This isn’t so much about what I did this week but more about my thoughts as I did these things. These don’t include the ‘social activities’ which I’ll be starting again next week, but this is pretty much what I do if I could organize my week around the things that I personally want to do and enjoy doing.

what I’m working on…

My bucket list. How to challenge myself in the months leading up to college. Keeping busy lest my anxiety over college admissions takes over my actions. My days consist of reading (a lot), blogging, learning languages and researching about my future travel(s), doing all kinds of exercises and workouts, playing the cello, practicing my skills on photography and calligraphy, and work-related things.

I try to stick to a weekly schedule so I spend more time doing than thinking about what to do, but I always try to revolve my activities around creativity so it never gets dull.

what I’m reading…

Finished 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami. It’s one of those books that is so twisted, mysterious and luring that makes you  want to sacrifice everything else to read it. I finished it in 6 days, and this is possibly the longest novel I’ve read (new record?).

I usually read several books at once. Currently, I’m enjoying Books for Living by Will Schwalbe; in each chapter the author relates a personal experience and a specific book that has opened his eyes further. It is due to this book that I picked up Gift from the Sea by  Anne Morrow Lindbergh, which I’m absolutely loving.

For languages, I’m reading Italian Short Stories For Beginners and Chineasy Everyday. I’m trying to learn basic Italian and improve my Chinese through extensive (instead of intensive) reading and, so far, I’m quite happy with my progress.

what I’m listening to…

Music-wise, I listen to most of my music on Spotify, to the playlists that are recommended to me, like “Discover Weekly”. So far, my March playlist includes The Cloud Song  by Meiko, Classic by MKTO, and Yesterdays by Ricky Smith.

From time to time, I love listening to this Studio Ghibli Cello Collection. It has several pieces from some of the most popular anime films, cello version.

I hope to get back on Audible, as I have a few paid books unread, as well as other motivation podcasts. I usually listen to these while I’m doing things that allow me to multitask, e.g. working out, simple things like making a collage or practicing my writing, etc.

what I’m watching…

Switched at Birth, an American TV series, just aired Season 5 a few weeks ago, and so I’ve been watching it since then. I love the show because it deals with all kinds of social issues, struggles and disabilities. It prompts us to question our moral code by challenging our current beliefs. I don’t agree with its portrayal completely, and it’s a bit too dramatic for my taste, but I feel that it generally evokes a pretty good effect on the audience.

Films:

• Last night I watched Manchester by the Sea, and it’s probably the most depressing film I have ever watched. If you haven’t watched it yet, here’s a tip: don’t watch it when you’re moody/sad/depressed/not well. It’s a somber film.
• I saw Pawn Sacrifice earlier this week and… it was dense. A biographical drama film, I was astounded by the strong personality of Bobby Fischer (protagonist and chess grandmaster).
• I also watched Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and I felt a bit let down. I knew that this would happen, as my loyalty for a Harry Potter-related film are unsurpassable. It was good, though. Good.

what I’m thinking…

Will I go to college this year? Trying really hard not to think about it, but after going through this ordeal last year, it’s hard not to let that experience influence my current mood.

-Michelle