1. Bun cha to start the week. It’s been a year since I’ve been able to have one of my favorite bowls of food because it’s such a production to make it. A run to Farmer’s Market for all the herbs needed for it, grilling the pork, even making papaya pickles sometimes. It was all worth it though, for my two, possibly three I had Monday of last week.

2. The Friends reunion. My favorite television series. It is also one that taught us a lot about culture and sarcastic humor (I have always had a crush on Chandler), and is one we could watch over and over again. Sure the jokes are dated now, but the chemistry, that friendship, is timeless.

3. People that make an effort. This pandemic is cycling through other (richer) countries. We have been exhausted, mentally stretched, emotionally broken by news cycle over news cycle of all the tragedy, horrific choices people in power are making, and there doesn’t seem to be a foreseeable light at the end of the tunnel. It has been a lot. This is why I appreciate people who make an effort, because it is hard just being there for yourself. Being there for others when you’re under a ton of weight already? Insanely good.

4. Being able to laugh it out with others. I work nights. I am in the country in the world’s longest lockdown. I live with people with comorbidities that are also intensely paranoid. Connecting to others takes time and energy that sometimes is a bit too much for me, so to be able to laugh over things you’re getting through, also a huge weight off my shoulders.

Song of the week: enough for you by Olivia Rodrigo

What are you grateful for?