I wanted to do something a little different for this newsletter. If you’ve been reading since I launched, then you’ve quickly learned that I am as existential as they come, but I can also be quite lighthearted, sarcastic, and wholesome. So for this newsletter, I’m switching up the format and sharing 10 things of note that have happened recently! AKA, things I’ve found funny, amusing, interesting, or even just little life updates from me. Let me know what you think in the comments and if you’d like to see more like this. Enjoooooy!
First things first. I saw this pug wearing a Harley Davidson jacket, and I really thought I had seen it all. After this moment, I really have.
Something I’ve been noticing lately. Pretty much everyone I know is going through some sort of major life change right now, myself included. There are tons of layoffs happening, relationship shifts, and big moves. Have you noticed this too? Here’s what I’ve been telling myself in the midst of this, and maybe you also connect with it.
Change is hard. It’s uncomfortable. It’s often a very good thing that allows us to grow. But, it’s okay to let it be hard in the middle of it. Yes, there are good things ahead. Yes, it will probably make sense later. But it’s totally okay to acknowledge that it kinda sucks, too.
I heard this quote ages ago, and it has stuck with me since: Always invite your emotions to come in, but don’t ask them to stay for tea.
Look at this stunning sunrise I caught this week! I did a breath work and cold plunge (yes in February!) this week, and it was really refreshing to do something new. I couldn’t feel my appendages for a while after, but it was worth it. If you’re in Barcelona and are interested in joining, you can sign up here!
Next month, I am going back to the states for a whole entire month! One of my best friends from high school is getting married, so I am making a whole trip out of it. I’m starting by visiting a friend in New York, then spending time with my family in Texas, then I’m finishing off the trip in San Francisco. I am weirdly kind of…nervous? I have only been back to the states twice since moving abroad (in the span of 3.5 years), and I think I lowkey forgot how to be properly American. Last time I was there I short circuited when a waiter took my credit card away to charge it. Pray for me.
When I was on a walk this week, I came across these adorable little Barcelona flower tiles that some kids had colored in. It brightened my day!
I saw this recipe for Miso Pecan Banana Bread in NYT cooking, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it since. I made my own, and it was fantastic! I subbed walnuts for pecans. Mine’s not so beautiful, but it sure was delicious.
I’m taking a break from dating, because ya girl can only handle so much. February is all about protecting my peace, okay! No boys allowed! For any straight single men who have gotten lost and accidentally stumbled into my newsletter, might I humbly suggest that February be your month for giving therapy a go.
Living in a second-language culture is really difficult, and it can be really embarrassing when you’re fumbling through broken conversation. Most Europeans I know don’t share the same level of sheer terror that I have when it comes to vulnerably interacting in a second language, but almost every North American I know has it. It’s mental block city. However, this week, I had such a smooth Spanish interaction where I had a full conversation discussing all my symptoms to a pharmacist (I caught some kind of nasty cold, btw) and even successfully remembered the Spanish word for throat. ¡Una victoria!
I’m religiously watching the new season of Love Island (UK, of course) like the good, fake British person that I am. I have lots of thoughts, but chief among them is…when did men start caring about their eyebrows so much?
I’ve had several really lovely loooong FaceTime dates lately. The thing about having my closest friends all over planet earth is that you have to get creative to stay in each other's lives. As much as I wish I could just drop by some of their houses to order takeout and lose track of time together, I’m really grateful that I have access to technology that allows us to still remain close.
PS — huge thank you to everyone who made a pledge or chose to switch to a paid subscription! This is a free publication, but knowing that you value my writing warms my heart more than you know. Not ready to switch to paid? Share “Are you mad at me?” with a friend who will enjoy it! 🫶
Anyway, I hope this newsletter was okay! No worries if not! Talk soon! Bye!
I liked this format too, it’s nice to change it up, but what I enjoy much is reading your insight and observations of things. I agree that it does seem like there is a big shift taking place and everyone I know is going through something right now. Wish I could see you while you are home, if you have any free time, we would love to see you!