Weekend Reads v. 8.3.2025
A snack and a nap.
At some point during the haze that was this week, a friend sent me a meme that said, “For Lent I’m just giving up.” I realize the meme’s intention lives somewhere in the neighborhood of despair, but I took it as a sign to give myself a stack of hall passes.
I gave myself a hall pass for looking like a frazzled lady as I dashed to meet the Uber Eats driver outside my building just as an important executive was walking in. We’d met on a video call and made plans to meet in person in a more controlled environment like, say, an office. Instead, my in-person introduction to him would be more memorable seeing as I was carrying two 7-11 bags bursting with energy drinks. (long story)
I also gave myself a hall pass when I got stuck behind a motorcade en route to an early morning meeting. Mind you, I’d already cancelled the previous iteration of this meeting because of traffic, so I felt like a total dud when I had to let someone know that I yet again could not get the hang of my morning commute. Oh, and did I mention this was the first time I was meeting this person?
What did these hall passes get me, you may be asking yourself. Couldn’t multiple hall passes in one week run the risk of looking like the wheels have come off the bus? Perhaps.
In my case, the hall passes paid off. First and foremost, they gave me a much-needed mental break from the constant juggling that comes with a new job. Second, there were unintended benefits from giving myself a break.
Turns out, people remember when you burst into an office building carrying not one but two bulging shopping bags from a nearby connivence store. And sometimes the inconvenience of traffic offers a chance for a touch point. Most everyone has endured the frustration of leaving on time and still being set back by circumstances out of your control. Life happens.
The executive called me not long after our energetic run-in to follow up on something I’d shared days earlier. The call was unexpected and probably thanks to my memorable entrance from stage right as Peppy Lady With 7-11 Bags.
The introductory meeting ended up feeling like a meeting with an old friend. Turns out, my moment of vulnerability allowed us to skip the how-do-you-do portion of introductions and get straight to the good stuff. And that was an incredible gift of encouragement.
So, now it’s your turn.
Seeing as 2025 entered like a raging lion, I’d venture we could all use a snack and a nap right about now! Where can you give yourself a hall pass?
In honor of International Women’s Day (today!), two brands I really enjoy are offering sales and free gifts that you might appreciate. My pair of Nisolo’s Huarache sandals are my most-worn shoes in the summer. Nisolo is offering free shipping right now with the code FREESHIP. And today only, Sugar Paper (swoon!) is giving away free note sets with a $75 purchase.
Did you just pay a “technology development charge” for that airline ticket because you booked online?
Cue the waterworks. Dolly Parton released this song as a tribute to her late husband.
The most unforgettable national park drives. (Because sometimes it’s nice to just stay in the car. See also: a hall pass for when you travel with your kids.)
Laura Reily is back at sharing her schedule for Paris Fashion Week. I love these reports so much!
Thinking of talking my friend Kathy into helping me make a pattern for this fun little purse.
Spring is soooo close, which means I am keeping a close eye on Carmen Johnston’s blog. Her gardening guidance is inspiring and helpful.
Louise Perry delivers yet another thought-provoking essay. This time she asks the question, “Is immigration good for Christianity?”
This article about the restaurant chain Chili’s struck a chord. When I lived in LA, a group of friends and I would sometimes visit the Chili’s in Westwood as a way to soothe our homesickness for whatever suburban town we grew up in. No matter what part of the country we hailed from, Chili’s seemed to be a kind of unifier.
“Over there is Mitch, from Tampa, Florida. As with Sara, Chili's found him at the exact moment he was most receptive. This was the end of high school. The night before his first day working in the kitchen, he blew out his knee. When he reported to the general manager, fully expecting to forfeit his position, the GM said they'd keep the job for him. They'd wait while he rehabbed. That initial act of compassion forged Mitch's lifelong commitment to the cause. He has now been with Chili's for 28 years and this is his 88th opening. Dozens domestically, plus England, Germany, Korea, Taiwan, and some American military bases abroad. Which is fitting: His Army father moved him around a lot as a kid. "I'm a military brat," Mitch says. ‘Travel is in my blood.’ But Chili's came to serve as a community constant. Mitch could live anywhere at this point, but ‘doing five or six openings a year scratches that itch.’ That's what gets you to 88. ‘I always tell the new team members to pay attention, when we're doing introductions, to the years of employment. Two years, six years, twenty, twenty-eight in my case. It says a lot about this place and the way people feel about it.’” (Source)
I want a piece of this cake.
While I really enjoy making (and eating!) sourdough bread, I sometimes wish I had soft bread figured out. (Can you tell I’m giving my diet a hall pass and reaching for the breadbasket?). I think I may try this straightforward recipe for soft bread because the recipe’s author consistently delivers wins in the kitchen.
Are we too impatient to be intelligent?
Trends seen on the subway.
Don’t forget: we get short-changed this weekend by losing a precious hour. Make the most of it!