The Weekly Rec: March
A. Guo discusses some of her recommendations for the month of March.
March 7, 2021
As we approach nearly a year amidst a global pandemic in which all of us have faced loss and despair. It’s important to remind yourself that life is difficult right now, and if the only thing you have done today is survive, then that is a huge accomplishment in itself. Here are some of the things that have helped me find purpose in the past month.
Reading: Anti-Racism Daily
Created by Nicole Cardoza, Anti-Racism Daily has been delivering one newsletter a day to subscribers since June 3rd, 2020 on ways to combat racism. Unlearning and being anti-racist are both constant and neverending practices, so having one thing to read and reflect on per day is super helpful. It helps me feel less overwhelmed by all the things I do not know. Additionally, the contributors of the newsletter range from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, allowing many of the voices that are often silenced to be heard.
Watching: Money Heist
Money Heist, also known as La Casa de Papel, is a Spanish Netflix drama series following a criminal mastermind and a group of thieves who plan to print billions of Euros in the Royal Mint of Spain. While the tension-filled plot already kept me from stopping the auto-play of the next episodes, the characters and themes have kept the show in my mind for weeks after watching. The thieves and police all are really messed up, and it makes the characters and situation really relatable (as unrelatable robbing the Royal Mint of Spain may be).
Listening To: Charlie by Mallrat
“I just want coffee for breakfast / I just want warm cups of tea / I just might love you forever / I hope you warm up to me.”
Charlie is a song named after the artist Mallrat’s golden retriever. I find it especially warm and comforting when listening to it outside on my screen porch or during a walk as the sun shines. So while the lyrics discuss unconditional love for anything or anyone, I will be daydreaming about my future dog: an incredible mood booster.
Making: Kabocha Squash Fries
Kabocha squash is also known as Japanese Pumpkin, and is similar to the taste of butternut or acorn squash. Making them into fries is so simple and delicious, and serves as a great snack or side dish. They are slightly sweet and have a super creamy texture. I enjoy eating them plain with the skin, but you can also eat them with sweet or savory dips. Plus, they offer Vitamin A, C, iron, calcium, and protein!
Eating: Sushi at the Park
Located in the Parkside Town Commons shopping area, Sushi at the Park is so much more than it’s name! Although it does offer delicious sushis (with creative names), its menu encompasses a great variety of Asian dishes. My favorites include the ahi tuna mango salad, bibimbop, japanese curry, bowl of the hill poke, and fresh basil rolls (basically all of the dishes I’ve ever ordered before).
Doing: Social Distanced Walks with Friends
After days of staring at the computer for virtual academy, writing articles, and watching Money Heist, my brain starts to fizz and my mood starts to plunge. Having a group of friends to go out on a walk at least once a week is one of the anchors of my sanity. The combination of the outside environment, talking and laughing with different people, and physical movement completely refresh my brain after being at home for so long.
If you end up watching Money Heist, going to Sushi at the Park, or doing any of the other things I recommended, tell me how it goes by emailing me at [email protected]
