I turned 48 on January 28. It was the first birthday without my ma but I convinced myself that both my parents were celebrating with me. In all likelihood they were or at least smiling down at me and happy I was having a good time like I always do for my birthday.

It’s also the first birthday I’ve felt older – not mid-life crisis, fuck me my life is over older, just older. Maybe it’s because of all that I went through with my ma in 2025, maybe it’s because my daughter is halfway through her first year of college or maybe it’s because my hubby and I will be married 23 years this October. I do feel like I’ve unlocked my unhinged era though. With all that’s happening in our country, why not – best time to be even more crazy and give even fewer fucks. And, I think I’m just really, really tired, emotionally, mentally and physically. 

Well, that was all kind of deep and depressing but the fingers type what they type sometimes. 

Here are some recos to get your February off to a smashing start. Happy Groundhog Day!

The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires – a book!

I’m really slow at reading the pile of books I’ve enjoyed purchasing since I spend way too much time watching TV shows, movies and doomscrolling social media. BUT I enjoy listening to books through Audible during my work commute and on roadtrips. I just finished this one at the end of January and it’s a wild ride. If you’re a fan of the south and vampires, check it out. I dug it!

Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man! – HBO Max, two-part documentary

Mel will be 100 this June and still is sharp as a tack. What a life and career he’s had! Everything covered was so nostalgic. His movies are legendary like him. The footage that Judd Apatow collected and the interviews he pulled off were all fantastic. Everyone loves Mel so I’m sure they all jumped at the chance to participate. Definitely a walk down Memory Lane for this Gen Xer.

Shrinking – AppleTV, Season 1 – 2, 22 episodes; Season 3, eventually 12 episodes; greenlit for Season 4

Such a great feel-good show that’s back for Season 3…and already greenlit for Season 4. It’ll make you laugh and cry all from the same scene and dialogue. I really love it. The cast chef’s kiss! I mean, C’MON Harrison Ford doing comedy is always, ALWAYS superb. But the whole cast together creates a really special show. If you haven’t checked it out, it should be top of your list.

Fallout – Prime, Season 1, eight episodes; Season 2, eventually eight episodes; greenlit for Season 3 

Back for Season 2 and Walton Goggins is still the best thing about the show. I visibly gasped over a scene in a recent episode – no spoilers – but it was crazy and made me worry for his future on the show and I’ll leave it at that. It’s closing in on being a wrap for Season 2 already. Time flies!

Bridgerton – Netflix, Season 1-3, 24 episodes; Season 4, eventually eight episodes; greenlit for Season 5 & 6 (at minimum) 

As I type this, I’m wearing one of my most-recent Tar-jay purchases – a Bridgerton sweatshirt. I’m soooo glad this show is back for Season 4, even if they’re only giving us Part 1 now and Part 2 later in February. I’m ready for all the tea to be spilled!! It’s one of the few shows my daughter and I watch mostly together or together-adjacent but we can at least talk about it. The following for this show is huge so if you haven’t already jumped on the horse-drawn carriage, what are you waiting for?!