I'm now officially invested in working towards an Education Doctorate. Beyond all the program research, application delivery, acceptance euphoria, admissions paperwork, and course enrollment, I just now paid my first tuition bill. IT'S GETTING REAL!
I'm in the process of tooling-up and strapping-in for the ride. This is going to be an exciting next couple of years.
Tooling-Up = Setting up applications that I know are going to help me do the work. Some I can use like a pro, and others I'm quicky gaining proficient status.
Omnifocus - Never lose an idea or miss a deadline, and help me juggle red tape through the university.
Zotero - Capture research and catalogue references for everything as I go along...starting now, which will eventually help build the works cited for my dissertation.
Microsoft Word - Yeah, I know, but I'm looking for practicality for all writing assignments. I'm just sticking with what will be most compatible with sharing/sending in to professors.
Apple Notes - This is for messy/unorganized information capture and is good for basic recall for whatever random ideas I have or information I come across. It works great on Mac, iPhone, iPad, and web in a crunch (which has saved me from trouble in the past).
Moleskine Notebook - I like to take physical notes. I'll use this for logging notes during class and when meeting with other groups. I'll then process tasks into Omnifocus as needed.
App for processing/synthesising NEEDED - I'm trying to decided between Obsidian and Notion. In the end I want something that is very easy to use, and will help me make connections between ideas.
Time Machine - I've been relying on iCloud for years now to backup my computer. It's worked great, but I'm reactivating Time Machine now so that I can have better versioning. Yes, Apple Time Machine is still a thing.
HHKB - This is just something that I want. I've found this really-really-really nice portable keyboard for all of the writing that I'm going to do. This little guy works with all the computing devices that I own, including my iPad. I'm going to use this thing like crazy and then mount it on my wall when I'm done.
Strapping-in = I'm resetting my private life to accommodate this massive new undertaking.
I am giving up personal projects that I can give up easily.
I am making critical decisions about projects that I want to keep, but might need to give up for the sake of time.
I am setting realistic expectations with my friends and family.
I am exercising and otherwise focusing on my health. Healthy body, healthy mind.
I am listening to doctoral program related podcasts that can help inform me about my blind spots. Lucy Kissick just finished her PhD and is a fun person to learn from. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktLPpGeP9ic
I am intentionally working to develop habits that fit with the work that I will need to do later, such as waking up early. I'm planning on doing most of my studying and writing before work in the morning.
