1- Follow Up: Email Experiment
Well, the beauty of a 1-day experiment is that you get very rapid results! My n=1 trial was definitely a success. I got a lot done and felt a lot less scattered. That said, the deck was somewhat stacked in my favor because I had a very light/unstructured day, so I was able to focus on some of my bigger lingering projects.
The only slightly anxiety-provoking thing is that I did my last check around 4 pm so I’m a bit concerned about what might be lurking . . .
I will try to follow a similar plan today.
2- Podcast Rec: Attention Audit
Damn, Brooke Castillo – I actually felt very seen when I listened to this episode yesterday. Her discussion was somewhat related to my concerns about email, but just a bit broadened. In addition, she said some things about planning that were so in line with my philosophy of planning that I practically shouted “AMEN” into the 6 am streets on my run yesterday. Highly recommend.
3- Podcast Rec: Tim Ferriss Again
I really enjoyed his interview with meditation teacher Jack Kornfield. Lots to unpack surrounding meditation, anger, and reactivity.
4- Book rec: I Miss You When I Blink by Mary Laura Philpott
This was the 5th book I finished in June, so I can officially say I am back in the reading groove! (Next up: American Royals, Book #1. This is waiting for my on the Libby app and I’m very excited!)
I enjoyed this. My favorite essays were the ones about quitting and also the one about her friend who unapologetically changed her work hours to avoid homework time — though that one may have sparked some jealousy.
5- This is a big weekend – A&C leave for camp on Sunday, so hopefully we can do something fun tomorrow. Right now our schedule includes gymnastics (G), a vaccine appointment (G), and possibly sushi + a local rodeo. Sunday we take the big kids to the airport before 6 am (!). They will be on a group supervised flight.
(All of the above contingent on negative COVID NAAT tests today. No one has symptoms so crossing every appendage!).
I’m getting slightly nervous for their launch but I’m pretty sure camp knows how to keep kids distracted enough so they aren’t homesick, and also the 4 weeks will likely fly by.
10 Comments
I can’t believe they’re going to a four week camp! I only ever went to camp for up to two weeks at a time and I was in high school by then. How grown up! I’m sure they’ll have a great time and G will enjoy being an only child.
I liked American Royals! I read books 1 and 2, and #3 is waiting for me at the library. They are fun, quick, and entertaining.
I really enjoyed “I Miss You When I Blink.” I am on the wait list for Bomb Shelter. I’ve heard the author on interviews and she seems great!
I hope the tests are negative!!!
The 4 week camp thing is crazy fascinating to me!!! That is not a thing around here at ALL. Kids go for one week, max. I do not actually think my kids would really want to be away that long!! But I’m sure they will have a ton ton ton of fun. My oldest goes to his sleep away camp on Sunday (from Sunday to Friday) and can’t wait. My husband has talked about maybe wanting to send the boys to Mexico with my in-laws some summer for a whole month or more, but I love to do family stuff in the summer and just enjoy the nice weather with them, etc. Plus we usually have some family vacation time too in the summer … so selfishly I never like the idea of sending them away that long, either. Will be so curious to hear how the kids handle it all!! Exciting!!
It is 100% a cultural thing. And especially a Jewish thing (but also some Christian and secular versions in some regions). Like in certain NY suburbs there are very few kids over the age of 8 home for the summer! A lot of families here (and there) send all their kids for 7 weeks. And the kids LOVE it. It is super expensive and I don’t see us ever doing more than 4 weeks (1 session) but I’m hoping they will really like it.
I can’t wait to hear about how much they matured during camp. I hope you are able to share some examples of changes you might notice in words and actions. G will probably have her own 4 weeks of “solo child camp” that will foster her growth as well. The first sleep-away camp is probably the hardest on parents (practical and mental prep) so kudos to you for taking that step.
My son went to camp in NC for 5 weeks every summer and loved it! The counselors are definitely skilled at keeping the kids busy and homesicknesses was never a concern. I think your kids will love it! My son learned new skills, made friends from all over the country, and now has many wonderful memories of camp.
My 11 year old is headed off today for 7 weeks at an overnight camp. It’s a Jewish camp that is so special to my family: I worked there as a counselor in college and both my younger sisters attended as campers too. My daughter was there for 4 weeks last summer and as soon as she got home, she was adamant that this summer she would go for the whole summer. Overnight camp is such an amazing experience for kids: they are completely screen free, surrounded by their peers off on adventures, and in a warm and loving environment. I’m excited for my daughter and for A and C too! They are all going to have a wonderful time.
Wonder if it’s the same camp!!! Ours is in NY …
They left this morning!!! I cried a tiny bit but they didn’t see. I know they will have a blast and the quieter time with just G will be great too. But the actual watching them go at the airport was rough …
I wish they were at the same camp! My daughter’s camp is in MA and my husband brought her this morning. We are about 2.5 hrs away so able to drive. I cried too as they drove away <3