Four Fun Things
While planning a fall gathering, I read through Jenny’s post about grown-up party activities. This comment from Elizabeth made me laugh: “One night, my friends and I tried to draw, freehand, a map of all 50 states. The results were hilarious. No one did it accurately, and it was interesting to see what areas lined up with people’s personal geography. (I can do the east coast, no sweat, but when I get to Ohio, all bets are off.) You end up learning a lot and teasing each other, in equal measure.” Now I’m curious to try — might bring out paper and pencils at dinner tonight!
What work pants do you wear? Readers are always asking for recs, and I have a really good one: Modern Citizen. They’re all beautiful, especially the barrel leg trouser and this pair with a drawstring. (They’d also make great travel pants.)
While traveling for work, I read “Lost Child,” Joyce Carol Oates’s short story in the New Yorker. It was tough but compelling, and the opening lines immediately pack a punch: “He said, Come with me! Take Daddy’s hand. How all the stories begin. A large hand lowered, your small hand lifted.” The story stayed in my mind for the rest of the trip.
Finally, Freddie keeps a plush throw blanket in his car for his kids (or me!), and it’s soooooo nice on long drives. If that’s not a life pro tip, I don’t know what is.
P.S. More fun things, and do you hang photos of your friends in your home?
(Top photo by Stephen Shore, 1973. Girl photo by Holly Andres for The New Yorker.)
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Tags: fun things
Comments
98 commentsMy husband always packs a fleece blanket and my ugg boots for long car rides. Things I always forget but make my life so much better. In return, I stock the cooler with his favorite drinks and snacks.
Having a particularly rough day / week/ month? Haha Just came here to say that, just how we feel about wanting to live within movie settings and soundtracks of our comfort films & shows… is how I feel about your site. It’s like a little visit and escape into a beautiful mini world. That’s all.
Same <3.
Good idea Freddie! My daughter just asked this week to bring a throw blanket into the car with her for drop off and I thought why not since we have m too many of them anyway. It is a cozy way to start the day for her!
Al Franken can freehand draw the US – I’ve seen him do it live, incredibly impressive!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4XtczOvT6c
I always have a beach towel, hat and flip flops in my car. Can you tell I live in So Cal?
same, and exactly!
I subscribed to the New York Times’ weekly newsletter The Good List a few months ago and it does not disappoint!! I’ve discovered an app that let’s you virtually chop firewood, groups of people dancing to Kate Bush’s Wuthering Heights, music created by the LA metro system, and so much more. It’s a delight I look forward to every Wednesday. https://www.nytimes.com/series/the-good-list
Can’t resist a quick humble brag – my husband made the LA Metro music site! He’ll be on NPR next week to chat about it! the-101-plays-itself.netlify.app
Hannah, this is so cool! Guessing he is a fan of the documentary Los Angeles Plays Itself? Excellent name and project!!!
Hannah that’s amazing! Can’t wait to listen to that piece on NPR.
I sometimes have long drives (like, 2 hours or more), for work and my thighs are always cold in the car! The heater somehow doesn’t reach there. So I keep a giant fleece that I usually wear as a wrap in the car at all times and throw that over my thighs on those long drives. Folded, it doesn’t drag on the floor but still covers all of me. It makes me feel so cozy, and with an audio book, I can drive for hours.
I had fleece lap blankets in the car for the kids when they were in elementary school. One evening, we arrived early for the spring concert. The music teacher was pregnant and her water broke before the show started. I gave her a blanket to cover up while we waited for her husband to pick her up and go to the hospital. I told her to keep the blanket for the baby. It had dinosaurs on it!
I cannot get into the barrel pants trend! I feel like it makes me look stocky, since I’m short and curvy as it is. It has been very challenging to find any non-barrel pants this year!
Same here!
I’m short and curvy, and I find that barrel pants that are lightweight and flowy look AMAZING on me. But I think stiffer ones, or denim ones, wouldn’t suit me at all.
I always have an overpacked car— the essentials include set of workout clothes, swimsuit for spontaneous lake jumps, towels, seasonally appropriate change of clothes for 3 kids, emergency chips in the glovebox — but somehow I’ve never had a car blanket! Missed opportunity. Cant wait to add one.
I love a car blanket! We had a bunch of muslin baby blankets that our kids outgrew but I wasn’t ready to get rid of. These have turned into the perfect car blankets for road trips – especially in the summer in Texas! The blankets are so small so they can easily be tucked out of the way. But they’re big enough to cover a kid’s legs/arms if the AC feels too cold. Or to put in a window if the setting sun is too bright on the horizon. But not so heavy that the kids are sweating if they fall asleep while covered. We currently have three in our car and they get regular use!
