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Happy Tuesday!! I don’t know if it’s weird, but I love schedules, and sometimes, the only way I know it’s Tuesday is if I receive my own newsletter in my emails. Also, today happens to be pub day for my friend Thien-Kim Lam and her third novel, “Something Cheeky.”
This past weekend, I was happy to share her first novel “Happy Endings” at a book swap, and if you love steamy rom-coms with Asian and multi-racial leads, snappy dialog, and lots of heart, Lam’s books are for you!
As with last week, you will find the following in today’s newsletter (feel free to skip to those parts):
- Personal note
- What brought me joy this week!
- What challenged me
- What else?
- Support and love our community
- Tell me more
Personal note
I feel like I’ve been way too social lately, and while it’s great, I also worry that I’m creating too much of a burden for the rest of my family since they have to watch Kitsune (2). It’s an odd feeling because normally, it doesn’t phase me at all. I’m going to chalk it up to me worrying about heading to LA for 4 days in early April for j-hope’s concerts as well as the two nights he’s performing in Oakland. I just know the Babiest Baby is going to be big mad at me.
Speaking of those concerts, I found a new airbnb that was one-fourth of the price of the previous one and better amenities so I swapped expeditiously. It’s a month away and it’s both SO CLOSE and so far away.
What brought me joy
The more I practice sharing and chronicling my daily and weekly Chaotic Joy, I realize that what brings me the most joy is connection. Whether it’s catching up with friends (in person, over zoom, or in texts), regular meetups and pursuing community (like book clubs and author events), or even paying more attention to my children and how they talk and play with each other, it all fills my cup.
Sure, it’s not as exciting as a big thing like a concert, but it sustains me longer. It reminds me that there are so many wonderful humans in this world, that this world is worth living in, and that there is so much life and joy all around us.
Ugh, that felt so cheesy, but I’ll take this cheesiness over the horrifying headlines.
Oh, one more random joy. I finally remembered that Disney+ has everything in Mandarin so now I’m finally remembering to let the baby watch shows and movies in Chinese. I completely forgot we have the streaming service and just got used to Kitsune watching Netflix because quite frankly, her love of Minions is concerning since it’s affecting her speech.
Fun fact: the kids speak to her in Minionese and I think she responds.
What made your life spark in happiness this week? Even if it’s as minor as an excellent sandwich—seriously, few things are as wonderful as a perfect sandwich—I want to hear about it. Hit reply and let me know.
What challenged me
This week, I’m realizing more and more that I’m physically not as capable to watch Kitsune as I used to be. My right elbow is back to hurting and I can’t really lift or open things easily anymore, and now, my left wrist is swollen and hurts. I don’t know if it’s from me using my left hand more to compensate for my right arm, or if it’s something new.
How does this apply to caring for Kitsune? Welp, she likes to run—especially toward cars. I’m slower now, and carrying her takes a lot more out of me—particularly when she’s fighting me. Truly, raising children is for the young. My body is like, you had a good run. No wonder the youngest child usually rules the roost. Their parents are just too tired to do anything else.
If I thought Sasquatch (8) was feral and raised by goblins (his older siblings tried), Kitsune is on another level entirely. She’s the big boss, and I’m out of power-ups and extra lives!
What else
Last week, improvisational pianist GKO guested on our Brazn Azn podcast! His tour starts in the UK this week and we had so much fun nerding out with him. I’m trying to be more consistent about putting out teasers, clips, deleted scenes of our episodes online, and if you could follow us on Instagram, that would be so helpful. I’m also posting our episodes (slowly) on my YouTube channel, so if you prefer to see captions as you’re listening, check the podcast out there, too.
I’m trying to grow my subscribers on all platforms, and YouTube is one of my largest platforms (and is the most consistently paying one). So, if you haven’t followed me or the podcast on socials yet, please do! Increasing my audience is one tangible way for me to show future collaborators that I’ll be a good partner. Opening and reading my newsletters is another! (So, yay you! You’re supporting me just buy improving my open rate!)
If you’re looking for what to watch this March, here’s a round up of what we’re watching at Mochi. My review for “The Accidental Getaway Driver” and feature on the director Sing J. Lee should also be publishing soon, so keep an eye out for that.
Lastly, I’ll be publishing my new cozy fantasy novella in May just in time for AANHPI Heritage month. Here’s a brief description of “Love As Soft As a Distant Star.”
Remi Nomura married Isaiah Won out of duty as fellow representatives of Tranquil Valley on the Witches’ Council. She never expected to love him. (How gauche. They’re co-workers, not lovers.) It’s particularly inconvenient since he’s in love with someone else. But when Remi accidentally falls in love with Isaiah, her feelings disrupt their careful balance. After her secret shatters both relationships, Remi must decide if hiding her heart is worth the cost, while Isaiah reconsiders everything he thought he knew about love.
If you’re interested in reading an Advanced Reader Copy, please fill out this interest form! Honest reviews on Goodreads or Amazon are one of the biggest ways you can help authors—especially independent ones! When you’re lesser known, reviews are one major way potential book buyers use to decide whether or not to buy our books. So it might not seem like a big deal, but it really is!
Support and love our community
I know there are so many competing needs in our lives and online, and almost always, it feels like we’re being asked to give money or send resources. I know not everyone has the means or extra funds at the moment, and I wanted to remind folks about What Friends Do. It lets folks sign up for meals, errands, leaving encouraging notes, and other ways to help local folks that aren’t very expensive.
Some of my friends are calling their congressional representatives every day, and I’m just so in awe at their dedication. If that is something you might want to do, many folks have recommended 5 Calls. They provide the phone numbers you need and a list of topics you can call your reps about. They even provide a really good outline on how to get started so it doesn’t feel quite so overwhelming.
Where does your community need a little extra love and support? Let me know! I would love to use my platform to highlight the causes that are dear to our hearts.
Tell me more
Anyhow, I love stories and hearing from people, whether through social media, online, or in person. If you need someone to listen, I’m here.
May you have a week full of chaotic joy!
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