Book Report: Burnout, Coming Home, and Taste

Whenever I talk with people who are beaten down by the news, I tell them about my morning routine. Paul and I stretch to Steven Colbert's most recent monologue. We then complete a HIIT work-out. The rigorous exercise after the news flushes the fight or flight hormones to "complete the stress cycle" as the Nagoski twins explain in their book Burnout.

I started reading this book back in 2022 upon the recommendation of one of the least burnt out people I know. Also, Beff is one of the most badass people alive. Here she is carrying-on all the possessions she brought with her for a year living abroad with her family in Malaga.  

I got about half-way through the book and then stalled out a bit in the chapters about body positivity. After all, my last clothing purchase was a white sequined jumpsuit. I don't have to remind myself that I am "the new hotness". 

We just are.

As an aside, I give my mom full credit for my positive body image. She was very confident about her own appearance, which is actually the best indicator about how a daughter will feel about her own body. Also, through finally finishing the book, I now realize that the quote I hear in my head, "smart women don't stay home" is likely falsely attributed to her. It rather came from my "madwoman in the attic". Showing gratitude also helps with burnout.  #thanksmom

The flip side of healthy media boundaries is that I sometimes miss important stories. I remember reading the headline of the US/Russia prisoner swap of WNBA star Britney Griner for the 'Merchant of Death'. While watching the summer Olympics with Kiki, I saw Britney Griner on the screen and I commented, "Can you believe that swap?" Kiki respectfully gave me a brief backstory and BG filled me in the rest.

If I were a high school teacher, this book would be required reading. There is a message in here for everyone. However, just like the news, I would not recommend reading Coming Home in the evening.  It's so engaging that you'll stay up past your bedtime. For completing end-of-day domestic duties, I would suggest Stanley Tucci's Taste.  

This book will not put you to sleep but later it will have you dreaming of Timpano. Also, if you're anything like me, you'll be grateful that you're not sharing a bed with a foodie. Italian cooking has soooo many steps and courses. I love listening to a good story while chopping but I also have other things I like to do....like sleep. Speaking of which, I need to put this little kitchen helper to bed.

Bonus points if you can identify this protein source.

Stay sane my friends.