This email is about quarter century friendship

Offline Recess is a newsletter that invites you to pause from digital distractions and rediscover the joy of finding inspiration on your own terms, away from the algorithm.

A quick summary: It’s Sunday and today we’re exploring:

• Quarter century friendship + why I’ve been MIA

• Stuff I’m reading and watching and listening to and eating

• Some offline inspo

I did not have anyone edit this so if you see a typo, be relieved that I’m a human and not a robot.

Intersections

things that are connecting during my recess

I missed the last two weeks because I got caught up in my offline recess. Goals??? Definitely goals. Two weekends ago, my sister visited and I cooked for her (my love language) and cuddled with her dog (my love language). It was beautiful and the tulips were out (my love language). Then a few days later, I hopped in my car and drove to my hometown to reunite with my high school best friends. I slept in my childhood bedroom and texted my high school friends after I woke up. We walked through the mall (depressing). I listened to music in my friend’s parents’ garage and watched the sun set and turn the sky orange. I ate soft serve even though it was almost too cold and felt so proud of who they all have become. 

All of these relationships span 24-27 years. There were eras I did a bad job of staying connected — because of college or other relationships or work or whatever. But so many more where they sat squarely in my top priorities. I am in the latter era right now. It’s pretty special to love them when you’ve known all their versions - the ones they’re proud of and the ones they’ve outgrown.

Offline Things

stuff I’ve been up to and discovering when I’m not on my phone

• These pretzels are so good! I dip them in cream cheese.

• One of my employees told me about 7-11 merch and I want this.

• I’m reading The Coaching Habit (recommended by my chief of staff) and started the Throne of Glass series (recommended by my friend Evan)!

• Watching The Pitt. I love it so much but can’t wait to be done so I can stop staying up so late.

• Discovering Jason Bateman was James Cooper Ingalls in Little House On The Prairie?????

• Listening to my friend Kellyn’s husband’s band’s new album on cassette (thanks Adam!)

Offline Inspo

something that caught my eye

I was reading about avalanches the other day and came across this scan of a 1917 publication and I love the typography/design/illustration so much!

P.S. You’ve enjoyed this newsletter over the years, you can help contribute to the cost of publishing. I don’t have any intention of putting up a paywall but you can Venmo me @alliepal or send a tip via Paypal (this account is under my maiden name Jocson because Paypal makes it nearly impossible to change your name). Thank you to all who tip me!