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Folks, I’m still so grumpy.
What’s new, you might ask. Isn’t that my default state?
Ok, fair. FAIR! And also, just a wee bit rude, no?
Part of me wonders if it’s still the ADHD medication, but more of me thinks that it’s my body telling me that it’s done consuming content and ready to create again. Well, my body is wrong. My brain would still like to binge content and stay in bed, okay?
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
With all the discourse on GLP-1s and how folks taking the medication lowered their addictive behaviors across all aspects of their lives such as their need to compulsively shop or drink alcohol, I’ve also seen videos about Big Food researching ways to get around GLP-1 drugs.
Folks, it’s so depressing. Capitalism truly ruins everything—even snacks.
So, I’ve decided that I’m going to buy less junk and processed food for the kids and start focusing more on fruits and more filling whole foods. Yes, yes. I should have been doing this already, but also, CHIPS ARE DELICIOUS.
I’m not going to remove them entirely because I personally think outright bans encourage people to seek out the very stuff they’re not allowed to have. But also, I am in slight mourning because this creates so much more work for me.
I would love to hear your hacks or ideas of what healthy snacks I can provide for the children (beyond cut veggies and fruit). Right now, the only motivation I can think of is that they have to eat fruit or veggies before eating chips. Spoiler alert: my children will not eat cut veggies lolol. So let’s just get that sad fact out of the way first.
What brought me joy
Did you know that Kitsune (2) tried to flip off Cookie Monster (15) the other day? He was annoying her in the car and she raised her index finger at him. Biggest Baby is soooooo proud of himself because he says he taught her that by constantly flipping her off. I would be madder if I didn’t find it so funny.
Also, Jin of BTS put out another album and one of the songs, “Rope It,” is the K-pop country rock anthem I never knew I needed. It not only cracks me up, it’s a banger, too.
Speaking of Jin’s new album, check out my reaction to his new title track “Don’t Say You Love Me.” I also reacted to the rest of his EP, so make sure you check those out, too. While you’re there, remember to subscribe to my channel!
If I can summon the energy and wherewithal, I’ll also write a review of the album. But until then, my first reaction will have to do. (Also, with special guest star Kitsune!)
I’ve also been really pleased by the response to my steamy, cozy fantasy novella “Love As Soft As a Distant Star.” I’m always pleasantly surprised when folks choose to buy my books.
You can also support me by buying from Amazon (e-book and paperback) and Bookshop.org (paperback). The e-book is only $2.99 or if you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited, it’s on there for free.
Also, if you happen to have read my books, please consider leaving a rating and/or a review on Amazon, Goodreads, or Storygraph.
Side note: this will most likely be my last stand-alone novella. The costs for producing are almost comparable to a full novel, but the earnings on it are so much lower, and Amazon in particular is changing its royalty percentages for novellas, too.
What challenged me
Ugh. These past few weeks have all been a huge challenge.
Ok, these last three YEARS have all been a huge challenge.
The pregnancy was hard. The first year was hard. The second year was hard. And now this year is hard.
Every fucking thing is hard.
Not because it’s actually that hard, and also, it’s actually hard. I’m just so tired. I’m so touched out. If my tiny human has to wiggle and touch me any more at an irregular rhythm I will become even more stabby.
I thought medication would magically change me into someone else. It helps, but it ultimately CANNOT DEADEN ALL SENSATION IN MY BODY SO I CAN JUST BE A BLOB AND NOT FEEL ANYTHING AT ALL.
I can’t believe I lived through this four times before this. Surely, I can survive this fifth time? BUT AT WHAT COST??
I should be grateful because none of my older kids want anything to do with me now. I have to beg, borrow, or steal something to get a hug or kiss from them.
Like, why is parenting just so hard and then, it’s REGRET and reminiscing and I WISH THEY WERE STILL BABIES but also, please leave me alone. Congratulations, my children have turned the hugest extrovert into an ascetic hermit.
Also, my period just started so perhaps, these dramatics are both warranted and not.
What else
My goodness, are you still reading?
Ummm… I finally reacted to the Tablo x RM collab “Stop the Rain” and it’s every typical lofi Epik High song ever. All this to say, I enjoyed it and related to the religious trauma.
I’m not sure what else to say except that I’ll have a booth at the Bay Area Book Festival Outdoor Fair on Sunday, June 1 from 11am to 6pm. I’ll also be at the Sports Basement in San Francisco for a local author book fair the week after on Saturday, June 7 from 1pm to 4pm. I will have all three of my books for sale, some candy, and can personalize reader messages, too.
I can’t wait for both events!!
Support and love our community
This week, I have a rec from one of my favorite humans, Damion Taylor. I’ve known him since August 1999 and we’ve been thick as thieves since then. Not only is he a brilliant data geek with the soul of a creative, he’s generous with his business acumen, strategies, and advice. When he makes an observation—whether about entertainment (that’s the business he’s in), music, finance, or just the fucking weather—I pay attention.
So when Damion told me about his friend Marya Kazmi Hay and her 5-week course to help people get better at combatting limiting beliefs about themselves, as well as how to be more comfortable being authentically themselves, I pay attention.
Marya normally does these workshops for thousands of dollars, but the course is only $97 for 5 weeks. If you are interested in being more yourself, this is a good course to try. According to Damion, she’s so good that he wants to make sure as many people as possible join the course.
I love supporting women of color, and I particularly love supporting whatever helps us become more authentically ourselves.
Tell me more
I can never tell if my newsletters are a bummer, a welcome breath of honesty, or something unhinged and in between. It’s only fair that I hear something equally unhinged back, don’t you think?
Of course, I’m only kidding. I do appreciate all the readers who do reply to these emails, DM, or text me, but it’s not required. Just know that if you ever need someone to listen, I’m available.
May you have a week full of chaotic joy!
