I regret the delay in posting this blog. My laptop suffered a fatal malfunction which has left me borrowing devices from friends until my new machine arrives. Thankfully, I learned that my future institution will provide me with a work computer so hopefully this won’t happen again.
SONG INSPIRATION
This month’s late ass blog is inspired by MIA and Timbaland’s, “Come Around”.
COVID RECOVERY
After 2 years of bobbing and weaving, Miss Rona snatched me by the throat as I left Iceland. While my case was mild-moderate, it has left me with mild brain fog and fatigue. These lingering symptoms underscore the true cost of covid. Various disability advocates and medical professionals have described the pandemic as a “mass disabling event”. The bottom line is covid, even in mild cases, can wreak havoc on our bodies (and therefore minds) and come at a huge cost to society. Hence, it’s important to continue to remain thoughtful and considerate. For the record, I mask during travel, in crowded public spaces, and test regularly when I find myself socializing more. And I still caught it. The long-term consequences of the coronavirus are still unknown, which is why it’s crucial we continue to protect ourselves and vulnerable members of the community.
WASHINGTON DC
The real winner of my most recent trip is the nation’s capital. As usual, it’s going to take me some time to process my experiences on this trip. But here are the highlights.
I traveled to American Paris for the AGU Chapman Justice in Geoscience conference, a transformative experience emphasizing the need for justice, accessibility, equity, and inclusivity in the geoscience discipline. It was the best conference I’ve ever attended, and I found it restorative, uncomfortable, invigorating, and emotionally taxing. We interrogated ourselves, called those with privilege/power into community, and charted an actionable plan for the future. Science is changing…for the better (for the just). The other (work-related) reason I traveled to DC was for an invited talk on some Mars work I published last year. Although my laptop crashed days before I was scheduled to give this talk, it basically went off without a hitch (thanks to a supportive colleague and friend) and I received a jolt of motivation and inspiration from the questions, comments, and feedback provided during the post-talk discussion. So many research ideas! So little time….
As for DC itself, I’ve previously visited the city for a day in order to see the White House and visit The Smitty (Smithsonian Museum of Natural History). This time I had a week to explore, to take the Metro, to dine out, to catch up with friends, and to visit some cool spots. The urbanism was wonderful – so many walkable and accessible neighborhoods thanks to ample buses, trains, and sidewalks. The vibe of the neighborhoods was electric. I also took the opportunity to dine at my first Michelin star restaurants. What an experience! Six-course meals that perfectly meld texture and flavor and presentation. Given the small portion sizes, I was worried about not getting full. But that wasn’t a problem at all! All of the restaurants had great ambiance, fantastic service, and chic decor.
Of course, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see my peeps who live in and around DC. It was wonderful to catch up with friends I haven’t seen in months or years. It was doubly wonderful to hear how (positively) their lives were progressing. The arm-twisting to get me to DC wasn’t too bad or necessary. I’d move there in a heartbeat.
VERMONT
I flew from DC to Vermont to visit my future institution. I’ve never been to Vermont, but I’ve heard great things from friends, acquaintances, YouTube, and Bernie. However, I wasn’t prepared for just how beautiful, progressive, and GREEN the state was. Despite being a rural state, I felt so welcomed and safe. The network of small towns is also a huge difference from the urban sprawl I’ve grown accustomed to out west.
I was super excited to tour my future institution and meet a couple of my future colleagues in-person. My future office is spacious, with plenty of natural light. The geology wing of the building is accessible and modern. As a whole, the campus is beautiful – white and gray limestone buildings and rolling hills – and there are plenty of amenities.
Visiting Vermont made it real. My new job. My upcoming move. My departure from the southwest and the formative experience and location where I attended graduate school. It’s a lot of emotions to process and it’ll take me sometime to do so. Regardless, I’m excited at the next steps in my career, friendships, and self-improvement. Keeping my social circle intact will require deliberate action, but it’s nothing I haven’t done before.
DOING WHAT’S EASY VS WHAT’S RIGHT
One concept I’ve been wrestling with in the last few months that was brought to the forefront by the recent AGU Justice in Geoscience conference is the concept of bravery. It’s “easy” to not do what’s right – to pretend oppression doesn’t exist and doesn’t impact you. In science, many people pretend that science is objective, and their work has nothing to do with the suffering of their friends/peers/colleagues. Are they even your friend/colleague if they feel this way? I’m sick and tired of it. I’m almost certain I’ll be fired someday from someplace for standing up for what I believe in. It runs in my family. Now more than ever we need those with power and privilege to stand up and defend the rights of those being disadvantaged, excluded, and oppressed. There’s a dangerous wind blowing across the globe and right now more than ever we need unity, organization, and community. “You aren’t being attacked for your privilege – you’re being called into community. You’re being held accountable.” To those in my social network, if this sentiment applies to you, then decide what you’re going to do. Are you going to stand by as hate and violence swallows those you claim to care about because it isn’t easy? Are you going to casually accept nationalism and fascism? OR…I’ll leave that up to you.
CURRENT SHOWS & BOOKS
Recently finished: Colombo (s2); Ms. Marvel
Currently watching: Colombo (s3); Devils Line; Ted Lasso (s1); Venture Bros. (s2)
Recently finished reading: Undrowned: Black Feminist Lessons from Marine Mammals
Currently reading: Wine for Dummies
Thank you for your patience and thank you for reading! My next blog is (hopefully) scheduled for Thursday, September 22nd and we’ll be back on schedule. Until next time….
The Planetary Novelist 