Happy Birthday! (and: The Little Things During Wartime)


Happy Birthday! (and: The Little Things During Wartime)

Even during wartime, there are the little things. Also: How should I celebrate my birthday? Friday’s Digest #147

Table of contents

  1. Life Update
  2. Tools and Tips
  3. Readers’ Favorite
  4. Stuff


Life Update

Today is my birthday!

It's funny— it always takes me a moment to remember exactly how old I am.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not having trouble remembering my age.

It's more like: "I'm 45. No, wait. 44. No, no. 45. It's 45."

I assume there's a psychological explanation for this, but I'll let you draw your own conclusions.

Now, let's talk about CELEBRATING birthdays.

How do you celebrate yours?

Some people enjoy throwing big parties.

Others prefer taking trips or doing something out of the ordinary.

Some (myself included) keep it low-key.

But I do like getting myself a present 🎁.

Usually, it's some gadget.

This year, I got the newest Sony headphones, and they're fantastic!

(Check out the "Stuff" section to read more about them).

But I should definitely celebrate it more…

This week, I want to share what it's like building a routine during wartime.

I call it: The Little Things During Wartime.

Number 147!


Tools and Tips

This newsletter usually shares my experiences as a doctor and scientist, along with the tools I've developed along the way.

But this week, the war in my region has escalated.

While many aspects of war deserve discussion, I'm taking a different angle today.

Instead of focusing on the major events, I'd like to share 3 small experiences.

🔵 The Unexpected

This week, my wife visited her parents.

I stayed home since it's closer to my hospital (where I might be called in).

Before she left, I asked her to keep me updated if she moved to another location.

I NEVER did that before.

So, why now?

Because if missile strikes occur and we lose contact, I'll know where to find her.

Extreme? Panic?

Those who know me well know that I'm not one to panic.

Come to think of it, I'm not sure I've ever panicked— not even as a kid 😃.

So, no. I wouldn’t define it as panic.

But in wartime, extreme situations become possible.

The unexpected can happen any second.

🔵 Time Management During Sirens

When sirens sound, you must head to a shelter. QUICKLY.

Usually, you have a few minutes before things start to blow up around you.

But what if you're really hungry, your phone battery is at 12%, and you need to use the bathroom?

Sure, you COULD just use the bathroom and give up on the other two.

You’ll be bored and hungry in the shelter, obviously.

But if you manage to grab a snack, your phone charger, AND use the bathroom before reaching the shelter, well...

It's a really nice sense of accomplishment 😀

🔵 Planning a Vacation

I should have been on vacation next week in Vienna, Austria.

A cool, relaxing (low-key) vacation.

That obviously got cancelled.

I had a feeling it would happen.

I have another vacation planned for September. I really hope it will take place.

It made me realize how people around the globe can plan and take their vacations. Perhaps even go for the “non-refundable” cheaper options.

Something like:

"Next year I'll visit Japan. I booked everything a year in advance and everything is planned out."

I can't even plan next week.

The little things.

Don't get me wrong— these are in no way the most important things. They're hardly even somewhat important.

They are, simply, the little things.

Little things of wartime.


Readers’ Favorite

Have you ever thought about cheating on an exam?

I bet you have.

Have you ever done it?

Here I wrote about cheating on exams.


Stuff

💡Gear I use - Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones 🎧.

Sony has a way of naming its products that is as technical as possible. 🤣

These headphones have just come out, and I had to get my hands on them.

Now, let me tell you - they are worth it. Great sound, wonderful noise cancellation. They are lightweight, comfortable, and have an impressive battery life (30 hours).


Epilogue

If you received this newsletter from a friend and would like to join Friday's Digest, visit https://newsletter.shaysharon.com

That’s it for this issue.

See you next week!

Shay



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Friday's Digest - The Newsletter for Doctors & Scientists

For two decades, I've been developing tools that have improved my practice in medicine, dentistry, and scientific research. Join me every Friday to discover a new tool you can integrate into your workflow as a doctor, a scientist, or both. I believe in sharing knowledge, embracing automation, boosting productivity, and finding joy in the process.

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