10 fun things in February

Mark your calendars!

Hi! Everything is terrible!!!! So this week’s newsletter is a solid stack of things to look forward to in February because, well, it seems like we could all use things … to look forward to … in FEBRUARY.

But first, I want to talk about CALENDARS. It took me three weeks into 2025, but I finally succumbed to the appeal of a fresh planner. I buy at least one every year. Sometimes, I eagerly peruse my options in November. But this year, it took me until January 23rd to take the leap. I’ve just been rawdogging time over here!!!!!!!

Most years, I use them devotedly. Some years, I’ve even kept three different calendars — one on my phone, one on my desk at work, and one for my purse. It may seem redundant, but there’s something about writing things down in a physical calendar that helps my brain stop persevering on plans. By over-planning, I can let go a little and be a little more present.

Last year, I stopped analog-ly calendaring around the end of August. But there’s something about this moment in time, one month into the year, when I have too many to-do lists floating around my desk and in my brain. But between freelance gigs and friend hangs and family time and random appointments, there are so many moving pieces that I need a calendar now more than ever. Right?????

Anyway. here’s the one I got. I fully believe calendars should be at LEAST half-off by almost-Feb., but I liked the color blocks enough to accept the 10% discount. I got my name stamped on the front. I’M EXCITED, OKAY?

This pocket calendar from Graphic Image was my go-to for years. I have also loved many of these desk calendars. And for the record, this is the one I abandoned five months ago, but I still have strong feelings for it.

IN THE SPIRIT OF CALENDARING, here’s a list of enjoyable things in February! You can add them to your planner, or try to memorize them all and then get anxious about remembering! (Or just come back to this email, lol.) They are arranged by date, because … calendars!

10 things to look forward to in February

Tuesday, Feb. 4: Read This is a Love Story by Jessica Soffer

All I need to know about this one is that the audiobook is narrated by Marin Ireland, and I’ll listen to pretty much anything she’ll read to me.

Friday, Feb. 7: Stream We Live in Time on Max

Andrew Garfield is relentlessly charming. Florence Pugh is a queen. Chance encounters! Decade-spanning love stories!!!

Sunday, Feb. 9: Eat snacks on Super Bowl Sunday

I don’t actually think you should watch the Super Bowl, but I do think you should make a ridiculous snack! Pigs in a blanket! Cheesy tomato hand pies! Comté sesame twists! Honey miso party mix!

Tuesday, Feb. 11: Read Casualties of Truth by Lauren Francis-Sharma

This novel about South Africa’s 1996 Truth and Reconciliation Commission is branded as part literary novel, part thriller. It was blurbed by Xochitl Gonzalez and Rebecca Makkai, two excellent writers AND readers.

Wednesday, Feb. 12: Howl at the moon

It’s a full moon! Light some shit on fire! Set a monthly intention! Look into the sky and say hi! Go to bed early! Do whatever you want, because the moon is cool!

Thursday, Feb. 13: Celebrate Galentine’s Day!

Your local bookstore or yarn shop or other cool indie might already have Galentine’s events planned, but even if not, you can throw your own waffle party! You could also celebrate Galentine’s with your long distance gfs by mailing cards, because snail mail is the best, and I’m sure Leslie Knope would agree. (Or would she hate snail mail like she hates libraries?????)

Friday, Feb. 14: Stream Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy on Peacock

I don’t necessarily think the world neeeeeeeeeeeeed’s another installment of Bridget Jones’ Diary, especially if Renée Zellweger is widowed from Colin Firth. But the original novels the movies are based on occupy a special place in Teenage Greta’s Heart, and this movie looks lovely.

Sunday, Feb. 16: Watch The White Lotus Season 3 on Max

This anthology-style series about wealthy people on obscene vacations behaving terribly is one of my favorites, and the cast this season looks amazing. Carrie Coon! Walton Goggins! Thailand!!!

Saturday, Feb. 22: Join GRETAGRAM book club!

We’re reading Eiren Caffall’s All the Water in the World in February, and we’ll discuss it on Zoom on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 5 pm CT! Email me at greta m johnsen at gmail dot com for the Zoom link!

Tuesday, Feb. 25: Read Back After This by Linda Holmes

I LOVED THIS BOOK. It’s charming, it’s funny, and it nerds out hard on audio editing. I can’t wait for y’all to learn what “ambi” is!!!

Bonus March news:

I’m very excited to tell you that Leyna Krow’s collection Sinkhole, and Other Inexplicable Voids: Stories will be our March book club pick!!!!! It is weird and wonderful and there’s a lot to discuss with it.

Talk to you next week,

P.S. Do you like this email?! Spread the delight and forward it to a friend! (Or spam an enemy, lol!)