Well, what a shit show? I think we can all agree on that. March got off to an okay start. We celebrated a bunch of birthdays with lots of cake and beer. We got to see all of our friends and family for Ryan’s birthday. We had a few days of normal! And then the whole world flipped upside down and life just became one huge question mark. Although I’m not going to even get into the whole coronavirus pandemic right here right now, I will acknowledge that life is different this month. A little scarier and a lot more uncertain. The world is feeling smaller than ever and I think we are all feeling the reality of that. But all that aside, we are all getting through this the best we can. So here’s what’s been keeping me sane. Ish.

books read: all reviews here as always! I suspect there will be more in April…

  • Maybe You Should Talk To Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed by Lori Gottlieb
  • The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle
  • Calypso by David Sedaris
  • In Five Years by Rebecca Serle

recipes tried:

  • more banana bread (I think this might become a real staple around here), more buckwheat cookies and brownies.
  • these chocolate chip cookies –– my favorite!! These are almost always gone before I can manage to put them away. Might have even been in record time this month.
  • this candied lemon pound cake –– this was probably the most annoying recipe I have ever followed. In my life. It’s too many steps and is written horribly, in my opinion. I would not recommend this cake to anyone, unless of course you are looking to torture yourself. However, I will say that it was good, but I’m not happy to admit it! And it’s even better the next day out of the fridge.

music:

  • I’ve been putting together a playlist of all the songs that keep me grounded and calm and immediately boost my mood when they come on. Some of these songs are my favorites of all time, and some are just what I want to hear when my head becomes too much. I’m going to make a post with all the songs once I’m happy with it. So stay tuned for that!

movies & tv: I’ve basically watched nothing new. I’m all but boycotting tv because I can’t focus on anything long enough to take it in, and am tired of hearing the tv on by the end of the day. The only thing that can keep my attention is the news, and it’s only because it’s too horrifying to look away from. The honest truth.

new products:

  • Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek in Werk –– bought this (online! before things got totally insane) on a whim after seeing it in a YouTube video and looooving it. It gives the prettiest glow and just the right amount of color. Also feels like it somehow makes my cheeks smoother? Jury is still out on that.
  • Pinky-Red Jelly nails –– what I am deeming my new (self) manicure of clear polish with three drops of bright red mixed in. Subtle but just the right amount of color to make it look like your nails haven’t gone to complete trash…yet.

other things:

  • Puzzles, we’ve been doing them all…
  • Making bracelets and stringing beads –– leaning into crafts and making things with my hands during all of this downtime. It’s been therapeutic and relaxing and somewhat rewarding. Check them out here in my Etsy shop if you’re in the market for some happy mail. I’ve been wearing a few ankle bracelets and they are making me wish for summer harder than ever.
  • …and while we’re on the subject, pining for summer.
  • Video chatting every person I know at what seems like all hours of the day – just like every other person on earth right now. Somehow it helps, doesn’t it?

the main events:

  • Ryan’s Birthday –– our last little bit of somewhat normal. He worked, I worked and made brownie ice cream cake. We had dinner at Ugly Baby and burned off nearly every taste bud we have, collectively.
  • Mom’s Birthday –– a hard day for sure, as the reality of all this craziness started to finally set in. Mom and I went over to the beach and walked to the Fire Island Lighthouse which was really nice and relaxing. Salt water can’t cure everything, but it definitely helps.
  • #Quarantine2020 –– and now we isolate. Sitting inside, working to take our minds off of everything for a bit, a constant cycle of news on in the background. Washing washing washing our hands. Cleaning out the fridge, lots of puzzles, walks around the backyard, kissing my dog every time I walk by him. Playing pool, playing darts and always gambling. Constantly FaceTiming. Playlist making, book reading and long sighs. Baking, eating, baking, eating on repeat. Weeknight (and weekend) poker, happy hour nearly every day and lots of family time. Hey, whatever you gotta do to get through it, right?

March was a weird one, to say the very least. A month I am sure none of us will ever forget. And quite possibly the longest month we’ve ever lived. Let’s all cross our fingers and wish for better days in April. Until then, wishing you peace and happiness, and good health. And, for the love of God, stay the f*ck home!!!!

with love, JAK