November 2023 – The Dark Alive

Hello, friends (real, imagined, and those I’ve never met). I thought I’d do a ‘bits and pieces’ post today, so here we go:

BOOKS 📚

The Angry Chef: Bad Science and the Truth About Healthy Eating

I picked this up at an Asian grocer in town, used, for £2.00. It is genuinely fascinating, funny (important!), and quite a vital read. It talks about the way beliefs take hold and how a large majority of the population (including intelligent, logical, and even medically qualified people) are able to ‘fall’ for pseudoscience in relation to dietary trends. It talks about the 5 steps needed for a belief to nest in our brains, all directed at our ‘instinctive brain’ as opposed to our ‘reflective/rational brain.’ The author, Anthony Warner, professional chef/food writer with a background in biochemistry, doesn’t claim to have all the answers, but he can certainly highlight the widespread dietary beliefs that are a load of bullshit! He also shares quotes from well-known bloggers, such as Gwyneth Paltrow. Bonus points for this; extremely amusing, with more than a touch of cringe! It is awfully difficult to convince a person that their entire belief system is wrong when their livelihood is based upon it.

I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki

I adore the unique title and the cover design, which absolutely caught my attention. Although the book is a compilation of therapy transcripts with some short reflections, which doesn’t seem all that appealing, I haven’t read something like this before and I think the transcripts are exactly what I needed to read. Rather than trying to explain how to change behaviour and improve mental health, what better way than to read the very therapy sessions trying to combat this?

I identified with a lot of topics, especially the all or nothing thinking the author exhibits. The psychiatrist certainly says some questionable things at times, but this could be down to the translation. I’d like to think so, anyway! But having said this, I still found the majority of what she says to be helpful in a way that perhaps more qualified professionals in other books are not. I remember thinking it was a little harsh in places, but that it was somehow the very thing I needed to read.

The author’s reflections I enjoyed less, as they seemed to be repetitive and more there as an expressive measure, and that’s okay. Revealing her most private thoughts and feelings to the world, unedited, is brave on a major scale.

To finish, there’s a lovely little tteokbokki recipe to try (and no, of course I hadn’t heard of this before the book).

I will be revisiting these pages soon.

USEFUL ACCESSORIES 📱

Running Vest Phone Holder

Arm phone holder? Crap. Feels like a dumbbell on my arm, is faffy to get on, and I can’t really access it while I’m running.

Belt? Either flaps up and down or rides up (yes, including the Flip Belt).

In hand? No one wants that.

In bra? Too sweaty, and if you have small boobs (me), phone slides out the bottom.

Backpack? Ew, no.

Cue the Amaeva Running Vest. Very reasonable price, a wireless headphone pocket (I use it for tissues), a key pocket, and the phone holder itself. What makes the holder great is that it unclips so you can easily access the phone screen during exercise. It then clips right up again to keep the phone secure. The vest itself goes over the head, is super comfy, and also adjustable/reflective. It’s what I’ve been looking for that I didn’t know existed. Perhaps it’s what you’ve been looking for too.

Loop Earplugs 👂 ⭕️

Earplugs have never really worked for me, but perhaps I was using them for the wrong things. Earplugs alone do not block out all noise; they can’t. And they don’t do much for close, high pitched sounds. But I bought these specifically for traffic noise when out jogging (alongside the road), and for this, they work brilliantly. The traffic noise is more than manageable and because the sound of my own breathing is much more prominent with the plugs, it adds an extra soothing layer. I wear the case on my necklace so I can easily put the earplugs away when not on the main road anymore. They work very well in crowds too. I have the Quiet model.

PODCASTS 📻

Uncanny

Something that’s been on my to-do list for ages is to listen to podcasts. I thought I’d combine this with running or walking; I find it hard to sit still when listening to something without visuals. A friend introduced me to this podcast that investigates real-life stories of paranormal encounters. The theme tune is haunting, the host, Danny Robins, is perfect, and the stories fascinating. What’s even better is that Danny introduces experts from both sides to make balanced contributions to the stories. Each episode details a different paranormal encounter (although some are revisited in further episodes) and I’m thoroughly enjoying them!

SHOUT OUT! 🗣️

Shout out to my special Aussie parents, The Wurfies, who I admire more than they know. Their warmth, generosity, humour, and general sparkle is something I’m lucky to be a part of. Thank you, beautiful Marky, for bringing your wonderful family into my life. Jacqui, Amanda & Co, I’m looking at you too! 😍