Can’t believe we’re nearing the end of September already. Time is moving slow-fast. Or is it fast-slow? Whatever, let’s get into it.
SONG INSPIRATION
This month’s blog is inspired by The Light and The Shadowland, a track by Soil & Pimp Sessions from the BEM Original soundtrack.
THE FALL
…. semester, not of civilization. The fall semester has taken shape into an endless stream of meetings, writing, and reading all in the interest of service, mentorship, and research. I’m definitely digging the flexibility that comes with working remote. Although I confess, I am hitting the 6-month wall of being in quarantine during a pandemic. But the cooler temperatures and Great British Bake Off should help. I am receiving loads of fulfillment on my work related to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. I’m also stoked to be submitting a paper soonish – depending on how long the final revisions from my coauthors take. Overall, I’m happy to spend a few more months with friends doing meaningful work as we slide into my favorite season during an unfavorable year.
JAPAN
Everything is shaken not stirred this year. My plans aren’t special. This week I learned that my departure for Japan will likely occur at the end of year. My tentative start date is the first week of January. Despite the delay, I’m relieved and excited. I’ve already purchased and packed 90% of what I’m taking with me. The delay also gives me more time to prepare mentally, emotionally, and financially. The possibility of further delays exists, but I’ll take it one step at a time. Whenever I do arrive in Japan, it will constitute a huge adjustment which will be felt in all aspects of my life from this puny little blog to my daily workout routine. I’m excited to begin that journey – and share slices of it with you. But for now, I’m lying low east of the Pacific.
Advice: Learn to adjust your expectations of reality when necessary. There are a limited number of things in your control.
ELECTILE DYSFUNCTION
^Do a doubletake if necessary. As of today (the posting date), there’s 40 days until the United States General Election. That’s 40 days of me being thankful for ad-free Hulu. 40 days of me restricting my media consumption. 40 days of annoying texts and robocalls. 40 days of funding candidates in tight races. Keeping myself grounded and calm during one of the most contentious – and most important – elections in modern US history is a challenge. In the interest of my sanity and some relationships, I’m hoping to minimize political conversations leading up to the election. But that doesn’t mean I’m not engaged.
Advice: Politics is people. While it’s important – crucial, I’d argue – to participate in your democracy, you also have to give yourself permission to be selfish on occasion. Yes, the stakes are high but you can’t sacrifice your mental and emotional health.
CURRENT SHOWS
Recently finished: Atlanta (s1-2); BEM; The Valhalla Murders; Whitechapel (s1-4)
Currently watching: Fairy Gone; The Naked Director
Thank you for reading! My next blog is scheduled for Thursday, October 22nd. Until next time….
The Planetary Novelist 