It’s ONLY month four of 2025! April showers bring false spring and mud season.
SONG INSPIRATION
April’s blog is inspired by Lucy Pearl’s Dance Tonight.
DIRE PROSPECTS AND SPRING BREAK
I spent two weeks in the Deep South sampling the coming spring, which included a lil too much pollen. My first stop was Texas for the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference. While I’m happy I had the opportunity to introduce a student to the planetary science community, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the dour mood. It was a stark juxtaposition between trailblazing science and fears surrounding funding, travel, and the future of the academy. I don’t think the American public realizes how many jobs and communities are sustained by funding the scientific enterprise. A week of scared and worried looks, hushed conversations, and demoralizing vibes eroded even the most optimistic personalities. I did, however, savor the small moments of joy. I caught up with several friends, explored more of the Houston food scene, and visited Asiatown.
Spring Break was wonderful – an ode to my (aging) yet lively parents. We cruised along the coast, enjoyed the local cuisine, and caught up on movies. We spent a lot of time talking, reflecting, laughing, and jesting. To my utter delight, I had a chance to spend an afternoon with my best friend after a 16-month hiatus. It’s fascinating how your once home(town) can come to feel so alien, and yet will always remain a part of you. A place where I grew and cried and laughed and loved and hated for 18 years. So much has changed and so much has remained the same. I spent a week watching my parents – how they moved, thought, ate, and looked. A low level of raw emotion stirred just beneath the surface within me. Our society doesn’t prepare us to watch our parents’ age.
MID-SEMESTER
After two weeks of warmer weather and R&R, I returned to work with unwarranted optimism. For some reason (maybe it’s the energizing love of family, motivated students, and therapy), I’ve felt highly motivated – and even excited – about my work. We’re halfway through the semester on the downward slope to summer. My research assistants are at the height of their projects, while my senior research course is full steam ahead. I have a myriad of projects on my plate – most of which are in the writing phase. A positive perspective is just what I need to wade through the uncertain employment landscape and show up for the people who rely on me.
A QUICK CHANGE OF SCENERY
By the time you read this, I will be in Canada (assuming they’ve let me enter). I popped up to Montreal to attend the Avatar the Last Airbender concert series. Afterwards, I’m heading to California. I am happy to return to a warmer climate if only for a short stint. Changes in scenery have been instrumental in keeping me afloat in these very difficult times. I sometimes write with an air of “I have this all figured out”, but I definitely do not. Staying positive and productive is a challenge in the best of times. I’m doing what I need to do to preserve myself. Never give them all of yourself or you’ll have nothing left for you.
CURRENT BOOKS AND SHOWS
Recently finished reading: The Electric State
Currently reading: A Modern History of Japan; Starry Messenger: A Cosmic Perspective; The Dispossessed
Recently finished watching: Detective Conan (s32); Dexter (s5); Severed (s2)
Currently watching: Abbott Elementary (s4); Dexter (s6); Super Crooks; The Floor (s3);White Lotus (s3)
Thank you for reading! The next blog is scheduled for Thursday, May 1st. Until next month….
The Planetary Novelist 