The Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T (07/07/24)
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Hello wonderful human beings (and aliens and dogs who read blogs),
I think I’m in denial about how fast June has gone. These days, I can only tell time through how fast my eyebrow hair grows between my threading appointments. Mangoes bloom on my neighbor’s trees while my own mango tree stands barren, mocking me. A reflection of myself, maybe?
“Seize the summer” is plastered all over my journals and social media. With secondaries and the possibility of taking the MCAT again, not much conquering or seizing has been done. However, I’ve been celebrating tiny wins as a way of being kinder to myself and building some confidence back into my life. After going through one of my toughest rotations to date, I decided to pick myself up (somehow) and really take care of myself. This means celebrating wins and, unfortunately, cleaning my room.
Weirdly enough, Mom was right. Cleaning my room really did help me. She would always say, “Cluttered mind, cluttered room,” and in some way, I think I did manifest that.
My small wins these days: I’ve started a new job and learned a new skill set which I’m proud to say is slowly becoming familiar with each shift at the hospital. I have a fun girl’s trip that I’m looking forward to around the beginning of August, all paid for by the aforementioned job. I purchased new matcha powder, and I truly think it makes my iced matcha lattes delicious. I’ve been experimenting with different drink recipes and even small dessert recipes. I’m going to see one of my favorite K-pop bands on stage in August. I’ve started to go on long walks instead of going to the gym (nothing against the gym; I just wanted to save money and try incorporating more home workouts). These long walks have become the way I hang out with friends. It’s always nice to have company on walks. I got two super cute skirts for my upcoming girl’s trip, and I’m just saving them for that occasion. My dog is awesome, simple as that, and a new boba place opened up nearby that actually has some delicious cheese foam. I’ve started to actually do some real adulting with my finances, which will hopefully be appreciated by future Riya.
Things I want to incorporate more in the summer include sending snail mail to my friends as well as care packages. I mean, I completely forgot those even existed in the first place, but now I want to start showing some love to my friends even when far, far away. I also want to bring Pilates back into my schedule. I used to be such a Pilates person, but now I kind of want to bring that discipline back into my life. Just having a schedule would be nice again. Back in college, I would have class at 8 a.m., but no matter what, I would find a way to make sure my workout, shower, and breakfast were all done by 7 a.m. It would be nice to bring that rigor and schedule back before I start studying again for my tests.
My weekly reports have turned into monthly reports (should I change the name entirely?).
Some things I’ve been loving since I last talked to you include rewatching the TV show Smallville! I completely forgot how cute and boyish the lead is in Smallville and how it really just feels like growing up in general. The show feels like comfort these days, and I've been enjoying an episode or two in the evenings. Other favorites include Target brand sour gummy worms (much better than the name brand ones, in my opinion) and my little Sonny’s Angel that I finally, finally decided to stick onto my laptop. It’s staring at me as I type this.
Some books I’ve been wanting to get into my hands before our next chat:
More days at the Morisaki Bookshop
Two sides to every murder
The substack articles I’ve been reading these days are countless but since I bought my plane ticket, I’ve been devouring anything with the words “New York”. This one seemed to understand me:
I would share my music and my playlists with you but that feels so deeply personal, the modern day mixtape perhaps? I’ll whip some playlist up before we meet again friend.
Today is Sunday. A fresh day.
I’m going to get up early and have a really nice day tomorrow. You should too.
I didn’t bother grammar checking this article, I just let my words flow and let this be a reflection of this moment for now. Hopefully, my jumble of words make sense together <3
With love always,
Riya
I am tempted to heed your recommendation regarding the Target gummy worms. The only thing that worries me is it may lead to a trip to the dentist. I have little self control when it comes to that candy.