A rare celestial event approaches – The Great American Solar Eclipse (Monday, April 8th)! If you can, check it out! The next one in the US will be in 2044 CE.
SONG INSPIRATION
This month’s blog is inspired by Drake’s “Can I” from his album, Care Package.
SPRING BREAK
We’re over the hump of the semester. Spring Break was a needed reprieve from the cold temperatures and grey skies still plaguing the northeast (although not as bad as mid-winter). I returned to the southwest and indulged in culinary favorites and quality time with friends. I also had some business to tend to as well. Returning to the southwest is a mixture of emotions – happiness, regret, apprehension, familiarity, and resentment – to name a few. Most of those emotions are attached to the marathon that was graduate school. Nowadays, I focus on catching up with friends (and eating) although I know many of them will leave within the next year. Thankfully, I’ve returned to work with a recharged mental battery and a clearer path to the end of the semester. Early April is a time of deadlines and commitments related to larger goals which I need to wrap up before the end of the semester.
THE BUDS OF SPRING – COMMUNITY
It’s still cold here in April, but spring is budding. The days are longer. The temps are (marginally) warmer. The animals are stirring. And the sun is more present. This spring feels uniquely different from last spring when I was learning my new position, exploring a new region of the country, and missing my friends in the desert. Now, I’ve built relationships with colleagues and neighbors. I’ve strengthened long-distance relationships through virtual interactions and developed hobbies (still a work in progress). I’m also in the throes of a WILL HE WON’T HE have a job in 2025. All things considered, I’m in a much better position than I was this time last year. By far the biggest improvement is the development of a community. I have social interactions on my calendar at least once a week. I generally feel supported and welcomed, although there’s still a ways to go. One of the harder aspects of term-limited positions is struggling to develop a community and then leaving right when it blossoms.
DECISION WHIPLASH
The last couple of months have been a whiplash of possibilities wrapped in an anxiety ridden waiting game. As of today, I’m still waiting to hear back from institutions where I have interviewed for permanent positions. I feel like my life is on hold. In academia, it’s important to make plans 6-24 months in advance depending on the project, conference, curriculum, etc. Right now, I’m unable to make any plans beyond December which is driving me nuts. As soon as I receive / make a decision, I can move forward with my life. Hoping for some (positive) news soon!
CURRENT BOOKS AND SHOWS
Recently finished books: The Left Hand of Darkness
Currently reading: A Modern History of Japan; Ringworld; The Housekeeper and the Professor
Recently finished shows: Avatar: The Last Airbender (live-action); Cells at Work: Code Black; Star Wars: Clone Wars (s1); Dinner Time Live with Dave Chang; Kotaro Lives Alone; Physical 100: Underground; The Floor; What If…? (s2);
Currently watching: Echo; Star Wars: Clone Wars (s2); The Morning Show (s2); Zom100: Bucket List of the Dead
Thank you for reading! Please feel free to suggest future topics. The next blog is scheduled for Thursday, May 2nd. Until next time….
The Planetary Novelist 