Happy Earth Day friends! I write to you from my sunny desk after a lovely walk. Today is one of those spring days that I absolutely love. For one, it is 79º here which to me is the perfect temperature for hanging out without overheating. It’s a clear day, the flowers are blooming, and neighbors are out walking with their dogs and kiddos! I’m feeling especially grateful for today since it has already been a long week (and it is only Wednesday!).
Online classes are ramping up for me with finals right around the corner. The due dates for all of the essays that I have been researching and outlining for are rapidly approaching. This week I have two papers due –– one for my first-year writing class and one for my American Studies class –– in addition to a chemistry take-home exam. Perhaps you understand why it has already been a busy week?! Despite feeling a bit overwhelmed with my workload, I am really excited about both of my papers. My first-year writing class is centered around the topic of immigration, so for my final paper I am writing about the role of disease in the creation of xenophobic immigration policies which feels increasingly relevant! My research has been incredible interesting –– digging through nurse’s journals from turn of the century New York and reading contemporary historian’s arguments about the topic. I’m especially grateful for the access to Wellesley databases including e-book databases while home because it has made my research much easier. In my American Studies class on the Gilded Age, we also had flexibility on the topic of our papers. I chose to write about the solidification of masculinity in the time period through participation in spectator sports like boxing. I’ve been relying heavily on databases for my research in that paper too!
I’ve also been practicing some serious self-care this week! I finished a cross-stitch that I have been working on for almost a month. I’ve been starting off my morning with cross-stitching and I’m so pleased with how my pattern turned out. I’m planning on bringing it with be back to Wellesley in the fall to hang in my room! Yesterday I baked chocolate chip cookies and delivered them to neighbors. I also binge-watched a new and incredibly trashy Netflix show called Too Hot to Handle with a friend using Netflix Party. My younger brother and I chalked the street outside our house earlier this week. And of course, I’ve been doing lots of reading.
My finished cross-stitch!
My brother’s Spongebob chalk art in progress
I made this heart using LOTS of blue tape. By the time I finished it was dark, but I took a picture anyway (featuring my favorite Wellesley sweatshirt –– Go blue!)
I ordered books to support our local independent bookstore and they were delivered by the owner.
This week I’m reading Mary Oliver’s Devotions in honor of National Poetry Month, and I’m also picking up a new book from my favorite author –– The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd. I am making my way back through the Harry Potter books for some comfort reading! I’m currently on Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and I’m loving listening to the podcast Harry Potter and the Sacred Text in conjunction with the books.
As always, stay safe and be kind to yourself and others!