Interesting and Challenging Is Right
Hi.
In my last newsletter, I wrote “[the] next few weeks will be interesting and challenging.” Uh. Yes. I've mentally started this issue(is that the word?) a dozen times and there's no great way to do so. In general I've found that writing or anything requiring concentration for more than a few minutes has been more challenging than usual. I feel like there's sort of a frequently asked questions list when people check in with each other these days, so let me rattle off a few things and then get to the usual updates. In summary, things are fine and well here, and I sincerely hope they are with you & yours.
- I'm working from home with lots to do. First Person Arts is moving some experiences online and helping all interested folks create their own stories of the pandemic. Broad Street Review features more essays than ever and we are now previewing & reviewing many online (and some offline!) at-home cultural options. Kelsey's WFH as well, as is Rachel. We each have pretty much our own floor of the house for the workday, which works out nicely for our videocalls & mental needs.
- We're having fun with Jackbox games over Zoom, live comedy shows likewise, and Netflix binges. Somehow I've attended more book club meetings in the past month than I ever have before.
- Delivery and safe pickup options for wet goods, dry goods, and cooked goods are fabulous here in South Philly. Giordano's and June BYOB have come through with produce boxes. Our corner stores offer tremendous ranges of shelf-stable groceries, including the much-beloved all-purpose flour and yeast. And after five weeks of avoiding almost all public buildings, I visited our neighborhood supermarket last week.
- Yes, I have a sourdough starter.
- I'm wearing Old Navy tapered sweatpants constantly and finally feeling vindicated in my decision to keep a great rotation of snuggly hoodies. My best bathrobe ever is not appearing on every call but more coworkers have seen it than ever before!
- I cant get myself to go to bed at night, but once I do, I sleep so unbelievably hard and long.
- We're following the NYT How To Start Running guide. I've never really been a runner and this is the best go I've had at it in the past 15 years of badly trying. We're also trying to get out for a walk around the neighborhood twice a day.
- Yes, we watched Tiger King.
- Also there was... a lot of Love Island (UK seasons 3 & 4)
- The days are just packed somehow, almost as much as before, though with considerably less time waiting for buses.
- I miss bars and restaurants and cafes, people-watching, and different buzzes of different neighborhoods.
What else do you find yourself talking about several times a day? What's the new small talk? And what phrasings do you use about, say, “The before times”, “all... of this..”, and “The next times”? All in all, I'm counting my blessings, though some days I stare at the wall, worried about what comes next and thinking bad thoughts about Republicans.
Reading
In March, I was reading How to Do Nothing which I found very timely and challenging. Parts read very quickly and others felt far too dense with names and ideas. I have yet to finish this book! I also read a delectable piece of heist journalism, The Great Buenos Aires Bank Heist and thought about deep full-album listening, which I keep telling myself I want to do.
Eating
Some of you haven't yet made the Serious Eats Sicilian Pizza, and that's a shame. For some research purposes that may be moot now, I visited Two Fish in Haddonfield, Royal Tavern, and Stargazy on East Passyunk. Some time after All This started, a friend who worked in restaurants brought by supplies to make really serious ramen, and we were incredibly grateful for it. It feels all so very far away but apparently on March 23 I made the Alison Roman caramelized shallots pasta which was good but didn't blow my mind. I will make it again though!
Beating
As part of our project to intentionally listen to a different artist a week, Kelsey & I listened to Eve, Yo La Tengo, and The Weakerthans. I have mild opinions on each of these; if you're curious, let's talk! Comedian Dave Maher was making custom playlists based on suggested vibes, and as a result I now have two "90s Beach Xanax" inspired playlists, one for the day and one for the night. I don't know where I found Lil Editor, but I do know I've saved their Best Music for Late-Night/Early Morning as one to return to over and over. And maybe I'm saving the best for last: my friend Lillian created this equinox-focused experience.
Meeting
I might be in an N Crowd Zoom-based show on 5/1? That's soon. And on 5/6, which, let's be honest, is before the next of these comes out, I'm on Childhood Crushes giving a powerpoint presentation about.. someone or something. We'll see.
Deleting
Somewhere in my desk I find a ziploc bag of business cards, likely all from 2013-5. Why? Who were some of these people? Why did some of you give me your cards then?
Retreating
I spent part of February thinking how I'd love to spend more time in my basement & house. Well...
I'll have lots to say about food and music in a few weeks, I assure you of that. And I can only imagine I'll be nostalgia-and-gatherings-focused, like normal but different.
Be safe.
Neil