Two weeks down, ten more to go!
SONG INSPIRATION
This month’s blog is inspired by Adéla’s Nicole Kidman.
A NEW FALL
Why is it already dark at 7 PM!? Why is my house cold in the morning!? Students have returned. Classes have begun. The contrast between a leisurely summer pace and the hectic buzz of the fall semester gave me whiplash. I haven’t felt this exhausted in 4 months! I’m thrilled, exhausted, confused, and anxious. My first two weeks of class have been…suspiciously good, and my hesitance reflects a deep anxiety that things may turn in the coming weeks. I’m teaching Petrology, or ‘rock chemistry’ as the chemists’ tease, a traditional geology course linking rock formation to tectonic setting known for its challenging content. While I enjoy teaching upper-level courses, I’m always leery of the first time as I get my bearings. However, this is an opportunity to cover material that I find fascinating! I’m also investing in my professional development – and greater college community – by attending a number of pedagogy-oriented working groups. I hope it all keeps me sane as I navigate a world of less external funding and a leaner job cycle.
ONE LAST TOUCH OF “SUMMER”
If you’re reading this, it’s too late. I flew to the West Coast to enjoy one last bite of warm weather. And I didn’t even miss class! I planned this trip nearly a year ago when I thought I would be languishing in unemployment. It’s a quick weekend trip to celebrate someone’s 40th birthday and to invest in a long-distance friendship. There’s something about the west coast that jives with me. Maybe it’s just the sun and the mountains. Or the sense of freedom. Of being unchained and unburdened. I felt it coursing through my veins when I first drove out west 13 years ago with only a vague understanding of graduate school. That nostalgia colors my perception of the west coast, and I feel a little bit of it every time I return.
FINDING COMMUNITY. SEEKING JOY.
In the last few weeks, I’ve felt a deepening sense of community. It may seem odd given the level of uncertainty in the world. But I’m fortunate to have a genuine, well-intentioned community both in-person and afar. That brings me joy, a feeling I seek most this semester. I won’t let others distract me from my goals and my joy. I know this writing may feel more meta than usual. Maybe I’m going a little mad like the rest of the world. Every day we wonder what AI means for the future, fear for the future of science, and languish in a hellscape of corruption. But it’s precisely when things are at their darkest that we require joy. Let’s be real – I’m psyching myself up to get through another day. But, hey, we all have to find a reason to get out of bed.
CURRENT BOOKS AND SHOWS
Recently finished reading: New York 2140
- New York 2140 was both an ode to New York City and a climate call to arms wrapped in a mystery. It sits somewhere between dystopia and utopia. Definitely a little armchair philosophy at times, but not bad. I enjoy Kim Stanley Robinson’s writing even when it drags on at times.
Currently reading: Dungeon Crawler Carl; Teaching with AI; The Liberating Arts: Why We Need Liberal Arts Education
Recently finished watching: Avatar the Last Airbender (s2); Law and Order (s12); Physical 100: Mexico; Silo (s3)
- ATLA season 2 was better than the first thanks to addition of Toph and better dialog for all characters but especially Katara.
- Law and Order remains my morning routine.
- Physical 100: Mexico was so much fun! I really love this franchise.
- Season 3 of Silo was wonderful! The backstory. The stakes. The promise of the final season next year.
Currently watching: Abbott Elementary (s5); Grantchester (s1); The Great British Bake-Off (s17 – US); Law and Order (s13); Shameless (s2); Physical 100: Italy; The Ghost in the Shell (2026)
Thank you for reading! NEW POSTING SCHEDULE: The next blog is scheduled for Friday, October 23rd. Until next time….
