after school snacks - volume. 02

yes, i still play animal crossing, formula 1 is back, and how buc-ee's changed my life.

Happy Wednesday!

I’m back this week with the second edition of “after school snacks” or, things bringing me some kind of joy. Let’s dive right in.

10 random things bringing me some kind of joy or emotional feels.

1. This incredible video. On Monday, Austin was rocked by an intense storm that quickly escalated into serious tornado warnings. I was watching the rain lightly pour out my window at 5pm, only to be sheltering in my bath tub with my partner and cat as our phone emergency alert went off by 6pm. We were lucky to escape unharmed but towns north of us saw incredibly rare twisters touch ground with damage to homes, cars, and shopping centers. This storm chaser footage shows a teenager in a truck who got stuck in a tornado and managed to drive away moments after it passed. Mind-blowing doesn’t even begin to describe it. (we are actively checking community resources to see how we can best help those affected and have been relieved to hear injury numbers are low.)

2. The new season of Formula 1 has arrived. Also known as the only sport I actively follow. After a ridiculously crappy (read: fixed) ending to last year’s championship race, I will be both very skeptical and highly anxious about what this season holds. Though I will be purchasing this over-the-top bucket hat to show my undying support for Lewis Hamilton, I am also tempted to collect these amazingly precious amigurumi custom driver dolls. The sponsor decals! The helmets! I can’t handle the cute.

   

3. Speaking of ridiculously cute things, I am definitely the last 30-something still playing Animal Crossing but I have zero shame. The Happy Home Paradise Expansion Pack is my motherfreakin’ jam when I just need to chill out from evening doomscrolling. I would highly recommend if you prefer non-competitive gaming like I do.

I have become quite the farmer on my island.

4. This Gawker article by Houman Barekat titled, “White People Love Calling Other White People ‘White People’” - a thought provoking read that I’ve since thought about multiple times over the last week.

5. These lemons. Which are actually candles. How. Freaking. Cute.

   

6. My first Buc-ee’s experience. It did not disappoint. When they say “everything is bigger in Texas” there’s a good chance they’re talking about Buc-ee’s. Imagine a Costco sized convenience-store-meets-gas-station where you can buy everything from branded bikinis to fresh BBQ brisket and you’ll still only have a fraction of an idea of what to expect. I left with branded beaver boxer shorts, a slew of chocolate, and the immediate yearning to go back. Next stop: visiting their World Record holding 66,000 square foot location in New Braunfels.

7. This fabulous vintage Persian rug that we bought at Round Top over the weekend. Round Top is a small town about an hour and half outside of Austin that hosts a bi-annual antique fair filled with literally miles of vendors selling everything from quirky vintage plates to historic 16th century furniture. We only managed to comb through about a 1/2 mile of treasures but are ridiculously happy with our new bedroom rug. The color is 🤤 irl.

   

8. These ceramic charms made by Lily Armstrong. I am obsessed and will be anxiously awaiting her next drop/will undoubtedly be stressed about buying the “right” one because every single one is cool/my wallet will be mourning the UK conversion rate and how long customs takes these days.

   

9. Just when I thought I couldn’t have a bigger crush on Michelle Zauner, she rocks this Gucci two piece set. If you haven’t read her book, Crying in H Mart, you need to. If you haven’t listened to her band, Japanese Breakfast, you need to.

   

10. This absolutely beautiful quilt sewn by Black American quilter Dora Smith. I would highly encourage you to click through to this post from publiclibraryquilts to learn about the intricate details and motifs behind Smith’s work. It’s an encouraging reminder that making and creating art can break barriers/tell a story/fight oppression.

    publiclibraryquilts

    

    A post shared by Public Library Quilts (@publiclibraryquilts)

Thus concludes this volume of “after school snacks'“- I would love to hear something that you’ve discovered this last week that’s bringing you joy or feels. A song, tv show, art exhibit, meme, tweet, ebay find, etc etc. Tell me in the comments!

Thank you again for your love and support and I’ll be back in your inboxes on Friday so stay tuned :)

xo
Glenn