Hi friends!
This week’s Five Things is a bit off the beaten path. Five Things will likely be a bit off the beaten path until February maybe? I’m in the thick of my capstone for grad school, and it’s as chaotic as I was warned it would be.
The only new content I’m loving is the Emmanuel Spotify Radio. I already loved “Breath of Heaven” but my friend Carolyn reminded me what a bop “Emmanuel” is, and I can’t stop. The radio is exactly what I want out of Christmas music this year: upbeat using that leans a little Jesus-y, but not quite worship radio.
Speaking of Christmas, if you haven’t already gotten a Christmas card, and would like to, fill out this form.
I’m still off social media and it seems like one of the wisest things I could have done to stay peaceful. I might keep the fast until mid-January. I might keep it forever. There’s plenty that I’ve missed, but mostly I’ve enjoyed the quiet of it all. I still think deleting my facebook all together was one of the best choices I ever made.
Since last I wrote:
I got to pick the book for one of my book clubs. I picked Supper of the Lamb which is one of my absolute favorite books. I think this book is especially magical for people who like the idea of cooking, who appreciate idiosyncratic writing, or find themselves attracted to the Anglican faith. But you don’t have to be any of the three.
I got the shrimp tacos at The Russell, and my life has been changed. The key is going at 11am, if you go at noon, it’s too busy.
My friend Dayton and I went to Clay and Fire in the Westside. This restaurant has been on my list for two years. The vibe is Pittsburgh-fancy: there’s a drink case in the front room, it’s in no way ADA accessible, everyone looks like they just off their smoke break. Before we even ordered drinks, I was ready to book it for my birthday dinner. Gang, I was so underwhelmed. All of it. My appetizer was tasty, but rubbery. My drink was overly spicy. My entree was kind of cold. But I still think I’ll be back.
Chris and I did a pottery-throwing date night at Belger Arts. It was so cute and fun. And soon I’ll have more little bowls to put hair ties in! That night we split a short rib over polenta which is my new “it’s on the menu, I have to order it.”
At work on Thursday we gathered in the hallway at the office to watch the Elkay ezH2O “bottles saved” switch over to 1,000. I’ll never forget my first Elkay ezH2O at Baylor University, there in the basement of the SUB next to the barber poll. When the think-piece comes out about how these refill stations started the pandemic, or whatever, that will be a tough day. Anyway, it was thrilling and fun to watch it change.
I’ve been revisiting the music of Carly Simon. “Like a River” is the “O Holy Night” of Carly’s cannon.
I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas! I’ll write again in 2023!
KC