Another month. Another year. Rinse. Repeat. Renewal.
SONG INSPRATION
Ali Bomaye by The Game feat. 2 Chainz & Rick Ross
JAPAN 4.0
I completed my 4th adventure in Japan. This was my favorite visit. I finally visited Akihabara, Harajuku, Roppongi, and Ikebukuro in Tokyo. I nerded out in game and anime shops, rode the trains/subways daily, and reunited with my Japanese English teachers again. I felt scarily relaxed and gleeful. And although I’m not one for New Year’s celebrations, it was pretty cool ringing in the New Year in Tokyo. Unfortunately, the first day of 2024 in Japan was marred by a strong 7.5 earthquake and subsequent tsunami. I felt my first earthquake in my hotel and watched my hung clothing (and the building) sway. Very unsettling. Geology aside, I satiated something in myself – something that has wanted to break free ever since I first traveled to Japan. Perhaps I simply ticked enough boxes. Regardless, the memories I made on this trip are as priceless as the resulting shifts in perspective. I suspect it will take me months to process what this trip meant to me.
2024 – CHANGES AND CHALLENGES
Every year has its ups and downs, regardless of how our mind remembers it. 2024 will be no different – another year of change and challenges.
Change: This is the second and last year of my current postdoctoral fellowship. I will start packing in the fall and by December I will have (theoretically) moved on to my next position.
Change: I’m done experiencing moderate-severe burnout every 6 months. I will make real structural adjustments to my work-life balance, but I will also adjust my ambitions and career aspirations. Despite having a great job, I’m still finding myself mentally fried on a regular basis that negatively impacts my life outside of work. I know what I need to do now. It may not be popular, especially with those who have an idea of who I should be, but it’s what’s best for me.
Challenge: Find a permanent job. I’m currently in my 3rd job cycle. Despite how much I enjoy applying for jobs and meeting new people, I’m anxious for stability. If I don’t manage to secure a permanent academic job this cycle, I’ll give it one last try this Fall. Four cycles should be enough time to land a permanent academic position. If that fails, I will leave the academy.
Challenge: I will edit the draft of my completed novel. I love editing but I anticipate a monumental undertaking. Where necessary, I will adjust the structure and pacing of the story, flesh out characters, and strengthen the plot. I’ve never edited a large work of fiction before, but I’m hopeful thorough edits will flesh out the narrative and produce the story I visualize in my head.
WINTER TERM
Although the start of the spring semester is 4 weeks away, J-term began last week. I’m not teaching a J-term course but I am advising a student working on an independent project. I can’t overstate how much I’ve enjoyed mentoring students on research projects – generating ideas, looking at new data, and watching students strive and grow. In addition to research advising, I have a few other responsibilities this winter including paper edits and professional service. I’m keeping things light as I continue to recover from severe burnout. I need to feel better before I head to a conference and start the spring semester. Can’t wait to finally crack open the PS5 and start Final Fantasy XVI either!
WRITING
I’m super proud of my writing accomplishments in 2023; however, it’s time to focus on 2024. In science, my 4th manuscript (second author) has been published and it’s one of my favorite papers. Elegant and concise. My 5th manuscript is currently under review so I anticipate receiving edits within the next month. While I’m awaiting those reviews, I’ll work on a first draft of my 6th manuscript.
In the fiction realm, I have a few goals for the year. I intend to start editing my novel in February. I hope to conclude that by the Fall and distribute an edited manuscript to my alpha readers. Next week, my writing partner and I have a writing retreat where we hope to outline the future of our shared stories and review contests we’d like to submit to this year. I also have a horror short story I would like to revise and submit for publication.
CURRENT SHOWS AND BOOKS
Recently finished: Attack on Titan (The Final Season – part 3); Detective Conan (s31); Inside Job (s1-2); Invincible (s2-part 1); Silo (s1); The Crown (s6); The Diplomat (s1); The Sinner (s1-4); The Watcher
Currently watching: Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities; The Morning Show (s1)
Currently reading: A Modern History of Japan; Aurora
Thank you for continuing to indulge my ramblings. My next blog is scheduled for Thursday, February 8th. Until then….
The Planetary Novelist 