Smack dab in the middle of holiday season. Here goes nothing! Literally -_-
SONG INSPIRATION
This month’s blog is inspired by Drake & Chris Brown’s, No Guidance. Can’t get enough of that song.
AGU 2019
After returning from a raucous week of Thanksgiving, I had to clamor together a poster for the largest meeting of earth scientists in the world – the American Geophysical Union annual meeting. 28,000+ scientists, students, teachers, researchers, etc. from all over the world packed into the beautiful Moscone Center in the heart of the disgusting city of San Francisco. I’m sorry that city has some serious problems. Anywho, this was my fourth – and favorite – AGU. It was great catching up with so many friends, learning about new science, and addressing issues within the scientific community. Not to mention the food – OK, San Francisco has a fantastic food scene – and the views (those rooftop bars, am I right?). Alright, let’s break it down. I had a chance to catch up with so many old faces. The social scene was bomb this year – dinners, drinks, desserts, strolls through exhibition halls, etc. It made me happy to see my friends thriving in their respective fields – even if they don’t see it in themselves. And let’s not forget the science. I attended mostly volcano-related talks. Nothing like fresh science to get the gears turning, even if I don’t plan to pursue research hardcore after graduate school. Still, I can’t deny a certain gust of excitement when I see a talk or a poster that catches my eye. I was super excited about the number of town halls about diversity and inclusion this year. I attended a number of discussions about how to increase inclusivity in the geosciences. The fact that we’re able to have a dialogue around these issues is an enormous first step in making science more accessible to everyone. Of note, I didn’t feel any impostor syndrome at this meeting and I experienced very little anxiety. So that was as added bonus.
CHRISTMAS 2019
Chrma is right around the corner. And no that wasn’t a typo – that’s how I’ve been pronouncing it. Shopping on Amazon, attending holiday parties, buying special cakes, it’s the season to be jolly – and spend more (and eat more) than you should. This year I won’t be going home for Christmas. It’ll be my first Christmas away from my parents. But we have some experience being apart on major holidays (see Thanksgiving 2013). However, that doesn’t mean it won’t feel different. I’m going to miss the fragrance of a real Christmas tree, the giant Christmas dinner, opening gifts with my parents, and seeing some family. But like my mom says, “When you get older, you make your own traditions.” Maybe my new tradition will become online shopping, holiday cakes, spontaneous meals with friends, and going to the movies. Or maybe it’ll be something wonky for a few years, who knows. It’s all so exciting to me and actually makes for a more special, merrier Christmas.
Advice: Traditions don’t last. At least, they shouldn’t. But when you’ve experienced something a certain way for your entire life, it can be hard transitioning to something new. Like spending a holiday away from your family. In times like these, it’s important to value the positive aspects in life. Perhaps the change isn’t so bad, especially if you’re surrounded by close friends, have a wonderful partner, or you’re in a new, exciting place.
NEW YEAR’S – N’AWLINS
2019 is ending. My resolutions have been partial successes at this point, owing mostly to unexpected challenges and opportunities that arose throughout the year. On the whole, I’ve had a wonderful year. The question is, what awaits me in 2020? Impossible to know. More challenges and opportunities are likely. I’ll probably finish my PhD and leave graduate school. I may find a new job somewhere far away. I don’t know, but I’m excited – maybe a little jittery – about the possibilities. This will also be my first New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day away from my family as well. Another opportunity for a new tradition. I’m always invited to at least one New Year’s Eve party, but I’ve always been out of town. Maybe I’ll do nothing. Or maybe I’ll just make something up. There’s a thrill in the unknown.
On the first day of 2020, I’m flying to New Orleans to spend some much-needed time with my sister AKA my very best friend. Despite demanding careers and lack of availability, my best friend and I always find a way to prioritize each other. I plan to spend the first week of 2020 in New Orleans, eating amazing food, catching up with friends, and enjoying one last reprieve before spring hits me like a ton of bricks. I’m not going to do any work. Instead, I will pretend grad school and all of her deadlines and responsibilities don’t exist for 5 days. I’ll take it.
SPRING SEMESTER 2020
The spring semester has already crept into my life. I’ve already started planning meetings and mock PhD qualifying exams (senior grad student duties, you know). Not to mention, I have a ton of work to wrap up my dissertation. I’d like to say I’m 75% complete – but maybe that’s an overestimate. The majority of my remaining work is writing, so I plan to start creating detailed outlines for my chapters in January. Crafting a story is key. Thankfully, I’ve begun on 2 of my chapters so I’m not starting from scratch. Nevertheless, my chapters aren’t all at the same stage of development. I plan to schedule my defense date in January for some time in the summer. Basically, it’s pedal to the medal until I defend. Don’t even get me started on job applications and interviews. I’m definitely going to need Spring Break. Shit, I forgot about LPSC! That abstract is due right after I return from New Orleans. Lawd, this semester will be a doozy. No matter, I can do this.
Advice: Getting into the right mindset – psyching yourself up, if you will – is a major aspect over overcoming an obstacle. When you know you have a challenge, especially something daunting, consider this method. Of course, prior preparation is also key.
CURRENT SHOWS
Recently finished: Brooklyn Nine-Nine (s4–6); Catherine the Great; The Crown (s3)
Currently watching: The Boys (s1); The Great British Baking Show: Masterclass (s3); Rick and Morty (s4); Veep (s7)
As always, thank you for reading! It’s been another year of self-reflection and growth. My next blog is scheduled for Thursday, January 16th. Until next time….
The Planetary Novelist 