Some updates

1. Work has been SO busy. I work in academia and have taken on a new teaching role in addition to my research and many other existing commitments. In return I got Australia's version of tenure, plus I'm enjoying adding a new, fresh aspect to my job after almost 3 years, so I'm not complaining. But its the start of our academic year, and its just A LOT right now. I had some people say to me, "so what are you dropping now you are working 40% in teaching?" And I've paused, and said somewhat hesitantly, "Umm... nothing?"

   
   

   

   Me on Monday morning about to attempt to work out my priorities for a busy week

   
   

   Inevitably things WILL have to adjust, but I guess I'm just seeing how things evolve. So far I've dropped one small research project, and other lower priority projects will also have to be dropped. I probably need to listen/read to some Cal Newport, Oliver Burkeman, and maybe re-read Juliet's School of Possibilities by Laura Vanderkam for inspiration (I really enjoyed this fable of Laura's and have re-read it many times). A great quote from that book is:

   "Expectations are infinite. Time is finite. You are always choosing. Choose well."

2. E has been doing really well at Scouts. It's a lovely blend of fun, learning skills, and community. This weekend the Scouts have organized a Clean Up Australia Day session at a local park (everyone comes and picks up rubbish), and in a couple of weeks there is a TWO night camp (she can go for just one night or both - she's insisting she wants to go for both, but we'll see). On the camp they can focus on different skills, and she's keen to learn survival skills (she declared she would use the skills to set up a makeshift camp in our front yard and live there hehe).

   
   
   
   

   

   After Scouts shenanigans

3. My parents are away on holidays visiting family interstate, and are having a wonderful time. I'm very happy for them, but missing having them around. They will be back in a couple of weeks or so, and it will be lovely to have them back, and also the extra help with the kids. Even after only a few months we already got quite used to the extra sets of hands, and gee things are that bit more tiring with only us on deck (with no opportunity for a date night either). Plus the kids (and us!) miss just hanging out with them on a regular basis.

4. I've started writing fiction again! I'm working (very slowly) on a the first draft of a new novel. I've had the character/situation idea for probably a year, but its evolved over that time, and I'm getting closer to the storyline I'm ready to write. E is very interesting in what I'm doing (she LOVES making up stories herself), so its cute to be able to explain a bit about the writing process. I've written a couple of drafts of novels before so I know how to finish a draft, although I've never taken something through to publication. A longer term goal (maybe in the next 5 years) is to publish my first novel.

5. I've signed up for something called Fitness Pass at my work, which gives me access to a whole lot of gyms and sporting facilities around my state. They've already taken the first fortnight of (low!) fees, so now I need to book in a tour of my local gym and get started. Watch this space!

Anyone else been "too" busy at work lately? Have your kids found activities that really suit them? Any tips for starting a regular gym workout routine, for someone out of practice like me?