Well, friends, I don’t know about you, but this week marked the first anniversary of me falling down the rabbit hole that was Tiger King. Is it just me, or does that feel like yesterday AND a million years ago at the same time?
We’ve made it through a year of a pandemic, and for me, that has meant looking for small everyday ways to find some happiness. My BFF, Jen Hatmaker, asks a question of all her podcast guests at the end of their interview, “What is saving your life right now?” And so, I’m sharing with you the five things currently saving my life.
I’m a podcast aficionado, but guys, let me tell you, The Popcast with Knox and Jamie is a show I NEVER miss. Every.Single.Wednesday I get a little thrill when I see that new episode notification. The podcast is focused on pop culture, and the tagline of the show is, “we educate on the things that entertain, but do not matter.” Yes, more of that, please. I’m over 40 and Knox, and Jamie’s “The More You Know” pop culture recap episodes keep me from becoming that old lady who loudly complains that she “doesn’t know who any of these kids on the radio and TV are.” The hosts are so damn funny that I have snort-laughed in the middle of H-E-B because I’m listening while I shop. Every episode ends with the hosts providing their greenlights on everything from books to read, movies to watch, and streaming series’ to binge. You’ll never have to ask yourself, “what should we watch?” again. Do yourself a favor and add this to your regular podcast listening rotation. You won’t be sorry.
2. Crockin’ Divas Meal Club
Fellow Lubbock Mom Kristi House is one of my favorite people that I don’t actually know. She’s the owner of Crockin’ Divas Meal Club, and 9 times out of 10, if it’s a weeknight and I cook dinner, it’s thanks to her. Each month CDMC rolls out a menu of pre-prepared, frozen crockpot meals. She’s made meal planning and dinner time so easy! I grab one of her prepared starter meals, add meat, and pop it all in my Instant Pot on slow cook. Don’t sleep on the cilantro lime chicken! It’s fantastic and pleases all my picky eaters.
3. Trampoline Time with my kiddo
Santa brought a trampoline to our house this year. My son and my bonus kids LOVE it. Now that the weather is turning nice, I’ve been joining my 7-year-old for evening trampoline dates. I jump and laugh and attempt herkies (and not peeing my pants). He makes me tuck myself in a ball while he jumps around me to attempt to “crack the egg.” The magic is that somewhere in the 20 minutes of silliness, he starts talking and tells me about his day or tries out a new knock-knock joke, and it’s now my favorite way to connect with him and a super special part of my day.
4. Group Fitness Classes at Zach’s Club West
During the height of the pandemic, I canceled my gym outings (actually all outings), and my mental and physical health suffered. After recovering from COVID, the first thing I did with my newfound antibodies in tow was find a gym with group fitness classes. What I didn’t anticipate was finding such an amazing community. Their Hip Hop classes are definitely saving my life. I dance, smile, sing-along, and sweat my ass off, and it’s my favorite! P.S. You don’t have to be a member to take a class! They offer $5 drop-in passes. Come dance with me! 🙂
5. Every Stefon Appearance on SNL…EVER
I love when the internet gifts me with exactly what I need. When I need a laugh or a distraction, Stefon is my guy. It’s that thing when Bill Hader is fantastic and constantly breaks while talking to Seth Meyers on Weekend Update. (If you didn’t read that in Stefon’s voice… stop reading now and go watch.)
