Hamster Chic (Issue #52)
This week’s theme is change – our forever constant in a world where the clock just keeps on ticking.
Hi friends!
Once upon a time, Andrew and I adopted a hamster. It was 2015, just a few years into dating when a casual trip to PetCo ended with us leaving with our first child. We named her Jane Sanders (it was 2015, and giving her the name of Bernie Sanders’ wife was Peak Comedy™️) and brought her home in a simple metal cage.
Jane lived a good life despite only having a few years on this earth. Even though my hamster days are behind me, I still treasure those early days of pet parenthood 😂.
Flash forward to a few weeks ago when I once again found myself wandering the aisles of a pet store. Almost a decade has passed since the last time I checked in with the hamster housing market, and I was shocked to see the developments!
Okay, it’s a silly change, but a COUCH??? Hamsters have couches now!! I guess even rodents are preoccupied with aesthetics.
So, in honor of Jane and the bougie-fication of hamster housing, this week’s theme is change. Peruse a collection of recommendations about the shifting, transforming, elusive nature of passing time.
A round-up of things to watch, read, and listen to as you head into the weekend.
I know how frustrating paywalls are! When possible, I’ll try to offer gift links through my subscriptions to support access to high-quality journalism.
The New York Times: When Did ‘Wholesome’ Become a Gen Z Compliment? (gift link) by Sadiba Hasan
I love linguistics, so this article about the evolving history of the word “wholesome” was fascinating. Hasan tracked the word’s increase in popularity starting in 2018, observing how it changed from having a religious and, at times, even degrading meaning to something entirely different. Check it out!
Racket: Remembering the Time the Twin Cities’ Streetcar System Was Destroyed by the Minneapolis Mob by Em Cassel
As a proud Minneapolis resident, I was shocked to discover that streetcar lines had once streaked their way through my city. The story of how it all fell apart is a gripping tale showcasing what happened when a Wall Street investor and the Minneapolis mob collided. I also loved this piece for its iconic images and the map that demonstrates how prolific these lines once were.
The Atlantic: Don’t Tell America the Babysitter’s Dead by Faith Hill
Once a cultural touchstone and developmental milestone, it seems the days of the American teen babysitter might be fading. There are a ton of reasons for this, including, but not limited to, the elongated adolescence of today’s youth, adults today being less likely to know their neighbors, teens having more scheduled lives, and a decrease in trust in kids' ability to care for other kids. Definitely worth the read!
A reflection + action for your week. Compete on your own or with friends – I dare ya!
Truth: What story from your life would you not believe if it hadn’t happened to you?
Dare: Host a journaling get-together and prompt everyone to contemplate a change they’ve been meaning to make. In your journal, describe a day in that life from beginning to end. What would it smell like? What would it feel like? Who would you talk to? Where would you go? Try to make it as detailed as you can. This activity is inspired by Debbie Millman’s “10-year Plan for a Remarkable Life.” Check out this video for more inspo.
Things to try + share in the group chat.
In a unique twist on both the classic taco and a BLT, this mashup recipe is one I’m eager to try. Andrew is skeptical of the “BLT taco” concept, but I’m more excited for him to be pleasantly surprised. :)
I have seen this video more times than I can count, and I genuinely die laughing every time. This acoustic cover of “Rich Baby Daddy” by Drake ft Sexxy Red + SZA performed for unsuspecting parents is something I now cannot live without!
Andrew and I have been thinking about buying a house for a while, and this YouTube channel has been a huge help. Javier Vidana is a licensed real estate agent with tons of resources to help coach you through every part of the home-buying process. He also has a Discord, which I haven’t dove into too much just yet, but I love the community he’s created to make homebuying less intimidating and more accessible. <3
I love Rihanna and often think about this hilarious video of her struggling through inclusive language.
This past Monday, I shared about a new pasta cookbook I’m super excited to try, along with five pasta recipes to shake up your usual meal rotation. Check it out here!
Until Monday!
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