1- It’s FRIIIIDAYYYYY! Even though that means I am headed into a weekend, I’m excited. Especially since I am going in with a lot of ideas and intention.
I need to solidify tonight’s movie plan. Any crowd-pleasers for those with a similar age span? I almost wish there were fewer choices for kid’s programming. Can you imagine – “hey kids, we are watching the Movie of the Week tonight, because that (and only that) is what’s on.”
2- It’s FALL (but you wouldn’t know it here). Super jealous of those of you remarking on the lovely fall weather (Kae, Lisa, and others!). EVEN MORE jealous if leaves are changing color. Living here, I do not miss winter one bit but I absolutely miss fall.
I guess lows of 73-77F are better than 80F?!
(I mean, they really are, especially when you run outside at that time!)
3- The kids are already requesting changes to the activity schedule. It’s so hard to decide when to let them give something up! A has already decided to take a break from riding horses, which I am okay about. But now tennis also seems like it’s on the chopping block — probably because it’s SOOO hot right now making that activity far less pleasant than it will be a few months from now.
In its place, A has requested to add another day of gymnastics (a very easy activity b/c it’s drop off and very close) so that might happen. C will have some school sports team tryouts coming up — though these seem kind of competitive for 3rd graders and he may not get in. My usual policy is that you at least have to finish ‘the season’, but there’s no defined season in either horseback riding or tennis and you pay month to month (so there are frequent opportunities to stop).
4- Remember “Operation 100” (my goal of 100 minutes or less on my phone)? I want to bring that back. There are 101 days left in the year, so now is a good as any time to restart!
I am so much better about scrolling than I used to be because I don’t get on social media, but I still manage to rack up a lot of minutes (texting / WhatsApp / email checking / god knows what else). I have felt my absolute BEST when I’ve managed to get that number <100. The only thing that annoys me is having to subtract out minutes on Google Maps (or reading on the Kindle app, though right now I’m reading 2 paper books and I do have an actual Kindle Paperwhite I could use instead).
5- I get to attend a cool GME event today! We are doing a special Career Day event for the third years and it will be one of my last events as program director, plus I am on the work/life balance panel (glad I was included even though I am going part time!). I really will miss things like this. GAHH the transition really is bittersweet!
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We (as an entire family) have recently enjoyed:
The Who Was? series on Netflix (this is a hidden gem – it’s totally hilarious)
Penguins of Madagascar (funny for both kids and adults),
The new Rescue Rangers movie (on Disney + I think – also funny for kids and adults),
Inside the Mind of a Cat (interesting documentary on Netflix),
Tiny Creatures (I think that’s what it’s called – documentary on Netflix)
I have not watched but have heard The Octopus Teacher (documentary on Netflix) is really cool.
I think it’s entirely appropriate that you be included in the work/life balance panel! Going part time can be a great way to achieve work life balance. I’m excited for this next stage in your life, 🙂 Enjoy your weekend!
I 100% second Nadine’s comment! The concept of work/life balance and books like 4000 Weeks (so good!) for me boil down to being present. How refreshing for the PGY3s to be afforded an opportunity to reflect on what that means for them! And in the most awakening and refreshing way, it reminds me of one of my very favorite Pema Chodron quotes: “Since death is certain, but the time of death is uncertain, what is the most important thing?” Happy Friday!
I completely agree, I think being part time can be seen as less prestigious in some ways but the truth is you can cut back and still do really high level valuable work IF your workplace will let you. I feel incredibly proud of who’ve accomplished in less than 40 hours a week and have a couple awards to back me up. I really think it’s important to show the reality of what you can accomplish with an alternative arrangement!
I LOVE fall. This is the one time of year I truly appreciate the wonder of living in a location with very extreme seasonal changes. I love the crisp morning air. I love the warm days with gorgeous colours everywhere from fall plants and fall garden produce.
But then we get winter and it is like 5 months of snow and ice and rain and cold. It’s kinda worth surviving that because of the beauty of fall…but I could happily leave Nova Scotia between November 1 – April 1st every year for time in a more hospitable climate.
I’ve heard people refer to South Fl as having 2 season: heaven + hell. Heaven is mid-Nov – May. Hell is the rest! It’s about a 50/50 split.
In addition to the ones I already suggested:
-Cloudy with a chance of meatballs
-Bolt
-Sing
-White Fang
-Chicken Run
-Home Alone
-Turning Red
I really liked My Octopus Teacher, and maybe kids would like it… but I mean, the guy basically falls in love with the thing and it’s totally weird. I’ve been meaning to watch 13 Lives, but I haven’t had time recently.
