Weekly Update #8

March 20-26

I’m sitting here putting the finishing touches on this week’s update, Thai food is on the way (my order: crab rangoons, crispy vegetable rolls, and a Thai iced tea), brownies are in the oven, and Mike and I are about to watch a couple episodes of The Sex Lives of College Girls. Today we spent a lot of time cleaning, organizing, and straightening up the house, so we’re both ready to relax! I hope you’ve had a good weekend so far, whatever you’ve been up to!

Reading

🎧 I Have Some Questions For You by Rebecca Makkai – I just finished this one last night and am still mulling it over. There is lots here, and I need some more time to decide how I feel about it and what I have to say. In the meantime, I’m eager to read this and this. (Has anyone seen podcast interviews with her about this book? I was looking for one but haven’t been able to find any.)

📖 Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake – HIS BOOK. I had heard great things but kept putting off reading it. I’m so glad I finally picked it up. It’s sweet, steamy, adorable, sexy, and full of heart. The dynamic between the characters, the growth in each of them, the small town – I can’t wait to continue the series.

If you haven’t tried audiobooks or don’t have an audiobook subscription, Libro.fm is my favorite way to listen to audiobooks, and my favorite audiobook company to support. Your purchase supports an indie bookstore of your choosing, and you can pause or cancel at anytime. Use my code (KATHARINE) or this link and get TWO audiobook credits for the price of one.

Watching

Still “Nashville”, and still loving it. (I’m not going to admit what season I’m on…) And I’m fully caught up on “Vanderpump Rules”, and fully invested. Anyone else?

Listening

I found a new podcast from the author of the upcoming book Women Without Kids, also called Women Without Kids, and it’s wonderful so far. I’ve found that a lot of the conversation around this subject falls into two categories: the childless (those who are unable to have children) and the childfree (those who have chosen not to have children). Neither label has ever felt like it fit my situation, and this podcast speaks to that and seems to be more nuanced than other conversations. I’ve already preordered the book and am eager to keep listening to the episodes.

This is a subject I have a lot to say about, but I’m never sure if it’s one people are interested in, especially because it’s so personal and complicated. If it is, let me know and I might share some of my thoughts in a future newsletter.

Loving

Spring break – This past week I was on spring break (a perk of working in higher ed) and it was lovely. I tend to always be aware of how much time is passing during these breaks, but this time I really did just enjoy each day. Lots of reading, resting, walking, TV watching – all the things I wanted to do during this time off.

Getting out for just a quick walk – With the weather starting to change (although it’s a bit hit or miss right now), I’m trying to get outside for a walk, even if it’s only 20 minutes. The fresh air, the sun, the movement, it all does wonders for me, even in small doses.

Living in the city – I’ve lived in the city for almost 15 years now, and while it’s been wearing on my a bit (especially during the height of the pandemic) I’m enjoying it again and that feels good. I know we’ll move out of the city sooner rather than later, but I’m trying to appreciate being here while we are.

Have a great Sunday!

A reminder for the week: Note to self – when things feel overwhelming, remember: One thought at a time, one task at a time, one day at a time.

Some links in this email are affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase.