I don’t know what that was – that being the last 4 weeks, and 2020 in general.
SONG INSPIRATION
This month’s blog is inspired by Ariana Grande’s “safety net” from her new album, Positions.
FALL 2020
The Fall semester is winding down, a little earlier than usual due to COVID-19. I’m happy with what I’ve accomplished. I’m submitting a paper in the next week or so (awaiting figure permissions), working on a second paper (which I’d like to submit by late December), contributing to the creation of a code of conduct, reviewing/learning Japanese, etc. That’s not to say this semester hasn’t been wrought with challenges – like everyone else – related to this dumpster fire of a year. Motivation, energy levels, and concentration are below average.
Advice: The entire world is behind this year. Celebrate anything you’ve accomplished that has contributed to some goal, no matter how small.
HOLIDAY GRIEF
As stated in my previous blog, the holidays are out of whack this year. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make them special. Recently, I celebrated my third Diwali – the festival of lights – with a small, responsible (and recently tested) group of friends. It was a fantastic night of wonderful music, delicious food, and hilarious conversation. For Thanksgiving, I’ve made the difficult decision (first world problems) to hunker down and stay home. Regardless, I still intend to take the week off and feast on delicious food. Yes, I’m going to miss the familiar flavors and large portion sizes, but it’s better to keep myself and others safe. Interestingly, Christmas will probably proceed similar to last year, albeit without attendance to a crowded mass.
Advice: The holidays are about sharing and caring. Caring means being selfless during a global pandemic and protecting those we love. If possible, do your part. Pandemics don’t last forever.
A DANGEROUS GAME
This is probably one of the more frightened times I’ve experienced as an adult in America. In national politics, uncertainty can be volatile. For the overwhelming majority of US history, general elections have resulted in a smooth transition of power. But that ain’t how 2020 rolls. The refusal to acknowledge the results of the election is fueling frightening conspiracy theories and political instability. I’m very concerned about the future of our national discourse, the safety of many of our most vulnerable citizens, and our democratic institutions. Maybe it’s time to bounce….
JAPAN UPDATE
Currently, I’m in the process of obtaining logistical information and finishing up my last bit of packing. When I arrive in Japan, I will have a mandatory 14-day quarantine, so I’ll have to keep myself busy. Thankfully, I’ll have plenty to do (writing and online shopping), and I’ll lean on my social circle back home (yay, more video chatting).
CURRENT SHOWS
Recently finished: Appare-ranman!; Killing Eve (s3); sex: explained; Sherlock (s4)
Currently watching: Futurama (s6); Great British Bake Off (s8); No Guns Life; Roman Empire (s3); The Boys (s2); The Crown (s4)
Thank you for reading! My next blog is scheduled for Thursday, December 17th. Until next time….
The Planetary Novelist 