Welcome to the latest post of The Weekly Balance. Let’s have a look back at the past seven days in my life and what I’ve learnt from it.

What I’m thinking about…

Sunshine. This week in Ireland the weather has actually picked up a bit, and we’ve seen a lot more sunshine than the first few weeks of the year. Which is excellent news! Even as I type, I can see the sunrise beginning over Galway, and hear the birds waking up, and it’s just beautiful to see. The temperatures have picked up as well, and all in all, there’s a real feeling of Spring in the air. With this, plus the arrival of March tomorrow, I’ve been feeling just a bit more hope about the rest of this year. 12 months ago, Ireland confirmed it’s first case of COVID-19. It’s hard to believe it’s been a year – it feels like a lot longer – and I’m keeping the faith that this year will end on a better note than 2020 did. Hold tight.

What I’m reading…

As always, let me know what you’re reading in the comments below! I’m currently reading A Gentleman In Moscow by Amor Towles. I don’t have a book review for you guys yet on it, as I’m halfway through currently, but I will have one for next week’s post, and I’m already looking forward to sharing it.

Also, for my March Book Club pick, I have chosen The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid as our book to read this coming month. If you’d like to join us, all you have to do is read along with us during March and on the 21st March at 6pm we’ll be having a discussion about the book via Zoom. More details over on my Instagram!

What I’m listening to…

This week there were a few podcast episodes I really enjoyed. I’ve listed the top three below for you guys:

Sentimental Garbage: So, this podcast might not be for everyone, but it’s proving to be the escapism I need right now. Hosted by author Caroline O’Donoghue (whose books I really must read!), the most recent episodes of this podcast are conversations with author and columnist Dolly Alderton about the infamous tv series Sex and the City, which I’ve just recently started diving back into. The chat is fun, funny and enjoyable listening, one I look forward to each week.

You and Me Both with Hillary Clinton: Hillary Rodham Clinton needs no introduction of course, but her podcast is one I only found recently! I’ve listened to two episodes so far, with American poet laureate Amana Gorman and with American computer scentist Tristan Harris. Both were interesting and engaging interviews on very different topics – worth a listen.

Table Manners with Jessie Ware: I can’t remember if I have recommended this podcast before but if you haven’t given it a try, definitely do! Ware and her mother Lennie are hilarious as a host duo of this podcast, where they invite a guest over to their home (virtually currently) for dinner, and for the conversation. It’s a podcast I come back to each week to see what guest they have, and it always makes me laugh.

What I’m watching…

Sex and the City! I decided last week after finishing Firefly Lane to take a deep dive back into the SATC archives, beginning at Season One, and it was a great decision I have to say. What a show – it’s a real throwback as well!

And that’s a wrap for this week gang! If you want to get in touch, you can find me @theirishbalance on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. I hope you have a lovely week ahead folks – remember, stay informed with the advice from your local health authority regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Stay safe, wash your hands, wear a mask, keep your distance and be kind!

Ciara x