Cat's little corner

27. She/her. Scholar of the world.

[catslittlecorner]

08 June, 2026.

Last week I managed to read 3 books at the same time and finished Don't let the forest in by C.G. Drews. I'm also like 70% into The Hobbit and around 30% into Rhythm of War.

This week, my goal is to finish The Hobbit and start Katabasis by R.F. Kuang. And perhaps I might even start And now back to you if I can. I know I can manage 3 books at a time, but not 4, that's for sure.

I'm also taking my time with annotating and writing my thoughts. I have a reading journal I've been filling up this past week and I'm very happy I've been consistent. I've also gone back to "regular" journaling. I do a mix between just writing my thoughts, junk journaling and commonplacing. I've enjoyed that so far.

This month I'm also getting back into working out. I don't like to work out, but I can see the benefits it has, so I'm pushing through the pain and suffering and getting it done. My goal is to set a base line at home and then get a gym membership, because I still need to wait for my baby to get into daycare.

This week's goals:

Finish The Hobbit

Read Rhythm of War

Start Katabasis

Journal

Workout (x3)

[catslittlecorner]

01 June, 2026.

I've decided this will be a very reading heavy month. I usually read around 3 books per month, buth this time I'll be reading 5 (though my goal is to finish 4).

The Hobbit: I started this book a while back and have not finished it yet. I have the French edition, so it makes it a bit more difficult, since I'm a bit rusty.

Don't let the forest in: Intrigued by this book and it's plot. I believe it's young adult, so I'm curioso how the story develops.

Katabasis: I've been wanting to go back to school and maybe get a PhD (or even a brand new bachelor), so hopefully this disencourages me because honestly what am I thinking.

Rhythm of War: I just had my book club meeting for Oathbringer and we set the date for ROW's meeting for July. This is the only book I don't plan to finish in June. I'll be listening to the audiobook daily (I hope).

And now back to you: Honestly I need something light for this month, since every other book goed on the heavier side. And what better than to read the second book in the Heartstrings saga? A good corny office romance makes everything very light.

I already have some goals for July and the second half of the year, so this TBR is going to give me a head start.

[catslittlecorner]

Why does everybody seem so burnt out? Is everyone ok? Does anyone need a hug?

[catslittlecorner]

14 May, 2026.

My feet hurt, I have not slept well alld week and I really miss my baby, but tomorrow is my last day of this freelance work. It's been rewarding and I've talked to people I would have never spoken to if it were not for this opportunity. I'm very happy I took this job.

This weekend I'll focus on resting and reading. I think I'll also watch some YouTube. And of course, I'll cuddle my baby until she is sick of me.

I've been listening to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo on Storytel, but I've had troubles with the main character's voces actor. It does not match my idea of how the FMC would talk. I might pause the book and get a physycal copy to read later.

Next week I'll focus on updating my journals and working on a schedule to get back into studying. Duolingo is not an option this time. I'll have to get back to grammar lessons, unfortunatelly.

[catslittlecorner]

12 May, 2026.

I'm both excited and scared. I'll be working for the first time since becoming a mom. It's only a freelance thing and not even a whole week, since it's from Tuesday to Friday (and only this week), but I'm nervous to leave my baby. It will be the first time we'll be apart for the whole day and I don't know how we'll both survive this. Point in favor, we'll be all alone next week and we can stay home and cuddle all day if she wants to.

Starting to work as a freelancer in Germany is a pain in the ass. You need ao many documents, passkeys, PINs and whatnot, that only come in the mail (postal mail) and it takes forever. Once I have this sorted it should be easier to get paid in future gigs, but since this was very last minute... I'm starting to hate this bureaucracy. To think I once defended it. Anyway.

Once my in-laws leave next week I'll start into getting back to my habits and routines. It's been imposible to get anything done with two extra people around. And of course they want to get to know our city, so we've had to take them everywhere. At least they're the last visitors of the year and we get a break from that kind of chaos. Once all that is sorted, I'll be able to set my goals for the next weeks/months and start working on and for myself once again. I want to "find myself" as a new mother but also as an individual. I'd love to get back into journaling and working out. But let's get through this hellish week first.

[catslittlecorner]

08 April, 2026.

Two days ago it was my birthday, I turned 27. It's my first birthday as a mom and loved every second of it. My baby behaved like and angel all day, we went out for lunch and then came home to celebrate as a family. Even though all my friends and family are in my home country, it didn't feel lonely, because I did not want to share my day with anyone else.

As for presents, I got a new dress from a friend, new sunglasses from my mom and I need to go shopping for a jacket my dad is going to pay for. I also got myself new noise cancelling headphones and a copy of Atomic Habits, which I've been reading since the beginning of April. But what I loved the most was the new Kobo Libra Colour my husband got me. I've been using it non stop the last two days, reading some of my ebooks and discovering new features. I'll try to upload my audiobooks there and see if they work (☺️).

