It’s Friday! Congratulations all you weary travelers – unless you work in the restaurant industry it is the weekend for you! I will be facilitating celebrations all night long. (Don’t feel bad for me, I’ll be watching the Twins game out the corner of thine eye).

I’ve decided to start a new “Reading Rachel” tradition called The Friday Five. In an attempt to help you finish strong, here are some awesome things I’ve discovered this week(ish):

1. If you’ve glanced at my Twitter account in the last half-year, you’ve probably noticed I’m a bit obsessed with the new Needtobreathe album. These guys are the real deal. If you like Mumford & Sons, Jesus, or South Carolina – look no further. If none of those things interest you, you should still check out their album Rivers in the Wasteland.

Here’s a link to my favorite track: “Brother”

Bonus: Relevant Magazine wrote a great article about them in their latest issue, check that out too.

2. Okay, world. I’m apparently behind the times – but if you have not yet picked up on “Humans of NY” today is a new day. Brandon is a photographer who walks the streets of New York City collecting portraits and stories. Every person has a story – and we are all profound.

You can find his photos on Facebook, Instagram, or his blog.

3. I wouldn’t say I’m a Pinterest wizard when it comes to the “Food & Drink” category. So I’m going to take this chance to say I nailed this one. Here’s a recipe for a “Smoky Corn Chowder” that will have men lining up at your door (even if your ratio isn’t quite 15:1). I made this when I got home from work Tuesday night at 1am and completed it in less than an hour (which is a feat for this frozen pizza).  (I had to do the blender part in the laundry room as to not wake my sleeping roommates). We devoured it last night and still had room for a dessert clementine. Nothing like a simple recipe with few ingredients to make you seem like a local Giada.

4. Jimmy Fallon. I have loved this man since his awkward SNL days and could not be more happy to see him lighting up the stage on the Tonight Show. As the “remote controller” at the Bakken Club, you best believe TV #4 is always on NBC at 10:30pm. If you didn’t catch his lip-sync battle with Emma Stone, it’s time. All she does is win, no matter what.

5. Guys, it’s the NBA finals. What is it that can make my sister and I yell “ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! THAT WAS A FLAGRANT 1 AT THE LEAST – DO YOUR JOB!” at a ref in a game where our team isn’t even playing  (because the only winning record we have is longest playoff drought). There’s something about the postseason. Not to mention baseball is back and the Minnesota Wild are in the SECOND ROUND of the playoffs. What I’m trying to say is – did you see Kevin Durant’s acceptance speech for the NBA MVP? Check out his shout-out to his mom at 23:30. He is a truly humble and genuine man. (PS when did NBA stars become such hipsters?)

Enjoy your weekend! Tip your servers.