Footnotes: Forever, ReLiving Single, and Other Things I Loved in May

I shed so many (happy) tears this month.

Hey, sometimes a girl wants to talk about more than just books! So, welcome to Footnotes, a monthly rundown of all my off-the-page side quests—places I went, the shows I binge-watched, things I bought, and more.

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Spring has officially sprung, and May did not hold back. Between getting into the swing of a new job and squeezing in back-to-back trips to New York City, I need naps. Multiple of them, okay? Highlights ahead.

• Going to two (!) concerts: Nao and Beyoncé. Not my first time seeing either, but just as great as the first. The Cowboy Carter Tour was everything, and Nao’s voice continues to soothe my soul in ways I can’t explain.

• Co-hosting a disco-themed bridal shower: There’s something really special about watching someone you love be celebrated, and fully commit to a sparkly theme. The night didn’t end until 4 a.m., so I guess you could say a time was had.

• Watching another close friend get married. I’m so happy that two of my close friends have found their person! It gives a hopeless romantic like me, well, hope. I teared up more times than I can count at this first wedding, and the dress I wore was a crowd favorite. There are no better words a woman can hear than, “That’s your color.” Especially when it’s your favorite color. 🧡

• A special love affair with Kennedy Ryan and Tia Williams: Thanks to Rep Club, I got to see two of my favorite romance authors discuss their latest books: Can’t Get Enough and Audre and Bash Are Just Friends. A dreamy night full of bookish brilliance, Black love, and deep character dives.

• Wednesday wine nights with friends: I look forward to this every two weeks. Just sitting around, talking life, swapping reality TV recaps, and catching up on pop culture chaos. Easily a top-tier ritual.

• Giving a presentation on working in social media: Talking to college students about social media always feels funny, since they’ve basically grown up online. But after being laid off and slowly rebuilding my confidence, moments like this feel extra meaningful.

Chapter #61: I'm In My 30s, But My Favorite Characters Are Still 17

Forever (Netflix) was even better than I thought it’d be!

• Forever (Netflix): The YA love story I didn’t know I needed! Teen love is a messy, melodramatic rollercoaster, and this show nails every high and low. Also, I’m now a proud, card-carrying member of the Karen Pittman fan club.

• Thunderbolts*: Bucky Barnes, the man of my Marvel dreams. Every time he appeared, I screamed and melted. I wanted more from (and for!) him, but I’m not mad that I got a lot of Florence Pugh and Lewis Pullman instead. One of the best Marvel Cinematic Universe movies I’ve seen in a while.

• The Chi (Paramount+): A drama I just can’t get enough of—even when I’m constantly screaming at the TV. It’s in its seventh season, and we’ve watched kids grow up, seen some questionable relationships, experienced some wild-ass plotlines, and, of course, watched characters die and, ahem, apparently be resurrected.

A last-minute ticket to Cowboy Carter. What can I say? The FOMO was real after scrolling through social media. Plus, a $40 souvenir cup. (I do think the drink it came with made it that price, not the cup itself, though.)

I’m not even a podcast person, but I’m loving this one. Living Single is a show that deserves all the flowers, and one that I’ve seen all the way through at least 15+ times. Honestly, listening to this podcast makes me want to start another rewatch. Yeah, I’ll probably watch it again. Maxine Shaw forever.

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