Haha I hope the video lives up to your enthusiasm! Congrats on getting so close to the final stage of dissertation, that’s so exciting - good luck in June!!

Yes exactly, I love how relaxing the hourglass is! If I'm not really in the zone I'm going to notice the second the time is up because I want the excuse to take a break, but if I'm focused I just keep working until I look up and see that the hourglass is done... and also it's just a little whimsical and romantic, and I like that haha

I don’t really use recipes, but what was good about this was mostly just the combo! It was black beans seasoned with some cumin and paprika, a salsa made from diced pineapple, tomato, red onion, and cilantro, avocado sprinkled with Tajin… I marinated the chicken just a little in honey, lime juice, chipotle paste and a couple dry seasonings I think. I just seared the chicken and then shredded it once it was done - also tossed a handful of cherry tomatoes in the pan with the chicken to get a little charred and juicy - and that was it!

also, for a more specific question--what advice would you give for trying to write a conference paper + presentation? I am speaking at a conference in June, and I have never spoken at a conference before. And I have social + speaking anxiety. And I am still researching my topic. So, I do not have most of it figured out yet. I have a sense of overwhelm every time I work on my project because it is so far from finished that it produces much anxiety in me. So--do you have specific advice for my situation? Also, thanks again for making these videos. I watch them before I get working myself, and they give me motivation.

​@@contoursofcrafting I'll definitely talk about some of those research / dissertation questions in the video I make! In terms of the conference, first - congrats on getting a paper accepted! That's something I might make a full video on at some point as well, but just for some immediate things I find helpful in case it helps ease some of the working anxiety: Breaking down the drafting into tiny tasks instead of big ones always helps me! Instead of just “write the paper,” having a checklist with things like “draft intro,” and “look for sources on x,” and “revise conclusion…” I make that checklist, and then I tackle it using the pomodoro method, and it helps at least a little! And when you get to the point of practicing your presentation, remember you can put notes in your cards or your printed document, whatever you’re using, that give reminders to take a breath or look up! I know when I’m nervous, I tend to stare straight down and talk too fast, so I’ll put in parts in big bold letters reminding me to pace myself and take a glance around the room now and then.