Screw It, I’m Eating Tater Tots (I Lied)

I said back in December that I was wrapping up the tater tot posts, feeling like they had kind of done what they were meant to do. But after taking some time off, I realized I actually missed writing them.

Then I came across a picture on Pinterest that made me think of this series:

I wish I could credit the author of this creation- just know that I didn’t create it.

One thing I’ve realized since I stopped writing my tater tot posts is how much I learned from them.

Sure, they gave me a place to share the random books, songs, shows, and thoughts that were crossing my path. But they also opened the door for other people to share theirs. Some of my favorite discoveries found their way to me through those comment sections.

It’s a reminder of why I love blogging in the first place. Not just because it gives me a place to write, but because it creates space for connection. I get to share what I’m enjoying, and then you share what you’re enjoying, too. There’s something special about watching that conversation unfold.

For those who are new, this is a tater tot post, which is just my little hodgepodge of things I’m reading, listening to, and thinking about. If you’re curious how this started, here’s the link for that.

Tragedy

I was making a playlist of Ella’s favorite songs over the last 18 years in honor of her graduating high school, and it made me a little emotional.

As I was putting the playlist together, I kept noticing songs I didn’t realize she loved—songs I’ve had on my own playlists for years. Like I was seeing this little overlap I hadn’t fully noticed before.

When I graduated high school, my dad made me a mix tape of all my favorite songs from when I was growing up. I don’t remember every song on it, but I do remember one: Tragedy by The Bee Gees.

The year he died, that song showed up on my TikTok feed during his birthday month:

@jessehamilton
Dancing Bell Ringer – I spotted this Salvation Army bell ringer spreading joy on Fifth Avenue #nyc #manhattan #fifthavenue #salvationarmy #bellringer
♬ original sound – Jesse Hamilton

You know how I love stuff like this.

Mixed Tape Gratefulness

Speaking of mixed tapes, I was making a playlist of my favorite 80s songs one Saturday afternoon, as one does, and it made me think about myself at 12, 13, 14 years old sitting by my radio with a blank cassette tape, waiting to hit record the second the next song came on during Casey Kasem’s countdown. Or while listening to the DJ on WGCL (I had to look that up) and trying to hit record fast enough before the song started.

Side note: WGCL was my personal favorite. My best friend loved WNCI in Columbus. Back then I leaned toward Cleveland things, and she leaned Columbus. Isn’t that funny?

Anyway, it made me grateful that now all I have to do is look up a song on Apple Music, Spotify, or YouTube. Twelve-year-old Kari would have been absolutely blown away by the playlists I can make with the touch of a button. I love stuff like this also.

Reading:

Wheels of Life: A User’s Guide to the Chakra System by Anodea Judith

I read another one of her books a few years ago and really got into it. Enough that I actually bought it and kept it on my shelf. I’m enjoying this one too, just not with the same level of enthusiasm I would’ve had a few years back.

Watching:

Modern Family

Couples Therapy Ella, Mike, and I are binge-watching this show. We really love Dr. Orna💜

The Pitt

Listening to:

ella graduates (Apple music)

ella graduates (Spotify)

Links I’m clicking on:

Reflection Calendars Reveal What Words Can’t in Your Journal

swissmiss | Subscription Cost Visualizer

You Will Lose Everything | Jeff Foster