Summertime Recommendations

March in Las Vegas

It's been a busy few months! Here are a few things I've been making and enjoying while celebrating the longer days:

Writing

My first short story was published in June and I struggle to describe fully how much it means to me. It's set in Chicago at some of my favorite places. You can read it at Chicago Literati, a nonprofit online magazine:

• Certainty

I had my first comedy pieces published and am particularly proud of them. I feel that much closer to achieving my youthful dream of being Tina Fey. The Belladonna editors are great to work with and I highly recommend submitting your stories.

• Bruce Banner's 9 to 5 Itinerary
• Financial Advice for the Youths

I've continued working with the Billfold, most recently to discuss graduation season and my ever-expanding wish list:

• The Cost of Saying Goodbye
• My Wishlist, and the Likelihood That I'll Buy The Items On It
• Travel Turbulence
• Solving the Time-Cost-Vacation Puzzle

Favorite Things, 2016 Edition

Now into February, I bring you my annual favorite things list from 2016! With so many bigger things to worry about as we start 2017, this list feels rather minor. It's more culture-focused than gift-focused this year, and I hope it provides some entertaining links and maybe something new that you'll like as much as I do.



Television

The Good Place is the best show. Eleanor Shellstrop (Kristen Bell) dies and goes to the Good Place, which is run by architect Michael (Ted Danson). She realizes it's a mistake - she's not the Eleanor who conducted humanitarian aid trips in central Asia - and chaos ensues. The diverse ensemble cast matches Ted Danson's incredible energy and comedic ability, and the character development and structure of the Good Place provoke fascinating questions about the meaning of goodness. All episodes are currently available for streaming on nbc.com!