tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607718568717088162.post9073381062900368448..comments2024-03-28T16:34:30.003+00:00Comments on Top Left Quadrant: Week Four: Finding a RhythmJaneBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17779448611795379774noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607718568717088162.post-13639983066738924352016-10-15T12:32:21.120+01:002016-10-15T12:32:21.120+01:00Nature does kind of take over in these situations....Nature does kind of take over in these situations. I learned this when we had a tornado. Good luck - and glad it wasn't worse.Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09716705206734059708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607718568717088162.post-46335312148057439502016-10-14T19:03:34.874+01:002016-10-14T19:03:34.874+01:00Last year, I noticed that when I was coming off of...Last year, I noticed that when I was coming off of sabbatical, I was much better at transitions. I was able to be mindful and productive as I shifted gears. But now that I'm back in the thick of things, I notice that shifting gears is difficult again. It's as if I'm momentarily confused or paralyzed and FB or Twitter moves my brain into a different space from which I can shift gears. But, of course, I typically linger in that space for way too long, and there are much better ways to make the shift.<br /><br />I hope the conference goes well and that the papers are interesting!Good Enough Womanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16531793545583712309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607718568717088162.post-3453380872181476072016-10-12T18:17:46.706+01:002016-10-12T18:17:46.706+01:00Thank you, Susan & Karen, re the ankle, and GE...Thank you, Susan & Karen, re the ankle, and GEW re the phone calls---it's nice to know that I have company on that one, since it feels like a failure to be a grown-up!Dame Eleanor Hullhttp://dameeleanorhull.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607718568717088162.post-23790131045859086762016-10-12T18:15:43.551+01:002016-10-12T18:15:43.551+01:00I find most meetings so draining that it's har...I find most meetings so draining that it's hard to get back to proper work afterward. It does depend on the type. If it's possible to get outside and do a sort of walking meditation, even for ten minutes---basically just moving and focusing on trees and other growing things---it helps a lot with re-setting. But one has to be mindful enough to think to go and be mindful, as well as having the time to do it. At a desk, it's so easy just to do something online.Dame Eleanor Hullhttp://dameeleanorhull.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607718568717088162.post-64303291921900533002016-10-12T18:12:46.000+01:002016-10-12T18:12:46.000+01:00Me either. Or me too. After two, I'd definitel...Me either. Or me too. After two, I'd definitely cancel everything. Dame Eleanor Hullhttp://dameeleanorhull.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607718568717088162.post-77418424266761555632016-10-12T18:11:26.596+01:002016-10-12T18:11:26.596+01:00I am so sorry. Not recently, but we have had basem...I am so sorry. Not recently, but we have had basement floods. Ours is unfinished, so clean-up is relatively simple, but one of the tasks I keep not getting to is sorting through boxes that got wet last time. We rescued the most obviously important things and most of what I find can just be tossed, but still, yuck. It sounds like you have good reason to be off your stride. Good luck with it all.Dame Eleanor Hullhttp://dameeleanorhull.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607718568717088162.post-307770580978341282016-10-12T14:49:13.728+01:002016-10-12T14:49:13.728+01:00Rhythm... I had one... It went down the drain (act...Rhythm... I had one... It went down the drain (actually up the drain) with the giant storm this week and is now floating in the puddle that is my basement. It is not too bad, way better than most of the town here, but still just enough to be an insurance issue and take days to clean... So that's where I'm at. Related: sump pumps and carpet cleaners are awesome yet underrated devices!<br /><br />Not even going to comment on last week's goals, I will let the fact that they are repeated verbatim for this week speak for itself :)<br /><br />1) Introduction, Literature review and previous work section for Paper 1<br />2) Data organization for Paper 1<br />3) Conference talk, and fully written out discussion for the topic to put into paper later <br /><br />Hope nobody else got flooded!Daisynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607718568717088162.post-27789458555517704972016-10-12T07:45:58.209+01:002016-10-12T07:45:58.209+01:00allan wilson
1. Exercise 4x.YES
