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.
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! Or reach out to me directly. I really hope these can serve as conversation starters between us.
Without further ado, let’s dive into May’s recap!
10 Weeks Post ACL Surgery: As I’ve ramped up to a consistent workout routine, I’ve been thinking more about what an active and healthy lifestyle looks like for me. In particular, I’m exploring ways to integrate more movement throughout the day, rather than restricting exercise to hour-long gym sessions.
Reunited With Friends for Graduation: I spent the Memorial Day long weekend back in Providence. My college roommates and I visited Block Island, moseyed around the RISD grad show and, of course, celebrated loudly during commencement. It was great catching up with friends in person and I enjoyed reminiscing on the great times I had here while I was a student. Nostalgia is life’s greatest filter.
In Case You Missed It: This Month’s Pieces
five friends bring you five book recs for AAPI month: novels, memoirs, and bruce mf-ing lee
dumb money (ep. 3): the cost of living comfortably: when $100k doesn’t cut it anymore
and they were roommates: a love letter to my late guinea pigs
Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse: There were more twists and turns to this than I thought there’d be! I’m not sure if this was Hesse’s intended takeaway, but I interpreted Siddhartha’s interlude into a life of indulgence as a reflection of his arrogance. While he believed he was superior to those around him just because he was self-aware, he nonetheless fell deeply into a world of pleasures. Perhaps this takeaway is just a reflection of the words I needed to hear.
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey: McConaughey’s authenticity shines bright in his movies, and this book is no different. I got a lot out of this one because I was in the right headspace for it; I came in ready to grow. From McConaughey’s own life experiences, I re-learned the beauty of individuality, the balance between logic and following your heart, and how success depends so much on the magical ability to put yourself in the right situations, over and over again.
For a full list of what I’ve been reading (including books I didn’t like as much), check out my Goodreads.
the friendship theory of everything by Ava: I really enjoy learning from writers on Substack who are a couple years older than me. I feel as though they hold a clearer sense of self, and they overall just seem more comfortable with the unknown than I do. From this piece (and my visit to Providence), I was reminded of the unique connectedness that can only be achieved through in-person relationships and the importance of making and staying in touch with like-minded, ambitious friends.
“You accept that in choosing who you spend time with you choose who you are.”
American Ivy by Articles of Interest: I’d never binged a podcast series… until this past weekend. Over six chapters, American Ivy goes over the entire history of classic/ivy/preppy American style and its unique give-and-take relationship with Japan. This really got my gears turning—I might write a dedicated piece on this!
Made some clay figures: Including a vase, dog, and some guinea pigs.
sweetgreen Caramelized Garlic Steak Bowl: I’ve been ripping this at least once a week for lunch. It’s gas. I’m not big into tracking macros and calories, but it looks healthy enough, right?
The Philharmonik Tiny Desk Concert: Some talented, hilarious artists jamming it out.
Sports Yap:
The Premier League has become a farmers’ league. I can’t believe we had to sit through a Dortmund vs. Madrid final.
Kyrie Irving—the most underrated player of this generation—will win Finals MVP.
This is the most playoff-ready Dodgers rotation ever. No standout stars, just a bunch of gritty dogs. Translation: I’m ready to be hurt come October again.
+1 for sweetgreen Caramelized Garlic Steak Bowl