Friday Things #3

Happppppppppppy Friday everyone! Hope you had a great week! Read below for this weeks top 5 moments.

Sidra

1. Black Lives Matter

I grew up in Kenosha, WI and have been back for a few weeks during lockdown. This week's events have been incredibly heartbreaking. If you would like to find an action you could complete, check out this Google Doc created by a former classmate: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ivufEQUbHerxG7DPqx8MV2qLSKftyl3LEhEynkw16UU/edit?usp=sharing

2. The NBA/WNBA/MLB/MLS/NHL all had boycotts to bring the spotlight back to the movement.

The NBA and WNBA have been doing a fantastic job at using the NBA/WNBA bubble to use their voices to bring attention to issues that the Black community in the US faces. The NBA players refused to play on Wednesday and used that time to call Wisconsin legislators and urge them to act. Other leagues followed suit to create a powerful moment that will hopefully be followed by more action.

Also massive shoutout specifically to the WBNA who has been leading the way on these activism efforts.

3. It's the three year anniversary of my trip to Birmingham.

Facebook reminded me that three years ago I took a trip to visit a friend who currently lives in Alabama. We took a trip to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, which does an amazing job telling this history of the Civil Rights Movement. The anniversary of that trip is especially resonant this year, and a great reminder that we're in a similar moment in history today and there is still a lot of critical work to be done. The photo below is MLK's jail cell when he was in the Birmingham jail.

4. I took a day trip up to Madison.

I will never love a place more than Madison. I spent 4 years there going to college, started my first big girl job there, and made some amazing friends. While I wasn't able to reconnect with my Madison friends (thanks Covid), I was able to check out State Street (including all of the amazing BLM murals), have a picnic on capitol square, walk up Bascom, and enjoy cheese curds on the terrace! If you're every traveling through the Midwest, I highly recommend making a stop in this hidden gem of a town.

5. My yard sign has arrived!

What better way to show the neighborhood where we stand than this awesome sign. My purchase even supported BEAM (Black Emotional And Mental Health Collective).

Ekta

1. It's hurricane season and this week we had Laura stop by to say hello.

I'm always equally in awe and terrified of most natural disasters but I have a soft spot for hurricanes. This is mainly because the worst Houston hurricanes have always resulted in a two week vacation during my birthday. And because no one can go to school - we always had the most epic birthday (think giant cookie cake that you don't have to share). Laura luckily avoided most of Houston and we only had a small puddle of rain. However, there are many that suffered. If you're interested in helping out virtually or financially I would recommend looking at Red cross's urgently needed volunteer positions: http://redcross.org/volunteertoday.

2. I'm learning how to ripstick and debating about buying this gorgeous skateboard.

I've never tried skateboarding or using a ripstick. It's probably because I knew it wasn't going to end well. BUT 2020 already suck so what's the worst that could happen? JK I also bought knee pads and a nice helmet. Wish me luck and let me know in the comments if you're a skateboarder or have any tips!

3. I started working my personal fitness.

I went to boot camp and worked out every. single. day. I also died a little, especially going up and down the stairs this week. I'm really proud of myself and thankful that I have an incredible support system.

4. I bought another basil plant

I keep killing my basil plants. I impulse bought this cute basil plant from Sprouts. She's already off to a rough start and most of the leaves have fallen down/been consumed. But here's hoping that she's a fighter and fifth time is a charm?

5. Akash and I threw our third quadrennial fest.

Every four years Akash or I throw a party for our family friends. It's the one time when dark secrets come up, trust is broken, fights break out, people find love, and we realize that our motley crew is pretty great. This was probably the most enjoyable party yet and I can't wait for the next one in 2024.