Since roughly late January, I’ve been extremely anxious.
I talked to my primary care person about it and what I thought she said was, “You know, the best remedy for anxiety is actually medication.”
Wow! I thought. That’s great! All I have to do is take some pills and I’m fixed! Take that, D.A.R.E. Drugs are the answer!
And then, as she kept talking it became VERY clear she actually said meditation, not medication. Which, not gonna lie, was a bit of a let down.
Although reading the news can make me feel anxious, being uninformed is just not for me so this is the path I’ve chosen. I practice deep breaths. I make myself move my body and leave the house. I try to celebrate the small wins.
Lagree
I started a new workout called Lagree. I’ve been describing it to people as pilates on steroids, or if you’re more of a visual thinker: a medieval torture device you exercise on.
As I told my BFF Sydney, Lagree makes my muscles Lagroan. My hamstrings are trying to protest. To think, they used to live an relatively easy life, and now I force regularly scheduled heavy labor upon them.
Why do I keep coming back, you ask? I dunno. I’m like, into the challenge or something.
That said, if anyone reading this (who already has my personal contact info) wants to come to class with me - text me!
Spring Break
I was on Spring Break from school. I still had to go to work so it wasn’t a fully break, but I did take a few days off to visit Sydney in LA.
We went to the Getty!
The grounds at the Getty were a real highlight. As was seeing this couch-bed Marie Antoinette maybe slept on. It was very difficult to not sit on it. Obviously, I want one, or the more modern equivalent of one. I’m more into rococo-style clothes and than furniture.
I’m still a bit disappointed the hoop skirt didn’t come back into style during the pandemic. It basically mandates social distancing. We really lost out on that opportunity.
The museum was closing and we had to leave, but I really wanted my picture in front of this statue. I wish I had more time to perfect my pose, but maybe next time.
I ate gluten free churros at 401k Wine Bar - the churros were so amazing I’d consider moving to LA just so I can eat them more often. The lighting in the Wine Bar was very romantic so we kinda accidentally went on a date.
And we went to Disneyland! It was so much fun. My favorite part was watching Sydney go on the Haunted Mansion ride.
Us in line for Haunted Mansion. I’m thrilled, Sydney less so.
I knew she was nervous going onto the ride, but then once we were on Syd started laughing. As an empath, I started laughing too. Sydney realized all her fear was for nothing! We were having the time of our lives!
…It turns out Sydney was laughing because she was having some sort of terror-induced laugh attack which neither of us knew was physically possible pre-Haunted Mansion. I maintain, as a good friend, it was my responsibility to laugh with her. Friends don’t let friends laugh alone.
Graduation
Do I feel ready? No. Is it happening anyway? Yes.
Recs on Recs
Audiobooks
Viewfinder, by Jon Chu. Chu directed the Wicked movies, and In the Heights, but it took him a while to find his voice and POV when it came to directing.
Best Hex Ever Collection, by Kate Johnson. A light-hearted, inclusive witchy rom-com.
Movies
A Real Pain, directed by Jesse Eisenberg. This is about two cousins on a trip to Poland in honor of their late Jewish grandmother. I really enjoyed the score.
My Old Ass, directed by Megan Park. Caution: May make you laugh and cry. Such a good use of Aubrey Plaza. Canon for coming-of-age films. Definitely on the same level as Booksmart directed by Olivia Wilde.
Shows
Mythic Quest (Apple TV)
Side Quest (also Apple TV)
Music
Short ‘n Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter - EXTENDED EDITION, specifically 15 Minutes and Busy Woman. Yes, she’s adored by lots of screaming tweens, but she also knows and respects her references.
Will you still love me tomorrow cover by Amy Winehouse. I could (and have) listened to this song 7x on repeat without getting tired of it. Credit to the GOAT (Carole King) for writing this song.
If I ever got in a street fight, it would likely be over someone disrespecting Carole King or Joni Mitchell. NOT ON MY WATCH, YOU UNCULTURED SWINE.
Things
Barefoot shoes. It makes such a big difference to not have your toes cramped into a shoe, and to be able to feel the ground you’re walking on.
The theory behind barefoot shoes is that the cushion and support in typical shoes is allowing some of your foot muscles to atrophy and rest when your foot is working. Plus, traditional shoes aren’t foot shaped which makes zero sense. Barefoot shoes have no padding, and mimic the natural shape of the foot to allow the foot to develop more strength on its own.
I was having a lot of foot pain even though I was proudly wearing American Podiatry Association approved shoes, so I decided to give barefoot shoes a try and now I’m really into them.Bone broth. When you are having an gastro issue, bone broth will deliver that sweet, sweet protein your body needs without exacerbating the war in your intestines. You’re welcome.
Until next time,
E