Quote of the Week: “I was a terrible believer in things, but I was also a terrible nonbeliever in things. I was as searching as I was skeptical. I didn't know where to put my faith, or if there was such a place, or even what the word faith meant, in all of it's complexity. Everything seemed to be possibly potent and possibly fake.”― Cheryl Strayed, Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
Drinking: A steeped coffee from my cousin’s roaster, Boil Line Coffee Company, in my hometown of Danville, PA. These are fairly inexpensive and fantastic for anyone who wants a quick cup of good coffee, especially for travel/camping. (wipes the floor with Keurig)
Currently Reading: Franny and Zooey by J. D. Salinger. The reading department is one of many slow starts to my first two weeks of 2021, but this fun, timeless novel is the *characteristically Salinger* comfort I needed.
Thinking: Last winter, we had parties to curb seasonal depression. Birthday dinners that turned into ruining your shoes in the packed, sticky upstairs of Frankie Bradley’s. Piling into Ubers to Chinatown to scream karaoke at the top of our lungs, videos of epic 15-person “Bohemian Rhapsody” renditions to prove it. Right now, I feel crippled by ennui, despite plenty of work, projects, and hobbies to keep me busy. I’m not used to Pennsylvania winters without warm bars and warmer friends to make it through, or even the office and the gym to maintain some semblance of routine. Butttt next week I’m getting my Poodle… and acupuncture for the first time… and a tattoo (hopefully), so I’m telling myself to hold tight.
Grateful for: Shake Shack. Last night I got tested for COVID and immediately swung through for a bacon cheeseburger and a chocolate shake. Patriotism is philosophically impossible for me, but I’ll be damned if I don’t love a good bit of Americana… like a burger and a milkshake when you’re down bad.
Loving: This faux leather mini I just ordered from AllSaints. Say what you want about influencing, but waking up to, “Hey Dia, please pick a couple items for us to send you!” this morning put a little pep in my step. I’m trying to work with brands less (I don’t need more shit/I want people to follow my IG for my writing, however idealistic that is), but when it’s stuff I really like, I surrender. :)