Grudges: November 11, 2020

Hi friends,

If you're reading this, then that means you are a friend who I have forcibly subscribed to my life newsletter. I've been subscribed to a few incredible friend newsletters for a while now — wilt, Sahartifacts, Colletter — and now I am so behind in catching up with folks I thought a mass update felt right.

When I solicited newsletter names via Instagram, the Tu puns came rolling in. Tbh it was too difficult to pick the perfect one. But then, Tracie came to the rescue:

And you know what? It fits. I do love grudges and plan a long game for the inevitable vengeance. So Grudges it is.

Grudges will be sent out quite infrequently, but you're welcome to unsubscribe. My feelings will only be a little hurt, but it's okay. Really. Not gonna hold it against you or anything...

OK, on to the updates.

1. I have new contact info

Please update your contacts:

• Email: xxxxxxxxxx

• Address: xxxxxxxxxx

• Phone: xxxxxxxxxx

If you have new contact info too, please send it to me!

2. Nancy, the love of my professional life, ended in June

The single best thing I ever had a hand in creating with my bff, Tobin, came to an end in June. It was a terrific run, and I am so proud of the show and of our team. Sometimes I'm still in disbelief that it's gone...I really thought we'd survive 45's presidency. Twas not in the cards. But the sheer amount of joy and connection Nancy has brought me made everything so worth it. I especially love our final episode — Nancy Was Here — give it a listen when you have a moment.

3. I started a new job at The New York Times in August

In August, I abandoned Tobin and went to The New York Times. I'm now the Supervising Producer at NYT Opinion Audio. What is a Supervising Producer? Great question. I'm not entirely sure myself, but I try to make my boss, Paula, happy, and the rest of our amazing audio team happy and that basically takes up all of my time. I also get to organize and make things every day which makes ME happy, so all in all a great fit. Yes, Tobin, I miss you.

I knew going into this job that it was going to be busy, but for the past 3 months, Brittney has kept me alive by spoon feeding me as I go from meeting to meeting. Eventually I WILL get back to everyone I've neglected this year...eventually.

4. Brittney and I got married (also in August)

Brittney and I got married in a tiny ceremony in Buffalo. We did it for love and health insurance, but mainly love (and also health insurance). It truly wasn't a big deal for us since we've basically been married since like middle of year one together, but it was nice to make it official and sign the marriage license that Brittney likes to wave in my face any time I'm mad at her.

5. Brittney and I bought a condo in Brooklyn (not in August)

Something about the pandemic really, really activated my retail therapy. And when looking at backpacks and mopeds really wasn't enough, I started looking at condos. I dragged Brittney to many showings out of our price range. Eventually we found our perfect place, a 1-bedroom in Prospect Heights. It's got a lil private rooftop that Bowie loves running around in, and we cannot wait to have all of you over.

6. Pupdates

Bowie's recall is coming along. We take her to Prospect Park off-leash hours and she comes back to us now!

7. Grudge

I'm definitely not the only one with a grudge against Verizon, but I have found two solutions that I can live with:

• NYC Mesh: Community internet! If you're in NYC/Brooklyn and have a line of sight to a supernode, you arrange for a volunteer come install some equipment and bam...internet! I donate $20/month every month and that is all for fairly reliable internet access.

• Visible: uses Verizon network, but cheaper and easier to manage. I'm still looking for two folks to join my party play so we all end up paying $25/month for unlimited data, text, and calls.

Fin.

And that's the newsletter. Grudges is written by Kathy Tu, with assistance from Brittney Gibbons. Beauford Ruth Bader Ginsburg Tu-Gibbons is our emotional support. Thanks for reading. Wear your mask.