Yes! We still use them to cover dark car seats in the summer so that they don’t get burning hot for little legs.
Your recs are so good, and I love how you’re starting to lean more toward affordability and eco-consciousness. All I see when I read the material content of those pants, though, is something for the landfill and that will leach SO many microplastics into our waterways. Can we make a pact to stop favoring and promoting polyester/ nylon clothing? It seems like a good portion of the clothes listed on this site are synthetics – calling for a collective movement toward the fabrics others have realized are healthier for the earth, the ecosystems, and our bodies (not to mention the humans making them and along the supply chain)
Right, but natural fabrics are not what many would consider ‘affordable’. I consider them an investment in my health and the planet friendly option but many are not able to invest like that or haven’t realized the value of not buying new “cheap” clothes every year. They prefer the convenience of tossing and buying new each year feels satisfying, like a denial of poverty. It’s actually the very opposite but people want something new. I also don’t buy those minke blankets even though they are so soft! They shed microplastics like crazy and we breathe that in. Would love to see microplastic filters on our washing machines, with instructions on how to dispose of the filter dust responsibly.
I don’t mind them featuring products with synthetic fibers in the name of affordability, even though I personally try to stay away from them when possible, but $200 for 60% polyester is wild!
They are affordable because they are synthetics, at least in my experience. Healthier for the earth, the ecosystems and our bodies plus the supply chain equals more expensive. Sad but true.
Have you guys heard of Old Navy and Gap? They have responsibly grown all cotton clothing and great sales. It’s true that they also sell some polyester, but I find they have stylish clothes that work for my casual lifestyle.
Just started watching “Trespasses” on PBS…based on a COJ recommended book from a few years back. The harvest moon last weekend, and seeing Chicago at the state fair, along with some adorable sheep! Olli Pop sodas…..30% RDA of fiber and tasty! Currently reading The Book Witch ….charming book of a classic book hopping witch!
I’ve just started back exercising again after quite a while for various reasons. I’m following Adam Robert’s advice about keeping it simple – I loved how he wrote about exercise when you don’t want to on his Amateur Gourmet substack, now I’m looking for easy to wear except use clothes. My body has changed since last running and at gym and I want to feel comfortable not strapped in! Any advice cup of Jo peeps?
I think you could look for clothes that aren’t exclusively ‘EXERCISE TIME’. Melb does nail the ‘casual sports look’, and then you’re prime to go from Princess/Fawkner Park (etc) to coffee to errands to informal meetings. For me, that’s finding a jumper/top layer that doesn’t look too sloppy when worn with tights/shorts, and good joggers. Then you can just add any bits of exercise into your day without having to get changed! (Unless I’m doing early morning exercise/parkrun/Bunnings/yardwork/coffee in-out type day. Then it’s old holey jumper, old Tshirt, daggy tights, and messy hair buns. Still gets the job done!)
An impromptu roadside purchase in Argentina led me to discover the greatest cold-weather-travel-hack ever: sheepskin throw.
Argentina leather is amazing! Plus they take their slipper game seriously. I bought a pair of pantuflas (sp?) in BA or Mendoza, Chile that were modular–sheep wool inner booties for sleeping which fit into the suede outer booties for padding around indoors. Heavenly!
I also keep an extra emergency sweater or sweatshirt in the car, especially at this time of year. And does anyone else have an emergency book in the glove compartment at all times?
Olive Kitteridge lives in my car at all times. :-)
Blanket in the car!? Life changing!
If what amounts to a sleepover with your favorite coworkers after a day-long retreat in the mountains counts as a grown-up party, I’ve got a good activity. These wonderful women and I enjoyed playing Golden Girls themed Mad Libs interspersed with music and dancing, deep talks, and general silliness. The Mad Libs was especially fun and ridiculous once we were a few drinks in!
I’m going to have our family play Draw The Map of the US over Thanksgiving. It sounds fun!
I have two blankets in my cad, sometimes more! One is a picnic blanket, one is for the dog but also sometimes a picnic blanket. The others I’ll tuck in for winter for coziness. Or if I ever get stuck. In an emergency I want to be able to live in my car for at least 6 months, because that’s very realistic.
We did the map thing while all our extended sibling families were on different trips — made for the best end-of-day text chain to see them side by side after, you should do it!
I know Joyce Carol Oates is prolific but her tweets linking rape culture to Islam is a hard no for me. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/jul/08/joyce-carol-oates-twitter-egypt-islam
Agree! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks to your mention, I found this more recent article – so interesting. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2026/jun/22/joyce-carol-oates-richer-than-elon-musk-interview
Fall/winter work pants are so difficult! They are styled on every single website with feet and ankles exposed which is a no-go once it is cold and you have an outdoor walk in your commute. Would love to see options for what to wear when it’s cold!
