A New Month, A New Me
(A live look at the recipient of 2019's Best Helper award)
This month has presented me with many new challenges. I feel as though this year is going to be a bit of a trial, and while I'm not super looking forward to the struggle, I'm trying to embrace the changes and take everything in stride with an open mind. Where last year was all about establishing my independence and thriving in my new life, this year I think will be more about survival than anything else. I don't mean to sound alarmist - I don't think I'm going to actually have to rely on wilderness survival skills (although maybe trying new things this year will yield some interesting results - never say never). It just feels like a year where I will be tested. Life naturally has ups and downs, after all.
With that in mind, here are some of the things that are helping make life a little easier and a little more enjoyable.
Netflix show that absolutely killed it: Sex Education
I heard a few positive murmurs about this show before I sat down to watch it and it wound up being even better than I thought it was going to be. Think Big Mouth meets The End of the F*cking World meets Mean Girls. From the painfully awkward struggle of the main character, to the raw and uncut nature of the topics they tackle, to the unlikely friendships forged, it really has the feel of a show that is equal parts too cool and too goofy but in the best possible way. There were times that I laughed so hard I'm pretty sure I woke up my neighbors, and there were moments so tense I couldn't look away. If you're looking for something to help you get through the week between episodes of True Detective, this should be the perfect palate cleanser. Fair warning though, the very first scene involves graphic nudity - unsurprising given that the entire premise is based on awkward teenage sex issues. (If this isn't enough to get you through or if it's just not quite your style, also check out Friends From College on Netflix - the first season hooked me last year and I blew through the whole second season in one night last weekend. Still not satisfied? I recently re-watched Julie & Julia and I had forgotten just how wonderful it was.)
Book that made me ugly cry for complicated reasons: What to Do When I'm Gone by Suzy Hopkins & Hallie Bateman
I can't for the life of me remember where/when this little book was recommended to me, but it wound up on my Amazon wishlist and was gifted to me for Christmas. It's a beautifully illustrated book of advice from mother to daughter about the inevitability of carrying on in life after the death of a parent. The mother and daughter team of author and illustrator create such an intimate view into the love they have for each other in the creation of this manual of sorts. It's deeply sad at times, of course, but there is also so much humor and sweetness and love that it's hard not to feel honestly a bit jealous of the creativity they so obviously share. I don't have what I would think of as a typical relationship with my mother, but I still found it to be a source of comfort and I think anyone can benefit from reading it. It took me less than 2 hours to get through it (with breaks for tears) and I imagine I'll probably go back to it a few times over the years. (P.S. it's not just for mothers and daughters - almost all of the advice works for the men in our lives too)
Product that is super weird but also weirdly seems to work: Crystal deodorant
I do my best to avoid harmful chemicals in my food, so it stands to reason I should do the same with all my beauty and hygiene products. I've cleaned up my makeup act, started using more responsible cleaning products, and my shower is full of wholesome organic brands. Where I've struggled though is deodorant. I love aluminum-free alternatives, but many of them aren't actually as good for you as they seem and the ones that are made of only the good stuff can cause rashes on sensitive skin. Y'all I cannot tell you how many natural deodorants - even home made recipes - that I have tried. I had adverse reactions to all of them eventually and it's been a source of frustration for a long time now. I finally stumbled across this stuff and I wholly do not understand how it works but IT WORKS. Hallelujah! Now, it does not last for 24-hours like it claims on the label, but I can get a good solid 12 hours of funk-free relief and that is a victory in my book. It is completely fragrance-free which seems dubious, but it really does work wonders. My smell is now natural, free of chemicals, and (as far as I know since no one has complained) unoffensive to innocent passers-by. YAY!
That about wraps it up this month. I'm currently bracing to get snowed in for the night so I hope all my fellow New Englanders stay warm and safe!