When reading week hits, I always feel like it’s going to be longer than it is. Then when it’s the final day of it, I think, ‘Where did the time go?’ Well, that was me again this week, but even though I didn’t have to teach, I was busy working and trying to stay productive.

At the beginning of reading week, I was working to finish a first draft of one of my PhD chapters. This chapter will be the first substantive one in my thesis, looking at key moments in the making of my main subject’s worldview. Although it’s not a core chapter, it’s important for establishing the rest of the dissertation. It means it’s crucial to get it right. I spent many hours working on it (including one all-nighter since I couldn’t stop writing) and it finally clocked in around 40 pages. I thought it was a solid first draft, and although it needs some revision, I felt like it was a good foundation to start. I felt like I made some progress.

Besides that, I was trying to relax and take some time to breathe. During the COVID-19 pandemic, self care has become more important than ever. I’m trying to remember that in the midst of everything. I watched some excellent TV, did a lot of reading, and went on some gorgeous walks in Kensington Gardens/Hyde Park. Now that I’m writing this, it felt like the week went by very quickly. I suppose that’s not a bad thing, but now it’s back to my regular grind.

Since we’ve crossed the halfway mark for the term, I can say this one is going by much faster than the previous semester. I also feel like I’ve gotten a better grip on managing all my responsibilities, which makes everything feel easier. With reading week in the rearview mirror, I’m looking forward to finishing Lent Term strong. We got this!