Hello, Monday.

I hope you all had a nice weekend. Despite seeming to do nothing much of substance, it sort of got away from me. I got some adult things in order (like transferring my prescriptions), worked out both days, went on a hike with my friends, fell asleep watching Harry Potter (Half-Blood Prince) but generally just sat around. These long winter days can just be so long.

How about you? How’s your new years?  I’m easing into mine with a moderate pace (see Gentle January).  I’ve got my eyes set on certain goals but realizing that it’s a marathon, not a sprint so we’re plodding along like the tortoise. A reminder to be gentle with yourself. We’re still in a pandemic, after all.

Blerg about that.

Anyway, here’s a few gems to get your Monday off on the right foot.

Ginger Ale, the unsung hero of the sky.  I almost never drink pop, let along full-sugar pop but somehow ginger ale always seems to break the rules when I’m in the air. Why is that? I think it’s because when we were kids and used to fly, it was what my mom always ordered for us. I don’t know. Nostalgia. Anyway, long live Canada Dry.

The impact of being seen.  My friend and I had a conversation about being the brown kid that always wanted to not be.  I’m happy that there is more diversity on screens these days, no matter how far we still have to go.

Yeah, still so far to go. #VeryAsian

The ridiculous expectations of women.

I like Pope Francis, but I’d argue that choosing pets over kids helps solve the global problem of overpopulation. Anyway, love live the crazy cat ladies.

Let’s to Iceland!

Or maybe the UAE? The seem to have their COVID s**t together.

Our Christmas cookies had brown butter in them and I am officially a convert. This is why it’s better.

How about a laugh?  Walking on ice is hard.

And finally, 2022 already taking more than its given. RIP, Mr. Poitier.

That’s it. Have a great week!

Hello, Sunday.

I don’t have any witticisms to share this week.

We’re at t-minus five days until Christmas and I don’t feel like I have anything left undone. The few presents I needed to buy are bought and wrapped, work is decently tied up and I’m ready for a few days of friends and family time and to garner some hope as we’re looking into the new year.

I’ve got one more stocking stuffer sweet treat to share before the holiday (did you try those nuts yet?) and we get to some semblance of (much-needed) normal food around here.

Until then, I hope you’re okay. This time of the year (in normal times, much less 20 months to a pandemic) can be stressful, and more than one person I know is warm-close-to-boiling on the inside.  My advice?  Movement and music is medicine so whenever you’re close to blowing, put on your favorite tunes (Britney for me, 4evR) and throw yourself a spontaneous dance party.

No doubt it’ll make you smile.

As will this.

Have a great week!

Hello, Sunday.

Thanksgiving – four days to go! Who’s ready? I’m ready to eat, which is my only job. However, if you’re on kitchen duty on Thursday here are some ideas if your menu is still less than finalized.

Otherwise, it seems we keep getting handed disappointing but expected news and it’s all just so exhausting.  I spent the latter part of the week recovering from my booster and used good ole Bridget Jones to aid in my recovery.  My go-to, cure-all.

The world is still heavy, and as we’re looking at the holidays I fear we’re looking at another lockdown.  The last month has been very stressful on my end, and I know that many of my friends have felt the same.  So, here’s to looking at the rest of 2021, being thankful for what we have, those that are with us looking forward to 2022 with the hope that it will be better.

GBBO had me holding my breath this week. Did you watch yet? Also, does anyone want to come to my house and make patisserie?

An ode to mac and cheese.

Perhaps I should start glazing my veggies.

This story embodies the spirit of the holidays and never gets old.

Welcome to Downton!

Where is Peng Shuai?

Do I watch the Harry Potter marathon every holiday weekend? Yes. Do I plan on watching this? Yes and yes.

The simple spice cookie is really anything but.

What’s with all the sequels? Why nostalgia is killing cinema. 

A good reminder that we’re never too old to try something new.

Have a great week! Happy Thanksgiving!