Ho ho ho! Merry whatever-the-hell-this-holiday-season-is. Let’s jump right into the final blog of the year.
SONG INSPIRATION
The inspiration for this blog is NOT a holiday related song, but instead My Hood by Ray Blk (ft. Stormzy).
CHRISTMAS 2020
I know many of you celebrate other holidays this time of year and some may celebrate none at all. For me, I’m zeroed in on Christmas and to a far less extent, New Year’s. Shopping is done. Desserts are ordered. Packages are in transit. (Socially responsible) plans are being made. I’m taking the entire week off because this year has been a shitshow and I’m in desperate need of self-care. Christmas, although one of my favorite holidays, is a smaller affair in the best of times. This year will be even smaller – which I’m fine with honestly. More time to think, reflect, and knock a few items off my to-do lists. Instead of spending money on gifts, I should’ve given everyone lumps of coal for working my nerves. Except for you, of course, dear readers 😊
2021
I’m not going to jinx it. I don’t know what 2021 has to offer. Probably more hell. But I am hopeful about certain aspects of life. That’ll have to do. I’ll use NYE and NYD to reflect on 2020 and prepare – and I use that word loosely – for 2021.
PAPER OUT – ACADEMIA OUT (Rant alert!)
I don’t know when I’ll forgive academia. It’s been said that pandemics expose or amplify the weaknesses in society. Academia can be a place of enlightenment, excitement, innovation, inspiration, and collaboration. It’s also rife with bullying, discrimination, sexism, and racism. One toxic aspect – which contributes to all of the aforementioned problems – is the work culture. In many cases, academics are expected to prioritize their work above their personal lives. It’s frustrating in the best of times. It’s downright enraging in the worst of times. The fact that there’s an expectation of normalcy and productivity in the most unprecedented, abnormal times. The fact that there are conferences with abstract deadlines and…*deep breath*. It really jingles my bells. While I’m fortunate to work in a relatively progressive academic unit with an accommodating supervisor, academic culture extends far beyond a single institution.
BUT despite everything that’s unfolded this year, I have managed to “contribute” to the academy by submitting the first chapter of my dissertation for publication. That might sound hypocritical, but rest assured I took my damned time. In normal times, I could’ve cranked it out a month or two sooner. But the existential dread prevented that. I’m currently working on my second paper and hoping to submit it in the next month or so. Once all of my papers are in the publication pipeline, I can take some time to reflect on my future. Despite positive experiences at my own academic unit, I’m even more certain that research isn’t for me. I really miss teaching and I love mentoring. Administrative work is also fun. However, the idea of writing proposals and managing funds and writing proposals and managing funds and writing papers for 40 years gives me gooseflesh.
PERSONALITY – A PERSONAL TAKE (Rant alert!)
Your hobbies aren’t your personality. Generally, we learn this in adolescence – we try to find ourselves in a sea of hormones and angst. Some people shortcut this process by affixing their identity to some hobby or activity. Early last year an acquaintance of mine offered an explanation – some people conflate their hobbies/interests with personality. I’ve encountered many adults whose existence seems to revolve around [INSERT HOBBY/INTEREST HERE]. Every aspect of a conversation, every philosophical belief, every bit of humor was tied to THAT HOBBY. Look, I love my dog. And I love writing, anime, listening to music, and binging shows. I enjoy Legos, football, and socializing. I definitely post too many food pics on IG. But I can go significant lengths of time without talking about, engaging with, or emulating any of those interests. There’s nothing wrong with loving something and devoting yourself to it, but all things in moderation. There’s a difference between something being an aspect of your personality and a desire to merge it with your very existence. Whether it’s work-life or hobby-life, I try to strike a balance.
CURRENT SHOWS
Recently finished: explained (s1); Futurama (s6); GBBO (s8); GBBO: Holidays (s3); The Crown (s4)
Currently watching: 9-1-1 (s3); explained (s2); Futurama (s7); Ghost in the Shell SAC 2045; No Guns Life (s2); The Mandalorian (s2)
Thank you for reading! My next blog is scheduled for Thursday, January 14th, 2021. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season. Until next year….
The Planetary Novelist 