In My Life
I wrote about my struggles adjusting to #quarantinelife in my March Rewind. I continue to struggle, but things are getting better. Things that have helped me include walks around the neighborhood (really, getting outside of the house), diffusing essential oils, making reading a priority, and connecting with others. I’m especially grateful for my writing class because it holds me accountable for doing something I love. It also encourages me because my class’s feedback tells me that I’m getting something right. Which I need, because I’m quick to point out my weaknesses.
Skylar has played an important role in keeping up our spirits. She brings us peace and joy. She reminds us to rest in the moment, to look outwards, and to serve one another. Her cares and concerns are different from ours. She doesn’t understand what we’re going through. All she desires is some of our time and energy, things we can easily give to her.
My family celebrated my birthday with Indian takeout. The food tasted especially delicious because it made me feel connected with the outside world. Imagine how much more wonderful it’ll feel when we can go outside to connect with each other in person.
I lost the job that I needed to purchase textbooks. This actually happened back in March when the shelter-in-place order went out, but it took me a while to open up about it. When I shared on one of my social media accounts, people stepped up to help me purchase textbooks and even some books off my fun reading list. This has been a tremendous blessing during a difficult time. If you can help out, by sharing a list or by purchasing a book, here are the lists: (1) textbook wish list, (2) book wish list.
What we’ve been watching:
- The Rising of the Shield Hero subverts the typical “hero summoned to another world” trope when the protagonist is betrayed and must fend for himself. This show is based on a light novel and includes themes of prejudice and discrimination.
- That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime follows the protagonist when he is reincarnated in another world as a weak monster, but with overpowered skills. This show explores some serious issues like famine, leadership, and the strong preying on the weak; but it also has humor and features a variety of personalities. Like Shield Hero, it’s based on a light novel.
- Person of Interest follows Harold Finch and John Reese as they solve crimes brought to their attention by a sentient machine, who provides them with a social security number to investigate. This show raises ethical questions about artificial intelligence and other issues of a more human nature.
You might have missed on the blog:
- 10 Series to Start This Spring
- 12 Signs to Identify a Bibliophile
- Can a Book Have Too Many Points of View?
What I’m Reading in April
- Legacy of Ash (Legacy Trilogy #1) by Matthew Ward
- Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo (reread)
- Thorn (Dauntless Path #1) by Intisar Khanani
- The Silence of Bones by Jane Hur
- Soul of the Sword (Shadow of the Fox #2) by Julie Kagawa
- Night of the Dragon (Shadow of the Fox #3) by Julie Kagawa
Around the Blogosphere
- Cam @ Camillea Reads shares 7 fantasy books to read this season.
- Claire @ clairefy shares her experiences with covid-19 and racism toward Asian Americans
- Elyse Martin shares how fantasy writers have used footnotes to, among other things, subvert tradition, engage with readers, and explore the implications of authority.
- The 5 Worlds team has released a free 10-page coloring book, available to download.
Let’s Chat
📚How are you doing?
📚 What are you currently reading?
📚 What are some quarantine activities that you’ve enjoyed?
This post is linked to the Sunday Post, hosted by Caffeinated Reviewer.
Literary Feline says
Our animals bring us such comfort, don’t they? My poor cats have gotten more cuddles than they probably like in the past weeks. I am glad you are feeling a bit better these days, and that the writing class is helping with that. It sounds like you had a nice birthday. The Indian food sounds delicious. I am so sorry about your job loss. This time has been rough on so many. It is great though to see so many people stepping up to help others in need.
I hope you are enjoying your current reads. Thorn is on my TBR pile and you’ve reminded me I need to read the second Kagawa book so I can get to the final one in the trilogy. I really liked the first book.
I hope you have a good week. Stay safe and well.
Crystal (Kester) says
Yes, it’s wonderful to have an animal around. And to see so many people stepping up to help others.
I hope you enjoy your current reads and have a wonderful week too!
Shelleyrae @ Book’d Out says
I’m glad you are finding a way forward, and are getting practical support
Happy belated birthday 🎂 I’m having takeaway Chinese to celebrate my birthday tonight..,can’t wait!
Wishing you a great reading week and good health
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks so much, Shelleyrae! I hope you have a wonderful reading week too!
Anne - Books of My Heart says
My days are kind of running together with moody reading. My daughter has online classes to keep her in a more usual routine. Lulu, our dog, is happy we are home all the time. She’s a comfort to us and a reason for us to get out in the yard.
Have a healthy, safe week! Happy Easter!
Anne – Books of My Heart Here is my Sunday Post
Crystal (Kester) says
Classes are great way to maintain a routine, though the days have been running together for me too. It’s wonderful to have a dog around. Skylar loves having us all home, and she reminds us to move around!
Ethan says
I’m glad you are starting to adjust to this situation, although I know the job part doesn’t make it any easier. I too celebrated my birthday at home. It was strange for sure. Puppy cuddles are definitely the best medicine right now!
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks, Ethan. Yes, it’s been a strange time. I’m thankful for my puppy. She’s been a great comfort, and she reminds me to find small pockets of happiness.
Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer says
Glad you are adjusting and yes, takeout taste unusually good now… we had it once this month and it was a treat. The job thing is stressful but I hope you find some good in the outcome.
Crystal (Kester) says
I’m thankful for the small ways we can connect with the outside world. I’m learning to focus on the good; it’s especially important during this time.
Sam@wlabb says
Sorry to hear about your job. That’s definitely additional stress you probably don’t want or need, but it’s lovely that people wanted to help you out. Glad you are finding those silver linings in this situation, and I hope you find more and more of those things to sustain you
Crystal (Kester) says
Yes, it’s amazing the support that people have given. They’ve helped alleviate a stressful situation.
Thanks so much, Sam!