Look — life is exhausting, and we all deserve a break from the chaos. That’s where The Gist comes in—a monthly roundup of the things that made my overstimulated brain go, “Oh, that’s nice.” Whether it’s a book that didn’t make me want to chuck it across the room, a meal that actually lived up to the hype, or a random internet find that momentarily cured my existential dread, it’s all here. So, if you need a distraction from the relentless nonsense of existence, keep reading. Or don’t—just don’t come crying to me when you’re stuck scrolling through the same three apps again.
February was a month that was both excruciatingly long and shockingly fast. I don’t know how to explain, but it might be because I have a lot of things that are happening in March — I’m moving into a new place, I just started a new job, I’ve started studying for Doula training this week…I guess it felt like February was the last stretch of time I had where everything was calm, which was good, but I was also ready for everything to start picking up the pace.
With that being said, I had time to appreciate a few things last month — I watched a few things, listening to a few things. I’ve finally had time to read more things here on Substack now that I have a slow desk job where I have access to peruse the Internet.
MOVIES
Happy Feet
Okay, for someone who was obsessed with this movie as a child and had the game for me gameboy color, I did NOT remember how sad this movie actually was. I forgot about the whole act where Mumble is stuck in the aquarium. Also, i did cry when all of the penguins started dancing together before Noah exiled Mumble. I just love unity???? I think that’s what does it for me…I also am just a baby and it doesn’t really take much to get me started.
Richie Rich
I’d never seen this movie before. I’m not sure how that happened. I do feel like I have a sliver of a memory of watching this with my grandparents when I was a young child, but I’m not sure. Anyway, I watched this for the first time and, of course, I cried. Who would’ve guessed. He’s just a kid with too much responsibility!!! He just wants friends and to have fun and play baseball! I can relate to that!! Also, I 100% relate to the parents and their safe being a giant mountain with their faces carved on it, the voice activated password being a duet together, and everything inside being relics of their only child’s childhood.
MUSIC
Messy, Lola Young
I realize I’m a little late to this train, but whatever. First of all, I’m obsessed with this song specifically because it reminds me a lot of the first longterm relationship I was ever in and how I felt like I would’ve done anything to get him to love me how I felt like he used to when the relationship was still new. But, that was suffocating and I’m happy that there’s a song that explains exactly how that felt for me. Amazing, 10/10.
CHROMOKOPIA, Tyler, the Creator
Another train I am very late to. I jump on things whenever I feel called to, it is what it is. I love this album. Some of my favorites from it are I Hope You Find Your Way Home, Sticky, and Rah Tah Tah. I’m always so in awe of the production on Tyler’s albums.
Busy Woman, Sabrina Carpenter
This is my favorite from the Short N Sweet Deluxe release; I’ve had it on repeat. Sabrina is such a hit maker, it's insane.
At Last!, Etta James
This is an album I will return to over and over again. I’ve been playing this at night while I’m unwinding and getting ready for bed and it’s really been helping to set the mood as I’ve been trying to romanticize everything I do as an act of manifestation.
PLAYLISTS
I always make playlists, but I feel like I spent more time making them in February than I have in a while. Here are a few I’ve made:
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
For those who don’t know, I got fired two days after Christmas, but I just recently landed another job that I’m pretty happy with so far. I need to find a second job, but I’m so happy that I finally got something. I missed having something structured to do with my day; it helps my brain work better.
I’ve started studying for my Doula training! This is something I’ve been working toward since last spring, and I’m happy that I’ve finally made it happen before this upcoming spring officially starts, even though I see her showing a little leg out here.
Death Doula/Experience Magazine, Corey Brickley Finally got a new ID!!! I haven’t had a valid ID in almost a year. When I moved back out here to Vegas last April, My ID expired literally two days after I got here and then I just kept procrastinating getting a new one. When I finally decided it was time to get that done, I realized I didn’t have my birth certificate, I had to orde a new one, and it was j ust a whole few-month-long process. But, I finally got my birth certificate in the mail and went to the DMV ALONE!!!!! And got it done (albeit, anxiously).
ITEMS
For Valentines Day, my boyfriend got me a bong and a new flat iron. I’m in love with both. I straightened my hair with the flat iron and was so amazed at how smooth it got! The whole reason I needed a new straightener was because my other ones just makes me hair so frizzy and I needed a better one. The bong is just cute and I love the owl. He knows me so well.
Look — life is exhausting, and we all deserve a break from the chaos. That’s where The Gist comes in—a monthly roundup of the things that made my overstimulated brain go, “Oh, that’s nice.” Whether it’s a book that didn’t make me want to chuck it across the room, a meal that actually lived up to the hype, or a random internet find that momentarily cured my existential dread, it’s all here. So, if you need a distraction from the relentless nonsense of existence, keep reading. Or don’t—just don’t come crying to me when you’re stuck scrolling through the same three apps again.