a not so productive friday...academically

I woke up this morning feeling like I wanted to stay in bed and just sleep for the day but finally about 8 am I got myself out of bed and ready for school. When I got to school (about 10), I had great intentions to start my work until the lunch I was attending at 1230. Unfortunately my intentions to work remained just that, intentions. I took some time - talked with a friend I dont talk with often while the guilt of not doing my work was at the back of my mind.

Twelve thirty came along and I headed to lunch with some faculty, students and the guest speaker today. The guest speaker was kind and quite sociable, we had a great time at lunch, talking about research (hers was about rituals and routines in families), joking and enjoying good food. I'm glad I decided to go to lunch. It gave me the opportunity not only to meet some new faces but also realize that a prof in my area that i found quite intimidating, not so intimidating afterall. We had some laughs and chatted, it was comforting.

After the lunch we headed to the room where the talk took place. She was a good speaker. I have some guilt, I was feeling sleepy during the talk and had to fight with myself to stay awake (not due to her). I sometimes have trouble staying awake in lectures - no matter how animated the speaker is- it's like my body assumes it's time to rest when I'm just sitting and listening. SO for the first half hour of the talk I had to fight to stay awake and then manage to stay alert for the second half of the talk.

After the talk was a reception with food :). I ate some and set up two plates (little) for later as i believe they throw out what's left. I dont like that so whenever i go to these types of receptions I try to grab what i can and encourage others as well. I prefer that food does not go to waste, such a value thing food is.

I finally headed up again to the lab again with the intention to do work (about 4) but instead for about an hour talked with an older grad students about the challenges in grad school and feeling so tired yet still feeling the need to work. Everytime I talk with her - I feel better, knowing I'm not alone and that I am doing a good job just have to give myself some time for breaks and fun. Finally about 5 or so I started into some work.