Every year, it feels like spring shows up a little earlier than it’s supposed to. Over the weekend, I went for a walk and noticed cherry blossom trees already in bloom. It’s only March 2! How is this happening? Didn’t the groundhog see his shadow? Aren’t we still supposed to be firmly planted in winter? I honestly can’t tell if we’re in fake spring or if spring has decided to ignore the calendar entirely.
Even though February is the shortest month, I still managed to pack it pretty full. Here are some of the things I’ve been up to in February:
What I’m watching:
People We Meet on Vacation.
I first read the book this movie is based on in October 2023 and really enjoyed it, so I was very excited when I heard it was being adapted for Netflix. Unfortunately, a lot of what I loved about the book got cut from the movie, which made the story feel a bit flat by comparison. The film relies heavily on flashbacks, so we don’t spend much time in the present timeline, and for me, that was the best part of the book. The present-day conversations between Poppy and Alex are where you really see how their characters (and their relationship) have evolved over time. I think this book would’ve worked better as a limited television series, where there was room to tell the whole story. That said, I really enjoyed the actors and absolutely loved the scenery.
Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model.
This three-part Netflix documentary dives into the complicated and controversial legacy of the reality series from the 2000s. It features interviews with former contestants, Jay Manuel, Miss J Alexander, Nigel Barker, and Tyra Banks herself. I only watched America’s Next Top Model sporadically when it originally aired and knew it had its issues, but I was blown away by some of the stories shared. It was fascinating, unsettling, and completely riveting.
What’s making me happy:
Happy hour with friends.
Earlier this month, I met up with some friends from my old book club for happy hour. Since that book club no longer meets, these get-togethers are really the only time we see each other, and I always cherish them. We caught up on life, laughed a lot, and spent the evening at Bookstore Bar & Cafe, which feels like the perfect spot for an old book club reunion.
The green Starbucks cup.
One morning on my way to work, I walked into Starbucks and noticed their usual white cups had been replaced with green ones featuring the logo in white. I was weirdly excited about it, only to be handed my drink in a regular cup. I was bummed. So I made it my personal mission to get a latte in a green cup, and when I stopped by Starbucks again that weekend, my wish was fulfilled. The cups are part of a limited-edition collection celebrating the company’s heritage, and while there’s nothing actually special about them, I just thought they were cute and a refreshing change.
What I’m eating:
I picked up my first box of Girl Scout cookies over the weekend. The Girl Scouts were set up, selling their cookies, outside QFC, and they completely sucked me in. I went with my usual favorite: Tagalongs. Peanut butter and chocolate is an unbeatable combination. My only complaint is that you get about fifteen cookies per package, which feels deeply unfair. I firmly believe the boxes should be bigger.
See you next month!
I enjoyed the movie for People We Meet on Vacation, but I get what you mean about missing stuff that was in the book. A short series would have definitely given them a chance to tell more of the story.
I agree!
Though I didn’t read People We Meet on Vacation … or seen the movie, I also firmly believe it should have been a tv series because the book is forever better BECAUSE an hour and a half just isn’t enough time to wrap up a 60 hour book. 😅
That said, I’m also with you on the Girl Scout boxes. Inflation at its best. The box size hasn’t changed in 15 years but the price is double and change? This is no longer middle class affordable, GS. What are you doing?
Always live your wrap ups, friend!
Right? Like how did they expect to get all that story into a Netflix movie?