Due to severe time constraints, I may shorten the length of the next few blogs. Hopefully that’ll make for quicker reading though.
SONG INSPIRATION
June’s blog is inspired by Tinashe’s viral hit, Nasty.
AN EVOLVING SENSE OF PLACE
Earlier this month, I returned to the Southwest to socialize with friends and reconnect with my graduate school supervisor. I had a wonderful time despite highs between 105 and 109. One of the strangest things about the ‘post doc phase’ is lacking a sense of place. It’s even stranger when you return to a place you once considered home and realize that many of your friends no longer live there. I spent a decade in the desert. But it felt different from even a couple of months ago. Currently, I reside in New England – a place where I’m gradually developing relationships and a strange fondness for certain aspects of winter. Yet, this place still doesn’t feel like the Southwest (I haven’t lived here as long) and I’m still imagining what a life could look like here. I’ve definitely learned to dwell (and appreciate) ambiguity, so I guess this is another opportunity to flex that muscle.
JAPANESE IMMERSION
This week, I started an 8-week Japanese language immersion program. So far, it’s involved about 4 hours of courses per day and a similar daily time commitment for studying/homework. During the program, a language pledge is in effect prohibiting the usage and exposure to English (although there are exceptions). As a result, I have also limited my usage and exposure to English. Of course, it’s impossible to follow the pledge 100% especially given my research and mentoring responsibilities. However, I’m super excited to think and speak in Japanese again in an immersive environment. I’m not concerned with grades, but I do want to improve my speaking and reading skills. This is such a unique opportunity to strengthen my language skills under guided instruction surrounded by a group of motivated individuals. For those I communicate with regularly, expect more code-switching (between English and Japanese) in future conversations. I do have some concerns about completing the program – mainly that I’m absolutely exhausted and have new research obligations. But as of now, I’m taking it day by day.
CURRENT BOOKS AND SHOWS
Recently finished reading: The Origins of Everything in 100 Pages (More or Less)
Currently reading: A Modern History of Japan; The Housekeeper and the Professor; The Laithe of Heaven
Recently finished watching: Blood of Zeus (s2); Rick and Morty (s7); Star Wars: Clone Wars (s4); The Bear (s1)
Currently watching: Delicious in Dungeon; House of the Dragon (s2); Star Wars: Clone Wars (s5); The Bear (s2)
Thank you again for reading! My next blog is scheduled for Thursday, July 25th. Until next time….
The Planetary Novelist 