MAY ROUNDUP + links
Previously, on Gen x Taste...
I’ve been experiencing some sort of discomfort every day for almost a year, around when perimenopause started. Most of the times it’s something I consider to be a mild physical nuisance — like nausea, eczema, dry eye, joint/muscle pain, insomnia. If it’s not one of those things, it’s hormonal/mental issues, but I’ve been able to manage and carry on with life.
But May… May kicked my ass.
I knew the month was going to be busier than normal (two weddings, some travel, family in town, Abe being gone almost half the month, and a writing deadline) so I prepped myself accordingly. But I didn’t plan for all chronic ailments to flare up simultaneously, accompanied by 3 rounds of the flu. This past week was — while Abe was across the world in the Faroe Islands — the grand finale: flu #3, very frustrating dealings with my health insurance, and Miles had some limping/paw issues (he is fine now).
The good thing about being this sick and alone is it allows me to be brutally honest about my limitations. I don’t have to justify my boundaries, or put on a happy face to avoid bringing someone else down. I don’t feel guilty or embarrassed canceling appointments (even when they’re self indulgent) because my health is screaming that it is, indeed, much more relevant right now. When the pain is front and center, and nobody is around to help or distract, I am forced to confront all of it. It’s deeply humbling. Plus being ill, lying in bed like a starfish, and sleeping pills have helped relieve me of several months of insomnia, at least temporarily.
With the clarity of solitude and slumber, I’ve been able to have appreciation for the healing, rather than distracted by the annoyance of chronic pain. I take a step back and remember all the beautiful moments I witnessed this past month: wedding speeches and happy tears. Kids saying the darnest things. Seeing my mother in person for the first time in over two years. Dancing! Okay I only had enough energy to dance for 5 minutes. But still. Wow. When things go right after a baseline of wrong, it feels amazing. It doesn’t take much.
Even though it was difficult and I missed Abe terribly, I’m glad he was having an adventure instead of being stuck at home, nursing me back to health. He was spared of not only catching my illness, but also my constant wheezing, coughing, and sniffling. My snoring, too, I’m sure. Miles doesn’t agree. He could’ve used longer walks.
So in summary, May kicked my ass, but it wasn’t all bad. See below!
MAY BLOG POSTS
MAY RECS
📺 Forever on Netflix: I was really excited for this series. It’s been a few decades since I read Judy Blume’s book (I’m a longtime fan) so I re-read the audiobook right before starting. The series is very different, but hits upon similar themes and is really good so far (I’m just finished the second episode).
📹 Atiya Walcott on YouTube: Her videos on styling are wonderful, a great mix of high and low, practical yet still chic. And they are so well shot/edited —by her partner, I believe. Also, she’s hilarious.
🎶 Saya Gray (LIVE!): I’ve mentioned Saya Gray in February’s roundup; even though I was not feeling terrific and the venue was standing room only, I still stayed for the entire show and she was 100% worth it.
🧖🏻♀️ MaeLove Skincare (gifted): I’ve been a big fan of this AAPI, women-founded company’s Vitamin C serum for a while now, so when they offered to send some samples for me to try, I was like YES PLEASE. It’s still too soon to see results, but so far my skin has been loving everything, especially the rich creaminess of their Eye Enhancer (dry eyes = dry undereyes/lids).
🍰 Dessert for Two (recent site makeover!): Christina Lane is one of the few OG food bloggers who’s not only still around, but continuously killing it. She is my first real-life friend I met on the internet — literally! We were “set up” to exchange gifts at a 2010 food blogging festival. I’ve always had a deep admiration and respect for her recipes, which are, as the title suggests, scaled down for two serving sizes, Check her out on IG too!
🎬 Friendship in theaters: I saw this at the Vista in 35mm with a packed crowd right when it was released. So fun. I laughed so much. Plus one of my favorite songs from my wedding reception (“My Boo” by Ghost Town DJ’s) features hilariously! FYI bring a sweater if you go to the Vista, they really pump the AC.
🎨 I got puzzled out during lockdown so I’ve turned to Paint By Stickers to keep me occupied on the couch. No mess!
🧥 Quince has done it again. This trench coat has been the perfect lightweight spring coverup to wear over everything from dresses to sweats.
🌟 Gee Beauty (gifted) — As evidenced by a GRWM video this month, I’m very into sparkly/glowy makeup right now. This mother-daughter founded company sent some of their bestsellers to try and I love how natural, glow-y and long-wearing it all is. Below, I’m wearing their Prime Skin (hybrid primer/skin tint) in Light Medium, Baked Bronzing Powder in Warm Glow, Liquid Glow (a highlighter) in 01, and used the Soft Signature Eyes Palette on my lids and under-eye.
🎮 Split Fiction: This is from the makers of It Takes Two (one of my favorites) and similarly, it’s a co-op game requiring patience and teamwork. I feel like the developers really stepped it up with this one — it’s truly a joy to play and even to watch all the cutscenes. I have no idea how they’ll make a movie version of it, but I’ll be there to watch opening weekend!
📀 And finally, I wrote an entire blog post about the 20th anniversary of my feature acting debut Saving Face but wanted to share again that it’s going to be a Criterion DVD in August! I got it on the Criterion page along with Blu-Rays for Rushmore, Being John Malkovich, and Moonstruck, but it’s available with free shipping on Amazon. You can read writer/director Alice Wu’s recent conversation with Letterbox’d here.
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Hope you are feeling better, Lynn! Getting caught up on sleep helps!💕
I was eyeing “Forever,” will check it out, thanks!