After dissertation defense: 10 ideas for post-doc summer fun

After dissertation defense – time for fun!!

Now that I have defended, I have to remember how to have down time. After so many years of Dissertation hanging over my head, it is difficult to untether myself from my house and my computer. Muscle memory is strong.

These are some things I am going to try to do this summer:

1. Go to the art museum once a week.

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While I was still a student, I bought an annual student pass to the museum for $20. The museum is a 10 minute bus ride from my work and I can go at lunch or The Dude and I can go for their discounted evening hours.

2. Participate in happy hours.

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Now that I don’t have to rush home to work every night of my life, I can enjoy cheap tasty food from a variety of bars and restaurants, either near work or on the way home.

3. Hike.

I live what many say is the most beautiful part of the US. I want to get out and enjoy it again.

4. Tube.

In a river. I never have and it looks like fun.

5. Go to comedy shows.

We have started doing this and I want to do more.

6. Participate in trivia nights.

Now that my son is 21 and is a walking encyclopedia, this should be fun!

7. Free evening concerts and performances.

Those elk give the best concerts!

Something we have done a bit of, but I would like to be more intentional.

8. Spend some time at the ocean.

No explanation needed.

9. Read books for fun.

Not skim, read.

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10. Attend library events.

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When my kids were little, we spent so much time at the library. I really miss it!

That is a pretty reasonable list. These are some of the little things that were largely put on hold for the past several years. I look forward to diving back into life.