Ooh! Of those I don’t think they’ve seen Bolt, White Fang, or Chicken Run. They already really like the other 3. (And I never mind rewatching Turning Red. I honestly love the music especially.)
Also forgot to mention – let A quit riding! It’s so expensive and inconvenient. I always found tennis miserable so I support quitting that as well and adding gymnastics once a week. It will amaze you how much an extra practice will accelerate her skill development.
Yep, riding I did allow her to stop already! But tennis quickly followed and I’m like . . . everything guys? However, you’re probably right. It’s great that she’s excited about gymnastics and also theater which she just started – they are doing Beauty and the Beast.
OMDG’s comment made me think of another one – Wallace and Grommet.
Yes! My kids have also liked Shaun the Sheep, but they were a little younger then.
Re: quitting activities, I haven’t listened yet, but Dr. Becky’s Good Inside podcast this week is on the topic of quitting, so may be a good listen?
The Mitchells Vs. The Machines is simply amazing…lots of funny characters and great references for adults embedded.
i love that one! already seen but i agree, it’s great
My kids (7 and 10, not including toddler) really love the Despicable Me / Minions movies and also all of the Madagascar movies and spin-offs.
They also like this random Netflix cartoon out of Canada, Grizzy and the Lemmings, which is short episodes, no dialogue, very slapsticky. I actually totally love it too lol. In the past they have also liked A Series of Unfortunate Events (the Netflix series with Neil Patrick Harris), Trollhunters, and the How to Train Your Dragon movies and series.
I commented above but didn’t touch on sports- I would have no qualms at all about quitting horseback riding or tennis if there’s no season to finish. I am jealous you have gymnastics so close, my kid would love a second day bits a hike for us!
It’s not quite fall in DC, but I’m in Ann Arbor this weekend for my 10yr law school reunion/visiting my best friend who lives here and also went to said law school but is entirely disinterested in attending any reunion events, and the fall weather here is so glorious. I’ve been smiling all morning and I’m certain enjoying the weather is a huge part of it. Can’t wait for fall to start in DC.
That sound AMAZING!!!!!
It is amazing, can vouch for that. September is the best month in A2. 🙂
Second the recommendation for Bolt!
Fall is spectacular here. But then winter is so God awful and endless! I’ll be envious of all your outdoor time come January! But the awful winter weather really makes us Midwesterners appreciate the beautiful weather we get!
That panel sounds great and your new set up may give them something to aspire to later in their career?
I hope you come back on Monday and tell us that you all had an excellent weekend! We are just getting into movie stage but I don’t let our 4yo pick from a streaming device. We have a box of hand-me-down movies and will check some out at the library. I find looking for shows overwhelming as an adult so having a more ‘analog’ approach to movie selection has been good. But we are the outlier in not having Disney+. It might be easier for me to find shows for him on that platform. Netflix and prime overwhelm me! But having a curated list to choose from is a great idea!
We are just adding some activities. The local authority partnered with sports orgs to offer a bunch of 4 week free trials. We chose judo because it was conveniently timed and turns out my son likes it. This plus swim seems like enough for now, although kiddo wants French and ukelele lessons eventually.
My kids recently watched the old animated Robin Hood and liked it. They are also watching Halloweentown which is apparently a series. I didn’t watch either of these with them, so no personal commentary.
I was actually sort of wondering if you could make a niche out of wellness/work life balance/productivity specific to the physician sphere with your newfound time to grow the blog, sort of like white coat investor has done in the physician finance space. I feel like residents in particular could really benefit from a lot of your messaging!
Separately, I know you’ve talked about activities lately but I wonder if the specifics about kids quitting/sticking w actives could be talked about on BOBW. Like how does Laura enforce the requirement that kids play an instrument?
Have definitely thought of this! I don’t know how physician specific I will make my offering but I could definitely see creating a physician ‘track’ of sorts. Still trying to figure out what it would look like!
I have a horse-mad daughter – like, I actually own a horse now. I tell fellow parents unless they beg to be on a horse, unless it is clear that there is no other way forward, don’t do horses. It is all-consuming and can only be done at that level. There’s really no casual interest that should be pursued. My youngest took lessons with her sister for a while and when she said, “this is fine, but I’d rather do gymnastics,” we left and I saved a million dollars and a ton of heartache. Be thankful A is willing to pass and move on!