My entire stream of consciousness while watching And Just Like That

Photo: HBO Max

It’s midnight. I’m 30 years old and I just got home from a film premiere. The first one since we went into lockdown in August. Two years later and we are still in the middle of a pandemic. Maybe that’s why I’m excited for this reboot — a bit of nostalgia and familiarity in (still) unprecedented precedented times. I’ve probably binge watched the entire Sex and the City series at least five times now. The most significant rewatch happened just before I turned 25 and heavily influenced the theme of my birthday party. New York. With a giant Empire State Building cake my aunty baked for the occasion.

A few months ago — in July specifically — I felt like my party animal self was reemerging. I was out most nights, at an event, at a social gathering, at a party. Hell, even Monday night dinners got lit. I remember sitting in a restaurant with my darling friend John one Monday evening, for some reason drinking cocktails like it was the weekend. At one point in the evening, I forgot I had ordered another one and I was reminded that we did in fact have a whole conversation about it before I went to the bathroom. It was nearly 11 pm when we left, and it was starting to drizzle outside. John and I were freezing but kept frolicking outside in the city. We looked up to the buildings surrounding us, mesmerised by the sheer glow of the lights, fuelled by the most delicious meal and drinks that was quite frankly an expensive treat for a weekday. I felt festive and celebratory.

Part of me felt like I was living in a dream. There I was, 29 years old, a full time writer and a freelance creative, working in the industries that I love. I was days away from being announced as one of the ambassadors for New Zealand Fashion Week this year. I was deeply infatuated with someone special. I was wearing clothes that I absolutely loved and felt so comfortable in my own body while wearing a tight, figure hugging dress.

I felt like I was on my way to living my life like how I saw Carrie Bradshaw live hers growing up. I started telling anyone who would listen that I was turning 30 in a few months and that I was approaching my ‘Sex and the City’ era. I was excited. The best was yet to come.

Then lockdown happened. I said goodbye (for now) to fashion week, to exciting work opportunities, and many more. And now here I am on a Friday evening (well, Saturday now) sitting on the couch while I wait for my laundry to finish. I am back home with my family. My dad is snoring right beside me and I feel like a teenager again trying to sneak in an episode of Sex and the City while my parents were asleep.

I have been saving a special Baies candle for the occasion. This Diptyque candle was my scented candle awakening after seeing it on the show in Carrie’s apartment. It feels poignant to light it right now. My friend Kerry messaged me asking if I’d seen the show yet. “I need to know, r u ok?” he asked.

And just like that, I am hitting ‘play’ and have this tab open so I can type my entire stream of consciousness while I watch it for the first time. Are you ready? I don’t know if I am. Let’s go. This may contain spoilers. Proceed with caution.

Wow I didn’t realise they’ve incorporated the pandemic in here. I mean, it’s relatable.

Samantha is no longer with us????

OK she’s in London. Thank God indeed.

What in the fuck how is Brady having sex already?! And here I am single in a pandemic living at home.

Addressing age in the first 5 mins? Wow, they went there.

Miranda Hobbes white saviour?

OMG it’s so weird seeing Carrie with a smart phone, talking about Instagram and streetstyle.

PODCAST????

Charlotte talking about Henry… as if she didn’t have a dog named Henry seasons ago.

They’re still going to the Hamptons. Nature is healing.

Yikes the fatphobia themes in the french fry convo. Some things never change.

Samantha ghosting?

Also no you’re not Samantha’s ATM, Carrie. She literally could afford to buy that jewellery for herself (before Smith Jerrod bought it)

Ha, Lily is badass!

I LOVE HARRY GOLDENBLATT AND I’M SO HAPPY HE’S HERE.

Carrie and Big. Just us two…. and a lot of wine and records apparently.

I once had a work husband who looked like Mr Big but hotter.

The Empire State building mural in Carrie and Big’s apartment is a little… cringe.

Another lockdown reference!

“I’m yours and I’m hungry” is perhaps the best line yet. Can’t wait to use that IRL.

My GOD I just want the intimacy of cooking dinner and dancing in the kitchen with a romantic partner.

EM GROSLAND IS IN HERE!

Yessss the pronouns call out!

OMG this is so cringe! Miranda Hobbes white saviour 2.0.

I’m never gonna get over this woke podcast. But also Sara Ramirez I’ve loved you since You’ve Got Mail!!!!!

“We are complicated diverse beings here in this wonderous planet all striving to be our best selves”

It’s quite clever how they’ve suddenly turned Carrie into a conservative… like a sex columnist from the 90s all of a sudden feeling uncomfortable talking about sex?

Miranda Hobbes white saviour 3.0 although I’m loving this later in life career change.

OK back to Carrie — I get what she is saying about writing and podcasting being different. I feel the same way as a writer. I don’t think I can express myself on a podcast as eloquently as I can with writing.

New drinking game: take a shot everytime Carrie mentions the pandemic.

Don’t hold yourself back is the advice we all need right now!

“I’m gonna step my pussy up”

Not gonna lie, Carrie’s writing desk or office is surprisingly small.

Ha! Big dropping a LinkedIn joke.

I can’t concentrate on this scene with Big because I’m distracted by that horrendous colour in the background.

OH THE CLOSET! The shoes!!!!!!! She still has the shoes!!!!

Nooooo the foreshadowing. I can’t.

Classic Charlotte moment.

HAHAHA yasssss I love Rose!

Steve and Miranda 4ever!!!!!

Wait is that Brady’s girlfriend?

OH Stanny. My heart!

It’s actually quite cute how all of them are in this recital.

I am so here for Miranda addressing white fragility!

“I’m 55 and i have to pee” amen sisterrrrrr!!

PURSE WINE! Ultimate aunty moment

So this is the famous Allegra

I’m still not over Brady growing up! I feel old

Lily is my hero

Even though I read the spoilers, I still was NOT prepared for that.

Damnnnnn they really did him dirty huh.

So you’re telling me Carrie has an Instagram app on her phone but no Uber?

I just can’t believe this is how it ends,

Wow the shot of the shoes and the water.

WHY ARE MY EYES LEAKING

And just like that what the fuck happened.

And Just Like That is streaming now. Slide into my DMs with your reckons!