A week of school, reality tv, and reading: Sustaining balance when life gets busy

Hey everyone!

I am simultaneously super busy with school and also finding so much time for my hobbies. I really do not know what is going on with time, but I am not mad about it. Despite writing about how much my phone has been negatively affecting me, I did not do a good job of lowering my screen time this week. As I said, it will be a process, so I am holding myself accountable while giving myself grace.

Type of content consumed: YouTube, tv, books, music

YouTube

While I didn’t watch an insane amount of YouTube, I did enjoy some of Heather and Reagan’s videos once again. At this point, I don’t even know why I tell you because it is always the same, but hey, maybe one day it will change.

Television

*spoilers ahead for Heartland (season 19), Dancing with the Stars (season 34), Survivor (season 49), Below Deck Mediterranean (season 10)

Heartland

Dancing with the Stars

I did not get to watch this live, and while I wasn’t outright spoiled I was 99% sure I knew who won. And I was correct. Honestly, I wanted Robert or Alix to win, so I was happy they were the top two. I think Robert was a good dancer who made genuine progress throughout the show, so the win is valid to me. With that being said, Alix had me hooked during her freestyle. I could not look away, she was flawless.

Survivor

Once again, Rizzo and Savannah are pulling the strings, and honestly good for them. It was sad to see Jawan go, but I am just happy it wasn’t my girl Sage. Also, Kristina’s strength during the challenge was absolutely incredible to watch. I really don’t know where things will go in the next episode, because every tribal I have been surprised by what they decide to do.

Below Deck Mediterranean

I was feeling bored this week and decided I needed another show. I haven’t been watching this season of Below Deck Med, so I decided to get caught up. The drama is real, and this season genuinely has been a bit of a trainwreck. I really hope Nathan can get himself in shape to be a better bosun because I do think he has potential. I absolutely love Aesha because she is good at her job, unapologetically herself, and a good friend.

Reading

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

I grinded through a bunch of this audiobook. I have 5 hours left, so I definitely plan on finishing it this week. The action as definitely increased which has made it easier to read (or listen to). While I am interested, I am not sure if I will continue with the series. I guess I’ll have to see how it ends, because that might change my mind.

Sidelined Love by Emery Paige

I finished this book this week which was exciting. I did enjoy this book, but I found that it was trying to be too many things. I love tropes don’t get me wrong, but I think this book tried to include too many. For example, Hailey had some issues so she went to therapy, and while that was good growth to see, I feel like somethings got skimmed over. She had these fears about going to a hockey game, but they didn’t really make that much sense to me. Respectfully girl, no one is gonna pay attention to you, especially before her and Levi were even dating. I think these tropes could have worked out better, but the book felt rushed.

Christmas at the Ranch by Julia McKay

I am only three chapters into this book, but I already feel like it’s the perfect light Christmas romance I need. While it isn’t on my ten before the end list, I am reading it anyways because it is grabbing my attention right now. I don’t want to force myself to only read books from that list and end up in a slump.

Music

While I know I listened to music this week, I could not tell you what it was. If I were to guess it was some country and some pop as per usual.

Thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know if there is anything else you want to see from me. Feel free to check out my Instagram for more!

Hailey