chapter 15: summer is overrated
I’m covered in sweat, and my natural deodorant can only do so much
I’m covered in sweat, and my natural deodorant can only do so much.
That’s how I arrive each day at the office, where I’m now expected 4 days each week: my perfume fighting for its life after my 45-minute battle with the F train commute.
Without summer break, summer just isn’t… sexy. Very hot and sweaty, but it’s mostly the idea of summer that gets me excited. Because the quintessential summer is many things. But, more than anything, it’s a fantasy!
My favorite moments are always the kind of scene that’s found in a coming-of-age movie:
late-night ice cream
getting caught in the rain (romantically)
picnicking
going to the beach
and anything involving a boat
But besides these little pockets of joy, the quality of living is low. And between the record-breaking heat and equally record-breaking smog, even being outside makes me wonder how I ever romanticized this time of year.
I’ve been re-examining my “favorite things” these past few years, eager to preserve my sense of self by ensuring my tastes aren’t influenced too much by the world around me. Winter has always been my favorite season - probably because of my birthday (mark your calendar for December 11)
But I didn’t even know about fall!
As the saying goes, there are only two seasons in Chicago: winter and construction.
(that joke really hits with Chicagoland Uber drivers)
And so I always missed out on this equally romanticized season. Now that I live somewhere where fall lasts longer than a few weeks, I see the hype (beyond seasonal Starbucks drinks).
I think all the fall girlies must secretly dislike summer, too. Fall is the season with real promise - a crisp, fresh start - and abundant layering opportunities! What’s not to love?
But I’m getting ahead of myself. Fall doesn’t *officially* start until this weekend.
And you know what is nice about summer?
Everyone wants to go on a little trippy trip.
(if the plans make it out of the group chat, that is)
From my family…
…to Josh’s high school friends…
…everyone is suddenly fiending for an adult field trip!
It’s summer VACATION, after all! Europeans have the right idea. If I took the whole month of August off, I’d probably feel a lot differently.
But I’ll admit… the outdoor activities are nice. Maybe I’ll come around next year.
Madz recs
Matcha lemonade is def the drink of the summer! The Starbucks baristas near my office now (embarrassingly) know my order, which is a level of fame I’ve only ever dreamt of.
Wearing my Birthday Bitch tank top on non-birthday days
Free mochi acquired! The super green goddess salad from Sweetgreen with spicy cashew dressing is currently dominating my fast-casual lunch rotation. Add tofu if you’re crazy.
(I am).Going into the office is not as bad as I expected. I like the structure - and it is nice for all of the reasons people say it is: seeing coworkers, having structure, work/life balance, etc.
Plus, it’s a good excuse to dress up and get a Sweetgreen salad
going for “best dressed”; not “employee of the month” I’m an on-again-off-again hater of podcasts, so I’ve always been doubtful of audiobooks. Also, it’s literally not reading??!
Anyway, my thoughts have changed. Audiobooks are ideal for scenarios when it’s unwieldy to carry/hold a book (like when you’re eating, driving, or walking somewhere), but they ALSO feel completely immersive. A good audiobook makes me feel the way I felt when I read as a kid - totally sucked into the book’s little world.
I use Libby to check them out from the library for free!A rewatch of Girls with Josh. Very fall-coded, I would argue!
Until next season!
Madz