 |
| Statue of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza in the Plaza de Espana |
 |
| View from the observation deck of the Guthrie Theater |
1. Finish my book manuscript proposal and get going with revising a sample chapter. I made minimal progress on this goal. Right after I set this goal I had a long talk with a mentor of mine. I was expressing my frustrations with trying to gain traction on revisions, and we discussed whether or not my hoped for timeline was realistic considering the events of the next two months and the fact that I want to take a second research trip before I finish the manuscript draft. She recommended focusing on an article that I had on the back burner and trying to have that ready to go out soon after the fall term starts, so I've been devoting most of my writing energies to that instead. Right now I have about 22 pages drafted.
2. Run at least 50 miles in the month of June. I didn't get to 50 miles. I finished out the month with 39 miles. I didn't run the week that I was in Alaska, so I know that under more normal circumstances I would have hit this objective this month. At least I've started doing a little bit of speedwork again after all easy running in the month after my oral surgery.
3. Get ready for the move. I might have been able to pack a few more boxes in June, but I'm really happy with the progress I've made here. I sold my bike and my extra briefcase. I cleaned out my closet and took 6 bags of clothes and shoes to Goodwill. I went through my filing cabinet and recycled random articles I had printed off during grad school. I've packed most of my books and dvds and have started packing my clothes, shoes, and miscellaneous crap. M. and I have been doing our best to stay on top of mortgage-related paperwork, and we've made arrangements with the moving company.
4. Start work on a conference paper/article manuscript draft. This one goes in the books as a success. I have about half of the conference paper drafted and outline of where to go next.
So while I didn't check off all my goals this month, I'm alright with it. I've managed to pack a lot into this month - spending time with dear friends in Madrid, making an offer an house, getting to know some of my new colleagues a bit better, taking a quick mini-break with my spouse to South Dakota, and seeing a theater production with a blogging buddy.
How did June go for you? Did you go on a vacation or are you planning one? Have you run any summer races yet?
What a busy month! Still great progress in the middle of a lot of exciting changes!
ReplyDeleteDid you find time to sleep anywhere in there? Crazy busy month for you!
ReplyDeleteTruth be told, I haven't slept well since I got back from Madrid. I think it has as much to do with anxiety about moving and buying the house (I cannot wait to close) as it does with jet lag.
DeleteLot of travel for you in June! I'm getting ready for a summer holiday in Germany/England and I absolutely can't wait to see my family again!
ReplyDeleteI would say that you have done remarkably well for all you have had on your plate.
ReplyDeleteImpressive -- a real demonstration of how having clearly articulated goals helps you keep moving toward them even when something as disruptive as a major cross-country move is going on. You've got some powerful habits in place, and once you get settled into a routine, an office, a new home, etc. you're going to make serious progress on all fronts!
ReplyDeleteI really do hope so. I'm a little bit worried that I will get off track because I won't be able to move into my office or start a real routine right away, as I have another trip to NY in August and everyone in my department is getting new office furniture, which might not arrive until September.... I guess that's what the study/office at home will be for, though.
DeleteYou have been really keeping busy!
ReplyDeleteFunny you ask about travel. I haven't mentioned it on the blog, but we're in progress of planning for our Sabbatical which starts on Aug 6th. So yes, I have travel plans in the near future... :-)
I'm catching up on blog-reading today, and yes, wow, you are one focused professor. I think you should feel very encouraged by how much you were able to get done in June. It's hard to be productive when your attention is being pulled hard by major life changes. Keep up the good work, friend! I am going to channel your example this week to get myself back into postdoc mode in the lab.
ReplyDeleteWow, you definitely had a lot going on this month! I don't think I would've even bothered with goals if I had been busy, so that's great that you stayed on track.
ReplyDeleteJune FLEW BY for me. I was out of town for a few days, and have spent the rest of it working too many hours. How is it July already?
I love that photo from the Guthrie! Is that the magic hour!? It came out great! How was the movie!?
ReplyDelete