Jen V’s January Recs
I am not ready for January to be over and yet, here we are again.
I’m a summer child and every day after the summer equinox just heightens my trepidation of the coming winter. The days getting infinitesimally shorter until suddenly you wake up and realise it’s still dark at 6am and when did that happen? It’s a struggle for me, is what I’m saying.
But! Trying to stay upbeat because we have the heady days of February ahead and it is often the best weather month in Wellington. Though this summer has been completely glorious and I can’t really complain. It’s almost like being in Australia! If you can make the leap to thinking 20 degrees is warm.
I made the most of the summer break and got to see a part of the country I haven’t seen before, visiting the Coromandel with one of my best friends. It was all long lazy days of beach, books, naps, and cocktails. I wish every day could be like that. Going back to work has been particularly hard this year.
The weather has been too good to contemplate spending any time in a cinema so I haven’t seen any new releases. But of the films I’ve watched streaming, I thoroughly enjoyed tick, tick… BOOM! (Andrew Garfield is just wonderful) and Encanto (Lin-Manuel Miranda writes some banger tunes, don’t argue). Also, super late on the uptake but I loved Luca. It made me desperate for an Italian holiday. One day, Amalfi, one day.
I’ve been plugging away at a couple of shows as well. I finally finished Foundation and woo boy, does it all escalate quicky! Do recommend this if you’re into scifi (and if you liked Dune, because honestly, if you can be into Dune, you can be into Foundation) but will add a caveat that the first five eps are a slog. Would recommend just watching a bunch in one sitting, even though it’s long. I think it’s worth it.
I started watching Dickinson, which is a lot of anachronistic fun. I’ve only watched the first season but the fourth and final one is airing now, so it seemed like a good time to get into it (and my work mates love it).
I’m back on my Miracle Workers bs as well, almost through season two. I really savour this show because I just think it’s so good, I don’t want to rush through it. Single-handedly responsible for my crush on DanRad – not something I’d ever foreseen in my future.
Also highly recommend Only Murders in the Building, one of the most delightful shows I’ve watched in recent memory. I binged the whole season in a single day and I have no regrets about that. It’s so enthralling.
Reading wise, strong start to the year with a mix of graphic novels, YA and serious business books. My fave read was probably The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune which gave me a toothache it was so dang sweet. I’ve also re-read The Dream Thieves and Blue Lily, Lily Blue and they’re even better than I remembered. Ronan Lynch, I’d go to war for you. Also re-read Carry On because once you start, you can’t stop. I don’t make the rules.
My album of the moment is Prioritise Pleasure by Self Esteem. A work mate recommended it in November and it took me a few months but now I’m obsessed. Tegan and Sara vibes but also… not. Very into it – especially track two which is just *chef’s kiss* I’m also listening to Hamilton again while running because, as previously implied, Lin does not miss.
Now I’m off to celebrate a friend’s birthday with a backyard barbeque, soaking up the summer sun while we can and enjoying company before omicron ruins everything.
Here’s to doing things that spark joy. See you in Feb!