I’m drafting the first version of this blog on a 6-hour layover at Amsterdam Schipol airport.
SONG INSPIRATION
This blog is inspired by Emmit Fenn’s single, Painting Greys.
HELSINKI
Given the current funding climate and the lack of a permanent position, I am seizing every opportunity to share my science with the community. I’ve never attended a Europlanet or Division of Planetary Sciences (DPS) meeting and the conference provided an excellent excuse to return to Europe and visit a new country, Finland. I gave an oral presentation which was very well received, and I had several (positive) questions/comments afterwards. More importantly, I had an opportunity to catch up with a couple of friends from graduate school and share a delicious Georgian meal.
“I could live here” is one of my toxic traits, but Helsinki grew on me in a matter of days. I had no idea what to expect. And I didn’t have the time to do my usual prep (except for Duolingo) for an international trip due to orientation week. I expected a typical mid-size European city with decent walkability and public transportation. What I found was a beautiful, walkable, and exceptionally clean Nordic – not Scandinavian! – city that resembled Reykjavik, Zurich, and according to a charismatic tour guide, St. Petersburg. I especially loved the trams, which were always punctual, clean, and quiet. In fact, Helsinki was very quiet despite busy pedestrian boulevards, outdoor eateries, and a steady number of tourists. The weather was fantastic, and I felt so…at peace as everything in the world seemed to fall away. I would love to return and spend more time there, and I’d also like to take the ferry across the Gulf of Finland to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia.
FIRST WEEK(S) OF CLASS
Teaching a first-year seminar means starting the semester a week early for orientation. Actually, it means starting 6 weeks early. Don’t get me wrong – I’m stoked to teach my first first-year seminar course centered on society’s relationship with space and its exploration. While I’m super excited to return to the classroom, it has also been wonderful reconnecting with colleagues and former students. Furthermore, my research group has reunited with a host of goals, including conference presentations and manuscripts. We’ll see how the students and I feel during the throes of the semester in mid-October. Regardless, it felt great to return to the classroom, see familiar faces, and dive into exciting new content.
AGING
In two weeks, I will be closer to 40 than 30. AGGGHKKKKHISSS!!! It hurt to type that. Of course, everyone is getting older. But it’s hitting home this year, especially as friends settle down and the thought of hopping between short-term positions becomes less appealing. While I don’t feel overt symptoms of aging, I have thought more about preventative health measures. For instance, I’m gung ho on walking 7000+ steps per day while the weather is decent. My sister, a licensed medical doctor, noted that while 10,000 steps a day makes for a good headline, anything >7000 is medically advantageous. Interpersonal connections are just as important as physical health, which has spurred renewed social investment. I want to live a long and healthy life, but I also want a life rich with love and connection.
CURRENT BOOKS AND SHOWS
*since some have asked, coming soon – thoughts / reviews on books and shows
Recently finished reading: This Is How Your Lose the Time War
Currently reading: A Brief History of Time; Dune Messiah
Recently finished watching: Vinland Saga (s2)
Currently watching: Daredevil (s1); Leviathan; Only Murders in the Building (s4); The Great British Bake Off (s16); The Great British Bake Off: Professionals (s10); The Grimm Variations
Thank you for reading! The next blog is scheduled for Thursday, October 16th. Until next time….
The Planetary Novelist 