Everything is terrible, but here are some good things (including the chance to win a book!)

And a book giveaway!

desperately trying to find HOPE these days (image from Unsplash)

One of my favorite pieces of writing is “How Do We Write Now?” by the brilliant Patricia Lockwood. It was delivered in 2018 at a writing workshop, and I re-read it frequently, inserting different verbs in for write: how do we LIVE now, how do we GO TO WORK now, how do we do anything now. I don’t have any magical suggestions, other than that money helps.

I have been trying to distract myself using my favorite coping mechanism possible: online shopping. I haven’t purchased much, but dang, I have found some good things. If you, like me, need a distraction, here are some things for your consideration:

1. Ruggable just sent me a new rug, and I AM IN LOVE. Look (at the rug only and not my messy house lol)!

I had a Ruggable many years ago, and I loved it, but at that time, they had a rug with a separate pad. Dogs running around make it hard for the rug to stay in place. This new version is an all-in-one, like a traditional rug. It has good heft, is extremely soft, and is vibrant without overtaking the room. If you’ve been looking for a new rug, I cannot recommend them more!

Ruggable is currently running a winter reset sale, and rugs are up to 25% off! I’m considering buying this runner while it’s 15% off.

2. I’m forever on the hunt for good denim. I’ve been hearing good things about the Agolde 90’s crop. I’m intrigued because Agolde’s Parker Long Shorts are the shorts of my dreams, so I love the brand, but I’m dithering. Any Agolde jeans opinions, yay or nay?

3. No brag, but several students at the school I work at have told me I have “the best shoe game” and someone called my Nike Court Lows “tuff” (the word is back!). Middle schoolers are wildly honest, even with their vice principal, so I take their opinions seriously. Anyway, I’m always on the hunt for the next pair to add to my closet. Right now, the next contenders are either these Nike Court Legacies or these bedazzled Monza sneakers. Please leave me your coolest recommendations in the comments — I have a reputation to uphold.

4. Because my friends and I are Cool and Interesting, we recently had a rousing conversation about our favorite kitchen appliances. I went with an immersion blender, something I consider essential for any true soup lover. One friend loves her Dash Popcorn Maker, and another swears by her rice cooker. Once again, please leave me your best kitchen appliance recommendations in the comments.

5. The best book I read last year was Hemlock, by my dear friend Melissa Faliveno. The book is described as a “butch Black Swan” and that nails it. I was so excited about it that I got an advanced copy and pre-ordered it twice. Oops! I want to give one copy away. Please leave a comment below and I will select a random winner!

6. A random assortment of workout clothing that are currently in heavy rotation in my workout wardrobe: this ON Performance Flex bra, this Lululemon Jersey Training Tank, and this Lululemon Rulu Classic-Fit Long-Sleeved shirt.

7. I recently got an Oura Ring 4. I promise you that I won’t talk about it all the time, but I am obsessed. If you like data about your body, this is it.

8. My skin is SO DRY right now. I’m loving this gentle Skin Remedy Cleansing Balm,

9. Currently on my wish list: this Lululemon Waffle-Knit Funnel-Neck shirt, this Tatcha Longevity Youth Restoring Cream (it looks like bouncy putty!), and the Jessie Sweatshirt from Nation.

10. In terms of daily actions to help the world, I’m loving Jess Craven’s Substack, Chop Wood, Carry Water.