100% yes to this. Nothing worse than waiting for the bus in cropped pants and flats while the wind and rain howl around you.
Not sure your personal style or workplace dress code, but I would totally rock those pants at work with some black chelsea boots in the winter!
My plan is to buy tall sizes so things aren’t all cropped. Wouldn’t work if you’re already tall, though
I just bought a pair of corduroy pants from Land’s End, with a huge promotional discount. They are full length, with a tall size option. Boden also offers a tall length for pants and dresses.
YES please!
WHAT ABOUT MY ANKLES? A constant refrain starting now until March. Signed, a COJ reader from Chicago
just got a pair of trousers from quince and they are actually full-length! the wide-leg Ponte trousers.
I keep a blanket in my car too! When I graduated from high school, one of my mom’s friends gave me a blue fleece blanket “to keep in your car.” It felt randomly specific at the time but I dutifully put it in my car. 18 years later, it’s still going strong! Saved the day more times than I can count, but often just a little dose of comfort.
Love this!
I am obsessed with the Quince ultra-stretch ponte wide leg cropped pants and have them in many colors. I hate splurging on work clothes (these are under $50), and need something appropriate for a corporate setting that I’m not dying to change out of by mid-day. The stretch on these pants is truly impressive, they are so comfortable! I even was able to wear them throughout pregnancy (albeit barely) up until I went on maternity leave at 36 weeks!
Ruti’s “One the Loose Work Pants” are my favorite barrel pants ever. They’re expensive, so look for a sale, but they are soooo comfortable and so flattering. https://ruti.com/products/the-on-the-loose-work-pants-deep-sea?_pos=14&_sid=29e69a59f&_ss=r
I always have a blankie for road trips. (Everyone has their own comfort level…AC or heat)
Love Freddie’s plush blanket car tip! Our family loves these one’s from Kohl’s that always have such cute prints https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-7249969/the-big-one-fall-harvest-oversized-supersoft-plush-throw-blanket.jsp?topSkuId=73278673&skuId=82356407
I am a little shocked that the JCO story was so sad and bleak and it’s probably because my dad abandoned me, but that’s definitely not what I was expecting on a four fun things link.
JCO is uniformly bleak and digs out the darkest in human nature. I have decided that I cannot take her and I avoid her work. For me she is permanently classified as “good for them, not for me”
Juhi, thank you for saying this! I went through a period of reading Joyce Carol Oates in high school/college, and one day I realized, “Wow, something bad always happens to the little girls in her stories” and I stopped reading her work, and I’m so glad I did.
That’s a good point. It’s very sad and doesn’t sit well with “Four Fun Things.” But it was such good writing, I had to forgive it. The way she describes being so young, having your whole compass centered on another person.
Don’t Get Got – fun party game that you “play” all night in the background of your party. Kids maybe 10+ enjoy it too!
Seconded, this was very fun when we played at Christmas!
I’ve never heard of this but have the perfect situation to use it! Thank you!!!
Any other recs for barrel-leg work pants, preferably with a stretchy waist or stretchiness overall, preferably $50-100? Embracing this particular style after long resisting, but because it’s relatively newly trendy, it’s harder to find in thrift stores!
Old Navy! They make a barrel-leg pant with sleek cargo pockets, drawstring waist, and they’re relatively size inclusive (Tall, Reg, Petite, and some generous sizing). https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=1194558002
I just bought some on sale pairs from Everlane! https://www.everlane.com/search?q=barrel&options%5Bprefix%5D=last
Uniqlo barrel pants all the way https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/products/E475344-000/00?colorDisplayCode=56&sizeDisplayCode=003
These barrel trousers from Target are awesome! They feel like sweatpants but look professional for work. You can also dress them casually. AND they’re only $30! https://www.target.com/p/women-39-s-high-rise-ponte-barrel-pants-a-new-day-8482-black-xl/-/A-95236546
Another vote for the Uniqlo Jersey Barrel Pants (link under Marisa). I have 3 pairs and roll them up for a casual look. Tip: They will hem at no charge!
Love love love the Athleta Endless barrel pants! https://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=1174194022&vid=1&pcid=1059471&cid=1059471#pdp-page-content Multiple colors and lengths, in extended sizes.
I thrifted a couple of pairs of Eileen Fisher barrel pants (1 linen, 1 jersey) from ThredUp. Wearing one right now and really like the ease.
