#3: The rise of December, friendships, & old hobbies

Letters from Linz #3

Dec 08, 2024

Dear reader,

Hope your transition into December has been going smoothly. The loud crescendo of the holidays tends to be an orchestrated mix of chaos, rest, and wistful feelings. It honestly kind of makes me want to cover my ears sometimes, or just close my eyes and listen to it closely. Speaking of music and metaphors for life - it’s no surprise that I was one of Lizzy McAlpine’s top listeners of the year again.

Wherever you are - in the midst of piecing together plans for family and friends happening at the end of this month, I hope you’ve still been able to sink into meaningful moments for yourself too.

We’re not always guaranteed true winter weather here in Texas, but lately it’s been a series of chilly, thick, sweater-y, mornings. Mismatched, oversized loungewear and way-too-brightly-colored-socks has just been my practical, PJ-like, cocoon uniform, keeping me warm around the house. I would not be surprised if I woke up as a butterfly soon.

Naturally, there’s a stronger-than-usual rush during the winter to find moments of warmth. For me, unpacking childhood memories in therapy, re-connecting with a childhood friend, and sprinkling plans with friends onto my Google calendar have all been bringing me warmth.

As I start to slightly look over my shoulder at this past year, I admittedly feel like I haven’t moved as far forward as I would have liked to (think Candy Land, and I’m still stuck on green). However, I still feel grateful for the color I’m standing on, and everything this particular spot has given me, and continues to give me, so far.

Remember to make December plans that bring you joy, and most importantly, be kind to yourself, no matter what color you’re standing on.

Good friendships

This is Sahana, one of my good, childhood friends. We’ve known each other since fourth or fifth grade. They’re still beautiful, creative, and funny as ever - I’m so proud of them and am endlessly grateful we still stay in touch after all these years. Aside from knowing them as the friend who used to live one street down from from me, I’ve also come to know them (alongside many others) as the upcoming actress and comedian they’ve always aspired to be, most recently appearing on The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh.

This is us after grabbing brunch together for the first time in a year! Two lattes and two salmon egg Benedicts later - we were still able to pick up right where we left off and reflect on how far we’ve come (and how far we still have left to go). They’re the most beautiful and funny soul - I can’t wait to visit them soon in California and meet their cat, Lavender, in person.

Good, old hobbies

Returning to art (but mostly sushi)

After somewhat humorously reflecting on a traumatic art class childhood memory this past week, I thought to myself: I want to draw on my iPad and actually not be afraid to try this time. So, I followed a YouTube video - step by step - and ended up with this little sushi.

Then, I took the next best step and rewarded myself with sushi in real life.

Returning to learning Chinese

This probably deserves its own section or multi-chapter post - but after a 3-year-hiatus from active language learning, I finally returned to italki again. Yesterday, I had a conversational lesson with one of my previous italki teachers. She was so sweet, and said seeing me was like reuniting with an old friend.

I’ve been mourning the loss of whatever fluency I previously had in Mandarin (though I’m not sure how many people who know me know about this). Above all else, I’m mostly mourning the curiosity and tenacity to learn that I used to have during the pandemic. Being able to comfortably feel and think in another language is a special type of courage and process of ‘letting go’ that takes intention and time. Having gotten to that point in the past, I’m hopeful that I can start again.

I’ll be writing about the plans I’m designing to get back into learning soon, and can’t wait to share them here with you too. No, they don’t involve Duolingo, and frankly, never will (even though I used to work there).

Good things I’m looking forward to

It’s amazing how packed my week can still seemingly be, even if I’m a fun-employed girl. I’m technically a freelancer now, though… okay?

Here’s the itinerary:

Monday: Juni’s been cleared to get her mobile grooming (I can’t wait to see what cute, holiday bandana they give her); plus, I’m grabbing Korean food (and boba, I hope) with a friend. Soup weather is finally here for good.
Tuesday: Accompanying mom to her eye appointment. If all goes well, hopefully we can make a little book shop or coffee date out of it.
Wednesday: I’ve got another therapy session on the docket. And, I finally caved and bought tickets for Wicked for my sister, friend, and I (Cynthia Erivo’s rendition of I’m Not That Girl has been playing nonstop. It’s playing right now, as I’m finishing writing this newsletter. I’m not originally even a huge Wicked fan…which I suppose, are my famous last words).
Thursday: I have a hot yoga class planned with another friend, which is great, because: 1) it’s cold outside, and hot yoga will feel doubly nice; and 2) it’ll be right next to my favorite place, Coffee U (which you may already heard me mention in newsletter #2), so it’s a win-win.
Friday: Meeting with some girls for coffee & yap at one of my favorite, cozy coffee places. Our bi-weekly hangouts have become so fulfilling, so I can’t wait to round out the week with seeing them.