tinatalk 060: summer shift
What I've been into Q3 of 2022: Gen Z, freelancing, crossfit, fitpics, and more
Time slips by more quickly the older we get. To stay graceful, I’ll need to remind myself to learn how to ride this wave— because, hopefully, getting older won’t stop.
Since we last caught up, the biggest news is that I’ve changed my life. I quit my full-time job at the end of May, and spent June and July freelancing. August, I pretty much took off; my sort-of annual summer trip to LA was a bit extended this year, so I decided not to set any unrealistic expectations for myself. September will reveal itself to me, perhaps as I continue marinating on what’s interesting to me lately. See as follows:
Culture. A few things have contributed to this:
Stargirl podcast: This has just been SO enjoyable for me to listen to. Each week, Emma Baker does a profile on a woman who holds Stargirl qualities: someone who may be a bit controversial, is totally noticeable, and influential industry-wide. Previous episodes include EmRata, Alison Roman, and Jia Tolentino. There are so many women out there that I’m a total fangirl of, and it’s exciting to learn more about them and consider what elements they embody that attract others. Like many memoirs/bios, I consider it research towards the meditation on how one can live life. Listening to this show has led me to…
Nymphet Alumni: Enjoyable for similar reasons as Stargirl, but on a mass-cultural level (rather than a focus on any one individual). It’s fascinating to name something: being in New York, there are so many trends I notice but don’t know much about. Hearing the 3 hosts talk about Mass Bushwick, Dark Suburbia, and “That Girl” is soo satisfying, like remembering the name of an actor in a movie or making a clever reference on the spot.
Gen Z: Listening to Nymphet Alumni has made me realize that there’s so much about Gen Z that I don’t know— and it makes me fascinated, curious, and hopeful to learn more about them. I’m reminded that as I age, so does the rest of the world. I have so much to learn from those younger than me.
After School, by Casey Lewis: Related to Gen Z, I’ve been appreciating this daily newsletter. It’s just a fun way to keep abreast of what’s going on with Gen Z.
Web3. I was debating categorizing my interest in Web3 as part of ‘Culture,’ because that’s the associated umbrella for me (in the same way that social media is part of culture). My interest in web3 is still in its beginning stages. Honestly, it’s intimidating to learn about it because I have to face the embarrassment of admitting how much I don’t know. Like writing (or editing videos, or making concrete your vacation plans), it requires courage to look up the mountain and decide to traverse it. I’ll still be trying, and hope to find some kind friends along the way.
Friends with Benefits Festival: This was part of the reason C and I went to LA for an extended period. FYI, FWB is a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) (which is essentially a group of people collectively operating on web3). The event was FWB’s first weekend-long festival, replete with educational programming, artist talks, and an excellent line-up of musicians. I was very curious about attending because I’m curious about physical expressions of digital cooperatives. It made me very excited to learn more. Everyone I met was very chill and friendly, and I’m lucky to have known a few friends also attending. It made me more curious about FWB (I want to join), and to see how I can get more involved in DAOs.
Work. Freelancing in June and July was a blessing. It taught me that I can work for myself while still being organized, productive, interested, and compensated well. I also felt empowered by setting up an LLC, finding an accountant, working from a dedicated space, setting up a contract, and having clients who wanted to work with me.
On leaving my job: I definitely feel much lighter not working at my old workplace, but it has to do more with where I am in life (rather than my previous employer). Having an open-ended amount of time off helped me deeply consider what I want to spend my time doing, instead of trying to make the wheel keep turning. I’ve considered what work is worthy to spend time on, what problems are interesting to me, and what I’d be willing to give it all up for. I’m more flexible with the idea that a job is not my identity, yet, I’m redefining ‘work’ because it’s everything I do in the day that occupies my effortful mind.
Help I’m asking for: September marks the inevitable start of Fall to me. I am looking for a job in digital product design again, which means I need to have a portfolio ready. If you have any good portfolios you’ve seen, advice you’d like to give, or want to talk Work in general—please hit me up! I’d also welcome a reference (once the portfolio is ready 😬). I prefer part-time or short-term freelance contracts with nice clients. Can say more if you msg me (and we catch up!?). The reason why I’m not so keen on looking for full time work just yet is because…
I’d like to start a fashion and objects boutique in Brooklyn. And I’d like to work on that part time 🎐
Environmentalism (and how technology can support that). I’ve been riding an electric bike around all summer, and I can imagine no better way to travel… other than if city infrastructure were different. Going electric totally does make me feel better about the miles I’m traveling (Relatedly, peep this article on techno optimism in the next generation). As I think more about how to incorporate nature regularly into my annual traditions, I’m weighing the changes I can make on the individual or collective level with the noticeable, fast environmental destruction happening at the global level.
Related article to both Work and Environmentalism: Read this article on The Rich and the Happy. I’m much happier now than when I was depressed in April, and a lot of it has to do with…
Fitness. Crossfit, specifically, but I’ll take anything. I believe I started CF in the same month that I sent my last tinatalk (April of 2022). It’s changed my life, giving me more confidence and strength; combined with summer, CrossFit has fixed my depression. I’m grateful to have this pre-programmed form of exercise, and I hope it (and my patterns) will help me stay healthy for years to come.