2. Reduce eating ...allan wilson<br /> 1. Exercise 4x.YES<br />2. Reduce eating from boredom and frustration WELL< I HAVE JUST EATEN A PACKET OF PINEAPPLE LUMPS< SO MAYBE NOT<br />3. Sort out all data for next TLQ paper- let me call it WMorph - first, by doing some measurements, then checking data spreadsheets.YES to the measurements, and SOME to checking spreadsheets.<br /><br />My rhythm is elsewhere currently, although at least I am still exercising (thank you family and friends). Same time same place helps me get rhythm when I am stuck. I have been travelling a lot, which throws me off and gets me angsty. Going to bed (at about the same time) and getting enough sleep helps, as does not being bombarded with Other People's Stuff. So, I am setting easy goals this week while I deal with crap.<br />Next week:<br />1) complete draft of new manuscript K.<br />2) Exercise 4x (my pleasure goal)<br />3) Work out how to deal with some burnout stuff. Think about how I can challenge workplace isolation.<br />awAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607718568717088162.post-12574196214063008662016-10-11T22:05:43.627+01:002016-10-11T22:05:43.627+01:00Predictability makes so much difference. I like y...Predictability makes so much difference. I like your idea of focusing on the beginning and end of the day, though.Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09716705206734059708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607718568717088162.post-41152861814683693812016-10-11T22:04:56.330+01:002016-10-11T22:04:56.330+01:00Good luck on the sleep front. I can't even im...Good luck on the sleep front. I can't even imagine that little sleep. After one night, I'm pretty wrecked; after 2, I'd hardly be standing.Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09716705206734059708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607718568717088162.post-84276088892236143462016-10-11T18:44:51.112+01:002016-10-11T18:44:51.112+01:00A late entry, due to some now-resolved health conc...A late entry, due to some now-resolved health concerns. Apologies!<br /><br />Topic: How do you find ways to set and maintain a pattern, routine or rhythm that works for you?<br />My best success comes when I have blocked out time when I am naturally more productive. Left to my own schedule, I tend to have two or three short sleep cycles in a 24 hour day. It does not mesh well with the 8-5 job, but has the benefit of changing up when my more productive times occur. <br /><br />Another good habit is to have Plan A, if all goes well and I feel very productive, and Plan B for the times when I need something that occupies fewer brain cells. Proofreading or line editing is good for that, versus content editing or writing new words.<br /><br />Life does like to interfere, but I am learning to say no to most requests to free up that time. Right now my biggest struggle is insomnia and the resultant stressed mind/exhausted carcass that I have to negotiate. It becomes a vicious cycle, in that I am too tired to exercise, which then makes me feel worse, and so on. I have some success at forcing myself to do something when it benefits someone else, like walking the dog, rather than merely benefiting me.<br /><br />Last week’s goals:<br />Health<br />Continue physical therapy exercises x 14 Reasonably well 12x<br />Improve eating habits, avoiding bad things x 7 Again, reasonable progress x5<br />Walk x 7 Yes!<br />Yoga x 1 No<br />Writing<br />Plan vignettes with my sister Yes!<br />Prudence x 5 Yes<br />Pierpont x 3 Yes<br /><br />Lots of insomnia lately. I’ve had three hours of sleep in the last forty-eight, and am beyond the punchy stage and at full crankiness. <br /><br />Next week’s goals:<br />Health<br />Continue physical therapy exercises x 14 <br />Improve eating habits, avoiding bad things x 10 <br />Walk x 7 <br />Yoga x 2<br />Writing<br />Outline vignettes <br />Prudence x 5 <br />Pierpont x 5 <br /><br />Have a lovely rest of the week!<br />Elizabeth Anne Mitchellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07733237123376048432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607718568717088162.post-38654681940282558702016-10-11T07:26:43.245+01:002016-10-11T07:26:43.245+01:00Okay, so my rhythm at the moment seems to be twice...Okay, so my rhythm at the moment seems to be twice a week 3 hour trip to major city, meeting, 3 hour drive back. I either need to change this or find a teleportation device :(<br /><br />I posted this topic because I do like having some autopilot the carry my through my days, but have let things slip and moved into crisis/burn-out/crisis/burn-out alternating mode. So when I do have pockets of time for TLQ I'm flopping mindlessly through them. I want to focus on two sets of rhythms - a daily one for the beginning and end of the day, and a work one that recognises each day will need a separate pattern, but that mostly that pattern can repeat week to week. I'll wait till next year to panic about the modular team-teaching that, like JaneB's new curriculum, will be chaotic from the staff viewpoint even if patterned for students.<br /><br />Last week:<br />1. Make visible progress in the garden.<br />Yes - in between bad weather. Can the rain please just stop already?<br /><br />2. Value sleep<br />So failed on this one.<br /><br />This week (including another road trip): Theme - Attend to Now<br />1. Clean up bedtime transitions - electronics curfew, choose one intentional activity (sewing/knitting/music practice/yoga) for each night.<br />2. Read and note 2 x articles.<br />3. Use sit/stand desk transitions to cue stretching.<br />karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14194004000208786744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607718568717088162.post-55381502162954815392016-10-11T07:05:04.999+01:002016-10-11T07:05:04.999+01:00Glad you survived! (And as adults, students should...Glad you survived! (And as adults, students should already know that before breakfast is not social time).<br /><br />I like the stepping back to consider realistic time goals - it's both a relief for yourself and others to actually state these out loud.karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14194004000208786744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607718568717088162.post-77415942731734562682016-10-11T07:01:05.651+01:002016-10-11T07:01:05.651+01:00May the garden help keep you grounded!
