As the first half of 2025 wraps up, I’ve been thinking a lot about H1—a midyear review, if you will. This year has taught me just how vital reflection is for me. A lot has changed since Jan 1, so it feels only right to pause and reflect on all that’s happened so far in 2025.
I started writing here on Substack! Weird. Still weird. But the reasons I stick with it are the same ones I wrote about back in March. I even launched my silly Spatulabula—something I said I wanted to do... and actually did...and actually am having fun doing.
I experienced a grief and discomfort unlike anything I had experienced before—and it felt good and right to feel. Even in the thick of it, I knew it was temporary and that I was moving through a process that was needed.
And it was temporary! On the other side, I have found in me a sense of self that I hadn’t yet known. I am in a place of confidence, hopefulness and vulnerability that I didn’t know possible.
I spent real, meaningful time with my family—an extended holiday season in Arizona, trips to see shows, city day dates and visits out to New Jersey. I leaned on my friends for both help and joy. Oh, how meaningful it is to me to get to celebrate the joys with my people: the school semesters, new jobs, growing families, fresh starts in new houses and cities. Somehow, so many of these relationships feel deeper and more rooted.
I traveled a lot—to new places like New Hampshire, Las Vegas, Santa Fe, and Utah; and to familiar favorites like Bend and Seattle. How lucky am I to get to see the world?
Remember my bingo card? I’ve checked off eleven squares—visiting a new state, going on a date (I even made it on more than one), taking a climbing class and more.
I danced unapologetically. Took a lot of selfies. Said yes to so many new things. Laughed at myself, loved myself. Began to trust myself in a way that I hadn’t before. My spirit feels bright, open, on fire.
Call me most improved? Bring on H2.
Happenings
It was a pretty light week on the happenings front! I had a few productive mornings out of the house: I got a pedicure while working through emails (HACK) and camped out at a couple of cafés on Tuesday while Otis got a haircut (see: OtisCam™). I even went to a real-life work event—my first since pre-COVID—where I mingled with strangers on a rooftop in Chelsea. I met a few fun people, but honestly? Even as an extrovert, I’m past the era of forced rooftop mingling for work.
We made it through the NYC heatwave. Taylor and Travis finally made an appearance.
Weekly Food Highlights
I spent Friday morning with Olivia and Erica making pancake balls—how fun! These Danish treats are Erica’s specialty and I had a blast experimenting with flavors. My contributions to the party? One single garlic scape and some everything-but-the-bagel seasoning. We got very creative, but the surprise standout ended up being the simplest one. I don’t think my current mortadella–burrata sandwich obsession would quite translate here… but never say never.
how cute is the homemade pancake/sauce ceramic? I did make focaccia to try to recreate “the sandwich”—but honestly, it was a flop. The dough didn’t rise, and even though I knew the yeast wasn’t activating, I powered through…and was rewarded with a dense, heavy bread that didn’t exactly scream eat me. So, the mortadella burrata sandwich will have to wait for another day. Instead, I put the burrata to good use in an elevated caprese moment—and I did happy food dances for this.
Elevated because burrata. (And don't be fooled by that oily dough.) I whipped a few good things in the kitchen: Another shout-out to Ambitious Kitchen—this time for a delicious chicken, bacon, sweet potato situation. Did you know that the scallion pancakes from TJs have 9g of protein in each wrap? I made a bomb and protein-rich breakfast wrap one morning. I also made this garlic scape pesto that I’m looking forward to trying on…everything.
A moment for the wrap: scallion pancake, eggs, bacon, greek yogurt, arugula, chili oil As if I couldn’t love Smør more, turns out they have a pretty awesome happy hour—even👏on👏the👏weekends. I met up with David and Olivia and we shared wine and a few plates—the ricotta, the dawgs, and the dreamcake. It was a pretty awesome little drinks & dinner for $34.
the dreamcake can never be missed.
Week In Books
Currently
Finished
House of Mirth by Edith Wharton | 👂🏼 | 3.75 stars: This was a book club read and I’m glad that we read it! This book was written in 1905 and yet so many themes are still relevant today: class & hierarchy, how a woman moves through the world, and the impacts of loneliness, to name a few. In my opinion it was about 100% too long, but could have been halved but the writing was excellent and it was a great discussion.
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy | 👀 | 4 stars: This book is all the rage right now and I can see why. I really loved the development of the setting and characters, and the underlying questions of climate impact. There were complicated relationships, a bit of a sinister mystery, and a completely unexpected ending.
Content of the Week
I've been leaning on The Preamble a lot lately to help navigate the chaos of politics. I really appreciate the mostly neutral breakdowns—they’ve helped me better understand both sides of the conversation and step back from the emotional reactions. It's been a helpful way to focus on the "what" and "why" and “what next” behind the headlines.
I really enjoyed this issue of Dense Discovery for it’s take on security—specifically exploring social vs. financial currency. I also added this book to my “to read” list—it feels especially relevant right now. Finally, how do I become a child at that Montessori school?
I can’t get enough of anything Zohran Mamdani. I read deeply into his platform in preparation to vote, and also highly recommend giving his deeper proposal on community safety a read, even if you aren’t in New York. I welcome discussion on this as I am trying to learn more and understand other perspectives. My general feeling is that these “socialist policies” are not that wild, and I’m looking forward to seeing what his administration can do. (I also caught myself singing the Mamdani debate remix in the shower this week…IYKYK.)
No Regrets
Not too long ago I purchased a Chromebook Tablet because my work computer went kapoot (and I did not own a personal computer). I have found myself using it so much to follow recipes in the kitchen—not what I initially intended it for but a real nice-to-have! (And, it’s on major sale right now.)
To H2,
xo, C
Otis Cam
