What We’ve Been Thinking/Doing - Issue 1
The first of (probably) many issues about things we’ve been thinking & doing! In this issue: consumerism, philosophy, and karaoke.
Consumerism
This is nothing novel—we’ve just been talking a lot about consumerism and the way it affects how we live, think, and breathe. Especially the differences between US consumerist culture and Canadian. (Something I remembered when I was talking to an American friend is the prevalence of drug ads, which we just don’t see in Canada to the same extreme degree—they are always getting marketed drugs, and I always forget about the huge difference until someone mentions it.)
We are guilty of consumerism ourselves in so many ways. We share what we’re eating, drinking, cooking, and we’re sharing products we use and endorsing them—part of this is wanting to share things we love authentically, and also, we don’t need a new air fryer or a new product we just have to have. We’ll always share books, recipes, songs we like, but we’re thinking more intentionally about product endorsements.
And on that note: we’re happy to share things we love with anyone who asks us!
In our household, we have very different consumer profiles. Vanessa, for example, will always buy a new book but never a new ANYTHING else, and will mend things rather than buy new (clothes, shower curtains, etc.). But if there’s a cute little tchotchke or a tiny bowl that calls to her? Already bought.
Evelyn, however, will purchase in bulk. If she sees something she likes, she wants it in three colours—and in a lot of ways, this method of consumption really helps her OCD (having a shirt she wants in every colour, ensuring the freezer is always functional for the household). This often means buying a lot at once, but it lasting a really long time.
We’re always learning about how to understand each other more in our marriage, and us thinking about consumerism and overconsumption isn’t about us trying to be morally superior or to one-up each other, but rather us trying to take intentional moments to pause and consider why we do things the way we do.
Philosophy Dates
We have a new monthly date idea: philosophy dates.
It goes like this: both parties research a philosophy. On date night, there is a presentation of sorts (either of the powerpoint variety or just a dramatic speech), and then we discuss the two philosophies and what we might value from them or disagree about. There’s sometimes even themed food! (For the Stoics, we’re making lentils.)
Coming up in July, it’s: Absurdism vs. Stoicism. Will report back.
We’ve been karaoke-ing!
Evelyn hosted Karaoke Night at Red Island Cider and, it turns out, we love the karaoke vibes!
Red Island Cider is a small cidery in Charlottetown, and it’s fabulous. Great folks, delicious cider, chill environment. Yes, this is an endorsement.
It also was such a fun spot for karaoke—we were on the patio, with a small crew (just over 15 folks), perfect weather, and a supportive atmosphere. There was great singing! There was terrible singing (Vanessa)! Also, Vanessa learned just HOW many words are in Barbie Girl, but she did her best.
What are we reading, eating, drinking, & listening to these days?
Substack essay we recommend: from the Lovette Jallow Perspective, Why We Don’t Know How to Repair Relationships Anymore
Vanessa
Reading: Just finished Holly Black’s The Wicked King, honestly love a good fantasy YA and this one ticked the boxes
Keep up with Vanessa’s reading on Storygraph!Eating: Yogurt with granola! I make my own based on this recipe and it’s SO GOOD.
Drinking: Iced vanilla lattes, my drink of the summer
Listening to: Instrumental playlists, specifically folk instrumental
Evelyn
Reading: Still on the cookbook kick
Eating: Everything! My goal has been to eat more lately and I’ve been doing it.
Drinking: 0.0 Sapporos - IYKYK
Listening to: Kai Glusko jazz playlists
I'm jealous of the flowers! And love the philosophy date nights. <3