Here’s a round-up of some of the experiences and senses that brought me into the present moment the last few weeks. In this, you’ll find some of the foods, snacks, shows, and books that I’ve been finding joy in this May.
No sneak peaks of AnthroDish podcast, as I wrapped Season 8 in May, but you’ll find a little behind-the-scenes reflection on the season.
May was a month of slow heat and even slower walks. I’m hitting the last few weeks of my pregnancy, and with that, feeling the push to slow down further still. It is a hard task for me to attempt, even with the knowledge of how much energy my body is using up to grow this baby and how little sleep comes with the newborn stage. I am constantly battling that socially-prescribed reminder with my desire and curiosity to keep going, keep writing, keep seeing where this all takes me.
We had a small baby shower with some close friends and family, one I wanted to have as it’s my husband’s first time having a biological baby, and I wanted him to feel the love and support that comes with these events. I was a bit unsure, a week after my grandfather’s funeral, but ultimately so grateful for having a joyful celebration with people I love and feel safe around. My only complaint is the beautiful cheese board I got from Guelph’s Tomme Cheese Shop was devoured too quickly and I didn’t get to try any!
I find it difficult in many instances to chat with people about life at this point of pregnancy, because it tends to return to the ideas of how I’m feeling and if I’m ready for a baby. I have a select few friends I trust to talk more openly about the gendered discourse around pregnancies and maternal expectations, and they’re always the working mums that don’t wrap their entire identities around motherhood. It’s difficult to outwardly say, because I never want to make anyone feel uncomfortable about their own choices or preferences when it comes to this phase of life. But for me, I need to keep going in some capacity to feel a sense of self.
I remember the joy I felt when one of my two girl cousins had her first baby (she’s a lawyer and always has been like a cooler older sister to me). My daughter was around 3 at the time, and when I asked my cousin how her mat leave was going, she laughed and said, “It’s so boring!" to which I wholeheartedly agreed. As thankful as I am for having some time off work to physically recover (and write the projects I’ve been dreaming up for months), I find the potato-baby-phase a bit dull as well.
In any case, I’ve been spending most of my time in my bathtub with a nice snack and a super cold, full water bottle. I’ve spent more time reading and daydreaming than watching much, but here’s a round-up of the time-biding recommendations (or… anti-recommendations in some cases).
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