Lastly, it's not tecnically a birthday present, but my husband saved (rescued?) a bike from the trash. The only good thing was the frame, we've had to change everything. It's only missing breaks and the chain, so I haven't tried it yet, but I can't wait to. I haven't had a bike in ages and miss the feeling of freedom. I don't know how often I'll be able to ride, since I still believe my baby is too small for the baby bike seat. Still, I know I'll love having the chance to go out on Sundays and ride for a while.

[catslittlecorner]

4 March, 2026

Is it too late to wish you a happy New Year? I disappeared for three months... Anyway, I'd love to say I'm fully back, but motherhood is intense and I can't seem to be able to stick to a posting schedule in any social media, so we'll see how long this lasts.

Just like my posting schedule, my regular schedule is a mess. I seem to do just fine with baby girl's timings, but can't seem to find much time for myself. I've been studying German late at night and reading between naps. Content creation is the last thing on my list every day, though I'd really love it wasn't. So, here's what I'll be doing this month:

German studies: Started with my A2 book, even though I've not finished writing my A1 notes. Just wanted to move forward instead of being stuck still on A1. Might finish my notes later, might not finish them ever. At this point, I just want to keep learning.

Reading: I've been listening to Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson for a while now. I'm a bit tired of Sanderson — read too much of him in too little time — so I might take a break before finishing this book. Would love to make it to 25% though. I've also been reading First-time caller by B. K. Borison and been loving it. It's taken me too long to finish because of the lack of time to read, but have loved every second of this book. Will try to finish before the weekend so I can move forward with my other reads.

Content creation: Today I'm going to pick up my new planner — I don't care it's March, I need the organization — so I can organize my content and keep regular updates on every social media. I manage 2 IG accounts, 2 YT channels and recently picked up my blog again (my blog blog) and everything has a different posting schedule, so I plan to be more organized and maybe see some growth this year. I don't monetize (yet) but I'm working towards that goal.

Journaling: I'm always behind on something. If it's not my reading journal, it's my personal journal and if it's not either it's baby girl's journal (and album). I'll do my best to catch up this month with everything or with as much as possible.

[catslittlecorner]

06 December, 2025

Life with a newborn is way more chaotic than I thought it would be. Routine? It doesn't exist. So between waking up several times at night and nap time during the day, nothing much gets done. So, as a end-of-the-year resolution, I wanted to focus on some small habits I can drag onto 2026 without a problem.

First, I want to get back into reading without any pressure. No "I need to finish this book before x date" or "I need to read x amount of pages a day to keep up". Just reading for the sake of reading. The only pressure I'll add is I have to do it daily, even if it's only a page a day. Just the bare minimum to make it a daily habit and to keep it up during all of 2026.

Second, I want to get back into studying, specially German. I'd love to have at least an A2-B1 level by the end of 2026, so I really need to step up my game this next year. It's a bit hard, since I don't take lessons and study by myself, but I want to make at least 15 minutes a day to keep learning and moving forward with my studies.

Third, I want to work out or at least do some physical activity daily. 10-15 minutes a day to move my body, get my heart rate up and getting stronger bit by bit. A walk around the block with my baby in the stoller or even baby wearing are good enough, as long as I keep moving my body.

[catslittlecorner]

2 November, 2025

Two months ago I became a mom and though it has had its difficult moments, I've never felt more fulfilled in my entire life.

But, as the new born stage starts to come to an end, I need to restart my life as an individual and not only a mother. So, for the next month, these are my goals:

Update my reading journal: During these last couple of months I finished Oathbringer (Brandon Sanderson), Lessons in Chemestry (Bonnie Garmus) and have been reading The Hero of Ages (also by Sanderson), so I want to write my thoughts into my journal to reference in the future.

Update my baby's journal: Before her birth, I decided to make her a journal with the most important memories of her life, but have found little time to do so, so I'll be printing some photos and writing down the most memorable moments of the last couple of months.

Keep up my German studies: I've been neglegting my German, doing only my Duolingo instead of proper and formal lessons, so I'll resume my studies beginning this month.

Resume my Bible studies: I actually stoped months ago, I think even before I moved to Germany, but want to keep on studying the scriptures.

Social media and vlogging: I also stoped udating my Instagram and haven't had much time to vlog for YouTube, but also have been feeling the need to keep up. The hardest part will be to do it while respecting my baby's privacy, but I believe it can be done.

Reading: I want to finish The Hero of Ages so I can finally discuss it with a friend and also would love to read The Hobbit to my daughter — I've also bought the French edition to practice the language since I haven't spoken it in a very long time.

