Things have been pretty dark for me lately, but I wanted to share what I’ve been hanging onto; a source of comfort and another source of excitement.
Something that’s been keeping me steady this week is our daily family novena, in honor of our tito who passed away recently after a long battle with COVID. We are close as an extended family; we grew up having lunch together every Sunday. Now, even when my cousins are all over the world, getting together at a fixed time to pray and catch up for a bit with the titos and titas has been a source of comfort; a means of connection at such a horrid time.
The other thing that happened this week is that Yeye and I launched a tingi shop where we can destash all our extras. It’s not too far from the experience I had with the scrapbooking business, so I’m hopeful I can bring something to the table. Hahaha. Follow us at @pinky.yeye.shop — we’re doing a giveaway soon! And the next drop is next Saturday!
Shop Small, Love Local
I didn’t get a chance to plug when I bought them but I really love the dresses I bought from Shop at MEU, an Instagram shop by my officemate Maria whom I went to India together (long story can be found here). I love how inclusive her shop is — sizes range from XS to XXL — and I stalked her account during the selling window to make sure I got all the pieces I wanted. I’m happy with how they fit on me, and even happier to see that some of my other friends have bought from her too! Even if we’re stuck at home, we all deserve to feel luxurious. I wanted to find a local version of the IG-famous “nap dress” and I’m thrilled with these!
Currently...
Streaming BTS’ new single Butter. Still. We are up against some shady payola shenanigans, but ARMY is motivated as hell. Since I sent out my last newsletter four days ago, they’ve released more performances: a “Hotter” remix that’s literally just them goofing off (indeed, seeing them relaxed and having fun is sexy) and a surprise performance just now in college jowa clothing!
Catching up on BTS’ Festa teambuilding sessions; I’ve got three more to go before the new one drops in a few weeks. Festa is their anniversary (June 13) and the two weeks preceding it, they drop scheduled content daily. We have been booked and busy this whole May and the pace isn’t slowing down -- for Festa this year they’re holding an online concert <3
Watching the Friends special. I cried through most of it, and didn’t bother reading reviews. Friends is personal to me; they are my friends. I grew up watching this show with my siblings. I remember where I was when I watched the finale: sitting in my host family’s house, on a summer tour abroad. This reunion was made with love for the fans, and I’m so glad they did it.
Indulging in my favorite red velvet loaf from Dessertation by Anna. I love receiving a “We have extra, you want?” text from Trina, Anna’s sister!
Thinking about influence, being an influencer (let it be known that I am still resisting this label), what I want to do with the influence I have.
Feeling grateful for the Kathys, my ARMY group chat. I already wrote an ode to them recently, but every day I am in awe of the Bangtan magic that brought us together.
Craving gyudon again from Kodawari. Dammit!
Hoping the weather turns cool soon because the heat has been brutal.
Longreads…
Chris Evans: American Marvel -- Edith Zimmerman, GQ.
I haven’t had time/brainspace to read many long articles lately but I sent this old one to Trina, screaming, at how much of a mess it was. LOL.
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Yours from afar,
Pinky