April’s recap
First time writing this kind of blog entry, but I wanted to — or at least try — to do this as a way of memory recording.
April's been a… weird month in the sense that I don't really know what I've done with my days. I'm finding myself stuck at a moment in my life where I should be doing things. Everyday I wake up and I feel a hunger deep inside that screams "I wanna live": I want to see and do new stuff, and I want to meet and connect with new people. I also have to work on my master's thesis, and I'm so blocked I'm actually losing my mind! The worst thing is that I don't know what to do to break the cycle.
Things to work on
- Get an ADHD assessment. If you're one of my friends and you're reading this: no, you aren't. I know all my executive dysfunction probably comes from an undiagnosed neurodivergence and everything seems to point towards AuDHD. There's this fear that has been keeping me from getting an assessment — it keeps telling me I'm not ND, I'm just faking it and I'm just weird in a non-manageable way. I need to get over this fear if I want to make my life easier (because I've learned that there's absolutely no point in making everything harder for yourself).
- Need to touch grass. My friends keep sending me photos of cool birds and I'm so jealous!! A good hike through a forest would probably reset my nervous system for good, and I should take advantage of the good weather before the heat comes.
- Need to face my master's thesis. It's not an impossible task and it's about something I like. It's not going to kill me; I can do it.
Things I'm proud of
- Community. I'm pretty proud of my efforts for involving myself more in activism and other activities that help build community. This year I've entered a new queer group in my city, and I've tried to help as much as I've been able. I made some clothes patches with the logo on it, I'm managing a guide on transitioning in Spain and I've met new people, which is lovely.
- New flat. I'm starting an Internship in June in a different city, and I've finally found a place to live! One thing less to worry about.
- Astronomy. We organized an initiation workshop for our astronomy club. We were scared no one would attend but it was a success. Teaching always makes me nervous, like I don't know enough to explain it to another person.
- And speaking of teaching… the girl I'm tutoring has passed her second-chance examination! Thank God we're over with chemistry and I can now teach her physics.
Media corner
Here are some of the things I've watched, read, played and listened to this month.
Music
Since I stopped using Spotify my main sources for listening to music are: my trustworthy mp3, YouTube for the new stuff (I really like those channels where people record their vinyls), Radio Garden (allows me to listen to music from all over the world) and local radios (my fave is RNE Radio 3).
Albums
- The Electricity in Your House Wants to Sing - I Am Robot and Proud. It has the same vibe that the title transmits.
- Relaxation Music for Your Computer - Takumi Yoneyama. I've been in the mood for instrumental music and this just hits the spot.
- Music for Bugs - Camiidae
New artists
- Inés Hall: She has like three or four songs, so we'll see how her music evolves. I really like her last release "Joy".
- FORAGER: Kind of fell in love with their Tiny Desk concert.
- Speaking of Tiny Desk concerts, I really enjoyed Amaia's! Had it on loop for a couple of days. The way she sings some of the songs really scratches a part of my brain.
Films
- Project Hail Mary: The way people were talking about this film, I expected more. I cannot say I hate it partly because I love love love sci-fi. However, it felt a little marvel-y for my taste. Maybe I'm not in the mood anymore for that American humor.
TV Shows
- The Pitt S2: What a trainwreck of a season (and I say this as a S1 die-hard fan). The writing was all over the place, characters were butchered, the rhythm was completely lost… I could go on and on. I'll probably rewatch it just to see if it holds a little bit better when binge-watched.
- School Spirits S3: My little comfort show hehe. I'm really glad it has been renewed for a S4 but the 8-episode seasons are not doing them any favors.
- How to with John Wilson S1: Crazy show, it gives me Nathan Fielder vibes (no wonder he's one of the executive producers — also everyone should watch The Rehearsal) but calmer.
Books
- Intermezzo (DNF) - Sally Rooney: Because of this book I haven't read much this month. I'll probably finish it in the future, and I must say I'm not disliking it but the gloomy mood is too much for me right now.
- El Cuerpo de Cristo (comic) - Bea Lema: My little treat for World Book Day. Loved the contrast between the devastating story and the colorful drawings. Some of the pages are scans of cross-stitched tapestries and one can only be in awe at the hard work.
- The Galaxy and the Ground Within - Becky Chambers: I think this is the fourth book of the collection, which means I've skipped the third one (it doesn't really matter because they're separate stories). I love Becky Chambers' books and I love how she builds such complex lore with even the smallest details.
Video Games
I started several games this month but none of them seems to stick because I only want to play Stardew Valley lol.
- The World Ends With You (In progress): I'll finish this game in the future, I promise. Fortunately, this is the only game that rewards the time you spend not playing it. Really difficult game (for me, at least) with such a steep learning curve. I'm curious about the plot.
- Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs (In progress): The only Pokémon Ranger game I have never played (I saw my brother play it when we were younger, though). I remembered Ranger games being more entertaining, but I felt like it was kind of slow.
- Deep Sea Aquarium: Really weird game, zero tutorials or instructions, you operate on vibes only. All my fish kept dying.
- Harvest Moon DS: Stardew Valley on crack. They just throw you in there and you have to figure it out. Stressed me so much I left it after two days. I'm stubborn so I'll probably play it again in the future.
Finally, I would like to give a shoutout to my friend D (I hope she never reads this, that would be embarrassing). She's currently doing something really brave and selfless and she's easily one of the kindest souls I've ever met. I hope she knows she's loved and how much we care for her.
Thanks for reading me and may May treat you well.
