APRIL 2020

Good Lord, it feels like it’s been months since I posted my last blog.  Every week feels like a month nowadays.

 

 

SONG INSPIRATION

This month’s blog is inspired by Megan Thee Stallion’s “Savage”.

 

 

DISSERTATION

If you’re reading this, it’s too late.  Literally.  Just kidding – but I am chest deep in my dissertation.  But that means I’m keeping my head above water.  At this point, I’ve submitted one of 3 chapters to my advisor for review and I’m currently working – and stressing – over the next chapter, which I plan to submit in less than a week.  The third, and final, chapter will be submitted in about 2 weeks.  Staggering it was the only way to maximize time.  Once I receive those (heavily) edited chapters back, I’ll revise them and resubmit them to my committee 10 days before my defense.  After my defense, I’ll likely receive additional edits – since each chapter will become a publication – and I’ll work on them during the summer.  I’d like to say that it’s been smooth sailing, but that would deny last week’s panic attacks.  Don’t get me wrong – I’m in a good position.  I started working on two of these chapters over a year ago.  Not to mention, I’ve written entire sections and figure captions over the last few months.  That has paid dividends.  However, somehow, I’m just on schedule.  At least the stress melts when I start writing.  I just need to get things done…sorry, too Biden-esque.  My defense is still way off, so I’m not devoting mental energy to that.  One (hopefully) productive day at a time.

 

 

BUBBLES – INTERSECTION OF DIFFERENT AMERICAS

Last month I spent Spring Break at a resort in Mexico.  While I enjoyed the phenomenal mountains, delicious food, and bomb ass jacuzzi, I was not prepared for the culture clash.  And I don’t mean Mexican culture – I’m talking about the culture of the United States.  On three separate evenings – a hibachi (teppanyaki) dinner, wine tour, and culinary tour – I had a mind-bending experience with an entirely different class of America.  The wine tour was the best, however, but that’s probably because we were all tipsy.  These experiences weren’t bad, but they were at the intersection of unease and fascination.  The conversation – at times quite fun – drifted from the talk of wineries, $100,000s investments, regal vacation destinations, etc.  It forced me to think about bubbles – the other America – where the people worry over stock options and legacy.  I was struck by the recurring sentiment towards me best embodied by the phrase: “He was so interesting”.  Initially I considered it a compliment.  It later occurred to me that maybe they found me interesting because they’d never heard – or considered – a perspective like mine.  Or maybe it surprised them that someone like me visited a resort like that.  I spoke of geology, volcanoes, climate change, millennials, the nature of pandemics, and a wee bit of sociopolitical commentary.  At times the other guests were stupefied.  Sometimes we sat in awkward silence.  I’m glad I had the experience to meet people like that, to learn about their priorities, to expose them to an “interesting” perspective, and to break bread with them.  But I also want to make sure I never become quite like them in my world view.  Not surprisingly, this section was a challenge to write, because I’m still trying to process what the hell I felt.

 

Advice:  Can you tell me what I was feeling?  In all seriousness, it’s important to expose yourself to different perspectives and pop your own bubble.  I guarantee what you think is normal is weird af to someone else.

 

 

COVID – 19 PART II

Miss Rona is shaking up the world.  Sometimes it blows my mind how much history I’ve experienced in my life.  Impeachment, Oklahoma City, Waco, Columbine, 9/11, Katrina, Impeachment, Coronavirus, etc.  I guess this is how our parents and grandparents felt – or maybe it just becomes life at some point.  We haven’t experienced a pandemic like this in over a century and I think it’s taking many people – whole states and countries at this point – to understand that life will be different for a while.  While I’m finally able to put my introvert skills to the test, I also wasn’t anticipating spending 2 months or more isolated from my friends, restaurants, and movie theaters.  First world problems.  I was also disappointed by the possibility of a virtual defense – with no friends or family able to visit.  Life has been upended.  But there’s also opportunity for reflection, new hobbies, introspection, and reinvention.  I’m learning a lot about my priorities – who or what is important to me and how I want to spend my time.  Nevertheless, the elevated anxiety and uncertainty exists.  So much has been delayed, postponed, and cancelled.  Life goes on, though.  We’ll evolve through this.

 

Advice:  Let’s take things a little less for granted after this.  All of those things we avoided – let’s give them a chance after this.  Your world is Topsy-turvy right now, but nothing lasts.  After coronavirus has passed, you’ll have things to do, decisions to make, and people to see.

 

 

CURRENT SHOWS

Recently finished:  91 Days; Banana Fish; Bungo Stray Dogs (s1–2); The New Pope; Ugly Delicious (s1)

Currently watching:  Bungo Stray Dogs (s3); Castlevania (s3); House Hunters Renovation (s7); Ugly Delicious (s2); Year Million

 

 

Thank you for reading!  I know these are tough times for many of you.  Stay safe.  The next blog – which may contain significant updates – is scheduled for Thursday, May 7^th.  Until next time….