Hello,
Welcome to Newsletter #3. It’s been a month! I’m doing just fine! However, my brain activity has slowed for unknown reasons. It may have something to do with my new morning routine where I listen to The Daily and watch CNN on mute while simultaneously scrolling through Twitter and reading articles that pop up while trying not to spill rice cake crumbs on my couch from my delicious and nutritious new breakfast sandwich with bananas, peanut butter, and cinnamon! It could also be that I watched 12 seasons of television this month. But that’s not new. Who can say?
For all invested in my middle part journey (you MUST read Newsletter #2 to learn more), I am getting there! Part is still middle-side but getting closer by the day!
Hangry or Covid-19*
*I understand this story paints me in a less-than-flattering light, so let’s just say it’s about my friend Sherlock Filson, ok?
The week started out normally. I answered emails, did an at-home barre class, cried lightly about something. I cooked my usual things. I had been on a nutrition journey and had been eating a lot of cauliflower rice with stuff on top or big salads with more stuff on top. But this particular Thursday, as I went to eat my usual healthy taco salad, I realized I was disgusted by the thought of it.
I resorted to eating… soup….
I’m not a fan of soup. It’s splashy and often involves celery which I despise, but it was the only thing I could stomach!
When I woke up the next morning, I was in a dire state. My stomach was GROWLING but the thought of food made me feel nauseous. Nauseous… I had just read that nausea is a symptom of Covid-19. Here I am shaking with hunger, or is it more? Is it a fever? I don’t know because I never bought a thermometer. But I’m pretty sure it’s a fever. I rush out of bed to smell my vanilla pumpkin spice candle. Good, I still have my sense of smell. Actually, the smell of vanilla pumpkin spice is a little too overpowering and my eyes start watering. Eyes watering— isn’t THAT a symptom of a fever?? Oh my God.
I still had to work, so I lay on my couch dramatically answering emails and Slacks. It’s times like this you need a chaise lounge. I could go to CVS and buy a thermometer, I thought, but I might infect others. Also, the CVS by my house is weird and the last time I went the security guard asked me if I was eight-feet tall (I’M NOT).
Lunchtime approached and I was worse for wear. My head was pounding. I felt weak. I rushed to my vanilla pumpkin candle every five minutes to see if I could still smell. I could.
I looked at my sad, gloopy, celery-infused soup that I was to eat for lunch and I couldn’t take it anymore. Something must be wrong with me. I had to get a test.
As I waited in line at Dodger Stadium for my drive-thru test, I texted my friends the bad but inevitable news that I must have Covid. One asked “did you lose your sense of smell?” “No,” I said, “but it’s only a matter of time.”
I left feeling resigned but ready to take on the next 10 days of quarantine. I bravely drove back toward my apartment and all of a sudden, it dawned on me. I was craving Chick Fil-A.
Hand shaking, I drank my insanely refreshing Diet Coke (apparently it’s because of the small pebble ice they use) and devoured my chicken sandwich. I took a deep breath and felt fine. I had recovered from whatever had ailed me.
Upon hearing the news of my recovery my friend responded “I’ve never been less surprised."
C-ritically Acclaimed’s Pop Culture Faves
Poppy also adored my #1 book this month.
TV
Ted Lasso Season 1 (Apple TV)- The funniest, most heartwarming, and sincere show I’ve ever seen.
Schitt’s Creek Season 6 (Netflix)- “Is it David that you’re having an online laugh with?” Really doesn’t get funnier.
Pen15 Season 2 (Hulu)- I assumed this would be my number one pick before Ted and Schitts came along. It brought up an unearthed memory of me when I was 11 scowling like a supermodel might, to get the attention of the cute guys at the Freedom Trail exhibit in Boston, and my dad asking “why do you look angry, Charlotte?”
Young Wallander Season 1 (Netflix)- Scandanavia seems cloudy and chic!
Psych Season 2 (Amazon)- I visited Santa Barbara two weeks ago, so I had to watch.
Emily in Paris Season 1 (Netflix)- this is not good but it’s good. I’m now convinced I need a pink coat with a matching pink fuzzy purse and beret.
Love Island (CBS) - after 46 episodes (literally) I’m happy it’s over and that Justine and Caleb (Jaleb) won.
Real Housewives of Potomac (Bravo)- Monique and Candiace’s hair-gripping fight was quite the experience.
SNL (NBC) - I was ready to laugh! I did a little, but not enough.
In The Dark (Netflix)- I love a mystery show but this one was.. something else.
Lucifer (Netflix) - I think I overdid it on Lucifer and am no longer into it
Movies
Invisible Man - I recommend watching on low volume! Less scary and very good.
American Murder: Family Next Door- terrifying/ creepot depot and I can’t stop thinking about it!
UnPregnant - adorable, heartbreaking/warming movie about abortion access and lack thereof.
Oceans 11- young Brad Pitt is fun!
Seven- again, young Brad Pitt is fun!
Books (these books are all tied for first place)
The Meaning of Mariah by Mariah Carey- Mariah Carey’s memoir!! She’s not the diva you think she is!
The Au Pair by Emma Rous- Spine chilling read in one night situation.
Little Miss Little Compton by Arden Myrin- Arden Myrin’s hilarious memoir a la Mindy Kaling or Tina Fey (but more earnest).
I was going to include a list of songs but… I’ve only been listening to Mariah Carey’s “The Distance” and Sam Hunt’s “Breakup in a Small Town.”
Thanks for reading! Share with your friends :)