Hey May!
{I love flying home over NYC.}
Oh, hey! It’s been a while so let’s get to it.
Last week, I went to the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) conference here in New York. It was my third (or fourth?) time attending and I always walk away with interesting tidbits and new connections. Plus, it’s nice to meet other writers in real life. (Yes! We exist outside of our computers!)
My favorite session was “What it’s a great time to be a late bloomer.” It was a panel of women writers who had put off their passion projects until later in life. It was like a coffee date, sitting around and sharing struggles and successes. But most importantly, it was an affirmation that you don’t have to be a brand new college grad or whipper-snapper to make it in the writing world. As someone who has come to writing later in life, after many years in the nonprofit sector, I needed to hear this.
One last note: With all the privacy updates and GDPR-related emails you've likely received in the past week, I just wanted to say thank you for subscribing. If you're like, nah, this isn't for me anymore, no hard feelings. There's an unsubscribe link at the bottom of this email.
With that, here’s the latest edition of clips, reads, and binges—Perfect for a long weekend!
What I’ve Written
How iPods, iTunes And Spotify Can Help Treat Dementia and a fun round-up of the best mother’s day memories. Plus, have you heard of the lectin-free diet? Me neither, until I was asked to work on this story. Spoiler: Don’t do it. But these tips you should try. They might trick you into eating well. And for all you Trader Joe’s lovers out there, this one’s for you.
What I’ve Been Reading
Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi. I LOVED this book. It tells the story of a Korean-American young woman and it captures that special something about how we relate to people via text and build relationships through our phones. And, unlike other “Asian” books, her ethnicity is just part of her identity. There’s no “journey” or grappling what it’s like to be 1st generation while your parents are immigrants. It’s just who she is. Here's a great interview with the author.
Abby Wambach’s commencement speech at Barnard College: "Joy. Success. Power. These are not pies where a bigger slice for her means a smaller slice for you. These are infinite. In any revolution, the way to make something true starts with believing it is. Let’s claim infinite joy, success, and power—together."
He went to an in-network emergency room. He still ended up with a $7,924 bill. (Vox): Seriously, this is my nightmare and may also be the reason I’m reluctant to see a doctor.
You Have Airport Stories. Now, an Airport Will Write a Story for You. (NY Times): Maybe this will make traveling through La Guardia more tolerable?
Cyclists of the Cherokee Nation Ride the Trail of Tears (Bicycling): Incredible ride to honor their ancestors.
Being Adopted Adds An Extra Layer To My Anxiety (Bustle): “Like many others who receive unexpected mental health diagnoses, I wondered: am I “weak” — though, as I've learned, there's nothing "weak" about needing support for mental illness — or is it just my genetic lottery? But as someone who’s adopted, I didn’t know "where" my mental health condition came from — or what may surface later in life.”
An Oral History Of ‘NSYNC’s Breakup, According To Bandmates Not Named Justin Timberlake (HuffPost): I mean, because ’NSYNC! (Yes, I loved them.)
Love Your Cancer Doctor? Get a Second Opinion (NY Times): To trust your doctor or not? To get a second opinion or not? Loved this piece from my friend Liz.
I Went to the ER with a Live Roach in My Ear and It Was as Horrifying as You Think (SELF): OK, this is from a fews ago but OMG. I’m forever sleeping with earplugs in my ears. And read all the way to the end,.
Your Tampon Could Save Your Life (Shondaland): This is genius.
What I’m Listening To and Watching
Homeland wrapped up a couple of weeks ago and honestly, I feel pretty meh about this season but I felt obliged to keep watching. Maybe it’s also because one characters (a Russian operative) that was introduced this season is played by the same actor who plays essentially the same character (a Russian operative) on The Americans. It was a little disorienting at first, considering Homeland takes place in the present-day and The Americans takes place in the 1980s. Plus, you guys, The Americans is a much better show. I’m really sad that this is the last season.
I also watched the first two episodes of Billions. I know, late to the game-again. Are you a fan? Should I keep watching?
On the podcast front, I have a couple of recent favorites like this conversation between Nicole DeBoom and Christen Shefchunas, a confidence coach. And this episode of the Ali on the Run Show where Ali chats with Liz Plosser, the Editor-in-Chief of Women’s Health Magazine. Liz drops a ton of great nuggets of career advice and insight on the publishing/magazine/media industry.
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