Hi everyone! I'm looking for something to do this summer as part of a personal "mini-sabbatical" that I'm taking before starting grad school this fall.
Here's the background: I've worked FT since finishing college back in 2009. While working in my field I completed my MPA part-time while working and also caring for my ill spouse. After several years of nonstop stress from work, school, home, finances, etc. - I'm in desperate need of a break....so of course, I decided to get another master's degree! I know, I'm a bit of a masochist
What's different this time? Working FT and grad school PT was no fun for many different reasons, mostly because I wasn't able to totally immerse myself in my studies because back then work had to be my #1 priority. This time around I am diving right in and will be attending school FT. I still haven't worked out what to do about work. I've been going back and forth between asking my current employer to switch me to PT work and just leaving and focusing 100% on school, but the work thing is a whole different story...
So back to my original question. Regardless of what happens with work, I am planning to take a few weeks off this summer to relax and chill out and hopefully do something, but I'm not sure what. I have a few interests but have had no time to pursue any of them. For example I've been writing on and off for a bit but haven't really had time to just focus. I'm not looking to go away on vacation - been there done that plus I already have 2 family/friend vacations scheduled for later this year. Home is hectic, so I'd like to go somewhere quiet and peaceful for a personal retreat, beginner's writing workshop, a conference, lecture series or something like that at. It could be at a university but doesn't have to be. For example, I've looked at the Iowa Writers' Workshop, the IHS Summer Seminars, the Wesleyan Writers Conference, etc.
I'm located in CT, so ideally something in New England or upstate NY would be great because I could drive myself there. But I'm close enough to NYC airports that I would also be ok flying somewhere too.
Looking forward to hearing what suggestions you have!