Dear Unpackers,
Hello there, friends, and happy spring!
Emily here. Carrie’s edition last week about passing the two-year COVID mark made me think about the months ahead, and how this particular changing of the seasons feels more meaningful than others.
Looking back at this time last year, the memories that come readily are the moments right before and after getting the vaccine, namely booking the appointment, driving to the pharmacy, experiencing symptoms the next day, catching up with loved ones in the weeks after. Many of us share that sequence of events.
In many ways, these memories formed outside of our control. The scaffolding of the season was built long before March rolled around.
But this spring—our first fully vaccinated spring in two years—feels different. Now on the other side of Omicron winter, folks on Twitter are taking Mary Oliver’s famous question (“what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”) and making it COVID-topical (“what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious month between covid waves”).
So Carrie and readers, consider this: It is SPRING. Next week, it is April. We are out of winter 2022! How DO you plan on seizing this moment?
Carrie: Emily! Thank you for this thoughtful line of inquiry. The big win for me right now is filling out this 12-month wall calendar. Excited to be back in scheming mode (and trying to schedule refundable flights whenever possible).
Water Cooler Convo
Emily: For those of you addicted to TikTok like me, this newsletter topic might remind you of the core memory trend. (Carrie, it’s basically when someone will share a video of a key moment set over music from the Pixar movie Inside Out, giving the memory and video a far-off glow. Here’s one example.)
Carrie: Pixar! I enjoyed the new Pixar film Turning Red.
Emily: Major plot twist that we both love Pixar.
Carrie: One thing I am excited to do is break out some new spring-themed recipes. And I want to garden, maybe? Where do I start?
Emily: Ohh I also want to lean into gardening. And: edible flowers. Let’s start with cherry tomatoes??
Carrie: This newsletter Garden Party is all about successfully growing tomatoes. Coincidence or FATE?!
Emily: Carrie, apart from TikTok, I’ve been a media-slacker this past week. I am, however, watching two TV shows that I’d love to discuss with you and/or fellow Unpackers: Severance and Station 11. Anyone watching?!
Carrie: What does it say that I don’t know about either of those? I will definitely check ‘em out.
We hope you have a pollen-filled weekend.
Forever Unpacking,
Carrie & Emily
P.S. Bumping back this “how to donate to Ukraine” round-up. Remember the advice from aid organizations: cash is king!