[lafilledanslaville]

learning a language is fun until you realize you have no idea how your native language really works

[catslittlecorner]

25 August, 2025

It's moving week! This past couple of days we've been moving most of the things we won´t be using soon (such as books, winter clothes, etc.) and cleaning the new apartment. Our landlord let us move our things in advance since it would be difficult to do it in a day because of the pregnancy, but we won't officially move in until next Monday.

We've also been experiencing the move the German way, which is by carrying our things by train and public transportation since we don't have a car. It's really fun to move furniture and suitcases between two or three people by train, though it's exhausting as well.

This week's foccus is mainly moving out, though since I'm already 38 weeks pregnant I'll be taking some time to catch up on some things, like journaling before baby girl arrives and finishing my Oathbringer audiobook. I must say I'm already at 74% and really hope I can finish it before Sunday - or before baby girl decides to come into this world.

I also hope to get some good naps, since I can't seem to get decent sleep at night anymore. Though the constant movement doesn't let me sleep much in the evenings either. Still, I've been getting nice cuddles from my cat, so it's OK I guess.

[catslittlecorner]

18 August, 2025

Yesterday we signed the lease for our new apartment, so my husband and I will be moving our things this week. I'm already exhausted and haven't even had the chance to clean the new place, so it'll be interesting. At least I'm excited to finally have proper bookshelves of my own and a house I can decorate to my liking.

This week I'm planning to keep up with Oathbringer via audiobook to be able to pack/unpack and keep on reading. Last week I finished A Study in Drowning and have not picked up a book since.

I'm at 37 weeks pregnant today and hope my baby comes in early — hopefully by next week. I wouldn't want her to be born in the new apartment since it's far away and we have no car, but we'll see what time she thinks it's best to come.

Also, I've picked up French again on Duolingo so I don't forget the language.

[catslittlecorner]

11 August, 2025

So sick and tired of summer, can't wait for fall to begin and get some cool weather. I just spent the weekend too overheated to do anything.

I finished A Study in Drowning last Friday as planned. It's a re-read but I'd forgotten some details and loved it a bit more this time (though it has always been a 5-star read for me). I loved the way it expressed a somewhat universally-female experience where women are sexualized and taken advantage of by men, usually older, and then blamed for it, and how it's something that's been happening for so long no one does anything about it.

This week's goals are to get organized (again) and plan for the next few weeks, especially what content I'll be recording and posting. I'm already 36 weeks pregnant and might be giving birth at any moment now, so I want to have some back up just in case. I'll also do my best to catch up on some paperwork, since I have yet to fill out some forms for the hospital. Also, I've been pushing on registering my cat with the city, since he's 100% indoors, but legally I'm required to do it in case he happens to run away.

I've fallen behind once again with my studies, but have been prioritizing both the baby prep and the reading, so I'm not too upset. This weekend I read Ascendance of a bookworm volume 4 and will be reading at least volume 5 this next week. Also, will do my very best to (finally) finish Oathbringer this month.

[catslittlecorner]

8 August, 2025

This week has been filled with pastries, tea and iced coffee. I've been listening to A Study in Drowning and love beeing able to move around while still keeping up with my reading. I've both worked and took some time for myself, updating my reading journal and doing some puzzles to try and stay away from screens — have been doom scrolling too much lately.

The plan is to finish ASID today so I can start a new book — maybe a manga? — during the weekend. I'd also love to have the time to get my nails done, but we'll see how much time off I get once I'm dome with work today.

[catslittlecorner]

4 August, 2025

Spent my day cleaning and tidying the apartment while listening to A Study in Drowning's audiobook. I must have listened to 2 hours total today, which is more than my average. Also, big fan of popping some headphones in and having my hands free to do my housework while still keeping up with my reading.

I had some free time this morning and used it to update my reading journal. I've been using it as a real journal, updating whenever I get to the most exciting parts of my books so I never forget my favorite moments — it's like annotating but outide the book. I still have some thoughts and updates to add from today's reading, but it's getting late so I might do it in the morning.

[catslittlecorner]

1 August, 2025

For the last two months I haven't been keeping up with my studies and have barely been able to keep up with my reading. During August, my plan is to catch up as much as I can, since I won't know my schedule or avalability for the next months. My baby is due September 8, but she might come early, so I need to be ready for everything.

For the next two weeks I'll be listening to Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson and A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid. I opted for audiobooks this month so I could read and work at the same time — I "work" as a vlogger/youtuber, but I'm still trying to get monetized so I need to keep on posting.

So, for the next month, my goals are:

Finish Oathbringer - have been dragging this book for months.

Listen to A Study in Drowning - I want to re-read (or re-listen) this book before getting my hands on the sequel.

Finish my German A1 course - technically I already passed, but want to copy my notes in a notebook instead of keeping them online.

Get ahead on content before baby girl arrives.

[pastelpiggielol]

I’ve come to the harrowing realisation that the only way to write my book is to write my book

I may never recover