The back car seat is the place I put toys that are almost out of play. The kids won’t admit to being done with the toy, but you know they are outgrowing it soon. So it goes in the backseat and, if they don’t bring it in the house, after a while, I make a stop at the Goodwill/similar for myself and ask if they want to donate the toy. I never make them donate against their will, and younger kids have a really hard time letting go. That’s Ok. Over time, they get used to it and now my 7yo willingly makes a donate pile or tells me he wants this one to go in the car.
this is so smart!
The billboard is fascinating and riveting to me! Was it guerrilla art? What are the blocked out spaces? Really compelling photograph
I went down a bit of a rabbit hole looking into this, because I was sure the landscape was of Oregon (it is!). This NYT gift article may or may not work?! https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/09/t-magazine/stephen-shore-photographs-annie-proulx.html?unlocked_article_code=1.E1E.TVbk.YVUmPMbXjK4b&smid=url-share
The credit at the bottom of the post points to this post, if you want to read a bit more: https://www.instagram.com/stephen.shore/p/Cu9fmVque6A/ I’m so curious how Cup of Jo finds this kind of content. I love it.
I’m a huge fan of photographers who capture everyday American scenes — like William Eggleston and Stephen Shore and Vivian Maier. I also recently saw an exhibit of photos by French photographer Raymond Depardon who did the same thing in rural French towns; they’re so beautiful and colorful and ordinary and evocative, all at the same time.
I don’t like being a killjoy, but I’m disappointed every time COJ links to Amazon (especially when I know there are so many other places to get a blanket)
Same! Once a few years ago I sent an email that Jo graciously responded to and updated the link to be directly to the manufacturer. I would love love love to see fewer (no) Amazon links.
Adding my vote!
Work pants!! I found Maeve by Anthropologie, Colette design, at Goodwill and their stretch has been a godsend during bloat. I’ve had limited success on eBay in my size (31). They are butt flattering, much more than my dressy drawstring linen that is going out of season anyways. Eager to hear from others. I dug out my “hard” pants for fall and…so many are no longer happening. This is good reminder to dig out our car blanket – so helpful for our sports kid after games!
That plush blanket sounds amazing, but I can’t help thinking about how gross it must get, but my kids are younger and still pretty messy.
We have a small farmhouse that we visit every other weekend. It’s about 3 hours from our house. We keep a blanket and pillow in our car for our six year old. It’s the best hack ever. I wash it every few weeks. It’s pretty simple to keep clean.
My Aunt keeps a blanket in the backseat, but it is for the dog.
I have that throw and I make it into a tent for my cats. We call it the Winter Palace. Freddie is good at nurturing people, it seems. What a catch!
I don’t know that I would describe “Lost Child” as a “fun thing” – maybe a “compelling thing” but not a “fun thing,” at least for me! For anyone needing a trigger warning – beware abuse and abandonment!
thank you for the TW, Emily! Noping out like that octopus in the gif. blanket in the car is a great idea. my office is so cold I am also a blanket in the office girlie (which is so odd living in a state where it is still in the high 80s outside!)
good point, Emily, thank you!
Even the photo of the little girl is upsetting–wasn’t expecting that in “fun” things! Having read Oates’ Fox last year, I’ll probably skip the short story. Her writing is masterful but I encounter so much child abuse and neglect through work and volunteering that I don’t have the bandwidth to read about it in fiction as well.
Anonymouse, I am with you on the photo – surprised by how upsetting and jarring I found it.
Similar to Anonymouse – I saw the picture and knew nope, not for me. I grew up with a mother who threatened to leave us kids (only to me, though) and it’s too raw still.
Thank you so much for sharing these thoughts! We’ve swapped out the photo to one that is hopefully less jarring. xo
I just can’t get behind barrel pants. Obviously, they work for some people– that’s great! — but I would like a complete clown in them. Hoping we start to see some new non-barrel/non-oversized styles this fall.
Same same! To each her own, but they are not for me.
Same, not flattering.
Amen. I cringe when I see them; I don’t think people are seeing how bow legged they look. It’s awful.
I have been wondering if I am as usual missing out on a trend (I came to wide leg jeans so late we are almost back to skinny), but the models all look bow-legged in these pants, so I don’t understand the appeal. Do they look better in person?
Same! I am already bow legged – I don’t need my pants to add to that. Hoping this trend passes quickly.
They are the worst! Someone make them go away forever!
We have a minivan, and I always keep a blanket and pillow in it for naps. Get to the doctor’s office 20 min early? Not enough time to go home between grocery shopping and picking up kids from sports? These are all perfect occasions for a quick nap.
Just sold me on a minivan—for its napmobile potential