I do my best to celebrate International SWAN Day every day of the week, supporting the work of women artists who have made a difference in my life. Sunday nights are defined by Lena Dunham’s Girls, in which I sit patiently at the computer for the newest episode to hit HBO Now.
Monday and Tuesday are reserved for classes, homework and reading – currently, a Meg Cabot romantic comedy novel and Carol Burnett’s In Such Good Company. (Talk about a powerhouse female artist – Burnett helmed her own variety show for 11 years, a feat that was unheard of before her time.)
Wednesdays are my longest commute, spending almost two total hours in the car between work, school and home – giving me a lot of time to fill with Anna Faris’ podcast, the audiobook of Lauren Graham’s Talking As Fast As I Can, Taylor Swift’s 1989, Carole King’s Tapestry and Adele’s 25.
On Thursdays, I work as Editor-in-Chief of my college newspaper, spending hours with a staff of 20 students, many of whom are strong, smart and independent female journalists who work hard to write, edit and design a good paper. We talk about all the things we love, what we’re watching, who we’re listening to – all while creating our own content. It’s exhausting and rewarding and some of the best mutual support I’ve ever experienced.
Usually feeling burnt out from my work as editor, I welcome my Friday night DVR with open arms. It’s always stacked with the week’s best TV – from Siobhan Byrne O’Connor’s Blue Bloods to Gail Mancuso-directed episodes of Modern Family.
Saturday Night Live is the bookend to my week, laughing at Kate McKinnon, Cecily Strong and Aidy Bryant, who for some reason feel more like old friends than the seasoned comediennes that they are. Sometimes Saturday night means sinking into a theater chair with a giant pop and a plastic baggie of Cheez-its from home, seeing a film for FF2 Media or for fun. Two weeks ago was the adaptation of Lauren Oliver’s Before I Fall, a touching It’s A Wonderful Life-like glimpse into why little moments really matter. Up next: Beauty and the Beast starring Emma Watson, an actress and activist who taught me through her portrayal of Hermione Granger that bright young women can defeat even the darkest of wizards.
Find out how you can participate in International SWAN Day events or create your own: https://www.womenarts.org/swan/swan2/participate/
© Georgiana E. Presecky (3/16/17)
Top Photo: The Carol Burnett Show ran from 1967-1978 on CBS
