Last week was one of those “a lot is happening” weeks—still doing my usual lab work as a physics PhD student, but also trying to be a functional human being outside the lab. I’m basically clocking out around 6-ish, debating between the gym and a rest day, then doing a much-needed grocery run (because I truly had nothing to eat for dinner). It’s very realistic, very “new semester energy,” and honestly just me trying to keep things together in a cozy way. The highlight for me was finishing a 5K fun run, which… never have I ever thought I was capable of doing that. Running outdoors is so humbling—my first 5K was on a treadmill and it felt pretty chill, but outside was extra exhausting because it was still bright and sunny even at 5:30 p.m. After the run, I treated myself to matcha (I ordered Nami Matcha with my own hard-earned money) because the matcha shortage has made it so hard to get my usual. I also had my roommate cheering for me at the finish line, and that genuinely gave me the boost to push through. Cozy grad school, but make it productive and a little bit brave.