Because I hate living and breathing tech.
Lately, I'm exhausted. I haven't written my newsletter for 2 weeks in a row, and should theoretically have something planned for tomorrow, and definitely don't. For a long time (in ADHD land) I've been feeling the need to do something outside of tech. I've been filling that hole with posting on Threads, but if you've been paying attention to crackergate, you'll know it's not been going well.
More importantly, I feel like there are facets of my life outside of tech that I'd like to expand into in a longer format. I long for the days of personalized blogs. I love seeing how others share their day-to-day. Within Curated by McBride, I'll be sharing anything from what I'm listening to, reading, making, pondering, or anything else that doesn't fall under technology.
Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T.
Reading: I just started Nexus, by Yuval Noah Harari. I just finished Holding it Together by Jessica Calarco.
Eating: Air fryer smores. Okay. Stay with me now. Preheat your air fryer to 350*, with the time set to 3 minutes. Once it is heated, line the air fryer with a liner. Place marshmallows down, and chocolate of your choice. Heat until melted, transfer to a dish and eat with graham crackers.
Playing: Tiny paintings! I found 3x3 canvases online, and bought some acrylic paints. I'm far from artistic but it is bringing me a lot of joy.
Obsessing: Settling into Fall. I don't enjoy summer, and I LOVE fall. I am enjoying seeing the fall colors, picking apples and just being out in the cooler weather.
Recommending: Cement City (Podcast). I just love a benign story. I used to listen to a lot of true crime, but really don't enjoy learning about more violence at this point. So far, Cement City is a delightfully average story.
Treating: I bought myself a cozy new blanket and heating pad in light of the season change. Pure luxury, I know.
Why This Shift?
For a long time, I’ve been heavily focused on tech, but recently, I’ve felt a growing desire to step back and expand into other areas of my life. There’s so much more that interests me beyond the tech world—things that bring me joy and help me recharge. Curated by McBride will be my way of reconnecting with those passions and sharing them with you. This space is for the small things that make life feel rich, even when everything else feels overwhelming. I hope you’ll join me as I figure it all out.
What’s Bringing You Joy Right Now?
I’d love to hear from you—what’s one thing you’re currently loving that’s helping you recharge? It could be anything: a new book, a show you’re binging, or something simple like a walk outside. Drop it in the comments, and let’s share some joy with each other.
And as always, we know what is bringing me joy right now...
GARDENIA!
Thanks for joining me!
xoxo
Jessica McBride