Our future selves

Here’s a question — how much time do you spend thinking about “future you”?

I was recently talking to a friend who told me he has zero conception of his future self, which means he consistently makes plans for later and then regrets it when the day comes.

I’m on the opposite end of the spectrum. I’m constantly saving things I would enjoy for “later,” even though I rarely actually have a specific later in mind. I even did it as a kid, with my favorite stickers! They were too exciting to actually use. I still haven’t finished Schitt’s Creek, because I want to have it on hand for some ambiguous future disaster!

It was GRETAGRAM reader Torrie who made me think about this recently — they said they were saving The Ministry of Time for the 4th of July holiday, but finding it hard to wait.

I think it’s so fascinating! Anticipation is enticing. And when you have a set time, like a long weekend when you can really dig into something and enjoy it, that wait makes total sense.

But also! I’d like to be better about giving myself the gift of reading the damn book, or whatever it is, RIGHT NOW.

What about you? How much do you think about your future self? WHAT ARE YOU READING THIS WEEKEND?

Bits and bobs

• I had the great pleasure of talking about the Hulu show The Bear recently: First, last week on City Cast Chicago, which is a spoiler-free conversation, and then on NPR’s podcast Pop Culture Happy Hour, where we got INTO IT.

• This zucchini butter spaghetti from Smitten Kitchen is the perfect easy summer pasta dish.

• I found the ideal tote bag! It’s not huge but I appreciate that it will make me choosy about what I put into it, instead of relying on a tote bag to contain everything I might possibly need for several days if I were abandoned in the wilderness. I also like the extra long handles because it means I can actually get my elbow through without having to do weird things with my wrists (is this just a me problem???)!

• One of the best books of the summer came out this week! You do not want to miss Liz Moore’s The God of the Woods. (It’s on my list of 2024 summer faves at bookshop.org, where you can peruse other lists, support indie bookstores, and purchase through my affiliate store!)

Delights!!!

It’s been such a treat to get so many delightful AF emails from you, sharing some bright spots in your days. Here are two recent revorites:

• “Attached is a picture of Bowie, my dear black kitty. I work from home and never figure out how to balance Bowie on my lap at a desk, and holding him on my shoulders means I can’t use my hands for anything else (like tip-tapping on a keyboard). Then I discovered that if I put a bench with a heating pad (on the lowest setting) next to my desk, he will happily sleep next to me all day! Now he gets easy access to pets, and I get distracted by how dang cute he is sleeping. Win-win for all! (Also, look at his little chicken leg sticking out.)” - Kelly

• And here’s one from Susan! “The King Arthur Flour No-Fuss Focaccia? THE BEST! I made this while still in my bathing suit, damp from swimming at the beach!”

  

What a beaut! Speaking of focaccia … I saw this recipe for a hot dog focaccia, and just might have to make it this weekend…

Talk to you next week!

greta

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