Check-In with Nicole Najafi
Where are you quarantining? And who are you with?
I'm in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts with my boyfriend, Sam, and our cat slash therapist, Melfi.
Cooking / baking right now
I'm surviving on sandwiches and cereal. Sam grills burgers or steaks a few nights a week. He's been doing most of the cooking. I caved and baked banana bread to see what all the fuss was about.
Shows you’re watching right now
Little Fires Everywhere, Schitt's Creek, John Oliver, Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Movie you watched last
Under the Skin
Movies on your list
Less Than Zero (suggested by my friend Mary Corman), In the Mood for Love, all the Terminator movies (love an 80s/90s action franchise), and Dirty Harry.
Any good books?
I'm reading a book on trauma, lol. Not sure it would appeal to others!
Podcast to share
I wish I had the attention span for podcasts. I need stuff blowing up on a big TV to be entertained.
Rituals or routines keeping you sane
I'm very routine-oriented generally, so I've kept to my routine more or less the same. I wake up at 6am, make coffee, write morning pages in a journal, then I set a timer for 30 mins to check phone / email, then I write for 2 hours with a bowl of cereal, and then I start my client work.
Anything new you’ve done with your newfound time?
Not yet. I've found it hard to do more than what I normally do under the stress of uncertainty. But I wrote a piece on origami and now I want to start doing that!
Quarantine motto
One day at a time.
When this is over, what’s the first thing you’re doing?
Going to a gigantic multiplex theater with a jumbo bucket of popcorn and candy. Also getting a much needed haircut.
When this is over, who’s the first person you’re seeing?
Yi-Mei Truxes. <3 I got my cat (her goddaughter) right before quarantine, so I'm excited for them to finally meet.
What are you never going to take for granted again?
I think what I miss most is the feeling of possibility — that things can happen and move forward. I will never take that for granted again. I didn't realize how much this stagnant energy would weigh on me.
