It's amazing how dependent I am on technology. I was without my computer for almost a week and at first I had no idea how I'd manage. Living without access is one thing, but being a student and living in a dorm room is another....so, I made plans to keep myself busy and the week flew by! I finished all of my reading in the first 3 days, spent an afternoon in Camden, and went to the gym and multiple yoga classes. I can survive. :)
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But I'm glad to be connected again! Especially since I only have 5 weeks of teaching left. It's amazing how fast this time is already flying by. I also need to start reading for 2 essays coming up and researching for my dissertation. I had an excellent meeting today with my supervisor. You know when you get positive feedback to your ideas; how elating that is? Well, I had a basic idea of what I'm interested in focusing on and even just with one meeting, I have more of a direction and am more interested than ever. So, this will be a major evolution of topic but my very broad and with limited research topic concerns the Ultra-Orthodox conservative Jews in Israel who are being very vocal about their issues with women in public spaces and how they should act and dress. Heavily focused on theory, there might also be a chance for some fieldwork which always adds a unique component to a dissertation. Updates will certainly follow.
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So, this week will be quite busy: class topics include country-specific nationalism in the Middle East and Borderland areas. There are also 'extra' lectures that should be interesting...yes, I do attend more lectures than are required. It's so amazing to have access to the academics and professionals who are in London and doing work on the region. Not to mention finding time to go running and hit a couple of yoga classes! The weather has even been quite pleasant and sunny. Or maybe it just feels that way since it was freezing for awhile.
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