Check-In with Aaron Underwood

Where are you quarantining? And who are you with?

I’m quarantining here in Tucson, Arizona, with my wife and two month old son. 

Cooking / baking right now

My wife is the baker in the family and I’m more of the cook. Lately we have both really been enjoying the recipes and dishes coming from Tieghan at Half Baked Harvest. If you haven’t made anything from her you truly are missing out. She makes incredible, simple dishes using lots of fresh and whole ingredients. This weekend my wife made these delicious Home-Made Churros that were to die for. If you love a good breakfast for dinner recipes, one of my favorite dishes to make is a Spicy Potato Shakshuka served with fresh bread. The weather in Tucson has been perfect lately, so we have also been grilling and BBQing a lot.

Shows you’re watching right now

I’m currently rewatching all the Chef’s Table episodes on Netflix and watching the ESPN’s “The Last Dance” documentary on Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. 

Movie you watched last

The last movie I watched was 1917 by Sam Mendes. So good! We rented it and I really regret not buying it. Before that we watched Pixar’s, Onward on Disney Plus… not Pixar’s best, but…still good fun. 

Movies on your list

I’m such a picky movie person, - its bad. I have to have that perfect mix of, interesting story, good acting and beautiful filming… So, my list is short, but in my mind of the utmost quality - 

• Bull by Annie Silverstein 

• The Lighthouse by Robert Eggers

• A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood by Marielle Heller

Any good books?

A very timely and poetic read on the sacred moments of rest by Abraham Joshua Heschel called “The Sabbath.” Such a simple, easy read, but absolutely beautiful. It’s the only book that I have ever finished reading and then started rereading instantly afterwards. 

Podcast to share

I honestly haven’t been listening to any podcast over the last few months. I go through seasons of only listening to podcasts and seasons of only listening to music. I’m currently in a music season. Some of my favorite songs, albums and playlists lately have been:

• PDLIF, Single by Bon Ever

• Nowhere, EP by Daulton Hopkins

• Dreamland, Album by COIN

• Im loving anything from RY X right now.  The album Unfurl is so good.

• Cant go without mentioning my personal playlist for anything classic country ‘Unto Dust Radio’

Rituals or routines keeping you sane

Our family has been going on a daily walk for the last two months and it has been SO life giving. We try and walk at least two miles everyday around our neighborhood, exploring new areas as much as possible. Besides that, the little things like making coffee every morning, reading in the sun every afternoon and enjoying dinner at the dinner table together every evening have been helping keep us grounded.  

Anything new you’ve done with your newfound time?

Besides hanging out with my son and wife as much as possible I’ve had a ton more time to work on personal projects that have been on the back burner for far too long. I have been working on building out a new website and brand identity for my design studio. I also finally had the time to build out an online store, with new products, prints and merch. It’s been a dream for a long time to have an online store with things I have designed and created and Im so thrilled to finally have that ready to go. 

Quarantine motto

I’m not sure if I have one… I did see this tweet that I thought was amazing “April distance, brings May existence” - I’ve been saying it all the time, so maybe that’s my Motto.  

When this is over, what’s the first thing you’re doing?

I really need to go get a haircut! Life is weird enough right now, I’m not going to start messing with the Quarantine Haircut. Besides that, I’m just really excited to go out and visit all our local shops, eat out at our favorite restaurants and go on a road trip or two. 

When this is over, who’s the first person you’re seeing?

Without a doubt, my baristas at Presta Coffee. Can’t wait to go get a coffee and sit out in the morning sun at the Mercado San Agustin. This used to be a weekly ritual for us and I’m missing it so much.

What are you never going to take for granted again?

I’m never going to take the little moments of personal connection for granted. The friendly banter with the barista or bartender. The smile from someone walking by or running into someone you know. It’s the little things and interactions I miss the most right now while being held up inside.