Tha Good Good, Week of 10.25.20

Today's issue is dedicated to my late grandmother, Diane Vigilante (1932 - 2020). To quote Markus Zusak, "She took a step and didn't want to take any more, but she did."

Welcome new good grinders to Tha Good Good — where I share dope things I've been into between newsletters. Note: No paid recommendations, just stuff I like.

book— Tara Westover's memoir Educated is a go-to book rec of mine. It's a little like Where the Crawdads Sing, but the story is true and the writing is far superior IMHO. Through her bestselling memoir, Westover tells her story of growing up 'off the grid' in rural Idaho to survivalist parents and how her quest for knowledge led to her departure from her mountain home all the way to Harvard and to Cambridge.

snacc— This chip 'n dip collab is straight heat. Anyone within earshot of me these past few months has heard me rave about Misha's Kind Foods, a black-owned non-dairy cheese company from Los Angeles. With flavors ranging from sun-dried tomato to habanero strawberry, Misha's spreads have yet to disappoint. Pair with Trader Joe's Pita Bite Crackers and you've got yourself a snack that's kind to the planet, animals, and your body. To my fellow lactose intolerants: you will be in dairy-free heaven.

product— Rcently while driving down the California coast, I picked up the Timberline Limited Edition 32 oz Wide Mouth Hydroflask in Snowshoe grey and I never looked back. It's functional, fashionable, and best of all, it doesn't sweat. Highly recommend.

letter— Addiction has been on my mind a lot this week. In February, the sickness took one of my closest childhood friends. And days ago, Dax Shepard opened up about his relapse. Maybe that's why I was so struck by this Letter to My Younger Self by retired NFL player Ryan Leaf. It's worth reading. Trigger warning: this piece discusses suicide, some might find it disturbing.

exercise— At the ripe age of 24, I already have bad knees. That's why I'm looking out for my long term physical health by swapping running for jump roping. Not only is jumping rope crushingly good cardio, but it's also pretty damn fun. On those days when finding the time to exercise sounds impossible, spend 10 minutes with your $10 companion. That's the equivalent of listening to "WAP" a little over three times, or a quarter of an interview with a Presidential candidate.

moment of zen—
“If you don't know what you want, you end up with a lot you don't.” ― Chuck Palahniuk