I can’t even remember where I got that phrase, but I use it all the time. Things and stuff. Anyway, here are some things I like. And stuff.

I really, really loved this post by Christina. I think a lot of us (me included) tend to underestimate the work that bloggers and YouTubers and Instagrammers and Twitter peeps do. Many bloggers have written posts about how hard the work is, but this is the first one that had me totally hooked, reading through, thinking, “GIRL. That’s a lot of work.” For me, social media on its own would be a hard job. I can’t imagine trying to keep up with multiple platforms, multiple daily posts, responses, links, follows, etc. GAH. Makes me tired just thinking about it. Anyway, I thought this was really well written and interesting. I LOVE day-in-the-life type things. Maybe I’ll post one soon.

So my friends Mia and Josh just had a baby girl named Zara Grey. I haven’t gotten to meet her yet, but I’ve seen photos, and I just want to scoop her up! I also think I should probably call her Zara, but I love Zara Grey so much that I’ve decided it’s her official Crystal-name. Like, one word, Zaragrey. (I think I end up renaming a lot of my friends’ kids, though often, they all become Pickle, because for some reason, to me, Pickle is the correct name for something tiny and cute and sweet.)

I read this post and really loved it. There are some really juicy bits – about finding patterns, designing an environment conducive to being the person you want to be, and reducing the amount of energy it takes to do something that moves you toward your goals.

We have reinstated Monday Movie Nights. We used to go to the movies every Monday night – it gives me something to look forward to, especially on Sunday evenings, when the world seems to become sad and grey, and I begin to dread the work week. (Even though I actually do enjoy my work, it’s still work.) So this Monday, we went to see mother! I’ve decided that it’s not a film I can recommend – it’s violent, over-the-top, sometimes offensive, possibly gone-too-far into the realm of art and pain. But I can’t stop thinking about it, and I don’t know if that means it was a successful film. It reminds me of how I felt after watching Requiem for a Dream or Precious. Kind of horrified, but still intrigued. How’s that for a vague movie description?

Other films we’ve watched recently: The Big Sick (SO GOOD, and now I adore Kumail Nanjiani, and I might possibly watch Silicon Valley), Baby Driver (I totally resisted watching this movie just because of the title, but I ended up really liking it, and also, the soundtrack is heaven), and, unfortunately, Kong: Skull Island. I really, really did not like this movie. (Insert sad face here.)

Current song in my head: White Gloves by Khruangbin.

That’s it for today. Unless you want to look at this.