Hi friends! Welcome back to my monthly recap.
As usual, I'll kick things off with some life updates and then follow it up with a rundown of what I’ve been reading, listening, watching, playing, and thinking about as of late. To wrap up on a positive note, I'll share a few funny moments, whimsical observations, and new discoveries I experienced this month.
These monthly recaps serve two purposes:
I get to reflect on my month.
I can create a space to connect with you all.
My comments are always open, so if you have any thoughts, reflections, or just want to say hi, feel free to drop them directly on this post! I really hope these posts can serve as conversation starters between us.
Without further ado, let’s dive into April’s recap!
5 Weeks Post ACL Surgery: We’ve made some huge strides since my last monthly recap. I now only have one brace on (instead of two), and have gained full bend and extension in both legs. My goal for this month is to slowly ramp back up to a consistent exercise routine.
Signed for a New Apartment: My roommate and I have always wanted to try living in a different part of the city. We took our building’s rent hike as extra motivation to look for a new place, and after much effort we found a unit that works for us. We’ll be moving there in early June, and I’m really looking forward to it!
Extended Visits from Loved Ones: I’m very grateful that my family could fly out, one-by-one, from California to help me recover post-surgery. For the first three weeks, I needed help with even the most basic things like getting to the bathroom and sitting down on my bed. They helped share my mental burdens and I’m so lucky to have an unconditional support system.
Did My Own Taxes For the First Time: And then a few days later, I fell for a phishing test at work when “TurboTax” asked me to verify my employee ID number. I was part of the elite, 0.8% of the company who fell for this test.
Dune by Frank Herbert: I knew I had to try the novel after watching Dune Pt. 2. What a wonderful, creative mind Herbert had. The book filled in the storyline gaps that lingered after the movie, and then some. But more than anything, I remain so mesmerized by Princess Irulan’s verses that come before each chapter. They are so beautiful, so dramatic, and so fitting for the Muad'Dib. In du(n)e time, I plan to make my way through the entire series.
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy: Jennette is able to articulate her crazy childhood with such raw authenticity; she’s a brilliant storyteller and deserves every single raving review.
For a full list of what I’ve been reading (including books I didn’t like), check out my Goodreads.
How I Read by Rob Henderson: One of the most thoughtful pieces advocating for the importance of reading. Here is an excerpt that I adore:
“You can tell the difference between a smart person who reads and a smart person who doesn’t by how they express ideas, the references they make, and the chains of logic they follow. The former often demonstrates a subtle understanding that weaves together insights from various domains. The latter, though sharp and quick-minded, lacks the same depth of perspective or the ability to see beyond the immediate conversation or the Current Thing.”
Do you need an MBA? Khe Hy x Jack Raines: Love how Jack Raines has balanced structured planning with embracing new opportunities in life.
If information is important, it will find you by Adam Singer: Of course, if you want to understand anything deeply, you’re going to have to seek out, curate, and build up your own understanding. But I agree with Adam’s hot take that, as long as you’re somewhat connected to social media/your phone, important information will find you in a timely manner.
These flowers look like dads with mustaches lol
Been really enjoying To Your Eternity: It’s been some time since I fell into an anime. The plot is fresh and exciting and the art is great.
LA Sports: Yoshinobu Yamamoto has been absolutely dealing as of late. Meanwhile, the Lakers are in Cancun, all thanks to this man right here. For real though, Jamal is a stone cold killer come playoff time. With that said, T-Wolves in 6.
so glad to hear your knee is doing better. here's to hoping u become fully recovered soon!
also, i laughed when u pointed out murray's weird reputation lol esp after the Game 2 loss
hey Raymond! just wanted to say I rly enjoyed this piece and it's inspiring me to start my own substack. my sis also just went through her second ACL surgery so I understand what it's like to be on the other end of having to take care of someone (mentally and physically) in that type of pain. good luck with the upcoming move!