Hello and welcome to kelsey’s corner, the only newsletter on the internet written and lovingly curated by me, Kelsey. This week is all about deserted reads, an Andrew Garfield fall, and peeing with dignity.
Happy Pride to my girls, gays, and theys! Although I am, regretfully, a straight woman I must do my part this month and provide you with my favorite piece of LGBT+ history. Five years ago, the team behind Kinky Boots (a musical about a struggling shoe factory that pivots to making footwear designed for drag queens) made a song in support of the trans community and against the so-called “bathroom bill” and it kind of slaps. If you ever see me staring contemplatively out the window of the 36 bus know the phrase “never let ‘em tell you where you oughta pee” is ringing through my empty head like the bells of Notre Dame. This should have won a Grammy. We should retroactively give it one.
Things For Your Ears
Sometimes when I have a bad day I listen to Joe Iconis’ “Two People Talking” to remind myself that at the end of the day (or the meeting or the texts) we’re all just two people talking.
I thought about this bit a few weeks ago when I couldn’t sleep and immediately listened to it and dissolved into a fit of giggles. Dos Snecks? Helllllllo, dos snecks?
Come one, come all, I'll tell you my secrets
I'm kinda like a prettier JesusWho am I without this weight on my shoulder
Oh God, I’m dying to know
Things For Your Eyes
My first summer read ended in a DNF but I have six books lined up for the rest of sweaty season. Next up is Somebody’s Daughter by Ashley C. Ford followed by No Rules Netflix, which I’m reading for a book club at work. After that I’ve got everything from books of prose to contemporary romance to a book on cult linguistics, so there’s something for everyone this summer.
I don’t know about you but I’ve seen tons of “I quit my birth control and now I’m happier/healthier/better” videos on Tik Tok and they’ve absolutely given me pause, but according to Jezebel they have a sneaky, decidedly pro-life background.
Kelsey Weekman’s newsletter is no cap, as the kids would say (and she’s an amazing Twitter follow if you’re into gen-z internet culture) but I especially enjoyed the newsletter about her year of Ben Affleck.
Hunter Harris dug into what makes a perfect celeb apology, which is something I would read an entire novel about.
I’m one trip from FedEx away from printing out this entire Ask Polly column and taping it in a prominent spot in my apartment to return to and review in times of trouble (ie, when I attempt to download Bumble again).
Things For Your Ears and Eyes
I didn’t like In The Heights as much as the rest of the world (I know, I know - but let’s talk about it!) but I do inject Jimmy Smits saying “Good morning, Usnavi” into my brain at least twice a day.
I tried and loved this recipe for crispy chicken cutlets. Alison Roman is good at the basics!
I don’t want to talk to In the Heights!!! I want to talk about this!!!
Things
I picked up one of these weirdo children’s anxiety toys at Walgreens with the little buttons you pop and unpop when you’re nervous and I use it on conference calls and I like it very much.
I bought linen pants! I’m cool now! Halfway towards being the lead in a Nancy Meyers movie!
Things To Make You Smile
This is a video of a dog’s first swim and he does great! 10/10 for little Moose!
This video is the perfect mash up of a sound and a visual and I am always dissolved into giggles by the end.
Jennifer Coolage does Nicki Minaji’s verse in “Beauty and a Beat”
I always feel so dumb watching Simone Biles because I just…can’t see what she’s doing? And so it doesn’t feel impressive? But this slow motion video made it much, much easier (and much more impressive!)
And now a quickfire edition of kelsey’s chicago, the city guide made entirely by a white woman in Lakeview. Parson’s Chicken and Fish has an unexpectedly great burger I’ve eaten twice in the past week. Viceroy Chicago is a great hotel for a girl’s trip with a bangin’ rooftop pool. And finally, the Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes exhibit at MSI is very fun and whimsical especially for your costuming nerds (I’m talking to you, Jess). I’d take advantage of the after-hours ticketing if you don’t want to see the whole exhibit!
I’ll be back on July 2 with more mischief and patriotic mayhem. I have no plans for the Fourth of July, but I might try to get my dog into a kayak. We’ll see how that goes!
If you liked this newsletter, please share it with a friend or an enemy using the button below. If you double-liked this newsletter and want to fund my Slurpee habit you can do so here. Until then, please keep wearing your mask (depending on local and state regulations) and be nice to people. I’ll be thinking of you.
Your friend,
Kelsey