Chewbacca Martinson: We got a tiny kitten in May who is now a teenager. He terrorizes my children, destroys my furniture, and spoons me like a human. I love him so much!

Best NY Afternoon: My friend Brendan told me that the perfect New York City afternoon was a visit to the Met, a hot dog from the veterans outside the museum, and a martini at Bemelman’s. Two weeks later, my husband and I visited New York together without children for the first time in 10 years, and we did just what Brendan suggested (subbing Momofuku for the hot dog, because we were on vacation WITHOUT CHILDREN). It was perfect. You should do it, too! And order Brendan and Rico’s book for more such brilliance!

Vulture Festival: We released albums from both of the sisters Crutchfield (Waxahatchee's Out in the Storm & Allison Crutchfield's Tourist in This Town) this year. Both albums are essential listening! They did an incredibly brave and entirely enjoyable 90 minute event at Vulture Festival in May. They traded stories and songs and anecdotes about growing up committed to making music on their own terms. Katie and Allison are now the variety show hosts of my dreams! Also, I got to see a talk with Sarah Jessica Parker, and drink a Bloody Mary with Jessica St. Clair and Lennon Parham of Playing House. 

Werk It: I was a panelist at this all-female podcasting convention. I can’t say enough about how well-organized, how supportive, and how FUN this event was! Bonus points for finally getting to see Another Round live! 

Books (not necessarily new) that I loved this year: Commonwealth, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Startup, Dreaming the Beatles, The Rules Do Not Apply, Rebecca*, All Grown Up, Theft By Finding*, and Kindred (* audiobook, specifically)

Must Reads: Leah Finnegan, Kate Spencer, Emily Gould & Doree Shafrir, Spoon Second,The Fug Girls (now more than ever!), Nicole Cliffe’s return to twitter & Shatner Chatner. Also, a special biased shout to the Merge Records newsletter which got a bit of a makeover this year thanks to my smart & talented co-workers!

Non-Merge albums I especially enjoyed: Thundercat, Noname, Vagabon, The New Pornographers, Sampha, Sweet Spirit, Lizzo, Lorde, Jens Lekman, Kendrick Lamar, Haim, Vince Staples, Ted Leo, and Donnie Trumpet & the Social Experiment

TV: Big Little Lies, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, GLOW, Playing House & Life in Pieces

Live shows: Orbiting Human Circus of the Air at Motorco, Chance the Rapper in Greensboro, Lizzo at the Cradle, Hamilton on Broadway, Ex Hex, Superchunk and Waxahatchee at the NCMA, Allison Crutchfield and the Fizz at Waterloo Records, Hollie Cook at the Moroccan, Buckner & Bachmann shows at my friend April’s house, Ted Leo big band at the Cradle, Escape-ism at Hopscotch, Belle & Sebastian at the NCMA, Ought & Waxahatchee at Capital Ale House, Solange at Hopscotch, Mirlafest (A Giant Dog & Bat Fangs) at Pinhook

Misc: Whole Foods double feature trail mix, my dad’s pontoon boat, speed training, Shalane Flanagan, going to the movies while my kids are in school, bluetooth headphones, Lindsey’s wedding, Mac & Laura in Southern Living, Chagall costume exhibit at LACMA