In the spirit of drinking wine more intentionally (while still gravitating toward the beauty of a bottle from time to time – #noshame), here’s the next in my Cheers to the Weekend series: a pretty rose-shaped glass bottle and a box with a great pattern.
I finally checked Somm off my watch list. The documentary was released in 2012, so I’m rather late to that dinner party, but in case you haven’t seen it, here’s the summary: four dudes with serious wine habits prepare for the ultimate sommelier test by annoying EVERYONE around them with their selfishness, egos and endless stacks of flashcards.
On one hand, the documentary should scare everyone away from pursuing that level of wine mastery. On the other hand, there’s something about their intensity and expertise that appeals to my competitive side. However, I am definitely not there. This post features two wines I bought based on looks alone, so for this installment of “Cheers to the Weekend,” I’m changing things up. Instead of little novice notes on these wines, let’s just talk life and weekends, shall we?
What I’m Watching While Sipping:
Arrested Development!!! It’s back, and this time, they’re not skipping a beat… just tapping it out on a wooden block (see what I did there?). There’s controversy and critiques surrounding the return, some of the controversies leading to really important conversations. There are some plot lags, but I find myself laughing and trying to catch those little, detailed jokes just like old times, and there’s something comforting in that fictional nostalgia.
The Staircase… Accident or Murder? Don’t let my quaint love of antiques and pie baking fool you. I have an affinity for the True Crime genre, specifically when it’s a crime I don’t think can happen to me (Rustbelt Farmer– I’m looking at you! I don’t expect you to push me down a flight of stairs.)
What I’m Listening to While Sipping:
Goal Digger The Podcast: I didn’t expect to like this one because elevator pitches that include “7 figures” can start to feel a little infommerical-y, but I’ve been glued to my earbuds, so I’m clearly hooked. There’s so much heart and strategy behind Jenna Kutcher, which has me rethinking why I’m on social media in the first place. Plus, I’m a bit of an organizational culture nerd. My only full-time job was working on the culture front for a startup. My approach to company culture included French pastries and birthday parties (obviously?).
Music: I tend to hear a song in a show or movie, rush to shazaam it, then listen obsessively for days [weeks], but I’m in a lull and need some inspiration on this front. Any help? I am, however, a recent Frank Turner convert after seeing him perform in Pittsburgh. I find it particularly useful to listen to his song “Be More Kind” while driving. It’s a great mantra/defense against idiots.
What I’m Eating While Sipping: Hopefully homemade nachos! The Rustbelt Farmer hit his Jesus year this week (ie: the big 3-3 birthday). There was a cake (more on that to come!), dog friends (more on that to come too!), a cookout, and miraculously, there were extra tortilla chips at the end. I’m making big plans to settle into the couch with him and our sleepy pup. She ran her heart out yesterday, but I’m sure she’ll rally for a fallen chip.
What Has Me UGLY Crying Into My Wine: This video! Here’s the summary: “A sweet dog named Bess was found pregnant as a stray, and the perfect foster family stepped up to help her raise her 12 babies. Burrdie was the runt of the litter and needed lots of extra TLC. Today on Reunited, watch the whole family find loving forever homes — and reunite once the puppies are all grown up! The moment Bess sees Burrdie again is pure magic.” I can NEVER, ever watch this video in public.
Side note: I only cry ugly tears into wine, not true sadness tears. Marisa A. Ross’s article on wine and sadness is worth a read. Similarly, I only like to eat ice cream when I’m happy.
Who I’m Calling Out: My best friend Sandra who refuses to believe box wine can be good. Seriously, we’re past the Franzia days. Experts agree!
I hope your weekend is full of your favorite foods, Netflix binges, quality sips from bottles chosen for their aesthetics, and sarcastic texts with close friends.
Cheers to the Weekend!
