I’ve started and stopped this segment so many times. I’m not sure if it’s meant to stick or not but I thought I’d give it another go since writing about things I’m excited about helps me feel more excited about them, and life in general.

And–on a slightly less self-centered note–I like sharing things I’m excited about with other people.

I think that’s a pretty normal phenomenon. When you’re enthusiastic about something, your enthusiasm can’t help but overflow into your interactions with others–which is how you might find yourself reluctantly listening to someone go on and on about yoga, or the benefits of intermittant fasting, or –heaven forbid–someone’s latest diet.

In any case, at least you don’t have to listen to me ramble on. You can skim this short piece for anything you might find remotely interesting and happily close the tab if nothing catches your eye.

Happy Skimming!

1. Cruciverbalism.
   For starters, it’s an amazing word–how fun is that to say?! I started getting into crossword puzzles a few weeks ago. My grandmother gets The Epoch Times–which is an excellent newspaper, as a matter of fact–and she often shares articles with my parents and I. It was in there that it occurred to me to look for a crossword and I was extremely pleased to find one! This paper only comes out weekly, which I prefer because I find the daily crosswords to be overwhelming. I’m not really any good at them and work extremely slowly. But I’ve enjoyed doing them, both by myself and with friends or family members.
   I have gotten in the habit of working on my crossword in the morning while I eat breakfast or sip on some coffee/tea–for some reason I really enjoy starting my day with a puzzle. I also work on the WSJ online crosswords when things are slow at work (but shhhh).
2. Choral music.
   I recently was introduced to Spem in Allium by Thomas Tallis and just think it’s incredibly breathtaking. I find choral music beautiful and soothing in a way that more contemporary music just isn’t. I learned that Spem in Allium means Hope in any Other, and that it has been described as Tallis’ crowning achievement. It really is lovely and reminds me why beauty is classified as a transcendental–it elevates us to a more beautiful, truer reality. I listen to this on the way to work which helps me come into the office more calm and inspired.
3. Little Women
   I recently re-visted this work by Louisa May Alcott and I’m so glad I did. It is quite simply one of the most charming pieces of literature I’ve ever read. The way Alcott is able to transport us to a scene as lovely, innocent, and pure as the one she paints of these four girls is incredible. She has an excellent insight into the human person, relationships and the various difficulties and blessings that make up our lives. I find that the book resonates with me at a very deep level.
4. The Office Ladies Podcast
   I’ve already heralded my love for The Office in multiple posts on my blog over the years. Like many others, I am a huge fan of the show for several reasons which I shall spare you for now. In any case, listening to Angela Kinsey (Angela Martin) and Jenna Fisher (Pam Beesley) talk about everything that happened behind the scenes in each episode has been such a joy and makes me love the show even more. It really proves that there is so much thought, effort and genius behind this series. I also just love hearing about how movies/shows come about in general so this little behind-the-scenes peak appeals to me on several different levels. Furthermore, Angela and Jenna clearly have a true friendship and great dynamic which makes the podcast even more fun and adorable.
5. Flannery O’Connor Wisdom
   Last week professed my deep love of Flannery and her literary genius but I’ll just wrap up with another one of her quotes which I think is super appropriate for the time we’re living in and which speaks loudly to me personally at this time in my life.
   This year has been a tough one for several reasons and my faith has been shaken as a result. It’s always a tough wakeup call when you realize that God isn’t your personal wish-granter and that no one is spared difficulty or tragedy.
   This realization, coupled with all the compromise or outright defamation in regards to truth, has made me question it’s existence, or at least question what is true. Flannery’s quote is a well-put kick in the pants for any of us who are tempted to bend the truth to our feelings–or lack their of–and has increased in me the desire to search and understand truth more and more.
   

The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it.

– Flannery O’Connor

If you made it to the end I bid you farewell and wish you a good week!