let's catch up
a little chit, a little chat, and a lot of honesty
before we jump into today’s post, here’s what you might have missed on Hyphenated by Hitha and elsewhere on the Internet:
Congressman Ro Khanna was refreshingly honest and forthcoming in our conversation on That Desi Spark.
a new home for the latest and (and in my opinion, greatest) posts published on Hyphenated by Hitha
Hi friend. I’ve been using these weekly newsletters to share all the ways I’m coping and surviving in 2026, without sharing much about what’s going on with me.
Let’s fix that, shall we? Grab a cup of something comforting and let’s catch up.
Life is…a lot. It’s had some wonderful moments—celebrating my friends’ book launches, a wedding, and business milestones. It’s also had some tough moments—my uncle’s passing, mental health challenges (my own and my family’s), and a heavier sandwich caregiving load while my pharma work is ramping up.
The good parts are SO good. We hit a big milestone, and kicked off a new partnership with an old partner. I really loved being present with my friends, and to escape the frigid cold last weekend.
But the hard…oof. We lost one of my favorite uncles last weekend. Both of my parents are the younger siblings in their families, which means I’ve mourned my aunts and uncles before. This one does hit differently. I spent every family gathering curled up to him, peppering him with questions. He patiently answered all of my questions about the Mahabharata (I was obsessed with the televised series as a kid), about science (he was a physicist and never said “because that’s how it is”), and would listen to my own lengthy speeches about Rainbow Brite, My Little Pony, and Jem and the Holograms. One Christmas, he wrapped up individual Play Doh pots and My Little Ponies and had one waiting for me every morning, and every evening. I called him Santa Claus Mamaya (Mamaya being a more affectionate term of Mama, one of the terms for uncle in Telugu). As I grew older, the gifts shifted to books and the conversations to politics and more complicated scientific discussions. He was the first to text and call with congratulations for all of my major milestones, and the only one of my family members who paid full attention to my commencement speech in college.
I miss him already. I’m glad I’ll be there for his memorial next weekend, but I’m struggling to write my eulogy. This feels like a good start.
I’m not the only one with mental health challenges in our family, and this was a hard week. There were a lot of calls and appointments, and a lot of deep breathing breaks to help us re-regulate. I’ve also been taking care of my parents—checking in with my mom daily in India (as she recovers from her knee fracture), and taking my dad to doctors’ appointments here in the city.
I didn’t take great care of myself this week, and I felt it. Not drinking enough water left me with terrible stomach cramps every evening. I didn’t lift a single weight. I scrolled a lot (but also perfectly refined my Threads algorithm, so I’m not too mad about it). But I slept okay, checked in with my therapist a few times this week, and asked for help from our incredible home team. I also leaned a lot on my anxiety toolkit:
My goals this week are modest—drink more water (and less wine), spend more time off my phone, and breathe. I want to enjoy this long weekend with the kids, and with my cousins and aunt next weekend. I want to keep things running smoothly at work. And I’d really like to finish a book instead of choosing chaos by starting a new one.
Take exquisite care of yourself. If I might make one more recommendation, it’s to take out one of the nice things you own (a special teacup, a crystal wineglass, candlesticks that sit on display) and use them. I’ll be sipping seltzer in one of my Estelle goblets.
Talk to me - how are you doing/feeling/dealing with everything?
things I’m loving right now
Lands End is having one of their ‘everything is on sale’ sales. I got a pajama set with a robe and one with a long sleeved top and a cami, and this pretty blouse. I use my canvas tote every single weekend for the kids’ weekend activities, and it’s held up beautifully.
I took NOTES from this Reddit thread.
I’ve never had more requests for the links to an outfit before. I tracked down some of these years-old pants, if they pique your interest. I also have to give this tote from OLEADA a major shout out. I’m onsite with our partner a few times a month, and it’s truly the perfect work bag. Code HITHAOL gets you 30% off (I also love my mini Anchor bag and my mini Marina carry-all.
These one color coloring pages have been a lifesaver (for me and for the kids).
A few kitchen things I’ve been loving and using lately: these flat spatulas, Brightland’s cooking and pizza oils, and my Our Place multi-cooker (I use it multiple times a week).
Hacking It asked what I delegate to Faye versus what I delegate to Duckbill.
Anything that requires talking to a human or research/curation of some kind goes to my Faye advisor (she basically planned Rho’s birthday party, found us holiday camps and handled registrations, and took care of appointments that required phone calls). You can use code HITHA20 to get 20% off your first month with Faye.
I send all the little things that can be done just with an email to Duckbill - prescription refills and transfers, finding donation places and arranging pickups, putting together lists of activities/birthday gifts, helping with reservations based on a neighborhood or specific time. I’ll also default to Duckbill once my advisor’s hours are up at the end of the month (I currently have the 8 hours a month plan, but might ramp it up to the 16 hours/month).
If you found this weekend’s letter helpful, please consider:
tapping the ❤️ icon below (all engagement helps!)
tapping the 💬 and share how you’re doing right now
upgrading your subscription, if budget permits
May we keep fighting for a better future.
xo,
HPN
Sending so much love and hugs babe
Hitha, I'm so sorry to hear about your uncle -- I'm sure you will do a wonderful job memorializing what sounds like a very special person.