Giant Sloths, Utter Nonsense, and SNL 50
I’m writing this from my office at the front of our house, where the light floods in and spills onto the floor. It’s one of my favorite places to be—a space that feels warm, creative, and totally mine.
My vision boards sit on either side of my computer, reminding me of what I’m working toward.
Above my monitor, golden sticky notes hold ideas, plans, and dreams still in motion. Behind me, a velvet green couch—the one I’d imagined for years before finally getting—beckons me when I need to journal or let ideas flow freely.
Across the room, my studio setup stands ready: colored backdrops, lights, and camera stands, waiting for the next project.
As a Manifestor (what’s up my human design friends!), I know I need multiple places to work, depending on my energy. Having these distinct spots within one room feels like a gift. The faint scent of last night’s palo santo candle lingers in the air, and my puppies nap or peek out the window behind me, watching the world go by and doing their *best* not to bark at every passerby.
And yet, as much as I love this space, sometimes I feel the pull to step outside of it more—to shake things up, to explore, to experience life beyond these walls.
Maybe you’ve felt this too? That craving to break routine, to bring a little more adventure into your days?
John and I have always been travelers. In our twenties, we were barely home on weekends, always off exploring a new city, hiking in a national park, or hopping on a plane with whatever extra funds we had.
We lived for it. Travel wasn’t just about seeing new places—it was about experiencing them together, making memories, and laughing through unexpected moments.
Then, the pandemic happened. And like a lot of people, we stopped. Our travel rhythm never quite returned to what it once was. Now, with two dogs and more responsibilities, we’ve had to rethink how we approach adventure.
But, we don’t have to get on a plane to experience something new.
We live in Los Angeles—a city people dream of visiting—and yet, like so many locals, we had fallen into a comfortable routine. Same restaurants, same neighborhoods, same spots.
So a couple of weekends ago, we visited Greystone Mansion, a place we had somehow never been despite living here for years. This past weekend, we finally made it to the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum—one of those places we had always said, We should go there someday, but never did.
And it was SO much fun.
John and I took silly photos, made jokes about the massive sloths that existed way back when, and just laughed. It reminded me of why I love exploring with him—how much joy we find in the smallest moments, how adventure doesn’t have to mean a big trip or a flight somewhere new.
Adventure is a mindset, not a location.
Exploring LA was just one part of the weekend. Saturday night, we hosted game night with friends, which, if you haven’t done in a while, I highly recommend. We played Utter Nonsense while eating buffalo chicken dip, cookies, and drinking martinis, and I don’t think I’ve laughed that hard in weeks.
There’s something about being in a room with your favorite people, playing a ridiculous game, and letting yourself be silly that feels so good.
Sunday, we shifted into full-on film mode. We went to the Golden State Film Festival to see my dear friends’ film Carney Hallelujah make its LA premiere. It’s magical about watching a film made by people you love—seeing their work on the big screen, knowing all the heart and effort that went into it. Afterward, we grabbed drinks at Good Times at Davey Wayne’s with friends, soaking in the post-screening energy before heading home.
And then—my perfect Sunday night—I curled up on the couch and watched SNL 50.
You guys, I loved it.
I’ve been an SNL fan since I was a teenager, when my dad introduced me to Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtin, Gilda Radner, and the whole original crew. We had tapes of the early seasons that we would watch together, and I fell in love with the weird, chaotic brilliance of the show. Seeing some of the originals come back for SNL 50, plus cast members from throughout the years doing iconic sketches, made me feel so nostalgic in the best way.
I was smiling ear to ear the entire time. My favorite sketches were The Lawrence Welk Show, New York 50th Musical, and Bronx Beat.
Spending my Sunday night like that—watching something I love, feeling connected to those old memories, and just fully enjoying it—was the perfect way to close out the weekend.
This whole weekend reminded me that adventure isn’t just about packing a suitcase or booking a flight. It’s about deciding to shake things up, even in small ways.
Trying the museum you’ve walked past a hundred times. Saying yes to game night instead of zoning out on the couch (even though, let’s be real, that’s needed sometimes too). Rewatching something from your childhood just because it makes you happy.
So, I’m curious:
What’s something in your city you’ve always meant to do but haven’t?
When’s the last time you laughed so hard you couldn’t breathe?
What’s one small thing that would make this weekend feel a little more special?
I think we forget that the best memories usually come from the moments we almost didn’t say yes to.
So consider this your sign.
Go be a tourist in your own city.
Call your friends for a game night.
Watch that nostalgic thing that makes you light up.
And if you do—tell me about it. I wanna hear.
xx Beck