Good morning!
Welcome to Issue 23.5 of Digestable, your daily mouthful of real things happening in the world, minus alarmist pandemic news.
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Today’s news, fermented:
Happy Friday, friends!
In that feedback form some of you were so kind to fill out, someone mentioned wanting to hear about webinar/movementy events. I’ve got two for you today:
A follow-up session for Course Correction, which I’ve mentioned a few times. This is the ‘where do we go from here?!’ session. It’s on September 1st, but you have to register by August 24th.
The Black National Convention, hosted by Movement for Black Lives, is happening a week from today, August 28th, and will be streamed live.
Also, this weekend is DJ M0RO’s birthday! Happy returns, dear human.
In case you’re feeling like this pandemic has gone on for too long, here’s a very old shark for some temporal humility.
Caro's Advice Corner
Dear Caro,
My job just told us we are working from home through the end of the year. While I am still processing that information, I can’t help but think about how daunting it’s going to be to work from my small apartment for the rest of the year. Do you have any advice on spicing up my work from home life? I need to build a new, more sustainable routine now that we are going to stay put for so long.
Sincerely,
Spice up your life
Dear Spice up your life,
This resonates with me more than you can imagine! I recently received similar news from my job, and it has definitely taken me a moment to adjust to the idea that we will be working from home for at least 4 more months, if not more. I don’t think you and I are the only ones daunted by the year ahead. While it is normal to feel nervous, and maybe even a little afraid of what is to come, I think we can figure out ways to make the best of this. Here are some tips and ideas that could help you upgrade your work from home vibes:
Build in a morning and afternoon routine that helps you transition from work to leisure time. Whether it’s a small walk in place of your morning and afternoon commutes, or it’s a ceremonial shutting off of your work computer and email notifications at the end of your day, create small cues that help you get you into and off of work mode. This is incredibly important for creating boundaries and maintaining a healthy work life balance while at home.
If you can’t work anywhere else but your bedroom, improvise with your space. I am not joking when I tell you that I have re-arranged by bedroom 5 times already since we locked down in early March (is it me, or does that feel like that was years ago now…). I have played around with the configuration of my room so many times, that it now just feels like one big game of tetris. I have even experimented with a room divider, and so far...it has changed my mental game. Here is the divider I purchased. I think I have tricked my mind into thinking I am in a mini office within my own bedroom. Do not underestimate the power of spatial change. A great idea I actually got from our superb hot goss columnist, Latifah herself, is to add some removable wallpaper to an area in your home that needs some sprucing up. This does wonders.
Do at least one activity outside a couple times a week. Spice up your life, winter is coming, and no this is not a Game of Thrones reference. While we still have some time before that cold New England weather renders us even more homebound, take advantage of the warm weather and the great outdoors. Now I don’t know about you, but I live in a pretty urban area, so finding a green space takes some work. High effort, but high reward here. I have made a promise to myself that two times a week I will work out outdoors, and it has been one of the best changes I have made to my weekly routine. Getting out of my apartment for a couple of hours, to move and breathe fresh air, has really helped keep both my spirits and motivation high.
I hope this helps, Spice up your life. I know these are not easy times, but slowly but surely we will overcome all obstacles that come our way. Stay safe at home, wear a mask always, especially when you can’t social distance, and wash ya damn hands.
Best of luck,
Caro
DJ M0RO’s low-key Music Show
Anyone else watch The Umbrella Academy as religiously as me and my mom? We fell in love with Ritu Arya’s season two character Lila, and I’m here to tell you whether or not you’ve committed to the show (you should but that’s a different column) you should definitely watch her band KIN’s new music video for L.O.V.E. It’s a super catchy song and one I wouldn’t mind waking up to (this is a compliment because I’m always looking for a great alarm song). I also listened to the track on repeat while cleaning my house and it was the best (this is also a compliment because I LOVE cleaning my house don’t @ me).
Besides the song being easy on the ears, upbeat and positive *sigh of relief,* and just plain groovy, the video that accompanies turns this into a true pandemic bop. It was shot in lockdown, and while all the band members are at the mythical KINfest and dancing the same choreo, it’s all in different frames and with separate takes. It’s a visual and audio collage of collaboration during a time of crisis, a love note to being a part of a crew, team, family, of playing together and being silly wherever you are.
Another light week on music recs because I’ve been too distracted with life in a new city but I’ll leave you with one of my new fav insta follows. Back next week with an album I’m excited to dig into for ya’ll.
*Hot Goss*
Brought to you by the superb Latifah Azlan.
It is with a heavy heart that I write today’s column, to let you know that drag superstar and RuPaul’s Drag Race Alum Chi Chi Devaynehas passed away at the tender, young age of 34, from complications relating to scleroderma.
Chi Chi was one of Drag Race’s most beloved contestants. She first appeared on the show’s eighth season before returning to compete again on RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars season 3. She won viewers over with her charm, sense of humor, and kindness. And of course, Chi Chi also served some of the best runway looks and one of the top lip sync performances on the show ever!
Rest easy and rest well, Chi Chi.