I'm finally excited for a long weekend again

Earlier in the pandemic, long weekends meant more time isolated at home. They also provided a bigger reminder that we were separated from family and friends during holidays.

But as COVID-19 cases are decreasing and vaccines are increasing, the ability to meet up with loved ones and celebrate is much safer.

That's why I'm feeling excited again to have an extended holiday weekend for Memorial Day.

I'm fully vaccinated and so are my friends, so we're planning to have some proper fun – meet up for some outdoor drinks, maybe have a picnic in the park or even hit the beach (if the weather holds out).

More:The Destiny's Child group chat reunion is a good reminder to check in with your friends

Even with our vaccinations and returned feelings of excitement, social outings can sometimes bring up some anxiety. Plus, even within my friend group there are different levels of comfort in terms of what we each feel safe doing at this time.

But one thing is for sure, we're all happy to be feeling safer and excited for things again!

Catching a movie this Memorial Day? Here's what you need to know.

If part of your Memorial Day plan is to head back to a movie theater after being away from them throughout the pandemic, we've got you covered. 

This Memorial Day weekend, the Emma Stone-starring "Cruella" and long-delayed "A Quiet Place: Part II" will help usher in summer movie season for big-screen-starved audiences, writes my colleague Patrick Ryan.

Our review:Emma Stone's 'Cruella' fashions the coolest Disney movie in forever

'Did I just put my marriage on the line?' John Krasinski recounts the scariest scene in 'Quiet Place II' for Emily Blunt

Most movie theaters are still taking safety precautions against the ongoing pandemic. And according to a Fandango.com survey of 4,000 ticket-buyers, 93% were happy with their return experience and 87% said theaters did a great job of making them feel safe. 

Here are some tips for what to expect when you go back to the multiplex:

Assigned seats are (mostly) enforced

Capacity restrictions on New York City cinemas were lifted last week, yet theaters are still expected to enforce six-feet social distancing guidelines. (Confusing? Sure. Do we mind? Absolutely not.)

Concessions are scaled back, if available at all 

To get concessions, you can either wait in line or schedule an order for pickup using the AMC smartphone app. If you choose the latter option, you can easily pick up your bag of concessions in the theater lobby (although brace yourself for cold popcorn). 

To read the full article, click here.

Today's reads

• News you can use: Here's when NOT to hit the road for a Memorial Day trip
• Looking for Memorial Day sales? Here are all the best deals you can already shop
• There's a wacky workout that has taken TikTok by storm, but is it worth the hype? We asked fitness experts for their take.
• Is coming out as a member of the LGBTQ community over? No, but it could be someday
• Many of us didn't touch during the pandemic. Is it safe to hug again?

Today's pet

Meet Stella.

"She is a 3 month old new addition to our family," writes Paula Zechman. "She is wonderful, full of energy and kisses! She came from a rescue in Virginia (we live in Pennsylvania) and we all think she really likes it here!"