2022 Whine & Cheese
When I used to blog on Terrible Twenties, I wrote much more frequently. Sure, I didn’t have nearly as many responsibilities consuming my waking hours back then, but my free time wasn’t really the reason I could produce so much content. I usually didn’t put much thought or energy on each post, so the volume of writing didn’t always match in quality.
But, it didn’t really matter. Blogging on Tumblr was basically like keeping a diary, or a running inner monologue. Most people staying up late to scroll through their feed weren’t looking for thoughtful insights and prose. They wanted quick, digestible, but deeply vulnerable, content they could easily reblog or like. This is how I ended up writing a lot of lists. I desperately wanted to feed the content feedback loop.
You have to remember, this was in the early 2010’s when listicles were everywhere. No one had patience for paragraphs, but were very receptive to a top 10 list or 5 reasons why [insert literally whatever]. So that’s what I did. I gave the people what they want.
I don’t really write lists anymore because I think the appetite both for writing and consuming has matured. The people want substance now! Just look at all the long ass, heartfelt year-end reflections in your Instagram feed today. But, New Year’s always makes me a little reflective and nostalgic, so maybe it’s time to revisit my old friend: the listicle. Besides, newsletters are casual. Kind of like Tumblr but with less porn? Sure, let’s go with it!
Heading into 2022, I initially wanted to air 22 grievances because who knew 2020 had a twin sister, but that’s annoying and depressing for everyone. So instead, I decided to break it up a bit. Here are 11 whines and 11 cheeses from my past year. As a seasoned content sommelier, I can assure you that they pair well together for a balanced, digestible digital snack.
11 Whines 😩
This terrible, no good, very bad pandemic that won’t seem to quit. I’m so over it, I could cry but I’ve reached new levels of apathy so I can’t even do that.
Breaking my iPhone screen. Upgrading to a new iPhone. Cancelling my insurance in lieu of Apple Care. Being told I still need to get the screen fixed. Spending $200 because I cancelled the insurance.
All the rude automated rejection emails from jobs I didn’t even want.
Fighting with a 2 year-old to keep his mask on in public places.
Having emergency surgery after being admitted to the ER twice for a nosebleed.
All the pinholes my cat has left in my clothes from his claws I keep forgetting to trim.
The city taking over three months to approve permits for our kitchen remodel so that it likely will have to happen while caring for a newborn even though it was planned well ahead of time.
Crying more than I’ve ever cried in one calendar year.
Feeling sad that my second and final pregnancy has been fraught with more stress than anxiety, and I’ll never get that time back.
Not having a single day of paid maternity leave because I’m an independent contractor.
Oof, this pregnancy heartburn!
11 Cheeses 🧀
Getting an air conditioner installed in our garage office in the dead of summer.
Co-writing a book about entrprenuership that will be published by Harper Collins in 2022 –– having never written a book before.
Dressing my son like a 70’s camp counselor all summer.
Becoming pregnant completely by surprise after being told that would never happen my entire reproductive life (even if I have a lot of complicated feelings about it!)
Getting vaccinated. THREE TIMES. Duh.
My best friend moving back to LA after 6 years away.
Celebrating ten years of being in a relationship with my husband.
Earning far and way more income than any other year of of my life –– all by hustling as a freelancer.
My son telling me he loves me, unprompted.
Deciding to apply to a Ph.D program which simultaneously feels both like a whim and a long time coming.
My husband and I writing the first draft of a television pilot together in six months (while working and parenting a toddler in a pandemic).
Bonus Nostalgia: Tumblr Listicles From Terrible Twenties
Current Things I Really Want to Talk About But I Don’t Think Anyone Wants to Hear
Hannah, my favorite part of this whole piece is when you said your son tells you he loves you. Unprompted.
🥰