JANUARY 2022

Another revolution around the sun.  Multiple revolutions brewing in the streets.  It’s the roaring 2020s.  And we’d best be ready for what’s next.

SONG INSPIRATION

The theme for January 2022’s blog is Jnr Choi’s “To the Moon”.

2022 NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

As you know, I’m a sucker for New Year resolutions.  After all, periods of transition are an opportunity for growth.  In the past 2 years that’s been a little lost due to the existential crises unfolding globally.  This year I’d like to hold myself accountable to some tasks which need to be achieved.  However, I also have some goals related to personal priorities as well.  My resolutions are as follows:

1 – Writing:  publish 3^rd paper, prepare 4^th paper for submission, and continue working on novel with goal of completion.

2 – Fitness:  continue to prioritize healthy eating and regular exercise (switch to Peloton strength classes on MWF).

3 – Marry morals and politics with lifestyle.  Actively support anti-fascist, anti-racist, and pro-democracy efforts via financial and temporal commitments.

Two of those resolutions hold my feet to the fire on commitments I’ve already made with myself but require continued progress.  My novel is ~50% completed, so finishing the remainder this year is doable.  My third resolution was born out of frustration with our society, the pandemic response, systemic failure, and the need to actually do something to make the world a little better.

SPRING SEMESTER 2022

The spring semester is officially here!  Goals for this semester center around submitting my 3^rd paper for publication ASAP, presenting a (virtual) poster at LPSC (haven’t been to this conference in 3 years), and data analysis for my 4^th paper.  Of course, there’s the usual service and mentor commitments that I look forward to as well.  Stretch goal is working up a proposal outline.

Work has picked up and will continue to accelerate this semester.  But that’s okay.  I’m still finding the time for self-care and maintaining a healthy balance.  I’ve even started to attend the local public library (where I’m frantically typing this paragraph) in order to change up the scenery.  Another goal of this semester is to determine where I’ll work in the coming academic and/or calendar year.

JOB HUNT

The job hunt is heating up like the planet.  It’s never been easy for me to make big decisions.  Unless it’s something I REALLY want.  As of today, I’ve received my 2^nd offer.  And it’s a competitive offer.  This has forced me to practice that thing I’m historically bad at – making decisions.  Now, I’m having to weigh a multitude of aspects, including location, cost of living, responsibilities, and long-term career plans.  While I enjoyed the “imagining where I might move/live” part, it’s definitely less fun trying to reach a decision about something that will impact all aspects of my life for the next few years (or foreseeable future).  I’ve already made one large decision (moving to Japan), only to realize the job wasn’t for me.  Now, of course mistakes, failure, and rejection are part of the game.  But I’d also like to make an informed decision – the best compromise if you will – that will shape my life and career trajectory.  It ain’t easy.  And I’m leaning on my professional network for advice and a variety of perspectives.  At the end of the day, I’ll have to make a decision for myself.

CURRENT SHOWS & BOOKS

Recently finished:  hawkeye; Lost in Space (s3); The Witcher (s2)

Currently watching:  Bakuman (s3); Insecure (s5); Modern Family (s7); Wheel of Time (s1)

Recently read:  The Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin

Currently reading:  The Universe and Beyond: Fifth Edition by Terence Dickinson

Thank you very much for reading again!  My next blog is scheduled for Thursday, February 10^th.  Please continue to practice mindful measures even if you’re fully vaccinated.  Until next time….