what i've been up to, vol. 1

imperfectly perfect pseudo-recommendations

After publishing my last piece on the shallowness of recommendations, I couldn’t resist writing my own. I’d be more ashamed if it weren’t so fun to compile. Here’s the first what i’ve been up to, an interlude to my regular posts. 

Here’s what I’m reading, listening to, watching, planning, doing, cooking, and thinking about.

Reading

Crooked Plow by Itamar Vieira Junior. This popular Brazilian novel was recently translated into English and published by Verso. It’s about the complicated relationship between two sisters who are subsistence farmers in the Brazilian state of Bahia. When I went to the author talk at City Lights, I was impressed by how many in the crowd said this was one of the best books they’d ever read. Having now finished it, I see what they meant — and I’ve been recommending it to any friends interested in Brazilian history and magical realism.

Second Place by Rachel Cusk. Reading Rachel Cusk always gives me the sensation that I’m observing the world with a sharper lens. I haven’t finished it yet, but I’ve been carrying it with me in a tote bag everywhere I go. Every page so far feels like I’m probing at the deeper philosophical meaning of everyday life.

Watching

Old seasons of Curb Your Enthusiasm. Lately I average an episode of “Curb” per evening. In the show, Larry pushes everyday social norms further and further until they are unrecognizable. Something about the essentially human nature of the comedy makes it fun to watch without thinking too hard.

“The Mother and the Whore.” I watched this last Saturday night as it’s in the Criterion Channel’s new Jean Eustache collection. A photo of the projection in my cluttered living room went weirdly viral. If you want to watch a movie that’s 3 hours of French people talking about cheating, sex, dating, more cheating, and more sex, this is the movie for you.

Planning

A hiking trip through the Alps this summer, on a week between two weddings. If anyone has tips on where/how to hut hike through the Alps, please please reply to this email and share them with me.

A French Revolution-themed dinner party. For no specific reason other than I’ve found myself among a circuit of friends who like throwing dinner parties for each other (reciprocity is important!), one recent Saturday night we hosted this dinner party with a silly theme we decided on two day prior. We committed to it: we ventured to a French butcher in a neighborhood we’d never been to before (Dogpatch) for bone marrow; we made tricorn hats out of construction paper; and we consumed more than 6 bottles of wine.

Doing

Mending my clothing. I got really into sewing and mending during the pandemic amid the rise of what my friend Olivia calls “pioneer crafts.” The photo above is just me re-stitching the clasp of a vintage piece I got from eBay, but I’ve also attempted the art of “visible mending” on a few old jackets recently.

Biking around again, now that the Bay Area rain has stopped. It’s my favorite way to get around the city. There’s so much drama unfolding over a bike lane I use pretty frequently, but I’m doing my best to rise above it and focus on what matters: gliding to a new cafe for an espresso tonic.

Cooking

Chia pudding for breakfast. I just throw chia seeds, milk, oats, honey, and whatever fruit I can find lying around into my old Bonne Maman jars overnight. Surprisingly filling, full of fiber, tasty, and so easy that I make them again and again.

The Rintaro cookbook. Lately, Rintaro has been my favorite restaurant in SF, so I bought their cookbook and have attempted a few recipes. Tonight, my friend and I are making these fried chicken thighs before we head out to bars. 

Listening to

Chappell Roan. My friend Alexandra sent me “Pink Pony Club” and I haven’t stopped thinking about the artist’s 1980s/drag-inspired vibe since. I went to follow her on Instagram and noticed that over 20 of my friends were already following her, so I guess I’m late to this one. 

Simon and Garfunkel. Every spring, I religiously listen to Simon & Garfunkel (especially on walks and especially the song “April Come She Will”). I’ll never grow tired of their soft voices and warm lyrics. No matter where I am, listening makes me feel like I’m walking through a memory.

Thinking about

Committing to pilates instead of just youtube workouts. Anyone know a good studio in SF that’s beginner-friendly? I’ve been enjoying Youtube routines in the early evenings or when I need a break while working from home. They’re fast but it feels like I’m getting something done.

Getting back into online chess. I’ve been saying I’m going to get back into online chess for years, but maybe this time is different.

Making new e-friends. This newsletter has grown a lot in the last few weeks and it’s fun to hear about what other people are doing on here. You can always send me a message through Substack or start a chat with other subscribers here.