This week I tracked my time again! Last time I did this, I found it had a positive influence on me (i.e., observer effect). This time, less so. But I’m learning from it. One thing I learned was that when I’m at my desk for work, even if it’s quiet and I don’t have a client or meeting, I cannot get anything else done (like get lost in a book). Or at least, that was what was happening for me this week. It’s a shame, because some days can be pretty quiet and if there was a way for me to use that time for fun (other than scrolling), that would be nice. I did write a lot of my dissertation proposal at work, so there must have been times that I had an easier time focusing. I wonder what that was, maybe having deadlines for that helped me buckle down.
Speaking of which, this week I submitted a 73 page document, the very rough draft of my dissertation proposal. I can’t believe it really happened and that we are here! I have two committee members and need a third, and to finish up and edit what I wrote, and then to defend it. Hopefully by the end of the summer, or maybe early fall. Then I get IRB approval, conduct data collection (interviews), analyze the data, write up findings and discussion…and defend the whole kit and caboodle. It is within reach. Be”H!
Journaling classes continue to bring me so much joy b”H. I mention it every week because it truly is a highlight. I am putting into the universe that I want to do this more, and would love to get into the corporate wellness space as well and do group writing with teams — it’s an amazingly powerful way for people to get honest and authentic with each other and to see new parts of each other. I believe in this and believe I will be doing more of this be”H.
I read most of the Julia Cameron book for parents, and one of her core suggestions is to go on Creative Expeditions with your children (similar to Artist Dates, but with your children and you). I thought of this when a friend told me that she picked up her son early from playgroup and asked him where he wanted to go for a special outing and he said, the Hatzolah garage. Lol.
I visited Conservatory Garden this week but I was between blooms. The tulips were gone there as well (unsurprisingly), and it seems I missed the wisteria in Central Park as well – apparently that peaks and disappears mid-May and I just missed it. I have made a note for next spring! This has definitely been the season of chasing flowers.
I did visit the Burnett Fountain in the English part of the garden (which was closed for work last time I visited), and it made me quite happy to see a little robin hopping around.
This week I also watched a book talk about Playmakers: The Jewish Entrepreneurs Who Created the Toy Industry in America, by Michael Kimmel. Here is the playback. This was really interesting!
Finally, I thought these frozen roses (for drinks) were sweet.
Have a wonderful, restful Shabbos!
(Photo credit: Mateusz Walendzik/Pexels)
