Curiosities Potpourri
things that made me say hmmm... and wow! recently
Co-Working Reminder
Don’t forget that the April 22nd Co-Working session has been rescheduled to Monday April 29th 12-3pm EDT! You can learn more here.
I’ve had a few requests recently for a longer list of curiosities, so I wanted to write a post for you with many things that made me go hmm… and wow! over the last few months, plus some things I’m looking forward to checking out. As always, I’m providing links in case you want to check them out, but nothing is an affiliate link and I don’t get any kickbacks for recommending things. I just like them!
Watching
When it comes to books, tv, and movies, I love a storyline told from multiple points of view, like Emily St. John Mandel’s Sea of Tranquility or Hernan Diaz’s Trust. When multiple players are involved, it’s hard to know who to trust, and when those points of view are spread across different points in time—even better!
Knowing that, it’s no surprise that I really liked the show Bodies. Set in four different times (one of them in the future!), four detectives are faced with solving the same murder—with the same murder victim. As the plot thickens, the four different storylines connect and overlap in interesting ways.
Up next: I’m looking forward to checking out the show 3 Body Problem, which looks a little scary but intriguing.
Playing
After we finished Baldur’s Gate, we finally started playing Assassin’s Creed: Mirage. It was good, but it definitely didn’t have the layers of lore that were packed into the recent Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla game.
We’re working our way through Banishers, which centers on a couple working together to solve the mystery of a haunted town in New England. I’m not giving away any spoilers, but one of them is alive and one is a ghost, and their relationship is very sweet, which means the ending is probably going to make me cry like a baby. Some of the gameplay feels really similar to God of War, but the storyline feels novel.
Up next: The new Dragon’s Dogma and the new Stardew Valley update when it finally comes out on Nintendo Switch!
Listening
Podcasts: What’s Good Games! I’ve finally reached the point in my nerdiness that I listen to podcasts about video games. It’s nice to hear behind-the-scenes details about what’s happening in the world of gaming, including the experiences of folks who work at companies.
Music: Kris (my spouse, for folks who are new here) introduced me to Chappell Roan and we have been dancing around the kitchen at night when we make dinner and it’s such a blast. Our current faves are “Pink Pony Club” and “Hot to Go.”
Up Next: I’ve had such great experiences working one-on-one with financial coach Hadassah Damien, so I was stoked to see that she recently came out with a new podcast, Have a Nice Life. I’m a couple episodes in and am really looking forward to the series.
Eating and Drinking
One of my goals in 2024 is to learn how to cook, and recently I’ve made two really yummy recipes!
“Rainbow veggie sheet pan with green tahini sauce” from Jenn Eats Good. I took the advice of some folks on Instagram and used 1/2 a cup of water in the sauce and it’s so yummy!
“Healthy Granola Bars” from Well Plated by Erin. I’ve always hunted for a good granola bar recipe, and this one is a good balance of salty and sweet. I added in raisins to mine.
Up Next: Pickles! I am obsessed with pickled vegetables and am excited to pick up a few books on fermenting and pickling from the library.
Smelling
I’m not usually a perfume person, but I recently celebrated my friend Sarah’s dissertation defense (Hooray, Dr. Sarah!) and when I got home, I noticed that her Olo fragrance had rubbed off on my clothes when I hugged her. I loved the scent, so when I got home ordered some of their 1ml samples. All five that I ordered smell great, though I’m really into the Maisoru.
Dr. Sarah also got me some candles from the brand Lohn and I’m super into their scent Jura, which is apparently orange and sandalwood.
Up Next: Going on walks around town and smelling the flowers on the bushes as they start to bloom!
Wearing
I’ve been really into the brand Conscious Clothing recently. If you’ve seen me on a Zoom call in the last few months you’ve likely seen me in my recent favorite accessory, an olive green gauze bandana. Kris also recently got me a pair of their yoga pants, which are so much more comfortable than standard constricting exercise gear. I got a size large and it fits true to size for me.
Up Next: I’m going to keep up my Conscious Clothing kick and get a second bandana to mix it up.
What about you?
What have you been enjoying watching, playing, listening, eating, smelling, drinking, or wearing? Share with a comment or reply to this email.
See you next week!
Dr. Kate
I so enjoyed learning more about you. Yet again we share things in common.
Despite enjoying The Sea of Tranquility I couldn't get into The 3 Body Problem right away. I watched 1 episode at a time and now get it. I'm loving Ripley (remake of an earlier movie). It is dark and just disturbing at times. Andrew Scott's character of Tom is deplorable. At times I cringe about might come next. But it keeps me on the edge of the seat.
I love food. Roasting an assortment of veg on a tray is not only simple but delicious. I can' believe the transformation with the taste. Somehow they taste sweeter, nuttier. I can't help but think about how this is similar to being in community - we all transform.
Smells are a big deal for me. I was so interested I trained as an aromatherapist to get into the weeds a bit more. I make my own potions and lotions. I veered away from it but recently getting into it.
I so enjoy listening to music. I listen to my fav DJ's music which helps me get into a meditative, trance like mode. When my body was able to I participated and led ecstatic dance.
I'm not into gaming but my eldest son is.
I so loved this, it lifted my spirits.
If you're looking to learn cooking, try www.budgetbytes.com . She does step by step photos of budget friendly, flavor friendly recipes. We are confident cooks but still eat from there at least once a week. Plenty of crock pot, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc. options for any diet.