Last blog of another forsaken year. While things might have been great on a personal level, the world is in a state of flux. And I have no more flux to give.
SONG INSPIRATION
This month’s blog is inspired by Doja Cat’s “Ride” from her album, Planet Her.
THANKSGIVING RECAP
After nearly 2 years, I got to hug my mama and daddy. That’s it. That’s the blog. As Thanksgivings go, it was smaller and quieter than usual. No matter – it did the job. I dwelled in the company of my parents. Thankfully (ha!), I saw one of my best friends and a few extended family members as well. And I had a chance to visit a couple of favorite eating spots and spent an obligatory day in Nola. I decided that visiting my parents once a year or less won’t cut it post-pandemic. I hope to see them a bit more next year, including Thanksgiving (which I’m hoping will be bigger, louder, and crazier – or in other words – normal). After a week surrounded by love and good food, I felt a sense of peace and internal satisfaction which gave me the energy to finish the semester strong.
END OF SEMESTER SHUFFLE
Put the finishing touches on your abstract. Wrap up the reading. Prepare the paper submission. Whatever you gotta do, wrap it up like a [get your mind out of the gutter!] because it’s the end of the semester! After returning from Japan, I was prepared to spend the remainder of the year cranking out a paper while unemployed. Instead, I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to work as a post-doc alongside a great colleague and friend. I’ve met and connected with students and dabbled in new projects. But after a semester of writing, reading, image analysis, job hunting, and mentoring, I’m ready for a long break. Staying in academia has meant a continuation of viewing the year in semesters. But that has provided a structure for divvying up responsibilities and it keeps things fresh. I’ve learned a lot this semester and I’m anxious to follow through with exciting ideas in the spring.
CHRISTMAS 2021
Thanksgiving may by my favorite, but Christmas has always been a close second. This year marks the 3rd Christmas of split holidays (welcome to that ‘dult life). As we get older (and especially if we’re boo’d up), it’s important to start your own holiday traditions. This year I’ve taken the task of codifying that by purchasing lots of treats (look, ain’t no calories getting counted from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day), attending Christmas events (light shows), and miscellaneous adventures (a short trip to California). What also makes this year special is because I’m unsure where I’ll be spending the Christmas season next year. If this is my last year in the desert, then I want to make sure I savor it.
END OF 2021 – NEW YEAR
2020-won has been a rough year for many people. The world has been in a state of sustained disarray for two years straight. Regardless, it’s the season of festivities and reflection. Neither New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day are particularly big holidays in my life. That traditional NYD meal (in the American South at least) – cabbage, black eyed peas, and a meat – has never been my cup of tea. But I’ve always enjoyed setting resolutions and realigning my priorities. For me, the new year is a chance to start fresh habits, reinforce the good ones, and toss out the unproductive.
NEXT YEAR…
I’m not putting any hope into 2022. I’m not claiming it’s MY year – nah, we learned our lesson from 2020. Instead, I’m going to keep it real. The best laid plans of rodents and homo sapiens, after all. Next year, if all goes reasonably to plan, will be a year of travel and social obligations. Weddings, graduations, holidays, vacations, workshops, possible relocation, and other shenanigans. I could score a new job and a change in career trajectory. I could move to a new city, state, and/or country (again). Whether or not these things happen are ultimately not in my control. But it doesn’t hurt to wonder. I’m excited by the possibilities. I know some of them will not come to pass, and surprises and tragedies are also a possibility. But, despite my realism (with tendencies toward the pessimistic), I’m still a romantic when it comes to (arbitrary) new beginnings.
CURRENT SHOWS & BOOKS
Recently finished: explained (s3); Modern Family (s6); Neon Genesis Evangelion; The Great British Bake Off (s9); The Naked Director (s2)
Currently watching: Bakuman (s2); Detective Conan (s29); mind: explained (s2) Modern Family (s7)
Recently read: The Obelisk Gate by N.K. Jemisin
Currently reading: The Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin
Thank you for reading! My next blog is scheduled for January 13th, 2022. If you’re able, please get vaccinated (and/or boosted!). Until next time….
The Planetary Novelist 