how to lose your mind in 10 days
(or less)
(Source: Degrassi No Context on Twitter)
I’m late. As I’m sure most of you have learned, it’s really hard to keep track of the days lately. But it’s Tuesday night as I write this, and I’ll send it out in the morning. Maybe I should be doing mornings, anyway.
So far, I’ve learned that the only thing that’s going to get me through this quarantine is music, which comes as no surprise. In a time when we are looking to each other for support, the one thing we can always share is music. So many artists and DJs have been live-streaming every day to keep us entertained as we’re all cooped up in our homes, letting us be a part of a private show.
Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie has been performing live music on Facebook every day and it’s become routine to watch. His cover of The Shin's’ “New Slang” (at 34:30) is giving me a reason to keep going. That song just breaks me every time and happens to resonate a lot right now. Honestly, ever one of his covers in this set was perfect. He made some great selections, including a song from Netflix’s “I Think You Should Leave,” which people were going crazy about. (Good time to watch that show, btw.) It inspired me to listen to more covers on Youtube, which is how I spent the bulk of this night. I started listening to some triple j “Like A Version” covers (my fav) and felt even more tender after listening to Julia Jacklin’s cover of The Strokes’ “Someday” which is possibly my favorite cover of any song, ever. If you have a worthy contender, send it to me!
DJ D-Nice, Questlove, and other DJs have been taking advantage of Instagram’s live feature and live streaming sets, with everyone from Michelle Obama to Tracee Ellis Ross in attendance. People have been treating these streams like real parties and it’s fulfilling their need for socializing. It’s a beautiful thing. Tonight, Swizz Beatz and Timbaland are having a beat battle on Instagram Live. I just tuned in and see Fat Joe and Jermaine Dupri in here. It really does *kinda* feel like being at a party.
Still, my mood has been a lot more reclusive lately and I haven’t really felt the urge to go and socialize yet, so I’ll stick to Ben Gibbard’s peaceful acoustic sets. That being said, this thing is looking more grim every day. Of course, this isn’t the kind of thing people want to read, but I’m not really a bright side kind of person. I don’t like feeling trapped. Times like this, I question why I live in New York, where we typically have more freedom than some other states, but right now — living in a state and city this populated is…the worst possible scenario.
I’m finding a bit of peace in the fact that my immunocompromised dad is currently living in upper Michigan, in a tiny town where they are relatively unaffected by COVID-19. So far, everyone who has been tested for the virus there has gotten negative results. This only strengthens the appeal of moving to a small town when this all blows over. I’ve always wanted to, but people are always saying that you’d would never wanna leave New York. At this point, I’m pretty sure I do. So, if anyone reading has recommendations for small and affordable towns with a decent quality of living, especially if they’re anything like Stars Hollow or located in New England, or have a college with a great MFA program, hit me up.
Also, a lot of people have been telling me they enjoy this newsletter and that is one of the only things that makes me feel good right now, so thank you.
I know I already gave you a bunch of music recommendations, but I actually have other recommendations for you, too!
What to watch this week:
Degrassi: The Next Generation (Season 10) on Tubi
Following the Twitter account Degrassi No Context has inspired me to rewatch one of my favorite shows, and instead of taking it all the way back, I decided to start with Season 9. I’m now on Season 10, which is one of the best seasons, and also marks the time when I stopped watching religiously. So I’m seeing all the stories I only vaguely remember and even seeing new storylines from some of my favorite characters. (Huge fan of Holly J’s growth in this season.) Drew is annoying (Jenna and KC too) but Eli and Clare’s relationship is juicy and I adore Alli and all her problems. Watching this show has taken me back to my last years of being a teenager, a time when my problems were so small and my routine was so simple. Last night, after bingeing six episodes, I put on That 70’s Show before bed and it felt like I was a teen watching The N again. In troubling times like these, that comforting nostalgia is necessary.
Also - Tubi is a free app that has other old shows! I saw 6Teen, Braceface and the animated Sabrina on there.
Also also — Pluto is a free app that plays live TV like cable, but the channels are carefully curated, like one that just plays MTV Cribs, one that just plays Degrassi: The Next Generation, and one that plays Laguna Beach, My Super Sweet Sixteen and more classic MTV shows. If you’re like me and you feel you’ve exhausted Hulu and Netflix and also are tired of the responsibility of choosing what to watch, this app will save you from yourself.
ALSO - keep watching High Maintenance (HBO)and Better Things (Hulu/FX) for your daily dose of humanity!
I didn’t watch any movies this week. My attention span is not up to it. But I think I might try watching Noah Baumbach’s Kicking and Screaming (no, not the Will Ferrell movie) tonight, per Ben Gibbard’s recommendation and my love for The Squid and the Whale. If I do, I’m sure I’ll recommend it next week.
What to drink:
Dalgona Coffee (or Whipped Coffee)
If you’re missing your fancy coffee drinks, this will satisfy that craving - and it’s super easy and cheap to make.
In a small or medium bowl, add 2 tbsp instant coffee, 2 tbsp white sugar and 2 tbsp hot water. Use a hand mixer or a frother (I recommend this one) to whip the mixture up until it turns light brown and forms stiff peaks, like whipped cream. Pour ice and almond milk (about 6 oz.) in a cup, then spoon the whipped coffee on top. Take a photo! Then use a spoon or straw to stir it up and combine the milk and coffee. It’s creamy and sweet and thick, like a milkshake. Especially when you use Café Bustelo.
Once again, I’m not telling you what to eat because I have no idea what food you have access to right now! I hope that your grocery trips are more successful than mine have been and that you’re able to find fresh greens and all the comforting snacks you want.
Phone games to download:
I find that losing myself in phone games can really help with my anxiety. Here’s a couple that are especially calming.
This game is perfect for helping you ease your anxiety at night to fall asleep peacefully. You solve color gradient puzzles that require full focus. I like to choose the light blue and mellow pink gradient puzzles at night, I find them extra calming.
Design Home
This game is highly addictive. It is what the title suggests: a home design game. It offers daily challenges and the furniture used is actually furniture you can get in real life, from brands you’ll recognize. For me, making my house and furnishing it was always my favorite part of playing The Sims. This is like that, only with much nicer furniture.
Thanks for letting me sound off into the void once again. If you’re feeling anxious and lost and alone right now, please reach out! I’m happy to talk to anyone who needs someone to listen so they don’t feel like they’re going crazy alone. I’m here for you.
Love,
Kait