Happy Friday, Wildcats! Falvey Library is delivering you another semester of Weekend Recs, a blog dedicated to filling you in on what to read, listen to, and watch over the weekend. Annie, a graduate assistant from the Communication department, scours the internet, peruses the news, and digs through book stacks to find new, relevant, and thought-provoking content that will challenge you and prepare you for the upcoming week. 

For some of you, you’re still in the hustle and bustle of finals week. For others, you’ve finished your exams and papers and are settling into break. Regardless, during this stressful time of the year, we could all use a little pick-me-up to brighten our days and help us relax.

That looks different for everyone. For some, it’s watching a movie you love. For others, it’s spending time with loved ones, reading a good book, or going on a run. While our last weekend rec’s of the semester will share some of my pick-me-ups, if these aren’t your cup of tea, my highest recommendation is to do something that makes you happy this weekend. Enjoy your break!

Photo by Jacqueline Munguía on Unsplash

If you have 5 minutes…and like little brain-teaser games, play one (or all) of the New York Times daily games. While Wordle is certainly gets the most attention, I’m biased towards Connections and Letter Boxed.

If you have 15 minutes…and need a caffeine boost, swing by a coffee shop for your go-to drink. Whether you’re into cold brew, black coffee, chai, or hot chocolate (or even a delicious pastry), you’ve earned it. And, if you’re still studying in the library, you can always swing by Holy Grounds for your caffeine fix.

If you have 30 minutes…and need some relaxation, come to our last Mindfulness Monday session of the semester this Monday, Dec. 18, at 1 p.m. If you’re not on campus, no need to worry, it’s offered in-person and on Zoom.

If you have 1 hour and 30 minutes…and need some happy nostalgia, watch Shrek, available in Falvey’s DVD Collection. Shrek is just one of those movies that stuck around in the minds of 2000s kids, and it’s the perfect thing to watch when you just want to watch something familiar and entertaining.

If you have 2 hours and 1 minute…and love rom-coms, watch Mamma Mia!, available in Falvey’s DVD Collection. Although rom-coms aren’t typically my go-to genre, they are perfect for when you need something lighthearted to destress, and with it’s sunny Greek setting and ABBA-filled soundtrack, Mamma Mia! is perfect just for that.

Bonus: for more rom-com fun (without needing a DVD player), we also have Clueless, Legally Blonde, and Crazy Rich Asians, all available to stream through Falvey. If you want to stream more movies, check out our Digital Campus library here.

If you have 7 hours…and want to read a classic, read Pride and Prejudice, available online through Falvey. I’ve actually never gotten around to reading Pride and Prejudice (despite absolutely adoring the 2005 Keira Knightley movie), but it’s something I hope to enjoy over break.

Annie Stockmal is a second-year graduate student in the Communication Department and Graduate Assistant in Falvey Library.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In Pocahontas, Grandmother Willow said, “Sometimes the right path is not the easiest one.”

Happy Monday, Wildcats! The second half of the semester is never easy, with our time being filled up exams, papers, and projects. It inarguably is easier to do the bare minimum to get through the rest of the semester, but often, the easiest path is not the best path.

My advice: Take the right path. You might be tired and burnt out, and that’s understandable (some might even say inevitable). Use the upcoming break to relax and recharge. Then, as you return, try your best to finish out the semester strong, whether it’s with academics, athletics, work, or something else that gives your life meaning and you aspire to succeed in. Not everyone’s path looks the same, but giving it your best shot applies to every path.

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Monday, April 3

Mindfulness Monday | 1-1:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free & Open to Villanova Students, Faculty, and Staff

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Tuesday, April 4

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Wednesday, April 5

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Happy Easter Break! Check back next week for more awesome Falvey Library events and exhibits!

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

As you likely know, Easter is coming up this Sunday, Apr. 9, (even if you don’t celebrate Easter, a break is a break), but here are some other holidays you could be celebrating this week:

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Today, Apr. 3, is National Film Score Day, a day dedicated to listening to and appreciating your favorite movie scores and their composers. Despite the accolades of some of the household names of film scores, including John Williams and Hans Zimmer, scores sometimes don’t quite get the attention they deserve. A good score can completely change the tone of a film. My personal favorite film scores as of late are the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever score and (although it’s technically not a film) the entire Avatar: The Last Airbender score.

Feeling like a good Samaritan? Today is also National Inspiring Joy Day. Take this as an opportunity to do something to make someone happy, whether it’s someone close to you or a complete stranger. And, of course, don’t forget about bringing some joy into your own day.

Wednesday, Apr. 5, is Peeps Day. Peeps, for anyone who hasn’t had the pleasure of trying this somewhat divisive treat, are colorful sugar-covered marshmallows vaguely made to look like chicks. They are probably one of the most artificial-feeling candies on the market, but they are an absolute Easter staple. To celebrate, snack on some Peeps, and check out our Curious Cat blog installment where we asked some brave Falvey patrons to guess this mystery Peep flavor.

In addition to being the first day of Easter break, Thursday, Apr. 6, is National Burrito Day. Whether your go-to burrito is from a local, authentic spot or an Americanized chain, like Chipotle or Taco Bell, enjoy a burrito and enjoy your break.

Annie Stockmal is a graduate student in the Communication Department and graduate assistant in Falvey Library.