✨The Dos✨ Spicy chickpeas and Matilda's Favorite Things

In which my dog is quoted

Hi, hello and greetings!

We’ve all #beanathome for a while and I’m happy to report I’m now 94 percent chickpea! One of the things making life a little easier in the kitchen has been having a bowl of spicy chicks in the fridge at all times. Need something to eat with two fried eggs? Spicy chicks. A topping for your buttery, toasted english muffin? Spicy chicks. Something to pour over a bowl of rice, farro or greens? SPICY CHICKS. I riff off this recipe and highly recommend adding fresh dill.

Before this turns into a Garbanzo-nanza (😬), let’s get into it.

READ

• A mother-daughter love story: “Never Have I Ever” binged a show in a week. But, I did! ICYMI, I’m talking about the Netflix series co-created by Mindy Kaling (also: partially written by my friend’s little sister, Amina! #goteam). Can I just say, it feels great to be represented on the big screen. 😭 And while, of course, it’s nice to see a first-gen Indian American kid in a leading role, I find it particularly satisfying that she’s an irreverent and complex character. No single TV character is a monolith, but gosh, it’s 2020 and time to see new narratives like Devi Vishwakumar’s story. This beautiful piece by Mallika Rao was my favorite take on the series and made me think of my own relationship with my mom.

• On what bodies matter: You likely know the headlines surrounding Chanel Miller. Just a year ago, she was “Emily Doe,” an anonymous woman who was sexually assaulted by a Stanford swimmer in 2015. If you know the story, you’re likely one of the 18 million people who read her victim impact statement. This ESPN article shows a rare side of the story – how Miller’s activism has forced the sports community to confront itself and how, as a society, we value bodies that do or don’t “generate revenue.” This quote from Miller really struck a chord: "When we talk about sexual violence, assault and harassment on all levels, to me, you don't get to decide. You don't have a choice. You are a part of it. We're all a part of it. Your choice is how and if you're going to engage. Silence is a stance."

TALKED ABOUT MY DOG

Happy 1st Birthday, little Matilda! Since bringing home this extroverted chocolate labrador retriever, life has been full of endless cuddles, walks and exasperated worry over what she may or may not have eaten (ask me about the hoop earring incident). In true ESFP fashion, Mattie asked for her own section this week. “It can be like Oprah’s Favorite Things, but for me!” 🙃

• Played: Tuffy Octopus, Trixie Mad Scientist, several of the Nina Ottosson puzzle toys (useful for slowing down fast eaters). “I prefer Mom and Dad’s dirty socks to all of the things listed here.”

• Walked: Easy Walk harness (crucial for loose leash walking training), two-tone pink and orange nylon collar, Love Thy Beast bandanas. “Very into the lavender tie dye,” Mattie says. “I also have my eye on the light chambray one with neon trim.”

• Slept: Went with a cheaper Costco bed, which was nice while it lasted (read: until she dissected a blue marker + had an accident on it – it wasn’t waterproof!). Now, Mattie is obsessed with her ComfortFill-Eco Wraparound Dog Bed, and I’m happy the dark gray one isn’t a total eyesore. “I love the bed and all, but have recently discovered the cool surface of the bathtub! Much better!”

RELATIONSHIP-PED

• The Walk & Talk: Schedule a walk. Schedule a talk. In lieu of video chats (news flash to Alissa from week one: “You will get over staring at people’s faces!”), I'm turning to Walk & Talk dates with friends. Texts are exchanged (“We should catch up!”), a Google calendar invite is sent, and shoes are laced up as one of us dials the other. There is nothing genius about this, except that, a little intention goes a long way. I’ve found myself looking forward to these bright spots on my calendar – for the conversation, movement and change of scenery.

  

  A little Walk & Talk bonus: PlantSnap is a nifty app that helps identify flowers by uploading photos! My mom and I exchange pictures of flowers on our walks and I’m finally learning some plant names outside of “tulips” and “roses.” I recently called into one of my favorite podcasts and talked about this if you’d like to listen: Here for You, Ep. 33, 15 minutes in!

I hope you stay safe and get some fresh air this weekend! Write me back and let me know how you’re doing and what flowers are blooming where you live.

Dos✌🏾