I officially started my PhD (more on all that in coming weeks!) on March 20th and that morning I shared this post on facebook and instagram. I feel somewhat unsettled that this post got almost as much of a response as when I posted that I was pregnant with my first kid over 7 years ago. It’s unsettling because surely a PhD can’t be as big of a deal as having a baby? Or as stressful as parenting?
I hope to blog here as I go as a record of my readings and reflections - as much to keep a record for myself as to share with others.
So to kick off I thought I would share my current readings and happenings this week.
Jenny Odell’s How to Do Nothing - Resisting the Attention Economy
This may seem like a slightly ironic or counter intuitive read at the start of a PhD, but I really want to make sure I’m present and paying attention to the right things. I also want to be wise about my time as I only have around 20 hours a week of time to focus outside of care work and footy commitments.
Arundhati Roy - Approaching Gridlock
I am just starting this but it’s sharp and full of heart and wisdoms as always.
Next week I am going to be busy at the Castlemaine State Festival. First thing Monday morning I get to host a discussion with the brilliant Jasper Peach and Quince Frances about their book You’ll Be A Wonderful Parent. Then Wednesday we’ll be busy bumping in The Planting which is on in the Goods Shed on 6th, 7th and 8th April.
Thanks for reading - I am going to hit publish and go pick up my kids from school for Friday arvo ice-creams. Hope you get an end of week treat too. xx
Edited to add: Today is Transgender Day of Visibility. Huge love to all transgender, non binary and gender diverse people out there. You deserve joy! If you haven’t watched The Dreamlife of Georgie Stone (on which I was honoured to be an Impact Producer) yet you can find it on Netflix. I also recommend checking out Transcend Australia and Zoe Belle Gender Collective’s resources.