is tú an cleite is fhearr i om scithán
It's Irish.
It’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow and I want you to know “is tú an cleite is fhearr i om scithán”. In other words, you’re the best feather in my wing.
I’m not here to convince you to like Valentine’s Day, but I will say, there are some highlights to this very unnecessary holiday.
It gives February a purpose (besides the very important Black History Month and my dad’s and father-in-law’s birthdays)
It’s an excuse to do something
And honestly, that’s all I got. I’m not against the holiday by any means, but I do view it as wildly unnecessary. But I am a celebratory person so I take what I can get.
Tomorrow, Jordan and I are going to NE Wellness for an Inferred sauna/cold plunge session in place of our typical dinner and drinks and I couldn’t be more excited. We are then going to head home and make some homemade pizza (SURPRISE JORDAN! I BET YOU NEVER WOULD HAVE GUESSED!) I hope you find something fun to do as well.
Luckily, in time for Valentine’s Day, Noah Kahan released a new song titled “Forever” and my god, I wish it was around for our wedding. Our soundtrack was *chef’s kiss*, but I just really like this song. It’s nice.
It’s just very clear to me that I’m a sucker for love stories. I read NYT’s Modern Love most days and am so heavily inspired by the storytelling there. My quick answer for my favorite book is Writers & Lovers by Lily King. I cry at every proposal and wedding in sitcoms. I’m just all in.
But I also love to love on my platonic relationships. There is so much focus on romantic love and I just think platonic love can be the most incredible form of love. When I’m with my friends, I feel so…me. Romanticizing your life, your friendships, and everything gets a little bit brighter. Tell your friends you love them. Ask your friends’ kids if they’ll be your Valentine. Oscar said yes! Probably because I brought chocolate and a coloring book
Happy Valentine’s Day! I love you!
Weekly Report -
R: Reading -
We are vegetable people and with the garden planning we’ve been doing, I’ve been doing some research on the best way to store your food. It’s been humbling to see how wrong I’ve stored a few things…like wrapping my cucumbers in paper towels.
E: Eating -
I (of course) only took one photo of this glorious meal and it was when I was almost done. But our dear friends, Tommy and Patrick, came over for dinner yesterday and after a spirited conversation over brunch this past weekend, we decided biscuit sandwiches shouldn’t be for just breakfast. Some steak, chimichurri, garlic butter, and homemade buttermilk biscuits (thx Jordy) were served with some smashed potatoes and a quinoa salad. Patrick made a beautiful chocolate/banana/coconut pie and Tommy made delicious gin + grapefruit cocktails and brought his own glasses because they would look cute in them. He was right.
P: Playing with -
Cooper. He’s been getting longer walks these days and I think it’s safe to say we are both loving it.
O: Obsessing -
Obsessing over my blood sugar! I am insulin-resistant meaning it’s hard for glucose to enter my cells, so it stays in my blood. I have more blood work in a few weeks and I’m hoping my management efforts will pay off. Not a glamorous answer, but it’s been on the top of my mind.
R: Recommending -
Invite friends over for dinner. I do love going out to eat, but there is something so personal about cooking for your loved ones. Play a game of cards over dessert. And book that flight you’ve been meaning to.
T: Trying -
To stay organized and not overbooking myself. And learn more about birds.
Original Words -
Control
I wish I could control the weather so anytime we wanted to stay in, it would rain. Our linen curtains are just transparent enough to see the glow of the street light outside, the windows are cracked so we can hear the thunder. I wish I could control the cafe on the corner’s specials to always be exactly what you’re in the mood for. No matter how out of season or outlandish the meal, you could get it, and for a few dollars off. I wish I could control the way you care for yourself. You would always take the extra minute in the shower to just breathe. You would see you’re worth investing in. You’d pick up the guitar again. You’d go to bed on time. I wish I could control the future. Not so I can change anything drastically, I’d let fate lead, but so you’d believe me when I tell you, “It’ll all be okay”. I wish I could control the world. You get wrapped up, staying informed. I love that about you. I wish when you read the news, you didn’t see desperation and tragedy. I wish I had control, I’d make life a little easier for you. I wish I had control over everything but you.
Journal Prompt -
What would your *semi-realistic* idea day look like? Here is mine:
Morning yoga class at a pretty studio
Grab a coffee and a bagel on my way home
Morning at home working in the garden
Walk Cooper to the park with a blanket and a book. Sit there for a while.
Write! Make some money!
Meet Jordan/Friends/Family at a dive bar with live music for happy hour
Get home at a reasonable hour and grill chicken for our Caesar salads, we eat outside.
Cribbage
Read with tea before bed
Do my entire nighttime skincare
Sleep by 10:30
Art by Katie Benn
It’s been a slow week, but I’m still so thankful for this space to share. Until next week! XOXO
Missed last week’s newsletter? Check it out here!