This week, the institution arranged a group writing week: a space for doctoral students, junior researchers and senior researchers to gather, think, write and support each other. I used the time to keep working on the framing of my research proposal, while others worked on coursework or on articles for various conferences and journals.

Honestly, I didn’t get as much written as I’d hoped. I write best at home, where I can spread my books and papers across the floor in organised chaos and read my text aloud as I go. Still, I definitely made progress. It was also lovely to get to know everyone a little better over the coffee breaks and delicious lunches, and to hear about topics outside my current little bubble.

Another highlight: a couple of books I’d ordered a few weeks ago turned up on my desk. It felt like Santa had visited overnight, though I can’t imagine many people would be thrilled by my choice of presents. I was. Last week it was a stapler; this week it’s books about organisations. I wonder if I should be questioning my life choices 😀

On Friday I attended the university’s annual preschool conference, this year focused on leadership. Unfortunately, I only made it through the morning session before heading home. There’s a nasty bug going around and I think I’ve managed to catch it.

After a meeting with my supervisor, I retreated to my desk at home and finished my individual study plan with a warm cup of tea and my little study buddy for company, a Lego figure I picked up at Magpie Bricks in Bangor, Northern Ireland.

Next week, I start the first of my compulsory courses: quantitative methods. It’s been a while since I last worked with statistics, so wish me luck!