Fashion
We were just talking about CrossFit, so let me give you a quick note on my favorite workout-wear: Most of my tops are from Underarmour, and my shoes are the Reebok Nano X2.
I’ve been rotating through two tank top styles for the summer: the Uniqlo U Airism sleeveless T-shirts, and Greta Garmel’s tank tops (found at Cafe Forgot in LES).
It’s been a long time since I’ve been curious about a designer bag, but I believe it’s arrived: the Loewe Puzzle Hobo.
I’ve bought a few designer handbags before, but I never could get around to wearing them frequently. They were either too precious, uncomfortable, heavy, soft and without structure, fussy to care for, or big OR small. I finally sold the first designer bag I ever bought, and I haven’t missed it one bit. I’m ready for something new. I’m ready for Tina in her 30’s!!
That said, I need a job more than a new designer bag lol and I need to DEEP CLEAN my house more than I need a candle!! But do I need a candle more than I need a job? 🤔🫠
The only purses I have truly liked for the past 2 years are the vintage nylon Prada purses (and this Coming of Age mini tote). Before that, I was using a biker bag which… made all my outfits look very “street”.” I’ve regularly rotated through 3-4 purses all summer, and I don’t regret diversifying the color or size. Also, tote bags are their own category
Is anyone excited about any lingerie? jw
Fitpics – Here they are! They’re arranged backwards chronologically (starting from Sept and going back through April, which is when the last tinatalk was published. It’s essentially a summer highlight roll).
Reading
I’ve been really enjoying The Longing for Less, by Kyle Chayka. The book was first recommended to me by my friend M. I kept it in mind, especially as I started following the author more on the internet. After appreciating Kyle’s article on the Age of Algorithmic Anxiety, I decided to give this book a go. I’m so glad I did. It’s really been influencing my thoughts on minimalism, and it has a bit of art history that I never really learned about before (primers on Donald Judd, ambient music, and architecture).
The Ministry for the Future, by Kim Stanley Robinson, is the next book for my science-fiction book club. This one was actually my choice; we hadn’t read any sci-fi on environmentalism, and it was high time. Ministry was published pretty recently (paperback came out in 2021), and this book is thiccc. Somehow, it feels urgent to read this. About 50 pages in, it’s good so far. *Update: I’m about 30% of the way through, and it’s a bit repetitive. Still good to read and meditate on climate disaster.
Conversations with Friends: Started this book in an attempt to get into Sally Rooney. It’s super enjoyable, easy-to-read, and equal parts biting and salacious. But honestly, I didn’t get far because I actually started it in the middle of The Longing for Less! Ugh! And now I’ve got Ministry. I really want to finish one book at a time, so it’ll have to come back to me later.
Dirt Newsletter: Related to Web3 and Culture, Dirt is a daily culture newsletter that touches on a lot of the topics I mentioned above. Plus, it was co-founded by Kyle Chayka (along with Daisy Alioto). Fun read, even if I don’t get to it every day!
Watching
Alone, Season 7: So good ! I freaking love this show. People are incredible.
Indian Matchmaker: I’m a sucker for love shows !! They make me feel sooo romantic and appreciative ♥️ Sigh I love love
Girls (I’m on Season 3): This show is a guilty pleasure and I can’t wait to watch it all. I easily watch 3 episodes in one sitting.
Industry: Dirt had a watching party for the season 2 finale, so it made me curious to start the show. I can see the appeal.
Loosies
Mitch’s Provisions: I’ve been enjoying ordering my groceries from here. My Brooklyn neighborhood doesn’t have a lot of great options for groceries, so Mitch’s is a godsend. Getting fresh produce as close to direct-from-the-farm as possible changes how I eat food. Rather than being so strict about meal-planning, I try to respond to the freshness of the groceries in front of me. I’d prefer to eat as seasonally and regionally as possible.
Finances as a couple: How do you handle it? I’m looking for a joint credit card for me and my partner, and I’m open to recommendations.
I’ve got a desk at a separate work studio! This space has been so helpful for me to separate work and build a new routine. It’s made a difference to have a place to go (that I choose!), and that includes a community of people I respect and admire. I’ll be curious about the commute in the wintertime, since the summertime commute has been so pleasant (riding an e-bike 20 minutes).
Random summer pics ♥️ “Everything else” — 101 pics just for you.
I’ve been really into drinking to water lately. Everyone should have more. Shoutout to water, the best most classic bevy.
And finally, to end this long letter… What I’m hopeful for the rest of the year
Creative partnership and productivity towards my dreams
Getting closer with some friends
Practicing bravery, regaining confidence, and humbly beginning again and again!
Maybe I’ll start wedding planning??? Unknown, but I have hope for me.
I’m curious what the rest of your 2022 might look like. Feel free to reply :) I love hearing from you!
xox
Tina