Welcome back to CASA’s monthly blog about everything we’re watching, reading, listening to and doing in our spare time. This month, we are all continuing our advocacy for kids from home, and doing our best to fight off cabin fever just like many of you. We know this is a strange time for our country and the world, and it can be scary. We hope some of these recommendations from our staff make things just a little bit more fun and help get you through social distancing and shelter-in-place!
And for those of you who aren’t able to work from home and are still showing up at hospitals, care facilities, grocery stores and everywhere else in our community that’s still open and running, we admire and are so grateful to you. Thank you!
For some feel-good entertainment, watch
Some Good News with John Krasinski
“Some Good News was amazing, and it’s only just over 15 minutes. Especially fun if you were ever a fan of the Office (Steve Carell makes an appearance), but a feel-good video just the same!” – Ty Leisey, Teen Advocacy Specialist
If your Netflix queue is running low, watch
Charmed—original 8 seasons now streaming on Netflix, or watch the remake on The CW
“Charmed (the original) is one of my all-time favorite shows. It’s about witches and how they fight off evil everyday while trying to maintain somewhat normal lives. I enjoy the characters and watching them use their powers daily to fight evil. Mostly I just like that the show has love, compassion, action and just a hint of scary—it’s a collage of all genres!” – Bree Taylor, Senior Volunteer Relations Specialist
100 Humans—now streaming on Netflix
“This show tackles light-hearted debates (toilet paper: over or under?) along with some serious societal issues (racial biases: shooting unarmed African-Americans over armed Caucasian-Americans) by running experiments in the most entertaining ways possible, then bringing in professionals to explain the various phenomenons. Plus, two of the three hosts are comedians for added humor!” – Kathryn Schorg, Teen Advocacy Specialist
If you’re on the hunt for a good read, check out
Beautiful on the Outside by Adam Rippon
“This book is HILARIOUS! Warning: You'll wonder how somebody could be so Type A, experience so many crazy things it's nearly unbelievable and win an Olympic medal. Adam might actually be a robot. Adam is about my age, so personally, it's been cool to listen to a peer and his wildly different path in life from mine.” – Catherine Covington, Grants Administrative Assistant
The Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor
“An awesome book about radical self-love and learning to love your body. Very positive and affirming.” – Blair Adams, Volunteer Recruitment Specialist
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
“In short, this is a book about the personal redemption of a woman sold into prostitution as a child. It is so beautifully written, and though the book is fictional, I’ve seen parallels of her experience (specifically human trafficking) through the work we’re in. In reading her story, I am amazed at her resiliency as well as the strength of those around her.” – Debbie Liu, CASA Intern
If your commute (from downstairs to upstairs, maybe from the kitchen to the living room) is dragging along, tune into
Brené Brown’s podcast, Unlocking Us
“Brené dives into topics like vulnerability, bravery, and shame in an irreverent and accessible way that makes you feel like you’re talking to your best friend. She makes me feel understood, seen, and normal in a time that is anything but.” – Emily LeBlanc, Chief Program Officer
If you’re looking for connection while social distancing
TED Circles
“TED Circles is an open platform of small groups that engage in conversations about ideas. Circles can take place 100% virtually so they are helping communities stay connected, especially now. And in addition to monthly themes, there is special programming each month about what’s going on in the world so Circles’ discussions are as meaningful and relevant as possible.” – Catherine Covington, Grants Administrative Assistant
If you need something more interactive to pass the time
Salsa Aerobics with Austin Nonprofit Esquina Tango
"Salsa Aerobics at Austin nonprofit and cultural center Esquina Tango has been my weekly go-to for energizing music, high-intensity cardio, and awesome culture for almost a decade. Dance teacher Stephanie Keeton is now keeping the cardio going by live-streaming her classes on Esquina's Facebook page every Wednesday at 6:30 pm and Saturday at 10:30 am. You can join the fun for free, but consider a donation to support Esquina if you enjoy the classes!" – Director of Communications Callie Langford
Virtual Yoga Class
“I live for Yoga with Adriene on Youtube – she created a “Yoga for Uncertain Times” playlist that is full of pretty relaxing yoga videos.” – Samantha Bielawski, Senior Early Family Engagement Specialist
And for some social media self-care (which means cute animals), follow
@TheDodo on Instagram
2020 CASA Recommends April
