1: It’s INVASION TIME: Gasparilla 2026

If you know, you know, so you can just read the next few pointers and be on your way to #2.

1. It’s going to be a cold one. Prepare.
2. Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate.
3. Park or get out from your Uber away from Bayshore and make the trek to the parade. Future you will thank you when the mob is trying to leave.
4. Food is your friend. Don’t forget her.
5. You probably DON’T need one more.
6. Get those beads.
7. Be safe, my fellow Pirates!

If you didn’t know, Gasparilla is Tampa’s legendary pirate-themed festival. This invasion is inspired by the mythical José Gaspar, a “fearsome” pirate said to have roamed Florida’s waters. Expect pirate costumes galore, a float parade making its way down Bayshore Blvd over a few hours, huge crowds and pirate crews, and beads. Catch the beads, share the beads, hoard the beads. When it comes to those, the rules aren’t very limited. It’s a mischievous day, a Tampa staple, and a city-wide costume party. Below I will leave you with photo evidence of some of my time there. Advice is listed above. Stay with your group and have the best time!

2: One Battle After Another

Oscar contender film by Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another, was a thriller from the start to the showdown finish. I hav e a goal this year to see all, or as many as possible of the Best Picture films and this movie did not disappoint. Opening with the jawline of all jawlines, we see Perfidia (Teyana Taylor) scanning the periferal area of atop a bridge of an immigration detention center. My first thought was: Jawline, 10 out of 10, meancing face 10 out of 10, Cinemtography , I'm ALREADY being locked in. We then follow Perfidia, Ghetto Pat (Leonardo DiCaprio), and their other comrades of the French 75 on a wild story of political revolution and protecting who you love. It was fearless, funny, and touched on some of the political and social issues we face today in a darkly comedic, edge-of-your-seat way. Sean Penn as Captain Lockjaw is, as expectedly brilliant, and newcomer Chase Infinity as Willa made me an instant fan. I don’t know why, but I felt like a proud mother watching her. Check it out, and congrats to the cast and film for all their nominations for this year’s Oscars.

3: Float by Olivia Dean
Now this patch came to me out of a software error.  All day today, whenever I opened Instagram, this song would start playing. Annoyance turned to quick acceptance as I found myself letting it play. Olivia Dean has been one of my new favorites, so finding another piece of hers was a sweet accident. The song focuses on letting go of a past love, but also letting go so you can move forward. Whether broken-hearted or ready to move forward in this new year, listen to Float. I like the idea of letting go, allowing yourself  to drop the weight, and finally float to new heights in your life.

4: If you’re not moving, let’s move!

I made a goal for myself to move at least 5,000 steps as many days a week as possible. Over the fall, I let my activity levels slide. I lost my consistency and also my grit to take care of myself in this way. Last week, 5 out of 7 days I walked at least 5k steps or more all just from a slight mental switch. I then ran across this article from Healthline.org that did 33 studies in December 2024, consisting of 96,000 people, that showed walking more each day is associated with fewer symptoms of depression and a better mood. The study stated that even starting with 1,000 extra steps a day would make you feel better. To learn more in detail, read the article for yourself here. From me to you, I say MOVE. Any little bit will loosen those muscles up and stretch out those bones that have been sitting or lying too much today. We can make tiny changes to our mental health right now. Let’s do it together and make mini goals. You got this, I got this, we got this!

5: Coffee con Yemini

I am not a coffee drinker. I repeat. I AM NOT A COFFEE DRINKER.

Now, that could make my opinion seem less valid, but I think the contrary. When I do have coffee, I have an iced caramel latte(ICL). I have had at least 15 different ICLs from different coffee shops across Tampa Bay, and my favorite cup so far has been from Socotra Yemeni Coffee on Fowler Ave. in Temple Terrace. Not only was it yummy, it also didn’t give me the jitters or the “funny head” feeling I get when I drink coffee. It was smooth, not too sweet, and not overpriced. Socotra Yemeni Coffee beans originate from the highlands of Yemen, known for their spice and unique flavors, and featuring chocolate. I am pretty sure the latter is what takes it over the edge in taste. If you are a student at USF in Tampa, check out Socotra—less than 10 minutes from campus.

That’s the TOP for the week. I'm feeling the mix. See you next week.

Radcliffe, Shawn. “Getting at Least 5,000 Steps a Day Could Improve Depression, Mood.” Healthline, 16 Dec. 2024, www.healthline.com/health-news/more-daily-steps-improves-depression-symptoms.