I did my ins and outs SO LATE this month but not doing expanded versions of my ins and outs in December and January was very sad, so here I am. I’m so glad that I see more and more people doing ins and outs. I’ve been doing them every month for over a year now (yay!) and it’s easily the highlight of the start of the month for me. Actually, the ins and outs themselves are not the highlight, but the messages I get in response to them–people challenging me on my opinions, agreeing with me, or thanking me for the levity in their feed (although I’m not sure how “light” my posts are when I decide that babies are out—yes, I made babies be out last February, what about it?). Also, I reserve the right not to explain things, either because they’re self explanatory or because I don’t want to. So without further ado, here are my ins and outs for February 2024.
IN
asking forgiveness, not permission
Break the rules! Well behaved girls rarely make history! All that stuff!
dyeing your hair in the sink
Yes, this is annoying for your roommates but having seen Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, I think changing your hair for a change of pace is in for this time of year, which can feel like a lull.
Universities
I LOVE BEING IN COLLEGE. I love attending class, I love giving tours (yeah, I’m a tour guide, what about it?), I love studying in coffee shops and libraries and reading about weird Russian film theory and writing my little scripts.
reading multiple books at a time
OK, hear me out. You need to be reading 3 books at any given time. One digital, one physical, and one audio. The audiobook is for chores, walks, cleaning, and anything you need your hands for. Get yourself a long one, so you can feel extra accomplished when you’re done and so you can spend some good quality time with the characters. Your digital book is for your daily life. It’s for when you’re bored in lecture (thank you, kindle app on my computer and phone), on the toilet (we all do it, don’t you dare judge me) or waiting to get into a Zoom call. The physical book is right before bed. Only read it before bed, so your brain knows “ok when I start to read this book on my bedside in my bed, it’s time to get ready to sleep.” My only caveat is that your physical book and your digital book should be different genres, preferably one fiction and one nonfiction. They just have to be different enough that you won’t get your storylines confused.
weird movies
Saltburn! Poor Things! Really weird movies are SO IN. Normal is dumb and stupid and boring (except for Anyone But You, which is amazing not just because it’s an adaptation of my all-time favorite Shakespeare play). Watch a weird movie, it’ll inspire you to do a weird little dance, which is always fun.
telling your friends you love them
PLATONIC LOVE IS IN! I don’t care that it’s Valentine's Day. Say “I love you” when you hang up the phone. Let your favorite people know they’re your favorite people. I can nearly guarantee you it will strengthen the friendship.
Flossing
White gums are out, pink gums are in. Gingivitis is out, minty fresh breath is in. Personally, I floss at stop lights because what is there to do while driving except feel around in your mouth for gunk? In any case, you need to floss at LEAST once a day. Train yourself to feel gross if you don’t floss. I hate to admit it, but your dentist is right. Your gums won’t hurt and/or bleed if you floss daily.
Bedtimes
Why am I so tired all the time? Probably because you stay up until 2 in the morning doing readings you put off and then get up at 8:30 to go to class. 10:30 bedtimes are IN! Go to bed early and at the same time–having a bedtime routine makes me feel like a princess. Or a rich person. Either way, I feel luxurious.
crafting time
Designate some time to craft. Whether that’s drawing, journaling, scrapbooking, putting glitter on random shit, taking some time out of your day to be creative will reset you, nurture your brain, make you more interesting, and is just so so fun. Pro tip–if you’re getting coffee for a friend, talk while you color with crayons. I did that last week and it was AMAZING (thanks, Naomi!)
frozen produce
I’m over fresh fruits and veggies. They go bad so fast. Plus, frozen produce is often frozen at its ripest, so you’re getting the most nutrients. Down with the whole “frozen food is bad” mindset.
robust breakfasts
Eating a disney channel style breakfast (and I don’t mean grabbing a bagel on the way out the door) is so in. Have some eggs and sausage and juice with your toast. It’ll keep you running throughout the day and also is so yummy and will make you feel happy in the morning which will make you feel happy all day.
OUT
Conscription
Forced military service? Not hot.
blanket statements
Been hearing a lot of “everyone,” “always,” and “never” lately and I don’t like it.
thin socks
It’s wintertime up here in Michigan, and those cheapy socks that you got because they have a funny saying on them aren’t going to keep your little piggies warm (or rather, your dawgs). Wear them over a pair of wool socks! Thick socks feel so good and make me feel put together and I love them.
tik tok shop
It…feels like a scam? I won’t lie and said I haven’t bought anything from tik tok shop but I don’t know, it seems like one of those things that feels too good to be true.
Matcha
IT TASTES LIKE GRASS
asking permission
See “asking forgiveness, not permission”
only wanting to read physical books
NOPE! Digital books are cheaper and more convenient. Stop being elitist and read on your phone like the rest of us plebes. Physical books are great, but don’t knock a kindle until you’ve tried it.
claw clips
After seeing a tik tok of an ER nurse who says that she’s picked claw clip pieces out of at least 50 women’s SKULLS after being in car crashes, I’m out. Back to ponytail land I go.
being a "plant mom"
Have plants! Love plants! But I’m sick of it being a personality trait. Plant babies are wonderful but ultimately serve as decoration–don’t overdo it.
boyfriend jeans
First of all, the name irks me. You think I’m going to be able to magically wear a man’s jeans and have them fit me? Have you seen my hips? Also, I just think the way they fit is over. It feels frumpy. They’re great if they’re not rolled. When they’re rolled, they look like dog poop bags on your legs.
pop country
NO NO NO NO NO. Give me classic country or give me death. Hell, give me folk or give me death. If I have to hear another pseudo pop song with a fake ass southern accent about trucks and women and beer I’m going to have an episode.
high fantasy
Extreme world building is out (sorry, SJM). Grounded fantasy is in. Magic realism is in. read some Isabel Allende! Read the Midnight Library! Read Beloved! I can’t deal with any more thinly veiled excuses to write faerie smut.
dried fruit
You’re gonna tell me you eat RAISINS for fun!? The raisins, craisins, and dried mangoes (don’t come for me) of the world have soured me on dried fruit altogether