For some reason my last post got 28 views. Weird. Because there wasn't anything really googleable in it, and it wasn't in any way interesting. Anyhow, I went to practice my swimming today - I was going to go yesterday, but #1 it was my birthday and I didn't feel like it and #2 I had just colored my hair and I was afraid I would leave a red streak in the water. So, I got a swim cap and went today.
I practiced for about 25 minutes, I think about 10 laps. The breathing part was hard, especially on the right side, which I can tell is going to be my bad side. There were a few times when I was reaching far out and feeling like I was on top of the water, and it was left side breathing time, and it was really great! I think I will like it! Especially when I know what to do with my arms under water.
I got to a point where I was just swallowing water and it was no fun, so I got out. I must have been a little loopy from swimming. Either that or I've gone right over the hill, but I walked straight into the men's locker room and took a shower (fortunately still in my bathing suit!). I knew things were not quite right when I saw a man giving me a funny look through the not closed curtain. I was wondering who was in the wrong place, and popped my head out. And then dashed to the correct room! Oy!
This morning I finally met my dissertation advisor, LB. She was on campus for residency and I met her at breakfast. In front of other people, she said I was one of the Top 5 Best Writers that she's worked with in the program! My head exploded a little :) We wound up at a table with 4 other students, and as soon as she left, everyone else was like "how did you get her for an advisor?" I felt so wise and mentor-y. And very lucky!
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
Thursday, July 19, 2018
Swimming lessons!
On Tuesday I decided that I would just try swimming on my own. I mean, how hard can it be? So I went to the Y and put my swim suit on in the locker with no privacy, and I had my flip flops and my new goggles. And I got to the pool and the life guard said, "I'm sorry, there's lightening. The pool is closed." It's an indoor pool! Apparently there are things below it. So, I couldn't swim. I thought that the universe hated me and didn't want me to swim. But then, as I was leaving, I saw a bunch of people in swimsuits and shirts that said "instructor!" The swim teachers! They were just sitting around doing paperwork, and so I asked about lessons, and they set me up. I paid for 6 half hour lessons, and I had my first today.
My teacher's name is Hannah, and she's amazing. We learned about kicking, arms and breathing. And I swam up and down the pool a bunch. I think I will actually be able to do this! She was trying to show me how to do the breast stroke, and I was like "I think I'll just keep my little old lady style." But then she said she could teach me to do flip turns. How cool would that be??
My teacher's name is Hannah, and she's amazing. We learned about kicking, arms and breathing. And I swam up and down the pool a bunch. I think I will actually be able to do this! She was trying to show me how to do the breast stroke, and I was like "I think I'll just keep my little old lady style." But then she said she could teach me to do flip turns. How cool would that be??
Saturday, July 14, 2018
Rock Circuit Trail
I was thinking about doing North Twin today, but the weather called for thunder storms in the afternoon, which is very bad for hiking, so I decided to stay closer to home. The Middlesex Fells Rock Circuit seemed like a good call for the day! Today it only took me 3 hours, and I stopped to eat wild blueberries a couple times, and to have a snack at the rock with a view of the city! So, it was faster then when I hiked it in the winter.
There were a ton of ripe blueberries on the side of the trail, so fun to pick and eat. Maybe I should have brought some home for muffins? And, I actually passed people! I passed this guy twice - I'm not sure how he got ahead of me, but one of us took a wrong turn. And then I passed a couple that was hiking. I'm so speedy :)
Yesterday I went to see Tanglewood on the Common - the Boston Symphony Orchestra plays at Tanglewood in the Berkshires, and they have speakers and a jumbotron on the Boston Common, so you can just go and listen to the music. Of course, I'm so tone deaf, it all sounds kind of similar to me. But still, I went with a friend, we had a picnic and some wine, and then just lay on a blanket under the stars listening to the music. It was a nice night!
There were a ton of ripe blueberries on the side of the trail, so fun to pick and eat. Maybe I should have brought some home for muffins? And, I actually passed people! I passed this guy twice - I'm not sure how he got ahead of me, but one of us took a wrong turn. And then I passed a couple that was hiking. I'm so speedy :)
Yesterday I went to see Tanglewood on the Common - the Boston Symphony Orchestra plays at Tanglewood in the Berkshires, and they have speakers and a jumbotron on the Boston Common, so you can just go and listen to the music. Of course, I'm so tone deaf, it all sounds kind of similar to me. But still, I went with a friend, we had a picnic and some wine, and then just lay on a blanket under the stars listening to the music. It was a nice night!
Thursday, July 12, 2018
Spin 2
I did my second spin class yesterday! I got my bike up to 15 at the max, but then went down to 12 and then 10. Anyhow, it was more resistance than last time. My heart was really pounding! Apparently you can take spin class, but it's hard to take swim lessons - I've tried to sign up two ways, but they don't get back to me :(
Happy news on the director front: the guy we all like took the job! He's starting the day after Labor Day. He signed a contract, so I assume he isn't going to back out. I'm sure he will be good to work for, I called one of his references and she seemed to love him. I'm not looking forward to fall when he starts, though - we've largely flown under the radar until now, and that's not going to happen anymore.
