November Rewind

Thankful for you

Dear Readers,

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! There are a few American-friendly bars here in Budapest that serve a traditional Thanksgiving meal. I went to dinner on Thursday with some of my American colleagues. It was a welcome taste of home.

Five Americans in Budapest

The Christmas market outside St. Stephen’s Basilica

This means we are fully entering Christmas season. The Christmas markets and ice skating rinks here are insanely beautiful.

Skating with my buddy Jené at Europe’s largest outdoor rink

However, during winter in Budapest, the sun sets at 4pm. My company issued us vitamin supplements to help fight seasonal depression. (This was not listed on the brochure.) The good news is there is mulled wine everywhere to help us cope.

Giant bucket of mulled wine on the street

What I’m trying to get at is, November was a slow month. My calendar is busy (love!) and the days are short (boo!). Work continues to be challenging and time-consuming, but I still enjoy the work and love my students and co-workers. I haven’t had time to write as much as I would like, but I’m doing my best to maintain a rhythm and hold myself accountable to being creative.

Courtney and I spilling the tea

Thankfully, Courtney and I were able to record another episode of ‘Your Bitch Pack Friends’. Check out our latest episode below:

• Martha Stewart and Other Mean Girls

Residents of Flint from the documentary Lead and Copper

Third Coast Review published my review of the documentary Lead and Copper. This documentary gives a helpful overview of the Flint water crisis. While it indulges in a bit more partisan politics than I would like, it’s one of the best explainers of the crisis I’ve ever encountered. I was really honored to be able to write about a subject so close to home. Check out my review!

And finally, my monthly Letterboxd reviews. Anora came out of nowhere and stole my heart. I would recommend everyone see it, but I think the message is especially impactful to women. Seriously, try not to cry at the final scene.

Anora, the movie that’s surprised me the most this year

The new movies I saw this month are:

• Anora (4.5/5)

• Gladiator II (3.5/5)

• Hot Frosty (1/5)

• Our Little Secret (3/5)

Wicked doesn’t come to Budapest for another week, and I’m looking forward to seeing it! I also can’t wait to watch more Netflix holiday films. ‘Tis the season!

Lindsay Lohan in Our Little Secret. I will never not cheer for Lindsay.

That’s all for now. Thanks for reading.

xo, Tory

The first snow!

P.S. Yesterday at school I taught my fifth graders about the Michigan/Ohio State rivalry. I played clips, taught them the fight song, and made them say, “Go Blue!” I didn’t think any of it was sinking in, but later in the day I came into my room to find this note written on the board:

Note from my fifth graders

I think “Go blue team!” is pretty good. Anyway, I was so proud. Go blue team!