The BLUGH: February 5, 2025
“…in art, and particular in literature, the only people who count are those who launch out into unknown seas. One doesn’t discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time.”
It’s February!!!!!!! I’m going into this new, short month very well-rested. I hibernated in a big way in January. I’m talking going to bed early, sleeping in, AND naps. It was nice but also I think I hit my sleep max which never happens. But I’m not special or unique in this. Humans need more sleep in the winter, per research done by researchers.
What’s new?…started a piano class last week. First class involved ZERO playing of said piano but I know we’ll get there. Getting ready for a week and a half trip to California and so am pumped about that. Oh, and when I was at the gym on Saturday, I was on the treadmill and I was running really fast, like I pumped the speed up to a speed I never go and was zooming and people started staring so I pumped it even higher hahaha. Was very face-red after this. Don’t know what I was trying to prove, but I think I proved it.
LEARNING FROM THE WEEK: I feel like most of my learnings are just me finding out what English words mean. Anyways: typhoon is like a hurricane but not exactly the same and cosmonaut is like an astronaut but also not exactly the same. Don’t even get me started on bison and buffalo.
PRODUCT RECOMMENDATION
Ok I have two new (to me) jewelry stores that I think are really nice and cute and want you to know about them if you don’t already. NO ONE NEEDS MORE THINGS, I KNOW. And also: IN THIS ECONOMY? But maybe you can save these for when you want to treat yourself or your loved ones with some cute stuff.
Lizzie Fortunato: CUTE, interesting stuff!! Kind of weird looking and I like it. I got to go to the showroom in NYC and it was a very cute experience. Also it was started by twin sisters. Let me reemphasize: CUTE.
Local Eclectic: Affordable jewelry including solid gold! If solid gold is important to you, you won’t find better priced options than Local Eclectic. Plus they are opening a flagship store in Chicago that looks like it will be amazing. One more thing for me to do in Chicago when I FINALLY get myself there.
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BOOK RECOMMENDATION
Speaking of stones!! Ok so, I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN when I was reading it last year. If you know anything about Stoner, know that what it is about is seemingly very boring. Like it’s just about a man who grew up on a farm and ended up being a professor. Obviously it is so much more, but generally, that is about it! This book is FANTASTIC. Since reading Stoner, I have also since read another John Williams book, Butcher’s Crossing, a western that was very interesting and good, but it was no Stoner. I have Augustus on my shelf waiting to be read too.
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TO WATCH
Are you dutifully watching your Oscar movies? Every year, I like to catch the animated shorts so if you are in NY and want to go see those somewhere, please let me know, I’m serious.
In the meantime, I 🙏pray🙏 that you to watch Conclave. I 🛐confess🛐 it is the greatest movie I have witnessed in forever. It has the ⛪holy trinity⛪: amazing acting, fascinating plot, and captivating cinematography. I’m not saying my word is ??gospel📖 but I am saying that your 🧎♀️eternal soul🧎♀️ is at stake and watching this movie is the only way to save yourself from 🔥damnation!🔥!!
FOR REAL THO, this movie is incredible. I thought it would be so boring because, much like Stoner, the topic of the plot seems lame to me. I was so wrong. Also, I am so relieved by a religious movie that is not grossly sacrilegious. I’m not even religious but these religion-based films that are just blatantly disrespectful/gross about religion just kind of turn me off. Am I….old?
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February 2025
Back again
Remember that speakeasy I teased last week? Well, I went back again this past week and apparently recited the pledge of allegiance while I was there? I don’t know. What I do know is that I am going back again on Thursday FOR REAL. The place in question is The Sunken Harbor Club. It’s nautically themed (feels like you’re in a ship), has incredible cocktails (and mocktails!!!!), and is an EXPERIENCE. I don’t want to say too much, but I will share some tips.
Get there early (talking 4:30 for a 5:30 entry)
Pursue membership (just get a passport when you visit)
If you have to wait, enjoy a DELICIOUS meal at Gage and Tollner right below the SHC.