slow movements

ISO: unique coffee table

I’ve been having a bit of writer’s block recently because my mind is jumbled with a million other things. My Knicks in 5 Summer hit the ground running with a flurry of weddings and parties and travel, and finally I’m in the city for two weekends in a row, which feels like a modern miracle. The last essay I published was called “Nothing in My Life Is New,” and then suddenly A Bunch of Stuff Happened, and now I’m moving to a different borough next month and trying to get a children’s book published. The universe is crazy.

I’m so excited about moving into a new apartment with J. It’s all I’ve been able to think about, which is why I haven’t been able to dedicate much time to this, my Substack. I put pressure on myself to write gorgeous, elaborate essays that teach and preach and reach, but today I had the thought, maybe they just want to hear my voice?

So, hi! I’m writing to you from Tompkins Square Library wondering, what is Mamdani’s plan to get central air installed in Tompkins Square Library and sharing a reminder about the importance of slowing down. This morning, about 10 minutes into my Pilates mat class, two young women stood up and walked out after they had been giggling through every slow, precise movement. The whole class could see them laughing through the window upon their exit, and I found this utterly disrespectful. I can guess what they were laughing about—this particular instructor is very traditional and teaches the class very classically. I love it. It’s the most Joseph Pilates form of Pilates there is. (If you’re just learning that Joseph Pilates was a real person, welcome to this awesome fun fact.) Though I know this instructor’s way of teaching is not everyone’s cup of tea, I couldn’t help but feel annoyed by the disrespect of these girls. Maybe they were expecting some woo-woo, CorePower-esque, Sabrina Carpenter-soundtracked workout, but that wasn’t what they signed up for. I knew their exit had nothing to do with me, but I couldn’t help but wish they’d just stayed and gave it a chance. In many cases, taking the time to learn the skill and technique of something has far more of an impact than doing it quickly. I bet they would’ve learned a lot. Or maybe I’m just a teacher’s pet.

After my class, I pranced home to whip up the best blueberry muffins which came out of the oven perfectly golden and crisp on the top. We had to wait for them to cool, so I had the idea to hand-deliver some to my brother’s apartment on the Lower East Side while we waited. Upon our arrival, I handed the brown paper box to my brother’s roommate who upon holding it in his hands exhaled, “Wow, they’re still warm.” Perfectly timed.

J and I took our time walking home and stumbled upon some folded-up moving boxes on Rivington Street which we took for my use. We talked to my dad on the phone and told him how happy we were to be in the city this weekend and that the smoke had cleared a bit and we could finally see the sun again. We returned home to the comforting scent of freshly baked muffins, and I swear they tasted better because we waited to have them. I was pleased to know that my brother and his friends had their own to enjoy too.

I’ve been 29 for four days, and they’ve been a great four days. I think that turning 28 felt scary because there’s no shying away from the fact that those are your late 20s, but turning 29 feels like a fun preamble and a grand finale all at the same time. This is the youngest I’ll ever be. It’s awesome.

Since I’m moving soon, I’ve been trying to use up pantry items without buying any new non-perishables. It’s reminded me of how much I have and how much I can make from scratch. After having the blueberry muffins this morning, I whipped up some homemade ice cream base for tomorrow so that I can get creative during the rain. I’m still trying to figure out how much of my baking I should incorporate into my Substack, but something is telling me that it’s time to talk about it more.

I wish I had more thoughts for you today but my brain is just pulling me into the direction of searching for coffee tables on Facebook Marketplace. I’ll come back to you sooner than last time. Promise.

Me during a walk around the New York Botanical Garden. I was wearing platform sandals.