Dear Friends:
As you know from this post and the followup, I’m on a health kick as I slide headfirst into the holidays. (Perhaps the worst time to start a diet. Or the best, depending on your POV.)
Despite the calculated complaining I’ve been doing on this blog, it’s been OK. Mostly OK. All but three times OK (an alumni event at a brewery, happy hour where beer cheese soup was present, and an Uno death match with friends last weekend during which chips and dip sat within a foot of me for HOURS).
My willpower is strong. When I decide to do something, I do it. I told you: I’m Tracy Flick.
Besides my crazy diet, I’ve made other changes:
- I’m taking the “Lyft Ditch Your Car” challenge this month. I already walk to work regularly, so it will be fine.
- I’m drinking so much water every day — well over the 64 ounces recommended — that I spend much of the day in and traveling to/from the loo.
- I’m not drinking any alcoholic beverages. (Oh don’t be THAT surprised.)
- I now have a standing desk at work.
These are all the rage in offices lately. I love mine. Added bonus: If you put on some music, you find yourself moving much more while standing.
Except I have a cautionary tale: Earlier this week, I listened to Big Freedia, “3rd Ward Bounce.”
If you are familiar at all with Big Freedia, you will know the dance moves that go with bounce music.
They are not appropriate for work.
They are probably not appropriate for me any time at my age (29 <cough> forever).
I was definitely moving around a little more than usual at my desk, though. I was a little worried someone would walk in and think I was having a seizure.
But my iWatch approved.
And for those interested in my progress, there’s about 12 pounds less of me to love. (My big personality is still intact, though.)
I’m keeping this up until the last weekend in October, at least (i.e., the last weekend for Oktoberfest).
Wish me luck,
Beth
Observe and report 
Escape from … all this #SundayStories
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Hey y’all. It’s been a while, I know.
I’m not dead. Clearly.
I’m just … gobsmacked at what is happening here (i.e., this freakin’ country) on a daily basis. I can’t even believe it, and I don’t want to write about it. It’s like writing about it makes it more real.
So I’ll write about reality TV instead, my escapism go-to (as you know).
My favorite genre is what one might loosely term “love.” You know: “Love is Blind,” “Temptation Island,” “Too Hot to Handle,” etc.
Pretty twentysomethings cavorting in bikinis stirring up chaos thanks to hormones and underdeveloped frontal lobes.
It’s drama, but it’s not MY drama. And so I can turn off my own frontal lobe and enjoy the show.
Lately, I’ve been plowing through Season 8 of “Love Island USA.” I somehow managed to miss Seasons 3-7 (whaaaat?) and was very surprised to see this host, Ariana Madix, the Temu Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Who is this person? Where did she come from? Why was she chosen? I need someone with a strong personality like Nikki Glaser to be in charge of this thing. I don’t care that Shein Avril Lavigne is a great clothes hanger.
Anyway. This season has all the things I love:
I’m not done with this season yet, but I have enjoyed the heck out of every moment. Kenzie, especially, is good TV. Look at this girl:
Plus, she’s from Kennesaw, Georgia. Of course I’m going to root for her.
I’m having a hard time rooting for Sincere, though, as are the others in the Villa, judging by these reactions to his machinations captured on camera and shared during “movie night.”
Look at that. Priceless.
I’ve got my popcorn. It’s great!
You know whom I’m not thinking about while watching “Love Island?”
One of the best things I’ve noticed since the first two seasons is that the characters have evolved/matured.
I also love the occasional “Aftersun” episodes with Tefi and Ciara. Those are two fun women who seem like they could be my friends.
Yes, I do watch “real” TV too: I’m watching the weekly episodes of “Silo” plus working through “The Four Seasons” and Season 4 of “The Sinner.” There’s only so much of Bill Pullman looking pinched I can take before I need to see a beautiful half-naked person do a “vibe check” with another.
If you want to pull me for a chat about this show or similar trash, drop a comment.
Until then, I’ll be camped out on the sofa enjoying young adult theater.
Love,
Beth
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