Sure, the world is a hellscape — filled with seemingly countless tragedies, and impending dooms compounded upon impending dooms. We must stay vigilant, pay attention, donate when we can, and most importantly we have to demand better for the future of our society/species/planet. You may think this is exhausting, and that’s because it is. Occasionally we must take a step back, breathe, and feel the rush of renewed energy wash over us. But what should you do before you get that second wind?

Have you seen Is it Cake? You know… the new Netflix competition reality show that asks bakers to make hyper-realistic cakes in the hopes of taking home loads of cash. Well, I have… every. single. episode. And here at Notes from a Chair, we’re here to tell you — that it’s pretty much the greatest distraction out there. Marvel at these cakes, at these artists who mold sugar and chocolate into everyday objects that defy and challenge your grip on reality.

Hosted by the uber-likable SNL cast member Mikey Day, Is it Cake? is so simple and yet so brilliant. Make a cake that looks like asparagus? Sure thing! How bout a conch shell? Easy peasy. A pile of solo cups that look like they are straight out of any American backyard barbecue? No problem. Each baker gets 8 hours to make impossibly realistic cakes and it’s so mindless, so beautiful to watch, so… easy? It’s hard to put my finger on it exactly, but all I can say is… it’s exactly what I needed at this moment in time.

Before we jump back into our regularly scheduled pop cultural musings, we’re gonna keep watching cakes get cut by giant knives. The Chair will be back with more to say, but in the meantime, while we breathe in that second wind, look at this bowling ball cake. I promise… it helps.