my september report
an overview of a lovely september.
september was a pretty relaxing month (compared to august). i got a new job which i am so grateful for, and i have been trying to relax more in between shifts. i started my substack which had been such a great outlet and i am so grateful for each and every one of my supporters. to keep you up to date, i thought i would share my R.E.P.O.R.T. for september…
(r)eading : stoner by john williams
i can’t recommend this book enough! it is a story of a very ordinary man, william stoner, not a hero, not a villain, the most relatable human protagonist ever written. it is an honest portrayal of a man who gave his best attempt to live the life of integrity. and even if one’s life is disappointing, we still can expect small moments of beauty. i feel this is something most of us can relate to. john williams writing style is also incredibly beautiful even at the most ordinary moments. here is one of my favorite quotes from that book. (which i also mentioned in my first article if your an original reader!)
“you must remember what you are and what you have chosen to become, and the significance of what you are doing. there are wars and defeats and victories of the human race that are not military and that are not recorded in the annals of history. remember that while you’re trying to decide what to do.”
― John Williams, Stoner
(e)ating : lots of chai
ok, i know you drink chai but i’m counting it as “eating” because i can. since it is beginning to get cold where i am, i love indulging in a nice warm chai latte. i like to discover different cafes in my city or even make my own at home! i have a little travel journal where i rank different ones i try. the more spice the better. (in this chai tasting journey i learned that saying “chai tea” is redundant. chai translates to “tea” in hindi and many other languages, so you’re just saying “tea tea”)
(p)laying : 70’s music
my regular music taste is centered in the 1900’s, but recently i have been focused on the 70’s particularly. i get a lot of influence from my parents who grew up during that time. it’s nice to listen and connect over music with them. right now, my favorites are: led zeppelin (also my dad’s favorite), joni mitchell, and stevie wonder. all of their music is so lyrical and storytelling of another time period. so go and ask your parents who their favorite artists of their childhood were and listening to them together.
(o)bsessing : over being kind to others
i know is a basic human necessity, but i seem to see it less and less. in this time more than ever, throwing a smile in someone’s direction or saying “have a good day!” is even more necessary. yesterday, i went to drop a package off at the post office. i came behind a lady at the self-service kiosk and she nervously turned around and said “oh gosh, i am so sorry but the kiosk is printing each of my 100 stamps out individually.” i had the fleeting thought to ignore her or leave, but instead i just smiled and said “that’s ok, i don’t mind waiting” and we pleasantly complained together about the silly kiosk. it may have taken 5 extra minutes, but i left with a smile knowing i may have made her feel less embarrassed by something she couldn’t control. (extra note: the “nonchalant” epidemic is really depleting whimsy and kindness everyday!!! do something “chalant” today).
(r)ecommending : relaxing at third spaces
a third space is an accessible public location separate from home (the first place) and work (the second place) where people can socialize or relax. most recently, i have loved going to the park to walk, people watch, and look at the ducks. i have also been visiting cafes and libraries and staying a while to write or read on substack. it gives me a reason to be off my phone for a bit and just focus on one other thing. it’s also nice way to get out of the house and have some time alone or with friends and family.
(t)reating : myself to a nice coat
recently i noticed that i don’t have any nice looking winter jackets. don’t get me wrong i love my adidas windbreaker, but i wanted something truly chic. i did my research and decided i would get a cute little peacoat. the one i found was a tad expensive, but i saved up and was able to get it. it’s a black high necked one that will hopefully keep me warm in the coming months. it hasn’t come yet, but i am very excited! it’s always nice to get a fancy necessity every once in awhile.
i hope you had a nice and relaxing september, and i send you well wishes going in to october! it’s finally fall, so take this time to slow down and enjoy every moment. let me know what you’ve been up to!
you have inspired me to go to third places more often 💛