Pretty Days

// Dear Diary Series — WEEK 8

2nd November, 2020/ Monday

• Independent Study Week begins. No classes but time to figure things out on our own. Best I could do was reorganize and reorient myself. 5 weeks of teaching completed.
• Since lockdown starts this week, ran some errands in Harborne — groceries, bank, post office et al.
• I made food that looks like tricolor. Everyday experiments continue.
• Started creating Reels today (Aayushi’s suggestion) — 30 days, 20 reels, Vegan November!

3rd November, 2020/ Tuesday

• A good cup of frosted Christmas-y Vegan hot coffee to celebrate getting a bank account- finally. It took me two months to make up my mind, but now it is done.
• Also, another milestone. Gathered enough courage to go the library which I have been avoiding. Perhaps the only building on campus I have not stepped into. Assumed the place would intimidate me, but it is all about giving it time to familiarize and become a part of you. I can be more productive here.
• Books are always first love. So much wisdom is the tens of aisles. Will aim to spend more time here. Just like all study spaces on campus, entry into the library is limited with online booking. Life in these unique times!
• Big windows, lovely sky, stillness inside with the world moving outside — Temperature is 2 degrees

4th November, 2020/ Wednesday

• Call with Rob- yay, always an inspiration and motivation — had the chance to see some old 2041 cohort familiar faces and some new ones who aspire to follow the path!
• Gloomy couple of days later, I finally feel up, so cooked myself a full Telugu meal. Self love!
• Since I was charged up in Library yesterday, I had the energy to power through some self study today. (or not :D)

5th November, 2020/ Thursday

• As I have come to realize, days are more productive when I am studying on campus. Was at the Teaching and Learning Center today.
• Making sure I don’t get too lazy in the room, added benefit of studying on campus is the walk. Moving a little each day, else hardly get to walk in my Studio. And of course the beautiful views.
• It’s nice when the sun is out, though the temperature remains to be low.
• Found some silent space in the Guild of Students building to record this week’s Praana Cafe Episode with Alex. Can’t wait for everyone to listen to his extremely moving personal journey of Veganism ( Vegan November)
• Put the Climate Change poster up on the wall. #EcoAnxiety or #EcoAction? Definitely the latter!
• All teachers have pre-decided Office Hours where you can login to their Zoom link during that time, and clarify doubts and discuss module. Utilizing it for my term-end assessments.

6th November, 2020/ Friday

• Waking up to fog and 1 degree temperature. I know it will snow in Birmingham this year! (praying)
• Wannabe Social Media influencer who struggled for half a day to make a single 15 second reel. So much to learn and grow everyday.
• While I still don’t enjoy cooking or figuring out flavors as much, I continue to ace presentation. Yesterday was Capsicum Corn rice and today was Pita bread with mix veggies which looked like autumn on a plate (capsicum, corn, potato and avocado). Also are the vegetables here so much healthier and better, or is it just the chemicals?
• How quickly did the Independent Study Week pass. So much work to do, and I definitely think I am more productive on campus. There’s less distraction and seeing so many people work is definitely added motivation.
• Took a long walk along the canal and around Vale to clear my head. It’s good to get some fresh air
• Finally, figured out how and what I want to blog/ journal/ document and getting down to business starting today.
• P.S: Just set up ‘Praana Cafe’ Instagram handle. Unsure what shape it is going to take in the future but I like that Vegan and Sustainability journey I am on.

7th November, 2020/ Saturday

• Library day- yay aayyy and oh so sunny and lovely outdoor weather! ( I might have a Sheldon kinda ‘This is my spot’ OCD, and I found that spot in the library!)
• Finally got on my Blue Yoga Mat — ah Yoga has always been home & therapy. Look forward to resuming and reconnecting!
• Published this week’s Praana Cafe Podcast episode, speaking about Veganism with Alex Nettle, and woke up to some great reviews about it
• Saturday night wind down!

8th November, 2020/ Sunday

• Woke up to a foggy morning which reminded me of Ooty/ Kodaikanal. The cone trees and the green transported me to a hill station.
• Adults have weekends, Students don’t! (Fact of life. Have to study all days in the week and now that Assignment submission deadlines are fast approaching)
• Sunday mornings are for long walks and fresh vegetables, and today’s walk was with Noto as we explored Harborne
• Side effects of lockdown include long queues outside each supermarket. This has taken more time than I would have liked
• Created Rainbow in my plate with all the baked, boiled, fried fresh veggies and a Warm Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake to celebrate the US Presidential election victory, and end of a long week.
• Slightly lazy, unproductive Sunday or am I being too ambitious? Hustle is always good and that’s my game!