influencer? I would certainly hope not. Was it funny, sweet, and great for distracting me for a day? Absolutely.
Drinking
French Press Coffee. Over the past year I integrated french press coffee into my morning routine. During the summer though, I tend to reach for cold brew instead. As it is finally starting to get cool in Kentucky, I have started reaching for my french press more and more. It just creates such a superior tasting coffee and morning experience.
Creating
Needlepoint. I got weirdly into needlepoint this year. First it was cross stitch, which I’m sure I will return to at some point. Currently, I am hot and heavy into some embroidery. I have been loving working on this as I watch TV in the evenings after work. It is just enough to make me feel productive without requiring too much brain power.
Listening
RomComPods. It is about a 5 hour drive to my parents place in PA. I drive it by myself with a whiney miniature dachshund. It is important that I have something engaging to listen to, otherwise, I’m likely to fall asleep at the wheel. Enter RomComPods. A 6 episode fictional romcom podcast. Season one was hilarious, set in Italy, and included the phrase, “I love that journey for you.” Season two starts today, but I’m trying to save listening until my trip back for Christmas.
Planning
Complete overhaul of my office. I am going to be working from home for the foreseeable future and I decided my spare bedroom needs to become a lot more office-y. The above is the “vibe” I’m going for with a lot of plants, a cozy futon, and a couple of beautiful gallery walls.
So those are all the things that I’m some level of obsessed or infatuated with this week. I told you there were a lot of romcom related things. I think it’s because they are easy to get absorbed into but still light enough to make me feel better during this insane year.
