Last month I figured I was just about done with the weekly updates, but as this week progressed, I found myself noting things to include in my end-of-week post…so here we are. It does feel good to review the week and see how many things often happen.
And this week was an especially interesting one because I went to a conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico! Here is how the week went down:
On Sunday, I taught my fourth college class of the semester (seven to go), went to Target with a friend, went to my cousin’s bas mitzvah party, went summer clothes shopping (have worn everything — three t-shirts and the aforementioned denim skirt — this week!!), and packed for PR. (I should add that I did a lot of on- and offline shopping last week as well and bought a backpack, a small crossbody, crew socks to go with the new sneakers, a sun hat — which I kind of doubt its effectiveness, as it’s perforated, but okay — and lots of toiletries and some snacks! For both trips.)
On Monday, I worked from home and finished packing. My parents drove me to the airport after work, I bought a wrap on the way out, and then I flew to San Juan! This was the first time I used TSA Precheck, which I got this winter (with Global Entry), but there wasn’t much of a line at security in any event so this was kind of anticlimactic.
I got in very late and was at the hotel around 1 am. Since the conference took place at a university, and not in a hotel, I had to choose a hotel to stay in and since my job was paying and I didn’t want to ask for too much, I went with something that seemed fine while being budget-friendly. When I got to my room, there were several issues (mildewy smell, stained carpet) that I was very bummed about, and started to really dread the next three days. When I discovered that the sink didn’t drain, though, I called the front desk for a new room. And bH they gave me a beautiful “premium” room! Significantly more spacious and modern-feeling — and no smell or carpet, thankfully. I actually did a happy dance all around the room (this was 3 am) and felt completely differently about the days ahead.
The conference began on Wednesday, so I had Tuesday as a “travel day” and mostly did what I wanted! I did not get much sleep because of all the events of the night before, but I still got up fairly early. I did a little work, had a protein bar for breakfast (I have to admit that my food prep was a bit of a weak link on this trip) and took an Uber to Old San Juan where I did a walking tour for about 90 minutes. It was verrry hot and humid (and I was tired to begin with) so I can’t say I heard much of what the tour guide said, but still enjoyed seeing the pretty pastel neoclassical facades and the views of the water. I took pictures of flowers, too (I am now a person who notices flowers everywhere — this seems to have happened over the past year or so.)
After the tour, I bought a few groceries, then Ubered to Omarkt where I had a truly delicious lunch. From there I Ubered back to my hotel, did some work, and changed into beach attire. I then spent about 3 hours on the beach under a lovely umbrella (a privilege I had to pay for — did not realize this, but the attendant approached me after about an hour lol. It was $10). I had my Kindle (which really shines as a vehicle for beach reading, I have to say) and read from Provence A-Z (I have switched to this from the audiobook because I wanted to save my highlights).
Finally, I returned to my hotel room and ordered supper from Omarkt via UberEats, and ate this by the hotel pool. Then I went back to my room to do a bit more work, give my Journal to the Self class (sixth of eight), and practice my presentation. Despite my tiredness, I did not fall asleep until fairly late.
On Wednesday, the first day of the conference, I got up early and Ubered to the University of Puerto Rico. This campus is quite lovely — so many tropical trees which I wandered around looking at during breaks. Since this was a social work conference, there was the requisite moment when someone brought up the “Gaza genocide” for no discernible reason, and I did think I should keep a tally of how many times certain terms were repeated, but I still learned and got some good ideas. There was a poetry workshop which I obviously attended!
Lunch was served but I couldn’t partake so I had a protein bar (yay) — when about 3 pm rolled around, I left for the day in search of sustenance. I had ordered a deli sandwich from Chabad for supper, but took my chances and went early to pick it up, and it was ready. So I had my only square-ish meal of the day at about 4:30, and resolved to plan better for Thursday. After supper, I did some work, read, journaled, and got into bed early (for a change). I did not sleep too well, though, something that happened every night of this trip, unfortunately.
On Thursday morning, I sat on the beach for some time and davened there. Since my presentation wasn’t until late afternoon, I decided to go late to the conference — there wasn’t much going on earlier that interested me, in any event. I went to a salon for a blow dry (this was the third place I called and I did have a moment of panic that there simply wouldn’t be any available hair appointments for miles around, but there was) and ordered lunch from Omarkt, via UberEats. Then I went back to the University and arrived shortly before I had to give my presentation. I am happy with how my presentation went, b”H! I talked about journaling and positive psychology, and had an experiential component where everyone wrote to prompts, which we then discussed as a group. There was even laughter and a few tears. It honestly amazes me that I could possibly enjoy giving a presentation, but despite the expected day-of jitters, it felt like a positive experience and I am grateful.
After that, there was an evening gala at a museum in Old San Juan. I first picked up another deli sandwich from Chabad to tide me over, but I didn’t have time to eat it so I saved it for later. Then I got ready for the event and Ubered over. The dress code was “island chic” and I imagine a flowy floral maxi dress would have been the right idea, but I did my best (the dress was floral, but more garden party than island). This was kind of cool although I always struggle at these social events where I can’t eat the refreshments and don’t really have who to hang out with. I did have a PhD classmate there and she was fairly good company, and I chatted with a few other people, which was surprisingly enjoyable. I also ducked out for a short walk around Old San Juan.
And finally, the evening came to a close and it was back to my hotel, packing up, and getting into bed! I left to the airport at about 6 am, and was back home b”H in the early afternoon. And I bought a lemon meringue pie for Shabbos since my Hebrew birthday is next week. Thus ended my first week of summer quarter 2026!
How was your week? Have a restful Shabbos!
(Photo credit: Taylen Lundequam/Pexels)
