Song of the day:
It’s the Fourth of July, a date that is supposed to be a celebration of freedom - freedom from tyranny, from oppression, from any number of things. But now it doesn’t feel like we have a whole lot of freedom left. Especially those of us who are women. And those in historically marginalized groups - Black people, brown people, Native Americans, and the LGBTQIA+ community. Granted, we still have a lot more freedom than many other countries, but it feels like many of those freedoms are being stripped away every day in the highest courts in the land and in states across the country.
I’m thankful to live in a state - and to be moving to another state - that still thinks it’s important that all people get access to things like healthcare and reproductive care and gender affirming care; states that care about their unhoused populations; states that work to unite rather than divide. Granted, neither state is perfect, and there are parts of both that are very much against these things, but thankfully, at least to date, the majority has voted in favor of humanity. I hope it continues to do so and that more and more people across the country realize exactly what’s at stake in every election - not just the national ones, but the local ones, too. It starts with city councils and school boards. Pay attention and vote.
After this week’s shocking, albeit not unexpected, Supreme Court decision regarding the immunity of a President (and last week’s end to Chevron deference - I had to look that one up and wow, yikes), it’s even more critical that this country does not reelect the convicted felon to the highest office in the land. The far right has already told us what they’re going to do if he’s put back in office (the Supreme Court has already started doing it), and y’all, it’s terrifying. If you’re not familiar with Project 2025, I highly suggest you review this guide developed by Democracy Forward. Even if it seems like these things won’t impact you or someone you care about, trust that it’s just the beginning. Pay attention and vote. And make sure everyone you know does as well.
Look, is Joe Biden perfect? Absolutely not. Do I wish the Democratic Party had a better candidate to run? Yes. But Joe Biden IS the candidate and that’s who I’m voting for. Bottom line for me is that while yes, I’m voting for the President, I’m also voting for his administration, for the Supreme Court, for the possibility of changing laws for the better, and for Kamala Harris who can easily step into the Oval Office if needed. I’m voting to keep the Democratic Party in control so that over the next four years candidates can be prepped for the 2028 election. There are so many who are ready to take that step, but if the Republican Party is reinstalled into the White House, I fear that elections as we currently know them may not exist. Yes, it’s that serious.
Now for me, as a Jesus follower, I am thankful that I am not in control of any of this; that Jesus still sits on His throne and already knows the outcome of this year’s election and every election following. However, that doesn’t mean I’m just leaving things up to fate. He gave me free will to make decisions and choices, and I plan to use that free will for what I believe is good.
And hey, if you don’t agree with me, that’s your right. That’s actually what freedom is about. Freedom to believe what YOU choose to believe, to worship how and whom YOU choose to worship, to vote how YOU feel led to vote, to raise your family how YOU choose, and to make decisions based on YOUR personal beliefs. But for the record, the Republican Party doesn’t want you to be able to make your own decisions on most things. They want the government to have that authority - over your healthcare, your religion, your kid’s education, and more - and that’s not what this country is supposed to be about.
So yeah, for me this year, July 4th is just another day…
And what will I be doing today you ask? I’ll be continuing my pre-move purge in preparation for the College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk people to come this weekend to pick up some furniture I’m not moving as well as a bunch of stuff I’m donating/getting rid of. I’m so, so thankful I made the decision to pay my movers to pack the rest of my stuff next week though because y’all…I’m TIRED. Moving when I was 40 was a LOT easier than it is at 56. Also, it’s been stupid hot all week and trying to purge on the 2nd floor when it’s 104 degrees is less than ideal. Zero stars. Do not recommend. Anyway, that’s what I’ll be doing. I hope that whatever plans you have are fun and enjoyable.
And now for a brief rundown on what I’ve been watching/reading…
Movies/TV
I saw Inside Out 2 last month - on my last day of work - and it was SO GOOD! I loved the original, and thought this was an excellent sequel. I was disappointed that two members of the original voice cast didn’t return (especially after I learned that they decided against it because they weren’t being paid as much as one of the other cast members), but those who replaced them did a phenomenal job. And the new emotions were fantastic! Was it perfect? No, but I will definitely see it again (and again, and again…). And oh yeah, I cried a number of times.
I watched A Family Affair on Netflix last week, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Was it predictable? Of course, but that’s sort of what I wanted. And the cast was great, some of my favorites.
