The Shortlist: Vol. I, No. Two
How is it Memorial Day already?
I survived Wednesday, and for what? Just for it to be Thursday. Disgusting.
Early this month, I received an invitation to my 25th High School Reunion. It’s fine, I’m breathing through it. Into a bag. After taking a sedative. But for all the anxiety this situation has given me, the planner of the reunion included a QR code to this phenomenal 90s Spotify playlist that I have been playing in the car when I’m with Sloane.
Because you know, it’s like when my parents played Motown in the car when I was a baby. Oh no, go ahead, do that math. 2025 to 2000 is the same distance as 1985 (when I was the age Sloane is now) to 1960. Yep, we’re that old.
Where’s my paper bag?!
We’ve been relaxing with post-work cocktails while we play in the backyard with Sloane (this catch game is popular), and spritzers have become my number one choice. They’re easy to make if you have a bottle of inexpensive white or rose nearby, and the sparkling water makes it a lighter choice.
I love this peach and white wine spritzer. Also a big fan of this grapefruit and rose option.
Oh, how do I drink wine on the patio, and catch a ball without dropping it? First off, my two-year-old has a great arm, but Ken Griffey she ain’t. So it’s not usually a problem, but just in case, we have these shatterproof wine glasses.
I love a good spy novel. Spy movie. Spy TV show. You get the picture. So when I read the headline “The Spy Factory,” I was already in.
TLDR: Russia began placing young operatives in Brazil using the identities of deceased people, turning the country into a “launchpad for elite intelligence officers.” Some started families, enrolled in college in the U.S., all while conducting intelligence operations and building deep covers. The article takes you through the efforts by South American intelligence services to dismantle this multi-decade operation. Who says the Cold War ended?
Our pool may open this weekend weather permitting. While the Bogg Bag is a popular choice at our pool (and it has some nice features), it is just too heavy for these geriatric shoulders. Instead, I carry this $10 mesh bag from Target. It has pockets, generous-but-not-so-huge styling, and just the right amount of shoulder drop. I have two, orange for me, pink for the little one.
Speaking of pool time, if you haven’t picked up this beachy read from Emily Henry, you need to. I listened to the audio book this week and it is a page turner. Here's the synopsis:
Alice Scott is an eternal optimist still dreaming of her big writing break. Hayden Anderson is a Pulitzer-prize winning human thundercloud. And they're both on balmy Little Crescent Island for the same reason: To write the biography of a woman no one has seen in years—or at least to meet with the octogenarian who claims to be the Margaret Ives. Tragic heiress, former tabloid princess, and daughter of one of the most storied (and scandalous) families of the 20th Century.
Great Big, Beautiful Life was definitely spendy for a book, but worth it. Share it with a friend.
See you next week for another roundup. xo, aB
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