Hello dear reader,
Lately I’ve been recovering from a mysterious illness which presents itself as a pounding heart, shortness of breath, and a loss of appetite. Had some tests done, and my doctor found nothing wrong except for my increased heart rate (it has since settled). I do feel mostly better now, so I doubt it’s anything serious. Apart from that, I’m okay! How are you?
On a more cheerful note, I want to share with you some of the things that are bringing me joy in my life right now.
Green smoothies - The place I used to sometimes buy smoothies from closed down, and that’s what finally made me buy a proper blender so I can make them at home. Since I bought it, I’ve been making a green smoothie every single day. Quite often, drinking my smoothie is the highlight of my morning! Here’s my recipe:
1 cup spinach
1 cup apple juice
1 cup frozen fruit (I’ve been using a mixture of pineapple, mango, dragonfruit, and papaya)
1 banana
Blend spinach and juice first, then add the other fruit and blend until smooth.
Mouse - I finished this K-drama a while ago, and I was so impressed. This crime/thriller drama is up there in quality with Stranger and Signal for me (two of my faves). What I love the most about it is that every little detail is important. Things that happen in the first episode that don’t make much sense become relevant many episodes later. It’s like piecing a puzzle together. Highly recommend if you’re interested in K-dramas of the darker variety.
Chilli crisp noodles - This recipe introduced me to the goodness that is Lao Gan Ma chilli sauces. It’s my new favourite noodle recipe - and so easy to make!
Japanese steam eye masks - bought some of these from a Japanese store and now I'm addicted. They are scented, warming eye masks that melt away stress and lull you to sleep. You can buy them in most stores that sell Japanese cosmetics.
Hammer House of Podcast - In my last newsletter I talked about getting really into Hammer movies. Now I've discovered this wonderful podcast and it's deepening my appreciation even more 🥰
Hope you are also managing to find some joy in the little things in life ☺️
-Sara
Clashing with the CEO excerpt #3
“What are you doing?” Neil snapped behind me.
I shut the window and swung around, hands clasped together behind me. “Nothing. Just letting some air in.”
He regarded me with narrowed eyes and pursed lips, veins popping.
I tried not to squirm or look away. What was so bad about opening a window? Jeez.
“I need you to do something for me,” he said at last. “Read this and summarise the key points.” He passed me the manilla folder he clutched in his grip.
“When do you need it done by?” I asked.
“Have it on my desk before you leave today.”
His mobile phone rang. He fished it from his suit jacket pocket and answered en route to his office.
I set the chunky file on my desk and opened it.
A few hours later, I had typed up a document of notes, printed it out, and stapled the neat stack together. At the same moment I stood to deliver it to him, Neil came out of his office. I presented it to him.
“Done already?” He furrowed his brow as he flicked through the document. “What is this?”
“Um, the summary you asked me to write.”
He frowned. “Summary? This isn’t a summary. I wanted a one-pager, not an essay.”
“Actually, you didn’t specify—”
He flicked to the back page and snickered. “You even included endnotes.”
“I thought—”
He slammed the paper down on the desk, making me flinch. “This is the business world, Amelia, not school. You might be able to impress a teacher with this, but not me. My associates are busy people. I can’t expect them to sit and read a two thousand word essay. They need bullet points. They need information in a way that’s concise and easily digestible. Can you do that?”
“Yes. I think so.”
“Good.” He tossed the document in the bin. “Now redo it.”
I cringed. I had spent so long writing that summary. It was perfect in my eyes. But not his.
After getting what he came out for, Neil returned to his office. I slumped into my chair in defeat. Now to start all over again. Ugh.
I had never been told off at work before. I was only used to praise. And now, Neil Kingston had scolded me twice in one day. It was confronting, but also strangely exhilarating. My heart was pounding.
Link roundup
📚Book world news and views from around the web
Why all of my Book Clubs Have Imploded [Book Riot]
…time after time, every single book club I’ve been in has imploded, or slowly dissolved or, well, I’ve jumped ship myself. Is it me?
Your Favourite Romance Author Is Probably a Swiftie [Rolling Stone]
Taylor Swift has raised an entire generation of songwriters — but her influence has also permeated a community of novelists doing in 100,000 words what she does in three minutes
What’s the Story With Colleen Hoover? [The New York Times]
There are the novels the literary world acclaims and there are the novels people actually read. Occasionally — perhaps with decreasing frequency — they are one and the same.