Working Girl's Guide #54: Welcome to the era of BRIDAL NAT!!

I’m sorry this newsletter is late. Candidly, it took me 6x as long to write because my left ring finger doesn’t yet have the endurance to type while loaded up with rocks. I was typing…sipping water…resting…crying. Okay let’s be real I was just busy celebrating because I’m ENGAGED!

Sappy moment incoming: feeling extremely lucky to be starting this next chapter with the best life partner I could ask for. And thrilled to be sharing the behind-the-scenes of my bridal era with you all over the coming months!

Let’s get into it.

Southwest is no longer a haven for the overpackers among us

If you’ve been shopping as much as I have in preparation for summer travel, sorry to share that Southwest Airlines is instituting a new $35 fee for your first checked bag, which marks the end of a long-time “bags fly free” policy. A few other changes they’re making in search of that that ever elusive profit margin: flight credits will expire in 6 months (they used to never expire) and basic economy fares are getting the kibosh. At least they’re not introducing standing seats, which are a real thing that’s coming in 2026 (could NOT be me).

Sam Altman bought Jony Ive’s little design firm for $6.5 billion

OpenAI just purchased io, the fledgling design firm of former Apple designer Jony Ive, who left Apple in 2019. We actually don’t know exactly what the product that OpenAI purchased might be: Altman has said that the secret device is a “companion” that he hopes becomes a part of users’ everyday lives. Let’s not forget that Altman’s last hardware investment was the “Humane AI Pin,” which you probably haven’t heard of because it was a huge, ginormous flop.

Covid is back, back again

No perfect, I’m so glad Covid is morphing and spreading AGAIN. If people around you are coughing up a storm, beware, because cases are ticking upwards. The unmemorably-named variant NB.1.8.1 is surging in the U.S. According to microbiology prof Subhash Verna, this strain “does not lead to more severe illness compared to previous variants,” but info is still coming in.

This weekend marked a very special out of office! Here’s the ONLY photo we got of the actual engagement (blurry af, I know). It was such a special weekend (strolling hand-in-hand, sipping wine, celebrating with our nearest and dearest, etc.) and I am feeling SO LUCKY. And yes, I have spent every single waking hour since this moment staring at my left hand.

So I got my colors done last week (linking the vlog below), and my love for neutral items has been affirmed by the scientific process. A professional told me I look best in creams and whites mere DAYS before entering my bridal era? Say less. Loving these pajama pants professional trousers with this neutral tank: perfect for a summer day in the office!

Honestly, I haven’t really started thinking about my wedding at all… HAHA JUST KIDDING I HAVE FOUR SPREADSHEETS READY TO GO! I’ve been waiting for this moment to share a concept I came up with, which any of my fellow future brides might appreciate. I call it my Soft Launch Spreadsheet. Here’s what you do: Before spiraling into a Pinterest-fueled planning blackout, make one low-effort Google Sheet with tabs like:

• Venues I want to visit

• Things I actually care about

• Things I can delegate

• Questions to ask people who’ve done this before

Then share it with your partner and use it as a jumping-off point for the planning process. Or just do everything yourself, I won’t judge.

Ever accidentally send your raunchy screenplay to HR? Same. At least someone finally read it (kidding I promise). This week, Ross and I are unpacking peak workplace chaos: from creepy office surveillance and seafood-related trauma to the corporate offsite in Ibiza that turned into a full-blown frat party. We also share thoughts on baby monitors (him), Pokémon card grief (also him), and whether doing The Worm in public is ever... defensible. Plus, one listener’s horrifying tale of being forced to publicly roast their boss. Listen here.

Thanks for reading!