JUNE 2023 PART II

SONG INSPIRATION

This month’s second blog was inspired by ‘Annihilate’ from the Across the Spiderverse Metroboomin’ soundtrack.

THE QUEEN’S RETURN

Four weeks ago, I hosted my mom in an emerging annual tradition.  It was a trip of firsts for her.  First time in New England, crossing an international border/leaving the country, visiting Canada, exploring a liberal arts college, seeing a waterfall, etc.  It’s funny how parents behave more like children with age.  Every time I looked at my mom, I saw a bright-eyed little southern girl giddy with excitement.  It was equally heartwarming and sobering – a reminder of how precious little time we have together on a cosmic scale.  Providing moments of joy via new ventures or quality time on the sofa is the priority these days.  These trips have allowed for the development of a deeper relationship, one forged not in my childhood home but in faraway places that encourage a different mindset.

BURNOUT

Currently, I’m suffering from moderate to severe burnout – a victim of my own anxiety induced work ethic combined with persistent excitement around teaching and research.  As much as I love my office, I’ve taken 2 weeks off from work to recover.  I have a lot of projects and deadlines this summer – paper writing, research collaborations, mentoring, workshops, GSA and AGU abstracts, etc.  All of these opportunities excite me, but presently I am weary, lethargic, unable to concentrate, and irritable.  Since I can’t travel to a beautiful beach in Mexico, I’ve decided on a ‘mental staycation’ in my home in N’Angland.  My living room is the beach.  My sectional is the lounge chair.  The floor is sand.  The fridge is the bar (actual bar cart notwithstanding).  The TV is the view of the sea.  The book on the side table is…well, a book.

When not lounging in my living room and when the weather permits, I explore the aspects of town normally inaccessible during the semester (either overrun with students or closed before the end of the work day).  Coffee shops, happy hours, museums, new eateries – all within walking distance of my front door.  I hope this is just the boost I need to propel me through the summer and prepare for a month of travel out.

THE JOB HUNT

After 2 years, it’s job-hunting season again.  This time I’m hunting for a permanent position (preferably a tenure track position at a relatively nice institution).  Relative being the key word as no place is perfect and all institutions are inherently flawed.  But let’s not digress.  As much as I love participating in interviews and imagining my life in new places, the stakes are higher this round.  Ideally, my next position will last 4 – 6 years, and then considerably longer if I make tenure.  I’ve worked at R1 and R2 universities and, most recently, a liberal arts college.  I’ve lived in sprawling cities and charming towns.  I have to consider the safety of a location, access to healthcare, affordability, etc.  While the weight of the decision hasn’t induced any noticeable stress, I have started to mull over my priorities.  Of course, my priorities are irrelevant if there are no positions available.  At the end of the day, I’m limited to what positions are offered and where they are located.  I may not have as much choice as I’d like.

CURRENT SHOWS AND BOOKS

Recently finished watching:  Black Mirror (s6); Ted Lasso (s3); The Great (s3)

Currently watching:  Sweet Tooth (s2); The Venture Bros (s5); Wednesday

Recently finished reading: Astrophysics for People in a Hurry

Currently reading:  A Modern History of Japan; Dune; The Spare Man

Thank you again for reading!  As always, reader suggested topics and questions are always welcome.  My next blog is scheduled for Thursday, July 27^th.  Until next time….