Downtime Diary: an extremely online millennial who’s always laughing

If you had to name 3 things that help you walk away from a weekend Sunday Scary-free what would they be? 

• Making a list of the things I want to get done on Monday. I love using the app TickTick because it’s a digital to-do list that helps me feel grounded when I’m planning for the week.

• Turning off the TV at 9:30pm at the absolute latest, which is easier now that I’m not binge watching any shows that air weekly. Forcing myself to go to sleep early when I was enthralled with Succession, Pose, and Mare of Easttown was difficult.   

• Making a plan for dinner for the upcoming week (admittedly, this rarely happens, but it helps me feel less anxious on Monday!). Investing in physical cookbooks has made it less overwhelming to plan.
   

What’s something new you tried recently? Did you like it?

I’m not much of a chef, but I’ve been taking advantage of NYT Cooking and found a fantastic sausage and brussels sprouts sheet pan recipe that I’ve made twice for dinner.

What’s your motto?

“You are not the main character of the universe.” I tend to overthink a ton, so I constantly remind myself that I am not always on everyone else’s mind. It’s weirdly calming.
 

What small thing is bringing you joy lately?

Watching Moana with my daughter. She’s just now at the age where she’s filled with awe at the smallest things, and it’s helping me appreciate my day-to-day more.

What’s on your desk?

Candles (my faves right now are Hotel Lobby’s Holiday candle, which is unfortunately sold out, and Otherland’s Canopy candle), family photos, a paper planner that I haven’t looked at in ages, and podcasting equipment. On any given day, you’ll probably find a half-empty can of Diet Coke as well.

What do you do when you’re feeling stuck?

I often find myself scrolling through Instagram or Twitter, when I don’t feel motivated, which I’m trying to be better about. Something that has helped is committing to setting a timer for 20 or 30 minutes and getting as much done as I can during that time.
 

What was the last thing (article or book) you read?

The Washington Post recently did an incredible piece about how a QAnon conspiracy theory about human trafficking had real-world, longterm implications. It really drives home the danger of misinformation.

Lightning round!

• Favorite snack food? Dry cereal—Fruit Loops are a fave!

• Celebrity you would most want to interview on your podcast? If we’re aiming for the stars, Beyoncé. I’d love to talk to her about how she’s handled being in the spotlight for so long, because it’d definitely take a toll on me.

• Semi-random thing always found in your purse? I basically have a mini-pharmacy. Tylenol, Pepto Bismol, Claritin—I carry it all. 

• Your #1 piece of advice for those seeking their dream job? Remember that your dream company is lucky to have you. Don’t settle when negotiating just because you’re so grateful for the opportunity.

• Miscellaneous item you swear by under $25? The Lip Sleeping Mask from Laneige. I wish it didn’t live up to the hype because it costs so much for a small container, but I love it.