Benediction #12
on traveling, a must-watch, and a maybe-listen
I went to my new company’s office in Houston for orientation this week. My one-line synopsis of flying for the first time since February 2020: WOW I MISSED THAT A WHOLE LOT.
I’ve largely always enjoyed most aspects of flying — being in the airport, solo hotel stays if it’s a work trip, even packing1 — but I’d kind of forgotten just how much energy it gives me. Even the crappy hotel coffee made me smile this go-around (remind me of that a year from now, please).
This Sunday morning I’m still feeling especially grateful for a good trip and more trips to come. Here’s to people-watching in the airport and Uber drivers who take you through the In-N-Out drive thru on the way to the hotel.
Here’s what else is good this week:
eating
Last week was obviously travel/survival mode when it came to food. While I was in Houston I focused on getting as much protein as possible while still leaving plenty of room for fun meals at Ambriza and Snooze. This week I’m excited to get back to my usual routine. Here are a couple things on this week’s menu, inspired by some Instagrammers:
Grilled Chicken Flatbread Pizzas a la @madelinemoves — It looks like this ridiculous heat wave is going to break early this week so I’m taking the chance to use my oven. We’ll grill some chicken Sunday and I’ll use the leftovers here. Madeline’s riff on this is in her Food Ideas Insta story from last week.
Fancy Hot Dogs a la @eunamaes— I saved this post from Amy Hannon a while back. The finished product looks so extra but is actually so simple. I’ll report back! (Side Note: If anyone ever wants make a trip down to NW Arkansas to Euna Mae’s, I would make plans tomorrow!)
reading
The Enduring Nostalgia of American Girl Dolls (Smithsonian Magazine) — I could take up an entire newsletter and more writing about the impact and influence of American Girl dolls and books on my childhood. Instead I’ll leave you with this long-read on American Girl’s evolution and intentionality.
loving
Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray — I needed a few travel size items after not flying for 16ish months, which was the perfect time to try some new-to-me products. This Ouai spray is dry shampoo with a little more oomph. Smells amazing and gave me more volume than Batiste or Salon Grafix does.
Mare of Easttown (HBO) — Zach and I were a few weeks behind on this one, but we finally watched it last weekend. It’s only seven episodes, but they’re quite heavy. Highly recommend, perhaps no more than two episodes at the time, especially if you’re the sensitive type.
The Popcast’s Bachelorette Recaps — We’re entering into week three of Katie’s Bachelorette season and it’s just as ridiculous as ever. I keep watching this dumpster fire of a show for two reasons: 1. talking about it with my friends and 2. listening to Knox and Jamie talk about it each week. If you need more Bachelorette outlets I recommend becoming a Popcast Patreon supporter so you can get their recaps, and/or texting me to discuss. Their contestant preview episode is a good taste of what the recaps are like.
A couple years ago I packed for back-to-back conferences AND FORGOT MY CLOTHES. Like, the only clothes I packed were workout clothes and pajamas. My work outfits were in a neatly organized stack that did not make it into the suitcase. So I say I enjoy packing but have also THOROUGHLY BOTCHED IT about as much as one can.