Life has been a maelstrom of professional, social, and familial activities this past month! It’s both exciting and overwhelming. Let’s unpack it.
SONG INSPIRATION
This month’s blog is inspired by a throwback – Bobby Valentino’s, Slow Down.
JOB UPDATE
Whelp, now that I’ve signed on the digital dotted line, I can officially announce that I will be leaving the valley in January 2023. That’s right – I’ve accepted a second post-doc position at a small liberal arts college in New England (super specific, right?). The position in New England, hereafter referred to as N’Angland, is a two-year position with a focus on teaching, undergraduate engagement (research), and DEIA-related service. It’s a very unique position, I admit, with flexible expectations and lots of independence to build the role I want for myself. In other words, it’s perfect for me. Now, am I excited to be on the East Coast? Am I ready for the winter? Those are questions I’ve entombed deep within my soul and refuse to acknowledge. But am I ready for the next chapter of my life (and a move outside of Arizona)? Absolutely.
WRITING UPDATE
While novel progress has slowed this past month, science paper progress has prospered. Recent events have majorly disrupted my schedule so I haven’t been able to dedicate the 30-60 minutes per day for advancing my novel. That said, it’s still in good shape (from a % completed perspective) and I’m hoping to return to my routine next week. On the other hand, I’m very pleased with my science writing. I submitted my third paper for review two weeks ago AND I started working on my fourth paper AND I got too excited and started writing a short fifth paper. Ok, that’s a lot. Lemme slow down.
My third paper, which I just submitted, has been a work in progress for over 6 months. I basically adapted one of my dissertation chapters into a manuscript to be submitted for additional peer review. I expect it back in a month or so in order to begin the editing and revision process. My fourth paper represents another dissertation chapter, so most of the material is already there. However, I still have a bit of data to reduce, figures to create, and some organizational issues to address. Hoping to have that paper ready for submission by the fall. As for the fifth paper, that one was a fluke. After a couple of productive (and honestly, inspiring) meetings, I got motivated to write a concise paper using an existing dataset. So motivated that I violated my personal rule and started writing it up on Sunday! AHHH – the ancestors would be disappointed! Either way, I’m stoked at feeling enthusiasm about my work again.
THE QUEEN’S VISIT
After a 2-year delay due to covid, my mom visited the valley for the 2nd time. It’s been 7 years since her last visit. It was a phenomenal occasional full of hearty laughter, thoughtful conversation, long overdue meetings, and blatant excuses to pig out. She relished the opportunity to explore breathtaking vistas and meet fantastic friends. As I reflect on this trip (which will take me weeks to digest and process), I am coming to terms with something – viewing my parents as complex individuals and not merely…parents. This was something my mother expressed to me about her own parents and it’s something I hope to correct with mine. My parents are aging – it’s something no amount parenting can prepare you for. Their mortality is sobering. But my relationship with my parents has never been stronger and that presents an opportunity to build something in their later years – friendship. I do believe it’s possible for family members, particularly parents and their children, to be become friends in adulthood. And this could represent the next stage in the evolution of the relationship with my immediate family.
THE EXHAUSTIVE YEAR OF 2022
I have about a dozen trips and a dozen commitments this year. Is this what they mean by roaring 20s? I started writing this in late March/early April and I’m already exhausted. In fact, this blog will be posted between The Queen’s Visit and a birthday (not mine) trip to Vegas. Thankfully, things quiet down in April and May before revving back up again this summer and fall. During my downtime, I’m hoping to catch up on work projects, tv shows/movies, and social obligations. After all the hubbub, I welcome falling into a routine as the days get longer, brighter, and hotter.
KEEPING UP WITH THE BESTIES
This year I’m making an honest effort, especially as the severity of the pandemic wanes, to stay in better communication with my best and close friends. Whether that means using Discord or allowing more cold-calls midday, I want to be more deliberate with my friendships. It gets harder and harder to maintain let alone build relationships as you get older. I’ve been blessed/highly favored/fortunate to accumulate a collection of colorful characters who I count as friends. And it means the world to me to keep them close. That means being a deliberate friend, making myself vulnerable and available to the people I care about.
CURRENT SHOWS & BOOKS
Recently finished: Young Wallander (s2)
Currently watching: Attack on Titan (s4); Modern Family (s9)
Currently reading: Wine for Dummies
Thank you for taking time out of your busy lives to read my thoughts. Continue to be safe and cautious. Next blog is scheduled for Thursday, May 5th. Until next time….
The Planetary Novelist 