I wound up doing 7 interviews for my dissertation, with one more alum saying that she would email me responses because she's out of the country on a service trip and doesn't have much internet. Totally enough for my study! OK, better get to it if I want to finish this puppy.
Happy news on the director front: the guy we all like took the job! He's starting the day after Labor Day. He signed a contract, so I assume he isn't going to back out. I'm sure he will be good to work for, I called one of his references and she seemed to love him. I'm not looking forward to fall when he starts, though - we've largely flown under the radar until now, and that's not going to happen anymore.
I wound up doing 7 interviews for my dissertation, with one more alum saying that she would email me responses because she's out of the country on a service trip and doesn't have much internet. Totally enough for my study! OK, better get to it if I want to finish this puppy.
Monday, July 2, 2018
YMCA
I decided that I had to do something for exercise, and I still can't lift weights without it hurting my tendon, so I decided on swimming as an aerobic exercise that doesn't hurt anything. Of course, I can't swim very well, so I need lessons, which has entailed a lot of angst figuring out where. Last week I went to a conference and ate like a pig, so I knew I had to do something. I decided on the Y because I can literally see it out of my office window, so no excuses, and it's like 1/3 the cost of crossfit. I can take private swim classes and still pay about the same as I was paying for crossfit.
Today was my first day as a member of the Y. And I did my first spin class! I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was actually fun. I mean, less fun that eating pie, but not so horrible. I didn't want to kill myself, so I started my bike at level 5, and moved up to level 10 max. I'm pretty sure tomorrow I won't be able to walk.
My conference was in DC, and it was pretty good! One of the speakers was a former acting surgeon general, and he talked about being on the front lines on the ebola crisis, with pictures of the hospitals there. He showed where people got suited up to go care for the patients, and some of the surroundings - security was pretty tight there, with 8 foot high fences that you couldn't get out of. Anyhow, some of the workers there built a tall chair so that you could see over the fence, to Africa, as a way to keep hope alive. He's an MD, and has 2 daughters who are premed, and it was interesting to hear him talk about her experiences from the dad's side, and also his experiences, following his dreams (he had an advisor who told him he was ruining his career by doing an MPH after medical school instead of going right into residency, but he turned out OK).
I got to visit America's Medical School, and instead of a tour of the sim lab, they gave us a simulated battle scene with medical rescue. It was pretty cool - there was (fake) firefighting, (fake) gushing blood, and screaming (fake) injured soldiers.
Still no final answer on the new director. We interviewed three people, one was a disaster and absolutely not an option (but she was at the conference, awkward. Everywhere I turned, there she was.) One was awesome and we want to hire him, but I don't know if he will take the job. And one I thought was awful, but some people could like her. I hope the guy takes it!
PS. Nothing from Harvard. Maybe next time...
Today was my first day as a member of the Y. And I did my first spin class! I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was actually fun. I mean, less fun that eating pie, but not so horrible. I didn't want to kill myself, so I started my bike at level 5, and moved up to level 10 max. I'm pretty sure tomorrow I won't be able to walk.
My conference was in DC, and it was pretty good! One of the speakers was a former acting surgeon general, and he talked about being on the front lines on the ebola crisis, with pictures of the hospitals there. He showed where people got suited up to go care for the patients, and some of the surroundings - security was pretty tight there, with 8 foot high fences that you couldn't get out of. Anyhow, some of the workers there built a tall chair so that you could see over the fence, to Africa, as a way to keep hope alive. He's an MD, and has 2 daughters who are premed, and it was interesting to hear him talk about her experiences from the dad's side, and also his experiences, following his dreams (he had an advisor who told him he was ruining his career by doing an MPH after medical school instead of going right into residency, but he turned out OK).
I got to visit America's Medical School, and instead of a tour of the sim lab, they gave us a simulated battle scene with medical rescue. It was pretty cool - there was (fake) firefighting, (fake) gushing blood, and screaming (fake) injured soldiers.
Still no final answer on the new director. We interviewed three people, one was a disaster and absolutely not an option (but she was at the conference, awkward. Everywhere I turned, there she was.) One was awesome and we want to hire him, but I don't know if he will take the job. And one I thought was awful, but some people could like her. I hope the guy takes it!
PS. Nothing from Harvard. Maybe next time...
Sunday, June 10, 2018
Monadnock Fail
I knew it was going to be nice out today, and I was going go hike North Twin, the peak I didn't get on my overnight, but the access road isn't opened yet, so it's another 5 miles to get to the trailhead. Nope. I was trying to decide on which 4000 footer to do, and then I kind of overslept, and this morning I was like "I should do Monadnock! It's been ages!" Good idea - Monadnock's closer and it's a little less intense hike.
