Alyx: While I've mostly been enjoying the chance to try out some new recipes while at home, sometimes I want something fast and easy, the equivalent of popping out for a quick sandwich from the corner store. Often I reach for a pack of instant noodles. My favorite right now is Chapagetti, which is the instant version of jajangmyeon. While it's WONDERFUL on its own with the oil and seasoning that comes in the pack, recently I've been upgrading it a bit. I slice some cabbage thinly and add it to the noodles about a minute before the noodles are done. While that's happening, I fry an egg and put it on top of the finished noodles. Do you guys have any favorite instant noodle tricks?

Esther: I've been listening to A LOT of music lately, so the mini playlist is making a return. Sound-wise it's a little all over the place, again, but I just wanted to throw together songs that push me forward and serve as a reality check, all in one. Imagine someone taking you aside, demanding you get it together while you've been somewhat of a mess– something akin to that tough love is what I tried to pin down in this mix. A little reminder to commit to the fight, keep looking forward, practice gratitude, and always make space for hope! The intro song is from The Mountain Goats' The Sunset Tree, pictured above. Listen here. 

Caroline: For the first month-ish of isolation I was in a reading funk and just didn't have the mental energy to read books. But then about two weeks ago I started an epic binge and not I can't stop reading. I've ready 7 books in 2 weeks and have spent my leisure time doing almost nothing else. That is, except for watching TV shows adapted from books. Currently I'm watching Normal People (a book that I felt indifferent about, but the TV show! Much better) and High Fidelity (which is EXCELLENT, even for those who didn't read the book). It's been fun. My days off currently look like this: 4 hours of reading in the morning. Lunch. A few hours of reading in the afternoon. Maybe dinner. 2 hours of crafting or doing something while watching adapted books on Hulu. Bedtime, more reading. And in case you're wondering, yes, I did watch Little Fires Everywhere and I would like those hours of my life back, please. View this post on Instagram

View this post on Instagram

My name is Ford! I am a homebody who loves to nap cuddled up with you! I am a smart guy and know some commands; treats tend to help me listen 😁. I love going for walks and I am always up for an adventure. Meeting new people is fun, but I like to warm up to them first before being petted. I get along with the lady puppers and love to play, but some male dogs intimidate me. I am also potty-trained and love a routine! If you are a homebody like me and need a cuddle buddy - you’ve found your match! Apply to meet me right here! www.strayrescue.org/ford

A post shared by Stray Rescue of St. Louis (@strayrescuestl) on Feb 4, 2020 at 10:34am PST

Julianne: Cooking projects have lost their appeal, solo walks around my same half-dozen neighborhood routes feel hollow, I decline most of the already small number of Zoom hangout invites I get, and I started reading Octavia Butler's Parable of the Sower at the wrong time in our global crisis! So what have I been doing this week? I learned about an animal rescue organization called Stray Rescue of St. Louis on Instagram.

They do incredible work and, especially important for my purposes, have a powerful social media presence filled with regular stories of heartbreaking and heartwarming rescues. I sunk into each one. I never grew up with animals and am nervous around most, but fell HARD for these dogs and this organization's fiery dedication to them. 

One guy who stole my heart? This dog named Ford who, I'll further confess, I wouldn't at first glimpse think would be a dog I'd want to share my life with. But Ford is me in dog form, I'm fairly certain. The two of us would get along very, very well, putzing around the house and napping on the couch. And all of a sudden Ford's chunky build and sweet eyes won me over. So what'd I do this week? I fell in love.