Weekly Journal 5.25.26

Reading

Rather than "I started reading" The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen, it feels more right to say that I've "embarked upon" The Corrections. It's a fairly lengthy novel, full of prose that is more indulgent than what I'm used to. I almost abandoned it but felt like that would entail giving up. I do tend to like sweeping stories about family dynamics; if you asked me what this book was about, that's all I can say at this point. Kindle tells me that I'm 17 percent done with it, and still the characters are being fleshed out. I'm interested to see where it goes. It was such a bestseller 25 years ago that even Lisa Simpson talked about reading it.

Watching

When the need strikes for comfort viewing, I cue up older episodes of Somebody Feel Phil. I've seen them all, but most of the details have gotten lost in memory, so it actually feels like I'm watching some of them for the first time. To make it even sweeter, my son enjoys watching them with me and giggling at the faces Phil makes when tasting food. I've probably said this before, but Phil Rosenthal is a national treasure.

This week is, sadly, the series finale of Hacks. I'm ready to pour one out for Deborah and Ava.

Cooking

I've always been intimidated by cooking beans from scratch. I know that you have to plan ahead and give them sufficient time to come out nice and soft. I'd never been very successful until I tried the Marcella bean. I cooked them down with onion, garlic, carrots, and a bay leaf, then served them in bowls sprinkled with cilantro and cotija cheese. They were creamy and delicious, and I hope they make good leftovers because I plan on eating more tonight.

Doing

For the first time in a few years, I went on a proper hike through the woods at Silver Falls State Park. Unfettered by our children—but full of conversation about them—my friend and I did a loop that my smartwatch tells me was at least four miles long. It was marvelous to be under the shade of the forest and to see many waterfalls.

Listening

I like the somewhat mellow vibe of the New Pornographers' latest album. My favorite track so far is "Spooky Action."