January has been long. Lockdown in the middle of winter is certainly not fun but it’s not been as bad as it could have been for me and I know I’m lucky to be in the position I’m in.
Favourite part?
That has to be my FemSoc campaign ‘Climate Change is a Feminist Issue’ which I’ve been the lead for and which happened over 2 weeks this month. I’ve been wanting to hold this campaign ever since I joined the FemSoc committee and it was so exciting seeing it actually happen. I particularly loved the events I held around slow fashion. I first had my talk discussing why fashion is a feminist issue, a craftivism session making #PayUp postcards to send to fashion brands who have still not paid their workers for cancelled orders from the beginning of the pandemic, and then a screening of several Remake documentaries followed by a discussion. I also loved taking part in our Eco Market, meeting small sustainable business owners and chatting about issues of climate justice with my fellow committee members. Each of these events were so fun and encouraging, and I can’t wait for the final event in the campaign this Sunday!
I’ve not done much in January apart from working on my end of module deadlines and the first chapter of my dissertation (I now have the first chapter completed!), but I have loved being out and about in my local area, and I’m lucky to have great green spaces around me. It’s so easy to stay inside constantly but I’ve been trying to make sure I go for at least a short walk every other day, if not more than that.
Best read?
I’ve read a fair bit this month, I’ve definitely seemed to get back into my reading mojo, and have read more that’s not for my degree. I’ve been reading more fiction too, which I haven’t done for fun in a while, and it’s been great. I forget ho good reading a fiction book is for winding down.
At the beginning of the year, I read by David Attenborough, which I as given as a Christmas present. I then read No is Not Enough by Naomi Klein for the second time, and it was still as relevant as ever.
I also read Whites: On Race and Other Falsehoods by Otegha Uwagba. It’s super short and easy to read (I read it all while in the bath!), but is very thought-provoking and certainly made me think a lot about the way we use social media in activism. I would highly recommend.
I then read Home Stretch by Graham Norton, also a Christmas present. I couldn’t put it down. I loved the characters and Norton’s writing style. I hadn’t read any of his writing before but I’ll have a look at some of his other work soon.
I’ve also been gradually reading, Charlotte by Helen Moffett, a continuation of the story of Pride and Prejudice from Charlotte Lucas’ point of view, and The Guilty Feminist by Deborah Frances-White, which I’ve had for ages but never got around to actually reading. I’ve only been reading these on days that I’ve not had much other reading to do (then I’ve been writing or going through lectures etc.), otherwise I just can’t handle reading any more words in a day!
I am also trying to start reading for my new modules which start next week. So far I’m over 100 pages into Vanity Fair by William Thackeray. I’ve also been gradually reasing This Changes Everything by Naomi Klein for my dissertation. It’s longer than some of the other books I’ve been reading for it, so I’m just taking it slowly. It will likely feature in the next couple of Wrap Ups!
Favourite tunes?
When writing the first chapter of my dissertation, I listened to the Moana soundtrack on repeat. Why not write about the film while dancing to its songs?! I’ve also been listening to Joni Mitchell’s Both Sides Now album again. I haven’t for ages but it’s been a great one to relax to in the evening’s while I’ve been getting ready for bed.
I’ve been loving podcasts again, particularly while I’m doing housework or when I’mgoing for walks. I’ve been catching up on episodes of The Guilty Feminist, my long time favourite, as well as a few episodes of Desert Island Discs and the How to Get Over Heartbreak series which is part of the Fucks Given podcast. Although I’m not heartbroken right now or going through what the host has been, I think it’s still really important to examine how we react to situations, how we take care of ourselves in times of crisis and how we know what are healthy situations and what are not.
Favourite watch?
What is there to do in lockdown other than go for walks and watch TV?! I’ve been continuing my watch of all of Made in Chelsea and have nearly caught up with the latest series (it’s steadily getting worse but I will persevere!
I also got very excited watching The Pembrokeshire Murders. It was very exciting seeing loads of places I know from where I grew up, even if the main character drove the wrong way over the Cleddau bridge!
I’ve also been loving The Great, It’s a Sin and the new series of First Dates, although my flatmate and I are trying to pace ourselves and not binge watch as many shows! We did binge watch both series of Glow Up though. I loved it and can’t wait for the next series, whenever that may be.
I’ve also watched lots of films as well TV shows – mostly old favourites! These have included Bridget Jones’s Diary, Pride and Prejudice (2005), Clueless, Sister Act and Ratatouille.
I’ve also been watching Misbehaviour while writing this post and ugh, it’s so good. Like any other feminist film, it makes me cry. It was the last film I watched in the cinema before the pandemic and it also makes me really miss cinemas… I can’t wait to be annoyed at strangers talking during films again.
What did I learn?
I’m more capable than I think I am. My Remake events this month proved that to me. I was so nervous beforehand but the encouragement and engagement from the people who attended early reassured me that I know what I am doing and can do it again.
I’m also really proud of the fact that I’m getting better at saying no and stepping back from things when I know I need a break or to reserve my energy for other things (i.e. my degree). This time last year I would have just ploughed full steam ahead with all my projects, but now I know that’s an unhealthy attitude.
What’s happening next month?
As I feel like I’ve said in every Monthly Wrap Up for the past year, not much. I’ll be starting new modules and continuing with my dissertation. I also have said to myself that my main goals for this year are just to get my degree and take care of myself. Anything else on top of that would be great (although I should probably add ‘get a job’ to that list in a few months).
For that reason, I probably won’t be sharing so many blog posts for a while. At the moment it’s easy for stress to takeover. There will still be posts but probably not every week!
What’s been on my mind?
My work, missing people I care about (I cannot WAIT to be drunkenly dancing with my pals again), and trying to find joy in the little things where I can. And trying not to panic about trying to get a job after I graduate ha ha… ha.
Favourite blogger/vlogger?
I’ve been catching up on videos of Leena Norms’ and Hanah Witton’s that I hadn’t seen. They’re certainly my YouTube comfort watches!
Favourite post?
My favourite blog post for January is A Vegan’s Guide to Newcastle. I love talking about local businesses I love, and these ones are great! I’ve been working on this post for about 2 years so it’s great for it to be out for everyone to read!
I also really enjoyed my 10 Best Books I Read in 2020, just because I love writing about amazing books!
Biggest inspiration?
Hearing about people getting their first dose of the vaccine. Whether it’s a friend, a family member, someone else’s friends and family, or simply a random stranger. It makes everything seem more real and gives me so much hope that I’ll be able to hug my friends soon!
Any other favourites?
Baking! I’ve been back baking again and ugh I love. I don’t know what it is about making food that really calms me down and helps me process things. I made a lush treacle tart (which got great feedback from the friends I dropped some off for) and a very cinnamon-y apple crumble with loads of vegan custard. I need to make some more…