DECEMBER 2025

My last blog was incorrect.  NOW the cold has arrived!

SONG INSPIRATION

This month’s blog is inspired by Gorgeous from Doja Cat’s new album, Vie.

THANKSGIVING

There’s nothing like a week of warmth, sun, and familial love to restore the soul and tease you with leisure at the end of a busy semester.  The week passed too fast, despite intention on my part for a slower pace of life.  Every morning, I had a cup of coffee with my parents (my dad likes his coffee very sweet and it’s a delicious treat).  Every afternoon we had lunch either at a favorite spot on the coast or at home (something my mom whipped up in the kitchen despite my attempts to dissuade her from cooking).  Every evening at dinner, we shared stories and jokes.  Afterwards, we watched a movie – from light horror to action – or a football game.  We had conversations about physical health, family dynamics, politics, love, friendship, aging, and academia.  It restored my soul, but I lamented the 7 months until my next visit home.  My parents are aging and so am I.  But as we age, we learn more about each other, and I now see them as complex people.  Not just my mom and dad.  It’s a lovely perspective, and it makes me cherish my time with them even more.  Of course, the food was amazing.  And I’m very happy I had a chance to see several members of my extended family – I’ve missed many of them as well.  Despite the state of the world, I am very, very thankful.

WINTER BREAK

Once again, I’m weary at the end of the semester.  I once wondered if this rinse and repeat of short intense semesters and utter burnout were sustainable.  Now, I think it’s just the name of the game.  My brain needs a rest.  I need a change of scenery.  The fall semester hit like a freight train, and it was a maelstrom of responsibility and emotions.  A slew of projects with deadlines, job applications, and meetings conspired to make this one of my busiest semesters in recent memory.  Suffice it to say, I’m ready for a break.  I need to step away from my email, my laptop, and my office.  In recent years, winter break has become a reprieve from the cold and dark.  So, I’m hoping for a few weeks of sun and warmth.  As much as I’m ready to lounge on a beach, I’m really excited to see a host of friends and explore new restaurants in the Phoenix area.  Despite the planned leisure, I do have a few things I hope to accomplish:  submit a manuscript to a journal, prep my winter term course, edit my novel, and catch up on movies and TV shows.

LOOKING TOWARD THE NEW YEAR

The easy part of the academic year is behind me.  I have 3 classes in 2026 – one in January and two in the spring semester.   While I’ve already taught 2 of the classes, I’m also building a new course over winter.  I prefer to build courses over the summer, but now I have 2 months to create an exquisite learning experience.  I’m a little nervous, but I’m using that energy to motivate me.  Overall, I’m looking forward to 2026.  But let me be clear.  It’s less that I’m anticipating any of the bullshit that is sure to befall that year and more that I’m ready to leave 2025 behind.  This year has been, simply put, a rollercoaster of insanity.  The world has been in turmoil, and it has affected nearly all aspects of society.  Hatred and stupidity won’t end on December 31^st, but I’m ready for a new frame of mind.  I have a lot of hopes – and fears – for 2026.  Until they’re realized, I’ll continue to do my best to prepare and live in the present.

CURRENT BOOKS AND SHOWS

Recently finished reading:  Volcanism on Mars; Project Hail Mary

• Project Hail Mary was excellent, and I think I liked it more than The Martian.  The upcoming movie makes me nervous, but we’ll see.

Currently reading:  Abundance; Dune Messiah; Planetary Geomorphology

Recently finished watching:  An Inside Man (s2); Black Doves (s1); Daredevil (s2); Final Draft; Law and Order (s1); Physical Asia; This Is Going to Hurt

• I loved Black Doves.  It was super fun!  I also enjoyed This Is Going to Hurt, which was heart wrenching at times.  Both shows contained Ben Whishaw whom I adore.
• An Inside Man was heartwarming, although I enjoyed season 1 slightly more.
• Really enjoyed Physical Asia and Final Draft.  For some reason, I’m all about competition shows from East Asia.
• Daredevil continues to entertain!
• Law and Order is great background noise.

Currently watching:  Culinary Class War (s1); Detective Conan (s32); Law and Order (s2); Moriarty the Patriot; The Floor (s3); The Witcher (s4)

Thank you for reading!  The next blog is scheduled for Thursday, January 8^th.  Until next time….