First Weekly REPORT of the year!
I saw Wicked with my mom and brother on Friday, and I can’t believe I waited to so long to see it. My mom and I were struck by the amazing costume and set design, and fangirling over Jonathan Bailey, as expected.
I learned while bouncing around The Heights today with Theiija that to my dismay, and in alignment with a rumor I saw on Tiktok, one of my favorite cafes is now permanently closed. Rip EQ Heights, your coziness was unmatched, and your cinnamon scone will be missed. Despite this tragedy, I’m feeling very positive about this month and the new year. Happy Monday!
READING
Doctors should put caring for their patients above the law: Up until a few years ago, my mom was a full-time OB GYN for high-risk pregnancies at Texas Children’s Hospital, the largest children’s hospital in the US. The cases she saw there of women with varying cases of severity were regularly impacted by harmful legislation that doctors had to choose whether or not to challenge. This is a very passionate article discussing that struggle and a plea for doctors to choose prioritizing patients over abiding by the law.
If you’re not a math person, think again: As a self-ascribed “not a math person” since middle school, this was very “AHHHH” to read, whatever that emotion is. Around the time I started to realize that math wasn’t one of my strongest subjects, I had a math teacher named Mrs. Williams in sixth grade who I found to be a bit condescending. The following two years, where I took advanced math classes at the direction of my mom, I had Coach Alex as my math teacher who was genuinely an asshole. These three years were the start of my deep dislike, and hence intense struggle, with math which bled into my business classes at WashU (Accounting 2610 and D*T 121, I’m looking at you). What’s crazy, though, is that in a marketing context, I love looking at data and doing market research that involves it. A very personally relevant read.
“When mathematics arises in class discussions or homework, the student feels increasing tension and self-doubt. This discomfort sets the student on a path defined by a negative feedback loop. As their anxiety around it grows, they engage less with the subject, leading to a weaker grasp of the material and further declines in performance.”
“Procrastination is common, as a student delays math homework to avoid the anticipated discomfort. This can mean rushed, incomplete assignments and lower grades, reinforcing their negative feelings about mathematics.”
I want to get swept off my feet, for The Cut: An entertaining read and partially relatable read about wanting to be swept off your feet by a man as a taller woman. Very quippy but introspective when necessary.
EATING
Ham and potato soup: Ham and potato soup: Christmas ham leftovers at its best! I sauteed some garlic, onions and celery, then added quartered baby potatoes and chopped up ham. After letting that simmer for a little, I added my water and chicken bouillon (I didn’t have unfrozen stock ready) and then finished it off with heavy cream, parmesan, parsley and green onion. Seasoned every step of the way, of course- very delish.
PLAYING
In your dreams with Kaia Gerber: I’ve never watched or read an interview with Kaia, but she seems very personable! Owen always brings such a chaotic interview to these because they’re his friends, and I think that helps create a good environment. Truthfully, I wish they would have broached whether or not she was still dating Austin, but I made it through the almost hour-long episode without it, so it was definitely entertaining. It’s fun to learn about random people’s friend groups with minimal context.
In your dreams with Jordan Firstman: This was so raunchy and gossipy, I loved it. I stalked Jordan’s Instagram after this, and he is a well-connected man. He seems so sweet though, and I loved him in English Teacher. He kind of laughs like a toddler and his hand on Owen’s thigh the whole time is the most endearing, adorable thing in the world.
Laid on Peacock: Fun! Extremely flawed main character with an avoidant attachment style and daddy issues? Sign me up. I started watching because Finneas is in it (for only two episodes unfortunately), but it’s a good short series and Zosia Mamet probably had my favorite performance. Alexandra Shipp was also in an episode and looked really hot. The twist at the finale episode is intriguing. In the age of show cancellations, let’s see if it gets picked up for a second season.
OBSESSING
Doechii for Nardwuar: I love when musicians know Nardwuar’s schtick but still get excited and gagged when he brings up random moments from their childhood.
RECOMMENDING
Narrative thinking holds you back: As someone who is constantly maladaptive daydreaming and can admit that narrative thinking guides my viewpoint, this was an eye-opening read offering insight on why we should abandon narrative thinking in our lives.
“Narratives limit our potential. Though we are complex beings, living in a chaotic universe, our stories create the illusion that our lives are ordered, logical and complete.”
Tove Lo and SG Lewis Boiler Room: After listening to Christmas music on repeat, this set was a warm electronic welcome to transition out of the holiday music, though I am still giving it a listen here and there. Tove Lo’s performance is almost enchanting, and it reminded me of how she’s contributed to the electronic pop sound in such a unique, and underrated, way.
Interior Designer answers questions for AD: This was super informative, and he was witty but straightforward. He references a lot of cool artists and designers, and has a swagger (bringing this word back, in a non-ironic way) that oozes out of every recommendation.
TREATING
Light blue bow rug from Anthropologie: Thank God for my employee discount. $20 for this cutesy little rug that perfectly matches my light blue and white room, what a steal!
Cowboy boot shot glasses: I was treated to these adorable shot glasses by my dear friend Sydney who sent me them all the way from California! For anyone who doesn’t know, I have a collection of miniature cowboy boots, and this was the perfect addition. Love you Sydney!
