The TueDo List: Kamala in Chucks + Coffee Hacks + Maya Guy
THIS WEEK
The next time we deplane, we’re doing it like Kamala: with vigor, in Chucks. “The truth will set you free. But first it will piss you off.” The trailer for The Glorias has us psyched for its release in a few weeks. Until then, here are the best music documentaries on Netflix. Are jumpsuits the caftans of fall, or is cottagecore here to stay? Either way, here’s the perfect accessory for your face. Why did I ever elliptical? Keep Miranda July away from your frying pans. On visiting a spa and traveling for two weeks during These Times. Browse 70 years of IKEA catalogs. Profiles of Mariah Carey and Jane Fonda. The pandemic is ruining our sleep and making us socially awkward, but "Bohemian WAPsody" brings us joy. A heartwarming story about a stranger's kindness. How to reduce time anxiety. Behold this perfect vintage book bus.
(Photo: AP/Morry Gash)
OBSESSED: AeroPress
Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, I was laid off from my job in late April. So since I got the time, I thought I’d up my coffee game (I usually use a French press to make coffee). I love a latte but because of quarantine times, coffee shops were closed (also don’t want to spend $5+ on a cup of coffee). I did some research on how to make espresso without getting one of those large and expensive machines. That’s when I discovered the AeroPress. Game changer! No electricity is needed (so you can use it while camping). You basically put coffee in one plastic piece, pour hot water into it, and then use another plastic piece to plunge and squeeze the coffee. Since it’s been mad hot in NYC, I make an iced latte by adding ice, a little bit of Frangelico for some sweetness and hazelnut flavor, and extra creamy oat milk. Then I sit on the couch, watch some news, and ease into the day. I also bought an electric milk frother to heat up the milk when the weather turns cold. It’s the tasty jolt of self-care I need during these difficult times.
— Lily Yu
(Photo: Corvus Coffee Roasters)
TueNight 10: Maya Guy
Age: 45
Basic Bio: Maya is the founder of Suburban Women for Kamala Harris, a Facebook page that started the day after Harris was announced as VP, and now has 185,000 members (and counting!). Maya’s proudest role is that of housewife, but she’s worked as a property and restaurant manager, realtor and corrections officer.
Beyond the Bio: I launched ”Suburban Women” on a whim after reading a quote from a White House staffer who was like, “Kamala will scare the shit out of suburban women.” A few days before that, Trump had said some stuff about suburban housewives. I’m both of those demographics but I’m the opposite of what they were envisioning, and I knew others like me.
What makes you a grown-ass lady? As I’ve gotten older I’ve realized I’m tired of suppressing my voice and opinions publicly so others aren’t uncomfortable. I’ve made myself smaller and my voice quieter too not play into the angry Black woman stereotype. I’ve decided to celebrate my own voice, to speak up and make sure I’m heard. And if I’m labeled angry, so be it, but I won’t be quiet. My desire is to do everything on my own terms. If I sink or if I swim, flop or fly, it’s going to be done my way. No one is changing for me so I’m not changing for them. I refuse to budge.
1. On the nightstand: A glass of wine and the latest book from Addison Cain. I got to meet this author at a NAACP protest this summer and I just fell in love with her kindness and spirit. It’s awesome when you like someone and you’re a fan and then you meet them in real life and they are actually gracious and kind.
2. Can't stop/won't stop: Thinking about P. Diddy when I hear this phrase. I’m a 90s hip hop head! But seriously, this is my daily mantra as a mom to Black children. We don’t have time to be complacent with anything, school, sports, service to our community. They need to be the best at whatever they do so they can at least get a fair chance at anything. It is so important that they excel at the things that matter in life and for that to occur, I can’t stop. Won’t stop.
3. Jam of the minute: “I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross. I know it’s old but it’s my jam! It’s positive, it’s about reinventing yourself, and growing up, she was what I looked up to.
4. Thing I miss: I miss my kids all being young. The transition from mothering a house full of kids to having four kids in college is bittersweet. I miss the days when they all thought I was so cool and the smartest person in the room.
5. ’80s crush: Original MJ. He was handsome and funny and so talented.
6. Current crush: Idris Elba & Keanu Reeves. I’ve got a lot of love to give! They are my perfect yin and yang.
7. Latest fave find: Couture Brew coffee! It is ah-maz-ing! It’s a special Ethiopian blend and the package says it’s got chocolate, grapes, and strawberry taste. Well I thought I didn’t like chocolate but apparently I love it in coffee!
8. Last thing you lost: My spare time! Due to COVID I had to stop working to stay home and help my two school-age children with virtual school. My high schooler doesn’t need much but my second grader needs me every step of the way.
9. Best thing that happened recently: The candidacy of Kamala Harris and the start of the group. Somehow, someway, the most caring, kind, fun loving, hilarious, and opinionated women found my group and I get to revel in their midst every day and I love it!
10. Looking forward to: A vacation. I miss my husband. I miss our time alone and just being out together. COVID has reshaped our lives and we are still thriving but I look forward to a real vacation when we can leave the country and just be Mike and Maya again.
Here’s to coffee and dancing shoes, TueNighters!
