The start of nomething sew

The act of beginning causes me disproportional amounts of anxiety. I doubt I'm alone in this.
Myriads of un-thought-out ideas and executions run amuck in my head, seemingly fraught with potential. Sometimes once they're finally sorted out, they fall flat. They disappoint. However, paralyzing fear aside, as far as this newsletter goes, I'm here to give the people what they want!


One evening this past summer, while I was dutifully conducting my nightly bedtime routine, I apparently flossed with too much enthusiasm. To my surprise, the results of my proactivity dislodged a large filling.
Yeah that's right—I overdid it flossing.
While oral health is ever-important, here's a reminder not to overdo it. And because I don't really think that ever needed to be said, this rule of thumb can obviously be applied other aspects of life, too. Find balance. This is coming from someone who, 90% of the time, feels as though she's very "all-or-nothing," making moderation a somewhat unfamiliar concept. Let my little anecdote serve as a terrifying and sobering example of how—whether it be flossing, drinking, exercising, treatin' yo'self, etc.—there can absolutely be too much of a good thing. Tread carefully.
SO, my miscellanieous piece of advice is to floss, but not too hard.

Is this what it's like to be a teacher? Thinking up lesson plans, doling out vital information to curious, malleable minds... Anyway, as this is just the first installation, I'm still trying to narrow down the 3,789 (approx.) newsletter schemes in my head, so I'll leave you with what will soon be the familiar conclusion to every email.

I present to you: a bop, a book, and a "boooo."

Bop: My one-size-fits-all playlist, "sngs u frgt abt bt evrybdy knws" (aka Songs You Forget About But Everybody Knows). Listen here. This playlist has never known the likes of a complaint. Allegedly, someone's father made a Spotify account solely to follow this very playlist. At 290+ songs it's a doozy, but I near-guarantee you that "aha" moment when you reaffirm your love for a forgotten gem. Yes, I continue to accept song suggestions.
Book: Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion by Jia Tolentino. If you've not yet heard of this book, you're in the wrong, my friend. I urge you to at least read the first part, "The I in the Internet." This book is a fascinating analysis of the impact of societal pressures, the ways in which we idolize certain women and villainize others, and what all of it ultimately says about us, the individual. It is infuriating, it is accurate, and it is thought-provoking.
Booo: Strollers on the subway (particularly during rush hour). I'm invoking the 8th here. No thanks. Strollers belong in the suburbs, not the 4/5 train during peak commuter hours. Your mouth breather's containment contraption is taking up the space of what could be standing room for no less than five (5) irked lawyers, c'mon! Sheer insanity. Booo, see you in hell.

Gracias por su participación. Tune in next time (same time? same place.) for my 2020 trend predictions. Maybe.

Still deciding on a catchy sign-off,
Lanie