Small Talk & Weekend Recos: 01
Issue 02: Weekly Snippets and Halloween Picks
A week after I sent out my first letter out into the void I realize that it might've been a little much for a pilot, but also very on brand for me. So, ultimately, I regret nothing! I'm so happy to have received a warm welcome in this space with your comments, emails, tweets, and messages. I'm glad I'm not alone in the (over)thinking and that we're all still finding our way in this world.
I figured that this week's letter will just be some small talk and weekend recommendations, which I think I’ll be alternating with the more "journal" type entries because we love balance. And it's also so that the subscribers who I don't know personally or virtually can get to know me a little bit better. Hello, strangers! Glad to have you here. :)
I could go on to write about my life story, but I thought it would be best to just redirect you to my graduation speech from August 2020 (which honestly feels like 2 years ago). I had the honor of being the class speaker during our online graduation, so of course I made it all about me lol. It's the most personal and vulnerable thing I've written in a very long time and I think it's a perfect 13-minute intro for this ongoing newsletter.
I used to be one of those people who say that they hate small talk and just want to dive into the ~ real ~ stuff. I guess sometimes I still am. But as the years go by, I realize now how important small talk is because you can't really expect people to open up to you that quickly. And how sure are you that they even want to know you on that level? I think that real and good conversations are built from a foundation of small talks that eventually turn into big conversations. When we talk to people about music or movies or tv shows, we're exchanging little pieces of ourselves. Every so often a Twitter trend comes up where it prompts you to introduce yourself through your top 5 favorite movies and tv shows, and it’s one of my favorites because it's such a fun way to get to know someone without being invasive. You get to see a bit of what they like, subject matters they gravitate to, what they value, and just their general vibe.
So this week (and probably every other week) I offer you Weekly Snippets and Weekend Recos just to keep things pretty light and chill.
Weekly Snippets
1. Overcoming #BangtanBacklog
This week has generally been productive. After a month of trying to catch up on #BangtanBacklog (we'll get into ARMY life very soon, I'm just gathering thoughts and feelings), I've finally caught my breath a little bit. I'm still a little behind, but I'm not drowning anymore. Out of necessity, I've also formed a habit of waking up "early" at 8:30am (as someone who is not normally a morning person, I'm not sure if that's considered early). I even get up before my alarm goes off. Honestly, who is she? My days are still long, but work is so much more manageable now thanks to the powers of “no,” “sorry,” and my design intern.
How was your work week?
2. Love Language Evolution
I've also been missing my friends a lot these days, so this past Thursday I sent one of my couple friends some word-of-mouth famous gyudon for dinner. We have catch up lunches and dinners once in a blue moon, and it's around this time that we usually get together. As a newly working girl, I thought it was about time to return the favor for all the meals they paid for and said, "Kami na muna. Next time na when you're working." We love friendship!
This quarantined life has really evolved my love language from acts of service and quality time to gifts and words of affirmation. I love sending packages and notes to friends, and I also love receiving them! It brings me so much joy and it makes me feel less alone in the missing.
Has your love language evolved into something new this season?
3. The Light Years Paperback Edition
I recently designed the latest book of my dear friend, Isa Garcia, entitled The Light Years: 100 Days of Everything. We launched the digital book last September and we're getting ready to release the paperback on November. As a graphic designer, the printing process is always my favorite. I love choosing the paper and seeing it printed out. Nothing really beats seeing your work in tangible form. I spend so much time seeing it on screen that when I can finally hold it, it's a whole different experience. And this book, with Isa's words about the tenderness of friendship and small moments along with Maggie's beautiful illustrations, is something that I believe people will find comfort in during these times. It's truly an homage to the Before times and it was made with so much heart from everyone involved. I really hope people love it as much as we do. (Orders are still open if you’d like to purchase a copy!)
What are you excited about these days?
Weekend Recommendations
Songs I Enjoyed A Little Extra This Week
I used to make mixtapes on Tumblr back in the day. I don't have the energy for that anymore, but here are 3 songs I enjoyed a little extra this week (outside BTS).
Eat by Zion T. (captions on)
A comfort song. Zion T is one of my favorite artists. His songs are just vibessss. They have powered me through my thesis and comforted me through the very long days.
Dear Diary by Anthony Ramos
This whole album is so, so great. 9.5/10 would recommend. It's so personal and the narrative of the songs and the album as a whole almost sound like a musical. It's really a story and it's meant to be heard in order. I never shuffle this album. Also, if you're a Hamilton fan, we get sneak peeks into his and Jazzy’s relationship in songs like One More Hour and Isabella.
Triple Threat by Riz Cabrera
Riz originally uploaded this song a few years ago and it easily became a favorite. I'm so happy they officially released it on Spotify this week, it’s one of my fave originals and it has been on repeat since.
Halloween Movie Picks From A Christmas Person
I am part of a book/reading club with 3 of my friends. But since living this quarantined life, reading books has been impossible (at least for me). We have now evolved into an AV club and have weekly movie nights. This weekend, it’s Halloween birthday boy’s choice, so we’ll be watching The Babadook. I don't know what it's about. I never look anything up before movie night because I want the full experience. Send thoughts and prayers.
As I am generally at the opposite end of the spooky spectrum, enjoy this mostly wholesome Halloween movie picks.
Casper (1995) (can i keep you?)
The Addams Family Values (1993)
We watched this last week in movie club and I'm happy to report that it still holds up after 27 years. It was truly ahead of its time. I can't believe we're only a year older than this movie!
*On the creepy/paranormal side, but I really enjoyed these movies because of their story.
That's it for the first small talk and weekend recos issue! (Ang haba rin pala. I love a chika moment lol.)
Be safe this long weekend, dear void! I'll see you in the next one.
Yours from afar,
Aia
I love hearing from you! Send me a message, comment or reply to this letter if something interests you or if you just wanna chat. Thanks for reading! :)
Truly an honor that my whining has been turned into a graphic header!!