The Little Things #28 – Oscars parties and wet weather

I like a good incredulous “how is it [insert any month here] already!?” statement as much as the next person, but I’m fully prepared to believe it’s March now as January and February felt never-ending. Maybe it’s because I’ve purposely been trying to slow down a little and travel less, but I’m excited spring feels just within reach and with it, a faster pace of extracurricular activities. Not that you’d know it in San Francisco – it’s rained more in the last month than it did in the entirety of last year, with floods and mudslides in some parts of Northern California. I feel so lucky to have had generally pleasant, predictable weather for the last four years, so it’s a bit of a shock to be experiencing single digit temperatures and rainstorms. Poor weather definitely affects my mood, but with it there have been lots of Little Things to smile about this month…

Blogging about: Our holiday to Lisbon and Sintra in Portugal earlier this year – the pastel de nata withdrawal symptoms are real.

Watching: The Oscars at the annual viewing party hosted by our friends S & E. There were snacks galore, red carpet bingo, and the obligatory shouting at the TV whenever a winner was announced. Olivia Coleman’s speech was a clear, ahem, favourite.  

Making: Podcast recordings! I managed to record three interviews for Non/Native for season two, which starts this Wednesday!

Buying: A slik scarf-inspired pleated skirt from Zara. 

Reading: We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, I Might Regret This by Abbi Jacobson, The Mermaid and Mrs Hancok by Imogen Hermes Gowar and There There by Tommy Orange – my first book by a male author in over a year.

Listening to: The High Low podcast, and the Non/Native episodes I’m editing right now.

Wearing: Layers and jumpers – early February was freezing (ok, seven degrees, but that’s cold for San Francisco) and it’s been raining a lot, so I’ve been relying on jumpers and my trusty bright yellow fisherman’s jacket a lot this month. 

Eating: Delicious tapas with friends at Barvale and too much takeout. I set myself a goal to prepare more homemade meals this month, but rubbish weather just makes me want to curl up and hibernate on the sofa, preferably with pizza.

Enjoying: Celebrating birthdays with friends and babies, coming third place in the Oscars ballot, taking a little time off social media, and having friends come to stay. 

Looking forward to: The season two launch of Non/Native, a trip to NYC, and planning a holiday to the USA’s 50th state.