Apologies for the one week delay – every few years it happens, but the new cadence works better for the spring semester.
A few years back, I stopped making New Year’s resolutions, but I still have goals for 2026.
SONG INSPIRATION
This month’s blog is inspired by Happy from Doja Cat’s album, Vie.
WINTER BREAK
Three weeks wasn’t enough to recover from Fall semester let alone prepare for the Winter and Spring terms. I needed twice as long, and I still feel a twinge of weariness. However, it was enough time to recharge my mental battery to 80%, do much needed introspection, and spend quality time with a slew of friends and family. I enjoyed the near continuous sun and warm temperatures. I spent one week on the west coast of Mexico indulging in baja tacos, tequila, and tres leches, and I even finished an audiobook and binged a few shows. The slower pace gave way to deep conversations, reflections on a tumultuous year, and plans for 2026. I spent 2 weeks in the southwest, which reminded me of how much I enjoyed – and missed – living in the desert. I was struck by the ease of life relative to N’Angland, especially this time of year. Admittedly, I wasn’t in the Christmas spirit for a variety of reasons covered in previous blogs. Yet, overall, winter break left me feeling younger, more energetic, and reflective.
2026
I’m ready for a new frame of mind. Given what we’ve observed thus far, I don’t expect much out of this year. But I expect more out of myself. I do have a few goals. Some are tangible, such as submitting and/or publishing 4 papers and finally completing a first round of novel edits. Others are more behavioral, like advocating for myself, not cowering to bullies, and committing to a more rigorous workout routine. I’m under no allusions. In the realm of academia, things continue to worsen. Therefore, it’s important to develop a mindset and behaviors that can help navigate the tumultuous climate and provide some stability and personal satisfaction.
WRITING
Unfortunately, I fell behind on writing in the Fall, and I needed winter break to recover so I wasn’t as productive as intended. However, there are glimmers of hope in the next few weeks. For academic writing, I intend to submit at least 3 papers in the first quarter of the year, with 2 of those slated for submission this month. These manuscripts are the products of collaborations over the past 6 – 18 months. I’m stoked (and desperate) to have these manuscripts submitted for peer review. With the likelihood of another job cycle this year, I need more quality publications. In fiction writing, the outlook is less optimistic. I’m ~90 pages shy of finishing the first round of novel edits. Editing and revising over the next 6 months will be difficult given my course load. Currently, I’m trying to carve out weekly time but that’s a far cry from the daily progress I desire. Nevertheless, I’ll continue to chip away.
CURRENT BOOKS AND SHOWS
Recently finished reading: Abundance; Dune Messiah
- Many people have hated on Abundance, but I agreed with the overall message. I do think the government (local, state, and federal) need to get in the habit of building things again. Plus, despite being a book rooted in history and politics, I found it optimistic.
- Dune Messiah was political intrigue instead of action and expansive world building like the first Dune. However, it’s short length (~320 pages) makes it bearable and you develop a rich understanding of the characters and world(s).
Currently reading: A Memory Called Empire; Planetary Geomorphology
Recently finished watching: Culinary Class War (s1-2); Death by Lightening; Law and Order (s2); Moriarty the Patriot; Murderbot; Pluribus; The Floor (s3); The Pitt (s1); The Witcher (s4)
- Culinary Class War is really fun, and I now have so many restaurants I want to try in Korea.
- If more American period pieces were like Death by Lightening, I would find American history more fun and engaging to watch. Really enjoyed the acting!
- Moriarty started strong as an anime rooted in class conscious, but grew boring once they introduced Sherlock Holmes because we already know his story.
- Murderbot was a fun, quirky sci-fi. I didn’t know what to expect, but I was entertained. The short episode length is a plus given the pacing.
- I loved most of these shows! Pluribus was wonderful albeit the pacing was a tad slow and each episode was probably 15 minutes longer than necessary. But the plot, writing, and acting was solid.
- Probably the best season of The Floor, although I hope they do more with the state vs state aspect in future seasons.
- The Pitt was so addictive, and I loved it! It was the exact type of show I needed on a beach vacation. The pacing and acting are solid. You could feel the stress and pandemonium of the ER. I wouldn’t recommend this show if you’re base level of anxiety is elevated.
- The Witcher was disappointing, especially relative to the awesome sauce of seasons 1 and 2. It was fun at times, but some of the story threads are boring and annoying.
Currently watching: Detective Conan (s32); Inside Man; Law and Order (s3); Only Murders in the Building (s5)
Thank you for reading! The next blog is “scheduled” for Thursday, February 12th. Until next time….
The Planetary Novelist 