I have a dear friend who has kept a detailed daily journal since I've known her (age 5!). Growing up, feeling inspired by her level of commitment to this practice, I started a journal. I cozied up to jot down my deep, pre-pubescent thoughts, in the back of my mind feeling certain that this would be a ritual for years to come. Plot twist! I lasted less than a week with my new journal. This cycle has repeated many times and continued into my adult life--hello gratitude journal with literally 3 entries!
I like the idea of journaling regularly--having a shelf full of detailed records of my day; a way to take a stroll down memory lane; a record of the past that might help me win an argument with Quentin (yes, I know, conflict is about communicating effectively, not winning. But also, I like winning.)? Yes please to all of that.
But ultimately, I've accepted that daily journaling is just not in my nature. I like to wind down by transporting myself away from the minutia of my day--novels and television have always helped me relax. But I still value having record of what's going on and having the ability to sit down and truly reflect. So in an effort to reach a happy medium, I've decided that rather than reflecting upon the happenings of my life on a daily basis, I can take a moment reflect on some key thoughts and feelings at then end of each month and where better place to jot them than on a blog? It feels especially fitting to start this practice in September-- it is the month of back to school and fresh starts, after all.
Along with those fresh start feels, September has always been a month of flux for me, and this year has been no exception. Quentin and I are moving in early October, so we've spent a good amount of time sorting through our current apartment and starting to pack. I'm at once SO ready to get into our new space in Brooklyn, and also a little nervous about leaving Manhattan.
Our Chelsea apartment feels so central. Logically, I know that a move to Brooklyn doesn't really limit my access to my favorite things that significantly...but what if I decide I want some Hu Kitchen rotisserie chicken for dinner at 7pm when dinnertime is at 7:30?! Again, I know these are the definition of trivial concerns. And ultimately, we're getting more space, a gorgeous kitchen (!!!), a calmer neighborhood, and are saving money via our move. So in the grand scheme of things, my emotions land much more on the excited end of the excited/nervous spectrum. Bring on the last packing push!
I also embarked upon a "Part30" this month. Following an amazingly full summer with plenty of weekend trips, soft serve, and wonderful time spent with family and friends, I felt like I needed a way to get back to basics when it came to food. A Whole30 seemed like just the right way to reset a bit. But I'm in school two days a week, and cooking for clients throughout the week and am required to taste all kinds of delicious (and Whole30 non-compliant) food in both of these venues. In the past, I've had a very all-or-nothing mentality about food, but I decided to challenge that and complete a "Part30," focusing most of my eating around Whole30 compliant food, but allowing for deviation during class and while cooking for clients. I plan to write an entire blog post about the experience once I'm done (in a week!).
Finally, while everything is generally wonderful over here at Fresh Erica HQ, this month is ending on a heavy note. Watching Dr. Christine Blasey Ford testify in front of the congressional judicial committee and the subsequent outpouring of support for her bravery and patriotism has left me emotionally overwhelmed. I'm so proud of her and the people (mostly women) coming forward sharing their own assault stories. I'm also devastated that so many of my loved ones have had experiences similar to Dr. Blasey Ford's. Finally, I'm enraged at the seeming inevitability of this supreme court appointment. But I'm trying not to feel hopeless and helpless--I've been calling my senators using this service.
Alright that's all for now. To wrap things up on a lighter note, here are a few things from around the web I've been digging, reading, coveting, or cooking this month:
I whipped up Alyssa's genius Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese for a client and then for myself. So good, so many veggies, resistance is futile.
I've been feeling intrigued by mustard yellow lately--wish-listing this sweet babe.
I blew through this book. It's a deep, dark, feminist dystopia that is somehow still an easy read.
Speaking of books, I started a hot and steamy love affair with the New York Public Library this month.
Have you seen this Netflix movie yet? If you're like me, you have and it's been on repeat.
We learned to truss a chicken in class this month and it resulted in the juiciest, most tender roasted bird. Is it wrong that I have a little crush on Jaques Pépin?
Bookmarking this delicious recipe for the moment I complete my #Part30
A pastry chef weighs in on the absolute best natural sugar for baking.
And last but certainly not least, I double checked my voter registration using this site. November is fast approaching. Let's do our civic duty, folks.