12/10 Would Recommend

Blogging is so weird. I’ve realized that it’s just a series of essays complaining about various injustices in life – so I’d like to change my go-to name for mine from non-blog to something more fitting… complog? That sounds like a piece of IKEA furniture, how about a combo of whining and blog? Maybe actually a wine themed nickname would be more fitting. Merblog? Zinfanposting? Ok. You get the drift. Apologies for the complaining. Summer is always bittersweet (mostly bitter from all the sweating).

Anywho, I zinfanposted – kidding – I wrote earlier this summer about some things I’d like to do during the hottest days of my year and thought an update might be in order. You’re welcome in advance, I know you’ve been on the edge of your seat. I don’t dare reference the actual post I wrote because I don’t get service on the path train and hate shuffling between apps on this HandPad. But I believe I wanted to get healthier and do some cultural stuff? We’ll go with that.

Well let’s just say my relationship with the app “MyFitnessPal” lasted 3 days and my South Beach Diet moment was really not more than a single moment when I considered cutting out carbs. Enter my glorious cousin Allegra – a rising senior at Auburn University – she has CRUSHED her diet game. So much so that I feel like I can bask in the glory of her skinny gorl life just enough to feel healthier.

A little back story for those of you who don’t know… Allegra (my mother’s brother’s oldest daughter) lived with me last summer. At that time I was also living with my SO so we didn’t get much quality time together. This summer, Allegra moved in June 1st for another internship in the big city and it’s been… well, let’s just say she’s made my summer. She’s been my dog dog coparent, my therapist, my best friend, and gives it to me straight no matter what the situation. A true icon.

Staying on topic, Allegra’s role in ensuring I did at least a few of the things I set out to do (aside from survive) this summer can’t be understated. Diet-wise (not that it really matters), because she only eats zoodles and shrimps – my access to endless bags of Chex mix has been limited and I no longer have a whole pizza Sunday buddy (not that I ever needed one). #thriving.

On the exercise front, although never a runner herself, Allegra singlehandedly got me running again one Monday morning in June. She had mentioned jogging the previous evening as we selected a rom com and basked in the glory of our Sunday Scaries. I was sure we’d snooze straight through dawn and be zombie shuffling around the apartment getting ready for work per usual. Nope. Legs was up and ready to run at 5:45, so off we went.

Allegra makes everything more fun. Before spending the summers with her by my side, I didn’t know what a go getter she is. Allegra may be an Auburn sorority girl on the outside but she’s also an old and curious soul with comedic timing that still shocks me. I don’t think I’ve ever in my life laughed as hard as we did this summer while watching shark week. “Are you even a fan… name five sharks.” Heads will roll before that becomes not funny. Im tearing up on the path just writing this (this time en route home). That cheek burn is what dreams are made of, and it’s a thresher shark not thrasher shark.

Running. Check. Eating somewhat right-ish. Half check. Thanks legs, if I forget to tell you when I flee the apartment to wallow while you move out. But Brynn 2.0 was also to be more cultured. Again, cue Legs offering (slowly and ramped up as to not startle my consciousness into a rebellion) cultural excursions curated for my short attention span and dime sized comfort zone. My kween.

We started slow… taking in the sculptures in Riverside Park and light NYC sightseeing preceded more ambitious outings. Under the guise of brunch and with the promise of adult beverages, we hit the Met and Botanical Gardens. I had my very own NYC tour guide from out of state. These pivots around the periphery of my comfort zone led to solo cultural adventures of my own. On a particularly daring Tuesday night I ventured downtown (to the Lower East Side, no less) to surprise Allegra and her friends at a club – Vandal, apparently it’s still very happenin’ – if that’s not progress, I’m not sure what is. In July I ventured out on a day trip upstate with a new friend and even let him drive. Groundbreaking stuff, guys. Side note – as Legs would say – Hudson, NY is iconic – 12/10 would recommend.

I think it’s safe to say Brynn 2.0ish (I have her for one more week, we have time to drop the “-ish”) can be attributed in large part to Allegra. Mission accomplished, mostly because I don’t even remember the reason why I set out on a mission in the first place. My neuroses she handles like a seasoned pro, nothing phases Legs. She won’t take shit from anyone but when she knew I needed it, she took it from me. Don’t get me wrong, our relationship flexed like wood in the summer heat. But that’s why we work. As cousins. Friends. I don’t think she will ever know the impact she had on me this summer, helping to make me whole again in a way only family can, no fanfare or gratuity required.

I’d never be able to tell Legs this in person. She wouldn’t stand for it. She’d roll her eyes and ask what movie we should watch or switch on our new go-to favorite show, Younger. I’d have to leave the room feeling the tears that would surely come from such an embarrassing expression of emotion. So, instead, I’ll just say to my lady Allegra: as a friend, cousin, tour guide, roommate and everything in between …12/10 would recommend.