In 14 days I will be making my way back to the US! The prospect of not having to hear boisterous Hanoi motobikes is exciting!   And while the prospect of unemployment and finishing my thesis menacingly loom in my future, I try to quell my fears by considering “alternative extracurriculars” and things that I could potentially get in the states (my recent introduction to Fab.com fuels this a lot). Whether I am in Hanoi, Baltimore, or Chicago, I can always account on the aforementioned activities as proper distractions from more important things in my life.

1. The Taqwacores by Michael Muhammed Knight is a fictional novel that established Islamic punk rock (taqwacore).  It’s incredibly amazing to consider how much of an impact one book had on inspiring young Muslims to actualize an imaginary world rooted in freedom to individually question and interpret Islam.  Obviously this isn’t the sort of book that I would be able to get in Hanoi, so I’m looking forward to reading this when I return to the US.  The Taqwacores, Amazon, $10.36

2. I was in Chiang Mai, Thailand, a month ago and I spotted this ukulele from the street! A FLYING-V AMERICAN FLAG UKULELE. I liked it so much I was willing to awkwardly haul it around (PS the Nomadic Wise-Walker backpack is very useful when it comes to hauling a ukulele). I have been playing Lady Gaga “You and I” on it a lot, but I suppose I should try to play more Americana songs on it given this ukulele’s appearance…like Bruce Springsteen.

3. Long, long ago I interviewed the Bubble Process.  This Frightened Rabbit screenprint is great. (Side note: also great is Frightened Rabbit live). Frightened Rabbit Poster, The Bubble Process, $20

4. After 4 years of wearing TOMS, I tried to return back to Vans slip-ons.  I would recommend against doing this as my Vans slip-ons are very uncomfortable and rigid.  Herringbone Classics, TOMS, $54

5. A dear friend of mine got me Father Panik knuckle tattoo mittens that said “BAM!” “POW!” which is extra amusing when the weather is unpleasantly cold.  I still dream about getting a pair that say “HOT” “DAMN.” Almost exactly a year ago, I was at the Container Store in NYC with a friend, and one of them fell out of my pocket!!! It was really devastating! It was also embarrassing when I had to draw a picture of the mitten for the Container Store staff so they could lookout for it.  But! A Christmas Miracle! I got my mitten back! No one stole my lost mitten! Finger Knuckle Mittens, Father Panik, $32

6. As you might already know, cats are “hot” right now.

I could watch cat videos all day.  I have been accused of watching cat videos all day. To all of you who have accused me of doing such a thing, you are wrong. “Now stop it.” Cat Paper Clips, JetPens, $6.73

7. It’s unfortunate that sequins are synonymous with holidays.  Is it not acceptable to sparkle in March? Vila Black Sequin Shorts, ASOS, $36.36

8. SO. One of my side activities this fall has been contributing to a Tumblr that my friend and I started.  HTTP://HUMILIATEDANIMALS.TUMBLR.COM As the URL suggests, it is a tumblr of humiliated animals.  Since its inception, we have learned that people enjoy animal misery and embarrassment as much as we do.

Next week there will be a JETPENS GIVEAWAY!!!!!!! So stay tuned, and perhaps you will get the opportunity to fill an electronic cart with cat paperclips (or more desirable items).

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