Carver Queally
📍Washington, DC | Director of Sport - Strategic Growth at Tuckernuck
📝 Editor’s Note
“You seem like the type of person that reads a book and takes on that book’s personality for the next month.”
Is that a compliment? Is that a diss? It reminds me of the comment
my buddyTrevor H once made when he called me “deceptively un-athletic.” However, in this scenario I think it was a well intended statement about my passion for learning a new topic. Or at least that is what I am going to tell myself.The last three books I’ve read are:
Empire of Pain - a family hellbent on profits at the expense of millions getting hooked on OxyContin
State of Fear - ecoterrorists who try to augment natural disasters to drum up climate change awareness (I am shook on how the book presents climate change data)
How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing People Deeply - this is where I think I’m guilty
My dad gave me the book How to Know a Person and I’ve appreciated the concepts and prompts about having more engaging conversations. Those of you who have heard me say this are probably rolling your eyes, but one question I got from the book was “if we were celebrating something for you in a year, what would it be?” As cheesy as this sounds, posing this question has enabled me to have some really good conversations with friends.
A year from now I hope I’m celebrating 5K Rambull subscribers and a career update that has me energized.
Without further ado….
Why Carver?
I first met Carver when we were both living in NYC. She is one of those rare out-of-staters at UNC and seems to know everyone. She is good friends with my older sister who said Carver would be a great profile. So thanks Anna and thanks Carver!
Self-Description
A shopping-obsessed, newish-to-DC resident with a curious mind and a ready laugh that you'll hear from 100 feet away. I am constantly on the move and am on an endless quest for balance. I tend to live in a state of (mostly organized) chaos, but I’m working on it…
Carver’s Recommendations
Written in her own words…
Digital Tool
I love voice notes for keeping in touch. Phone catchups with friends are often hard to schedule and texting can start to drive me crazy, but I love being able to record or listen when I have the chance (like driving to/from work, the gym, while cooking, etc). Hearing someone's voice always lifts my spirits and makes me feel more connected to my friends and family, even when it feels like there isn't enough time.
Well-Being
Accountability Partners (Atomic Habits Book)
I read Atomic Habits by James Clear over Christmas (well worth the read!) and was influenced by his framework around habits. One of the things that he outlines in the book is the importance of accountability partners. To kick off the new year, a group of 4 friends (not local) did a fitness challenge - each day we had to update a google sheet where you got a point if you completed a workout class and a point if you hit at least 7,500 steps. It is informative to have to track both of these metrics and as a naturally pretty competitive person, it was really motivating.
Bonus: we now have a group text so I talk to these three friends a lot more often.
Editor’s Note: based on reader feedback, I’m asking for a “vice” each time a well-being recommendation is provided. Carver’s vice is online shopping, specifically Shopbop and Tuckernuck.
Food and Drink
I like good coffee and will pay for it at any price. I have had a lot of different kinds of machines over the years, but I just bought the Breville Bambino Plus after using my aunt's while on vacation and I am converted. There is definitely a learning curve and you have to buy a grinder that goes with it, so it's expensive upfront and I'm told "a little extra". However, the coffee is top notch and I'm kicking my (expensive) Starbucks habit.
Gift
Hand Written Notes
I probably send 8-10 cards and notes a month. Birthday cards, get well soon cards, thank you notes, holiday cards, sympathy, just for fun notes, etc. Hand written notes are sadly becoming a thing of the past, but I always hear from people that they love getting notes in the mail. The key is to prepare and have a stash of cards, a good pen and stamps on hand. Etsy, Papier and Rifle are my favorites for cards.
Editor’s Note: I would be remiss if I didn’t plug my wife’s store, If It’s Paper in Greensboro and Raleigh North Carolina. She and her team are incredibly talented and creative. Custom stationery makes a great gift, in particular a fathers/mothers day present or for young kids getting in a ‘thank you’ note habit. You do not have to be in North Carolina to get setup with tasteful stationery.
Music
I love pop culture. I wouldn't call this under the radar, but I went to 7 Harry Styles concerts (in 3 countries) last year. When he goes back on tour, definitely go. If you're not that crazy (likely!), is anyone listening to Murder on the Dancefloor as much as I am after watching Saltburn? I found a playlist called "POV: you need more songs that feel like murder on the dancefloor" that is hitting the spot.
Amazon
I travel a lot for work and I need to be able to quickly pack up and stay organized (which is not my strength). For the ladies out there, I have tried what feels like every makeup bag under the sun and this is hands down the best one that I have used. It keeps me a little more organized with the brush holder on the side, I can see what's in it and I can easily clean it. Best part - $11.99.
Plug
As a passionate shopper, Tuckernuck has the best assortment at every price point. Check it out at tnuck.com
Want to get in touch with Carver? Email her at ecqueally@gmail.com
P.S. Its cold season and I was recently told about a drink from Starbucks called a Medicine Ball. It sounds like I’m late to the game as this isn’t a new secret menu item - check it out if you need a pick me up. Thanks Alli C for the heads-up.
Yay Carver!!! Love it!!
The Medicine Ball has saved me during these past months teaching preschool😵💫. I usually ask for light lemonade and still tastes great!