Summer (non-?) break

Despite the fact that this is supposed to be a bit of a break for me, after all of the work of the last goodness-knows-how-many months, I actually seem to be getting some things done. Not a huge number, mind you, but enough that I feel fairly proud of myself.

After a fit of inspiration yesterday, I finally got the draft of a report done for my summer research assistantship done and sent off to my supervisor. I'm not entirely happy with it, and am waiting for his comments, but a draft is a draft and I'm pleased with myself for sitting down and working through the problem areas of it to get it done.

I've also kicked up my fitness a bit (although, to be fair, that means going from doig virtually nothing to something.) I started out the summer running a fair deal, especially after I got orthotics to protect my ankle and was actually allowed to run again, but dropped off for over a month around comps. Despite the heat these days, I've run twice this week. It certainly helps that I've been able to run with a nice view of the river that also happens to be a bit cooler than other parts of Big City, and I feel good about getting back into shape, even if just a little.



(This is not my photo, since camera batteries need a recharge, but this is where I run.)

And, even better, Sweetie and I are headed out this afternoon to pick up a bike that I'm borrowing from his sister so I can ride over the summer, which I enjoy and is somewhat gentler on the damamged parts of me.

As for the rest of the summer, I'm off to the cottage with my folks next week, and Sweetie will be joining us just a week after that for a family reunion. There's more work to be done in terms of research and paper revisions and the truly terrifying prospect of writing a proposal for my dissertation, but one project out of the way gives me hope that the others will come together too, while still giving me some time to enjoy myself.

Hot time, summer in the city

After 15 or so hours on the train, I've arrived in Big City safe and sound. The trip was good, if a bit long, and I'm happy to be here and to be settling in a bit. Hopefully soon there will be a bit of routine of sorts, too - some exercise (since I very desperately need it), some groceries, some hanging out, and some weekend trips involving a few not-too-touristy destinations.

Sadly, it won't all be fun and games. I have some RA work I want to do, and a few papers that I want to get in shape (or even to write in the first place!) for publication. I also have a dissertation proposal to get to get started on and, for that matter, as dissertation to think about writing (eep!). However, I have every intention of taking as much downtime as I can and enjoying this visit as much as possible. I have knitting and novels and all manner of other pleasant things that I just haven't seemed to have had any time for over the last while as I've fought to get all this work done. And, most importantly, my sweetie is here, and we're going to have a good long visit together. He's even managed to arrange to spend a lot more time working from home, and I'm looking forward to just hanging out while we both work.

For now, I think perhaps I'll head out for some groceries and maybe a bit of a walk. There may be more exciting things to report later, and photos to share, but for now I'm happy for a low-key lack of news.