Cancer season is wrapping up and Leo season is making a grand entrance. Ever since I returned from my trip last month, I've been yearning for another adventure. It feels like I'm coming down from the high energy of the trip and my birthday, and now I'm left wondering, "What's next?". I've been trying to appreciate the slower pace as I’m becoming increasingly aware that I struggle to be in the present. Lately, that means reading, organising, dreaming, sleeping, cooking, and sitting - all while resisting the urge to refresh Instagram.
As usual, here’s what I’ve been up to recently:
I launched a new initiative 1:1 Chit Chats. After realising that every personality test identifies me as a “connector” and “relationship builder”, I thought, why not start a new initiative? If you have no idea what I’m talking about, you can read about it here. And if you’ve heard about it but you haven’t submitted, you can do so here. Just a heads up: I’ll be keeping the form open indefinitely. Side note: I’ve already connected 8 people!
Controversial opinion: I'm not usually a fan of cake, but I did have some birthday cake. It's quite rare for me to enjoy a slice. My partner and I spent 30 minutes discussing our mutual dislike for cake while eating one she got for my birthday. Personally, I prefer tarts. This will be the last time we have a birthday cake.
My partner and I made custom Lego mini figures and we bought an Animal Crossing logo set. So cute.
I went bowling in an alley that looks like it hasn't been renovated since 2004. I hope it stays that way—I felt like I was 12 again. They even have a photo booth that seems straight out of 2005.
I’ve always wanted to join a book club, and it was on my 2024 ‘to do list’. Well, guess what? I’ve joined one, run by lovely
. This club is especially fun because you get to choose your own book, and it’s astrology-themed. I’ve been reading the dystopian novel I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harper (a fellow cancerian).I played around with my new (albeit pricey) watercolour palette. It’s dawning on me that I don’t have enough room for all my hobbies. That’s why in our future home, my partner and I plan to have a cosy room. Generally, I prefer minimalist surroundings and hate clutter. However, when you have hobbies and love collecting cute little trinkets, maintaining a minimal space becomes pretty challenging. Our solution? A dopamine room filled with colour, prints, trinkets, games, and soft blankets. All we have to do is close the door.
I treated myself to a few birthday treats including Enter Ghost by British-Palestinian author Isabella Hammad, a mofusand plushy (which I've been trying to hunt down for so long), new stationary (my new pen has already gone missing thanks to my cat), and the latest edition of Brownbook.
I’ve been doing some decluttering and organising. It’s been one of those things on my to-do list for way too long but IMO it’s an essential summer activity.
ICYMI
What I Learned From Sharing My Private Life With An AI Journal
You’ve likely noticed my interest in AI and its transformative impact on the world. I wouldn’t label myself as “pro-AI” or “anti-AI” but rather “AI curious”. I’m mostly curious how AI affects our minds. I found this article by Angela Chen a particularly insightful look into how AI can be used for “self-improvement”.
What My Adult Autism Diagnosis Finally Explained
“I belonged to a definitive other, and my issues must have been grounded in code-switching glitches from a lifetime of toggling among the appropriate roles.”
I absolutely loved this first-person essay by Mary H.K Choi which explores her journey to an autism diagnosis at the age of 43.
“I come from Paris and Tunis, Gaul and Carthage, the cross and the crescent, the Mediterranean Sea and the gardens of Monet, butter and olive oil, wine and citronnade. I am oil and vinegar; I am from a blood that traditionally doesn’t really mix. I might not make sense to you but it’s and not or. Happy now?”
This in-depth personal account of systemic racism faced by North Africans in France is interwoven with historical contexts, exploring the author's journey to find belonging as a mixed-race individual and dealing with postcolonial trauma. It examines personal health struggles and feelings of alienation, comparing these experiences to Frantz Fanon's studies on the psychological effects of colonialism and racism on North Africans in France.
Reality shifting: why zoomers are choosing to tap out of material reality
Have you ever heard of reality shifting? Neither had I… According to Google, Reality Shifting is “a term used to describe the belief that one can alter the reality they are experiencing through intentional focus and visualisation. Through shifting, many people claim to have entered their “desired reality”.
What you should watch this week
My Gen A cousin suggested watching this, and you know what, I liked it. It’s about a 17-year-old girl living in a sleepy English town who is determined to uncover the truth and find the real killer of a girl who went missing.
Side note: Is anyone going to talk about why every teenage TV show (e.g. Sex Education) features an 80s station wagon? If anyone knows, please let me know, I REALLY want to know.
This docu-series explores the story of a Dutch sperm donor named Johnathan, who, over several years, donated sperm globally, resulting in thousands of children. It’s bizarre.
You may remember that last month I watched the entire season Gypsy Rose Prison Confessions on the plane. If you’re interested in Gypsy’s story (or just enjoy some reality TV), you might like this series too.
Sunny is a dark-comedy-cum-mystery starring Rashida Jones, an American woman living in Kyoto, Japan. Her life takes a dramatic turn when her husband and son disappear in a mysterious plane crash. In an attempt to cope, she is given “Sunny”, a robot designed by her husband’s company. Initially she is resistant to Sunny, but they eventually form a bond and together they try to solve the mystery disappearance of her family.
Side note: I will be watching it this next week.
There really isn’t enough queer reality TV - but it seems that’s starting to shift. The Boyfriends is Japan’s first queer dating show, with similar vibes to Terrace House. I’ve watched three episodes so far and I’m loving it.
I’ve re-watched this at least 50 times over the years, and after the news that a sequel is coming, I couldn’t resist a re-watch. If you haven’t watched it, you’re insane - please go watch it immediately.
Things that should be on your radar
I have always loved magazines, but growing up in Doha, my options were limited to glossy titles. About 10 years ago, during my time at university in London, I discovered Brownbook and instantly fell in love. It was the first magazine I discovered that focused on art, design, and culture from the MENA region (along with The Outpost, which sadly is no longer in print). I recently got my hands on their “Paris” issue–and let me tell you, it’s thick and buttery. I'm savouring every page.
Side note: Please support independent media!
Kitchen - Banana Yoshimoto
I devoured this in 48 hours. The Kitchen (キッチン) was originally published in the late ‘80s by Japanese author Banana Yoshimoto and has since been translated in multiple languages. It’s a short, but powerful novella about loss, loneliness, love and gender.
I Who Have Never Known Men - Jacqueline Harpman
I honestly didn’t know what to expect from this book. But I will say, if you hate books that don’t give you answers, this one will just frustrate you. The story felt like a dream—a dream that never ends. It leaves you with so many questions (I like questions). After finishing it, I checked the reviews, and many readers said they haven’t stopped thinking about it since they read it, and I can see why. Will I be thinking about it in a year’s time? I don’t know; my memory is pretty shocking. I don’t even want to give anything away, but this is what comes to mind: curiosity, resilience, and power.
Side note: If anyone has read this book or decides to read it, I want to talk to you about it.
I’ve always had a problem with stationary. When I say problem - I mean that the problem is I always want everything. My current favourite is the Japanese brand Midori, known for their incredible paper. I recently got my hands on one of their notebooks, and it’s SUPERIOR. The notebook is thread bound, lays flat and you can purchase a cover for it (perfect for clumsy people like me).
As I sit indoors, gazing at the dusty grey skies of Dubai, I find myself daydreaming about being in the South of France at the Tuba Club. Situated in Le Goudes (a little fishing village), it started as a scuba diving centre–hence its name Tuba. Today it’s a hotel and restaurant, created by locals from Marseille. Parfait.
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so excited for this book club era 💞💞