I chose the Pumpelly Trail, it's 4.5 miles long each way, but way less hiked. Even though there are a million people on the mountain today, there were only a handful on Pumpelly. I also like it because the first couple of miles is a stroll through the woods, just a little uphill but not too intense. It was a beautiful day, and a really nice walk. After a while you get to the intense uphill part, and then you get this nice viewpoint - I stopped for a snack. Then it's more exposed - you're walking on a ridgeline with three summit's the third of which is the top. I got over the first one and was headed down a bit when I rolled my ankle and heard a pop. Not a good noise when you are by yourself on a ridgeline. I sat down for a little bit and let it stop hurting, and then looked at it, shook it a little, and was like "oh, I think it's fine." I went on for a little more, but actually it wasn't totally fine. I think it's OK, but the top of Monadnock is all rocky and scrambling, and I was a little nervous. Plus, of course, I had started a little late, so I didn't want to be out there and have it hurt more, and there would be no one to rescue me. So, I turned back. Sad. I'm icing it now, I think it's fine.
On Friday I took this test at the canoe and kayak place. They have an outrigger canoe that you can take out after hours with a special pass - they're kind of hidden away, and so you have to go and have special instructions on how to set them up and use them. And because you take them out after hours you have to fall into the Charles and then get back on the boat. Easier said than done! First, swimming in the Charles. Sketchy. Second, it was kind of hard to get back on the thing! Once I passed, though, I got to take it out on the river, really fun!
I'm not totally sure how the interview at Harvard went. I don't think I talked about my data experience well enough. And they asked some questions that I thought were a little icky. And, they were indefinite about their timeline. We'll see I guess. On the bright side, I did 3 interviews so far, and have one more for tomorrow :)
I chose the Pumpelly Trail, it's 4.5 miles long each way, but way less hiked. Even though there are a million people on the mountain today, there were only a handful on Pumpelly. I also like it because the first couple of miles is a stroll through the woods, just a little uphill but not too intense. It was a beautiful day, and a really nice walk. After a while you get to the intense uphill part, and then you get this nice viewpoint - I stopped for a snack. Then it's more exposed - you're walking on a ridgeline with three summit's the third of which is the top. I got over the first one and was headed down a bit when I rolled my ankle and heard a pop. Not a good noise when you are by yourself on a ridgeline. I sat down for a little bit and let it stop hurting, and then looked at it, shook it a little, and was like "oh, I think it's fine." I went on for a little more, but actually it wasn't totally fine. I think it's OK, but the top of Monadnock is all rocky and scrambling, and I was a little nervous. Plus, of course, I had started a little late, so I didn't want to be out there and have it hurt more, and there would be no one to rescue me. So, I turned back. Sad. I'm icing it now, I think it's fine.
On Friday I took this test at the canoe and kayak place. They have an outrigger canoe that you can take out after hours with a special pass - they're kind of hidden away, and so you have to go and have special instructions on how to set them up and use them. And because you take them out after hours you have to fall into the Charles and then get back on the boat. Easier said than done! First, swimming in the Charles. Sketchy. Second, it was kind of hard to get back on the thing! Once I passed, though, I got to take it out on the river, really fun!
I'm not totally sure how the interview at Harvard went. I don't think I talked about my data experience well enough. And they asked some questions that I thought were a little icky. And, they were indefinite about their timeline. We'll see I guess. On the bright side, I did 3 interviews so far, and have one more for tomorrow :)
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Tuesday Kayak
On Tuesday I went for a long kayak on the Charles. There's a Waltham site for the kayak place that's right by the dam there, and you can go upstream (no real current) for 6 miles to Newton Falls, which is what I did. It was a perfect day on the water - the sun was out and it was beautiful! At one point I came across a bird fight - this swan was all puffed up and angry with this goose family, I think they got too close to mom goose and the babies (who were hanging out and watching). Angry, puffy swan kept going after the geese, who were distracting him from the baby geese. Finally all the babies got away, and the geese went in one direction, swans in another. I would not want a swan to be angry with me, that dude was fierce!
For much of the time the water was completely flat - I love it when it's like that! It took me like 4 hours, but I took my time, and had lunch, etc. Definitely will try to do that again!
So, my big news that I didn't mention in my last post:
1 - I defended my research proposal and passed.
2 - My IRB was approved
3 - I reached out to people to interview and have 2 scheduled for Monday, and 6 others who have expressed interest/willingness. I need a minimum of 6 interviews.
4 - I have a job interview at Harvard on Tuesday!! (Made it through their screening interview already)
Boom!
For much of the time the water was completely flat - I love it when it's like that! It took me like 4 hours, but I took my time, and had lunch, etc. Definitely will try to do that again!
So, my big news that I didn't mention in my last post:
1 - I defended my research proposal and passed.
2 - My IRB was approved
3 - I reached out to people to interview and have 2 scheduled for Monday, and 6 others who have expressed interest/willingness. I need a minimum of 6 interviews.
4 - I have a job interview at Harvard on Tuesday!! (Made it through their screening interview already)
Boom!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
