Remey’s Inspirations 29

First time at Fishetarian restaurant in Bodega Bay

Hi friends!

It’s Labor Day and the sun is shiningggg in SF! I took a few days off from work to enjoy the last few days of Summer before Fall arrives with all its hectic energy. I went on a day trip to Bodega Bay, indulged in some delicious meals with loved ones, and relished in the downtime that is so hard to come by in adulthood.

I truly treasure the rare moments of boredom these days. I've been racing against time for many many years. Sometimes I do wonder if I’m becoming lazier or my tolerance for stress is lower, but perhaps this is what a regulated nervous system feels like. I don’t feel suffocated by the same sense of urgency and the weight of anxiety like I did this time last year, which is a HUGE development.

A lot of the improvements I’m experiencing are more on the internal side, so outwardly my life looks the same, if not a bit more boring compared to before. I’m learning to see this as an achievement, instead of only celebrating external gains.

As for the pod, I’m trying to see when would be a good time for a comeback. I have to rethink the strategy for this season to accommodate my class schedule, and to include rest. I’m over the phase of “all work no play girlboss all the way”. It’s been interesting, exploring new approaches to work/life, and learning to embrace my new identity in a way.

Remey

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Remey’s Inspirations no.29

Culture

small + intentional gatherings

I love the concept of an exclusive invite to a small gathering. The intimacy that is cultivated in these spaces is something that cannot be replicated in a large group. I don’t see exclusivity as a negative thing - I think there’s a way to diversify the room while creating a quality experience for everyone. I’m seeing a lot of supper clubs, small workshops, curated food tours popping up in many cities where people are craving for connections. I’ve been hosting small gatherings in my own social life and it’s been quite successful. Maybe I’ll open up to the public when I have more capacity!

Beauty

Body oil with sunscreen

Trader Joe’s Shimmer Oil Sunscreen

Sun protection is extremely important to me, so I always make sure to wear sunscreen even when I’m tanning. I love that this body oil contains sunscreen, so you get the shimmery effect while also blocking out UV rays. It’s also super affordable (only $9.99) compared to similar products at Sephora. The only drawback is the pump is quite fragile. I accidentally broke the pump and had to transfer the product to a different bottle. But overall, I like the coconut-y scent, the shimmer is actually pretty glittery, but I think it gives my legs a very nice glow in the sun (as seen in the picture up top)!

Music

I’ve been revisiting my favorite songs from the past to identify the sounds that I’m usually drawn to. I listen to a wide variety of genres: UK garage, deep house, amapiano, neo-soul, RnB, Afrobeats, bit of hip-hop here and there… but there is a specific vibe that makes me want to put a song on repeat. I like songs that make me feel like I’m under water, but there is another feeling that I often seek in music: the feeling of being by the ocean. Steve Lacy’s EP had a lot of surf pop influences that bring me back to a simpler time.

It’s interesting because I didn’t grow up near a beach, nor was I exposed to surf pop. I was born and partially raised in Saigon, a tropical metropolis that was equally vibrant and grungy. Maybe it’s just in my tropical blood, and after many years in Southern California, I was influenced by the beachy lifestyle.

Anyway, I love the raw, lo-fi, semi-unfinished feel of this song. It’s such a nice break from the perfect songwriting formulas and glossy audio production.

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Write me a note below!

Do you prefer large or small gatherings? Why?