It’s been rather quiet around here lately. Yes, I’ve done a few posts, but not a whole lot of them and I’ve hardly been commenting on other blogs. Mostly, though, I just feel like I’m kind of out of it. So, am I in another blogging slump? I’m not sure, actually, because it’s not like I don’t want to blog. I’ve just been having a hard time trying to find the time and energy to write and come up with posts. So, in order to ease back in and let you guys know about what’s been going on in my life, I figured I’d just do a personal post and ramble for a while. It might even become a series – who knows!
Exciting, I know.
To be honest, I’m never really sure if anyone wants to read about my not very thrilling life, but I always really enjoy personal posts by other people so apparently us humans simply like taking a peek into other people’s lives. I guess that’s why reality shows are so popular (although I despise those).
Anyway, let’s get back on track, if we ever were to begin with (this post is a mess already).
As you guys may or may not know, I am currently doing a Master’s degree in English (Writing, Editing and Mediating, to be exact) and at the beginning of the year I’ve started to work on my thesis. It’s fun, but also a little stressful since it takes a lot of self discipline. I’ve been spending a whole lot of time working on it at the university, which means then quite often when I get home around dinner time I don’t really have the energy left to write blog posts. So what I want to do is to dedicate an afternoon (or morning, or whatever part of day) every week to writing posts. Just get them all out at the same time. Get in the flow (yikes, that word kind of gives me the heebiejeebies) and just do it!
I just have to figure out a bit of a routine for myself, and then I think I’ll be fine, both with the blogging and the thesis! I’m going to write about fairy tales and YA retellings of them, and I’m focusing on the tale of Cinderella in particular. It’s really interesting to read all the previous work that’s been written on fairy tales, particularly all the articles on feminism and fairy tales. That’s also the direction I’ll be taking, because feminism is cool stuff (or, you know, something a little more academic).
What else has been going on in my life… Oh, right! I got myself an unlimited card for the cinema in town, which means I pay 19 euros each month and can go to as much films as I like. I’ve been making excellent use of it so far. I’ve seen a bunch of cool films such as The Big Short (lost my faith in humanity forever, but it was good), The Hateful Eight (yaasss Tarantino) and Deadpool, which was awesome. I saw it two days ago and kind of want to see it again. So that’s been taking up a bit of my time as well, but definitely in a good way!
As for reading… I haven’t really been doing a lot of that yet this year. I think it mostly has to do with the fact that I’m reading loads for my thesis and either don’t feel like reading the novels on my shelves once I’m done with that, or I simply don’t have the time. A few days ago I did finish The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman, though, and it was so good that I think it kind of pulled me out of the little reading slump I was having. I ordered a couple of books last week (Winter is coming!) so that’s gotten me excited again as well.
Also, today I finally baked something again! I had kind of planned to make some serious headway with my thesis, but instead I whipped up a really good banana and hazelnut bread. That complete distraction from everything else is so nice. As I’ve said before, it’s kind of like therapy for me. Oh, and it’ll be up on the blog next week.
That’s it from me for now, I guess! I kind of liked writing this thing, so perhaps I should just do this once a month or something. I’m going to think about that… In the meantime, I want to know what’s been going on with you! Seen any good films lately? Writing a thesis as well? Let me know!
Books Baking and Blogging 
I’m doing my Undergrad dissertation at the moment and I’m writing on fairy tales too! (that’s why if you check out my blog you’ll see a lot of fairy tale related posts). I too am struggling with time and self discipline so if you ever stumble upon the answer to that one I’d be interested to know. Oh, and I also love banana bread. So yes, keep posting about your personal life, I’d be interested to know how it all goes.
Oh, that’s so cool! It’s really difficult, but I try to just work during the day and then have the evenings and the weekends to myself. I get pretty distracted during the day too, though, but I don’t work at home, which really does help to minimise the distractions. The banana bread is almost gone by now! I gave some to my friends and they loved it. Thank you very much, I’m glad you enjoyed this post! I really liked writing it, so I’m definitely going to do more in the future.
Your thesis sounds fascinating! Can’t wait to hear more about that. The Big Short was really good, right?
Thank you! I’ve been working very hard to come up with a good thesis statement, but it’s looking pretty good. I’ll keep you all posted. 🙂 And, yes, I thought it was amazing! It was a little difficult to keep with all the economic side of things, but I managed, and it’s just an unbelievable story. Plus, I was on my edge of the seat the entire time thinking “THIS CANNOT HAPPEN” while we all now that it actually did happen. That’s a good film right there!