May the garden help keep you grounded!<br /><br />karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14194004000208786744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607718568717088162.post-71007045926774778842016-10-11T06:28:21.405+01:002016-10-11T06:28:21.405+01:00Hope the ankle settles soon. And I like the idea o...Hope the ankle settles soon. And I like the idea of a short time to do one simple thing - keeps it in proportion.karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14194004000208786744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607718568717088162.post-24814067521400370952016-10-11T05:22:49.024+01:002016-10-11T05:22:49.024+01:00What a great topic! I've been realizing that ...What a great topic! I've been realizing that one of my challenges this semester is that because of my role in the faculty senate, I have no regular schedule. If someone wants me at a meeting, it gets scheduled. And I'm terrible at transitions. So, when I have a short time, it's tempting to get wrapped up in twitter and fb, following the awful US election, with side trips to the Brexit debacle. (And I've given my students a twitter assignment, which means I have to check twitter.) One key to this is planning: today I realized I had 2 1/2 hours between meetings, so I PLANNED (thanks Earnest English) to work on a book review. My hunch is that the two keys to this is that the task be manageable, and I plan what I can do.<br /><br />Last week's goals:<br />1. Finish book review FINALLY<br />3. Two chapters of footnote checking NO<br />4. Walk twice YES<br /><br />Analysis -- I had meetings on campus every day last week, and a couple of pretty intense conversations with my mother. To get going on a task, I need enough time to get into it -- then I can often work on it in bits. Also, I caught up with some of my, and my mother's, financial stuff, which is a great relief.<br /><br />This week: I'm heading to a conference with pre-circulated papers this weekend. I'll need to read the papers, so most other things will be sidelined.<br /><br />Goals:<br />1. Print out and read papers<br />2. Walk/ other exercise 2 x.<br />3. Read for pleasure on my trip home from conference.<br />Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09716705206734059708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607718568717088162.post-76414398903801826432016-10-11T05:11:01.404+01:002016-10-11T05:11:01.404+01:00There are 30 more days. But until then, it is so ...There are 30 more days. But until then, it is so easy to get obsessed with twitter & fb... Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09716705206734059708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607718568717088162.post-6536650277428325992016-10-11T05:07:39.700+01:002016-10-11T05:07:39.700+01:00One of the good things about living on the west co...One of the good things about living on the west coast is that I don't have to stay up late to watch the debates, but I've become obsessed with the train wreck. (following on twitter, with my favorite being Womenalsoknowstuff (@womenalsoknow). 30 more days.<br />Otherwise, I think changing academic schedules make developing rhythms to our work so hard.<br />Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09716705206734059708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607718568717088162.post-81329127691077179742016-10-11T04:40:13.207+01:002016-10-11T04:40:13.207+01:00Good luck with your week of not pressuring yoursel...Good luck with your week of not pressuring yourself. I've been trying to delineate what pressure I'm putting on myself, and what actually comes from work. Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09716705206734059708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607718568717088162.post-30794635548118179292016-10-11T04:38:19.171+01:002016-10-11T04:38:19.171+01:00Glad you survived the week away: having dealt with...Glad you survived the week away: having dealt with residential events for many years, I know how stressful they can be. And before breakfast should be off limits for work questions!<br /><br />Good luck with the week ahead -- and I'll be interested in the task transition, because that's the challenge for me.Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09716705206734059708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607718568717088162.post-47365568000159369702016-10-11T04:32:24.806+01:002016-10-11T04:32:24.806+01:00I love that you succeeded in declining things!I love that you succeeded in declining things!Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09716705206734059708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607718568717088162.post-62842727133115697572016-10-11T04:28:03.211+01:002016-10-11T04:28:03.211+01:00Sorry about the ankle. Like CC, I'm curious a...Sorry about the ankle. Like CC, I'm curious about the "one day" strategy. My experience is that when I get going, I'm astonished at how much I get done in how little time, but getting there is oddly overwhelming.Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09716705206734059708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607718568717088162.post-15917462539328475792016-10-10T21:56:48.901+01:002016-10-10T21:56:48.901+01:00I think I need to update item 1 due to flare-up of...I think I need to update item 1 due to flare-up of my old ankle injury: Gym 3x (upper-body weights only; maybe swim with a leg float); limit walking as much as possible; sit 5x; yoga 3x; 5-10 minutes basic stretching 4x. Basically, I need to find ways to stay as fit as possible (mentally as well as physically) while staying off the ankle for a couple of weeks. Grumble. I hate not being able to work out properly. I guess this might mean I have more time for other things, though that won't help if I don't sleep properly due to lack of exercise.Dame Eleanor Hullhttp://dameeleanorhull.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607718568717088162.post-62281360683538726912016-10-10T20:54:39.863+01:002016-10-10T20:54:39.863+01:00To echo GEW, hope all goes well with the scramble,...To echo GEW, hope all goes well with the scramble, especially your goal three. I have a colleague (I love the term drama-llama) who has three times the support staff as I and who moans constantly about her work load. I have taken to responding with archaic terms like "Piffle." Elizabeth Anne Mitchellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07733237123376048432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607718568717088162.post-28188280629653553362016-10-10T20:47:19.253+01:002016-10-10T20:47:19.253+01:00I stayed up way too late last night to watch (and ...I stayed up way too late last night to watch (and then calm down from) the debate, so I completely hear you on the bedtime routine. And on it being hard to turn away from the train wreck.<br /><br />I like the well-rounded nature of your goals--I need to do much the same.Elizabeth Anne Mitchellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07733237123376048432noreply@blogger.com