As I’d predicted, last week was extremely busy, but mostly in a fun way. I successfully managed to balance the TSEL course with essential aspects of my project work, which I was proud of myself for. The week also gave me the opportunity to socialise with my cohort, which was really nice. Needless to say, I was absolutely drained by the end and still haven’t fully recovered. However, I’m trying hard (but probably not hard enough) to give myself more opportunities to rest, and I’m also trying to have a more relaxed attitude towards the mound of things I have to achieve. I am starting to understand just how important this is, but I’m not very good at it yet * cracks open a can of red bull *. 💤
The TSEL week was about teamwork, communication, coaching, and self-assessment skills. We also had to come up with a novel idea and write a business plan about it, which my team won. In short, we came up with a website/app for craft beer drinkers, and it was so good that I now too am an avid craft beer drinker. Who knew. 🍺
My PhD is getting busier and busier and I’m feeling overwhelmed, but also excited because things are moving forward, even if that does mean that I am becoming more and more swamped. Gah.
Despite all of the many challenges of being in a long distance relationship it was our 2 year anniversary last week ♥ and we ended up celebrating by doing a Wolf Run together yesterday, which is a 10K of wild running with woods, obstacles, lakes, and fields. 🐺 The water was absolutely freezing and I had to be rescued by a kayak from one of the water bodies because my upper body seized up, the cold winded me, I couldn’t breathe, and started to sink. :’) But I survived, and treated myself to a Bailey’s hot chocolate afterwards. ☕
Finally, I’d like to finish this very scattered post (just like my brain) with mentioning an eye opening new series called Our Planet on Netflix. 🌍 I have hyperlinked the website for the series, which also gives many tips on how to do your part in preserving our natural world and saving the planet. You can also calculate your carbon footprint. 🐾 I was shocked at how high mine was; I thought I was quite sustainable. Admittedly, mine is quite low in food (I do my best to never waste), stuff (trying to be minimalist), and at home (energy saving/recycling), but very high in travel. Unfortunately, there is no way around this for me as I have to travel A LOT for work. However, I always cycle or walk any reasonable distances (under 6 miles), so I do what I can. 🚲
Anyhow, have an awesome week and see what positive difference you can make in your workplace/relationship/lifestyle.
Peace.
Photo: What it feels like looking towards the end of my PhD. But it’s cool, I’m a wolf runner now, I’ll get over those mountains, even if I do need a rescue boat from time to time.
Source: Google.