The 1% Club is a new game show on Fox, and I’m completely addicted! First of all, Patton Oswalt is the host, and I simply adore him, but second, it’s really fun - and challenging! Anyone else watching?
The first new Hallmark Christmas movie of the year, Falling Like Snowflakes, was on last weekend, and it was fine, not one I’d watch again probably. But you know, it’s July so it’s Christmas all the time on the Hallmark Channel. I may or may not have watched a few others…
Books
The Second Ending by Michelle Hoffman - I liked the idea of this story more than the story itself, but it kept me interested enough to keep reading. Goodreads rating: 3 stars
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q Sutanto - Loved this! The concept was interesting, and the cast of characters highly entertaining. Jesse’s writing is smart and funny, and I definitely recommend this one. Goodreads rating: 4 stars
Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang, Leuyen Pham - This was excellent! It’s a graphic novel so it moves fast. The graphics are wonderful, and it was a super sweet love story. Goodreads rating: 5 stars
Tahira in Bloom by Farah Heron - This one started a bit slow (or maybe I wasn’t in the mood), but after a couple of chapters I was completely sucked in. This was a wonderful young adult novel filled with angst and love and art. I loved it! Goodreads rating: 5 stars
Valley Verified by Kyla Zhao - I loved the premise of this story, especially since it was set in Silicon Valley. I never worked in high tech, but based on the stories of friends who did/do - especially female friends - the plot that plays out is very realistic. There is a trigger warning at the beginning of the book regarding sexual harassment and assault, so please take note. Goodreads rating: 4 stars
The Lost Letters of Aisling by Cynthia Ellingsen - I was immediately hooked when I started reading this story about a young woman, her best friend, her grandmother, and her grandmother’s youth. Set in two timelines, the story flowed beautifully between the two and definitely made me want to visit Ireland. Goodreads rating: 5 stars
One of Our Kind by Nicola Yoon - This was an incredible story! It’s a bit science fiction/fantasy, but mostly it’s about our society and culture and how one Black family navigates all of it. I was shocked how many 1 or 2 star reviews there were for this book on Goodreads, so maybe I missed something, but I read this fast - could hardly put it down - and absolutely loved it. And it’s got an ending I absolutely did not see coming, which is rare for me. Goodreads rating: 5 stars
I’m currently reading two books at once, which I literally never do, but I started one on my phone when I forgot to pick up a new book (from my TBR shelf, not at the store) to bring with me to read. The book on my phone wasn’t doing much for me so I grabbed a book from the TBR shelf and started it. But then I forgot that book the next time I went out and planned to read so I went back to the book on my phone. Yes, these are the most first world problems ever. Anyway…I’m not loving either of them at the moment, but I’m hoping they will pick up. They’re not awful, just maybe not what I’m in the mood for right now. We’ll see how they go.
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld - Summary: Love, comedy and email: A late night comedy show writer and the charismatic musical guest hit it off in the writer's room. Laughs ensue, hearts grow bigger — this is a story you want to share with a friend. (Barnes and Noble)
Summer Ever After by Jane Crittenden - Summary: Everything you could wish for in a gorgeous summer read! Romance, travel and second chances in the warm and wonderful setting of Barcelona. A delightful, romantic and heartfelt story, and definitely one to pack for the beach! (Fiona Collins, author of The Hours of You)
I’m also reading a new book of poetry called We Alive, Beloved by the exceptional Frederick Joseph. This is not a book you rush through or read like a novel. You sit with the poems and think about how they make you feel. I’m only a few poems in, and they are SO GOOD! Because I pre-ordered, and also because I support the author’s Substack, I was able to participate in a zoom discussion about the book last week. It was so cool to hear not only from him, but also others who are reading the book. It was a small group of folks so it was super interactive and engaging. I highly recommend this one - and recommend that you at least view his public Substack posts.
And finally, while I have a huge TBR shelf of books here, I’ve also had all my pre-ordered books sent to the new place, so all of these are waiting for me to arrive.
So many books, so little time…but so MUCH more time now…yay, retirement!!
Video of the day:
This was made a few years back, but wow, is it ever relevant today.
I don’t know that I’ll be posting again until I’m finished with the move, but you never know…for now though, I must resume the purge…
Have a good day, a great Friday, and a wonderful weekend!