Work

"So what are you doing? Are you doing anything? Do you have any down time?" Lately, people ask me these questions often. So I thought you might like to hear about my work routine.

I must study. In late August, I will take timed, comprehensive exams in Greek and Hebrew.  As a side benefit, these test preparations will sharpen my biblical languages for doctoral proficiency. All my coursework will be done with ancient biblical texts. Eventually, I will also study French, German, and Aramaic, for use in research, so I need to master Greek and Hebrew now.

Language skills are not all I need. I should read a variety of academic books to prepare for my program. In addition, my advisor has already engaged me in a search for a dissertation topic. Although this was a surprise, I have no doubts that he is guiding me wisely, including this early work on a topic. He has been a professor for decades, and he has successfully guided many students through many dissertations. In my planning, I include this dissertation work as part of my language study hours. But I am not doing it every week.

We're also moving. I need to pack a few boxes every day. I need to do other tasks for relocation, like finding a new apartment. There are people to consider, as well. Friends want to visit with me before we leave. Sometimes, they need my help. And I need to rest a little, so that I'm fully refreshed before my next educational adventure.

My current work schedule is a product of my own experiments and advice from friends and family. Here's how I'm working for 5-6 days a week:

•  I arise with the morning light for private worship, reading, and a relaxed coffee time.  
• Next, I dress and eat a healthy breakfast. Many days, I also start supper. For our meals, I let machines do most of the work. I use a crock pot, rice cooker, bread maker, and microwave. 
•  I start work at 8:00 with my study of Hebrew. I call this, "going to the office." I have a sweet little study corner in our apartment in front of a large window overlooking an empty field and some trees. That's my "office." When I am at my office, I work. That's why I'm there. I don't do other stuff. I don't check my email or phone. I work off-line. 
•  After 4 hours, I take a lunch break. I've stopped trying to fill my break time with useful activities, because I've realized that I need a respite. Hebrew study is demanding. I may look at Twitter over lunch, but the healthiest option is step away from my desk.
• After lunch, I go "back to the office." I study Greek for 4 hours.
• At 4:00 I take a nap if I'm tired. I'm awake before 5:00, savoring my last cup of coffee, which is mostly decaf. This is my "slow time."   
• On some afternoons, I visit with friends. To make time for social visits, I shorten or defer part of my language studies, or I begin studying earlier in the morning. 
• I finish making supper while listening to jazz piano. As the supper cooks, I answer email and phone calls or texts. I check Twitter. I choose my evening tasks and a reward.
• Chris and I talk about our day over a home-cooked, nutritious meal between 6:00-7:00. Supper doesn't last long, maybe 20-30 minutes.  
• After supper, I do some chores and packing. I try to finish by 8:00. Then I enjoy my reward. Last night, we watched an episode of Endeavor with some pineapple bread and peach tea. 
• Between 9:30 and 10:30, I follow a bedtime routine and fall asleep. Before drifting off, I read a fun book or write in a journal. I get a total of 7-9 hours of sleep in each 24-hour period. 

My language work is challenging and time-consuming. I have finally accepted this fact and simplified everything else in my life. Each day I need to review vocabulary, verb forms, and grammar and syntax rules. I also need to translate from the text, a task which requires my highest concentration. Then I need to check my translation and learn from my mistakes.

As you might imagine, there are other events which interrupt or shift my learning activities. These are part of normal life. Even so, a basic work pattern sets up a target, and aiming at that target helps me get more done. 

My schedule still needs refining.There are other habits for which I need to set a time. 

• When should I read my preparatory books? So far, I have read 4 books, as my first activity, making notes as I read. But this early reading can delay my start time for Hebrew. 
• What is the best time for exercise? I need 30-60 minutes a day. 
• I need to set aside a half-day for weekly chores. Where should I put it? 

Chime in with your thoughts. Friends and family have helped me develop my new routine. 

The photo shows a rock cairn we encountered on a trail in North Carolina. "Cairn" is a Scottish Gaelic word for a pile of stones arranged by human hands. Throughout the world, since ancient times, cairns have marked trails to identify locations and to direct travelers.