After a long, freezing January, a symmetrical February has arrived.
SONG INSPIRATION
This month’s blog is inspired by Kehlani’s Toxic.
FEBRUARY BREAK
A week away in the sun and warmth of the Mexican riviera will do wonders for the soul and one’s sleep debt. After an exhilarating winter term, I decided not to repeat the mistakes of the past and stay in dark, cold, and snowy N’Angland for February break. Instead, I spent a week south of Cancun recharging my physical and mental batteries for an intense spring semester. I did the usual and consumed a lot of pastel de tres leches, baja-style tacos, tamales, and carajillos. But I also caught up on emails and grading, finished reading a textbook, and did much-needed introspection and goal setting. I enjoyed watching the wildlife, from coatis and chachalancas to a burrowing tarantula *shudders*, and the sounds of families frolicking through the resort. Despite the exhaustion and uncertainty, the pain of prejudice, and the state of the world, I found moments of solitude and happiness. I am still very grateful for the many people and opportunities in my life, even if those best laid plans remain a tad awry.
SPRING SEMESTER 2026
The first week of Spring Semester finally arrived. By the time you read this, I’ll have finished my teaching for the week. I have two 100-level courses with a total of ~60 students. One course I’ve taught several times before, but the other is brand new. Furthermore, I’ve only had ~2 months to prepare this new course hence my stress. I know many other faculty who prep-as-they-go during a semester. Nothing wrong with that, but I’ve always been wary. I typically prep my courses over the summer in order to minimize preparing lectures and activities from week to week. However, I view this as an opportunity to challenge, strengthen, and expand my pedagogical tools. With two lab sections, lectures, term projects, and a slew of assignments and in-class activities, it makes for a challenging workload. Of course, this doesn’t take into account research. Given my teaching load, I’ve designated only 1 day per week for dedicated research. I have 6 students this Spring, but 3 are largely independent having worked with me for 2+ semesters. My goal is to do my best as an educator while maintaining a healthy life balance. As part of this strategy, I’ve resumed by morning Peloton workouts from the pandemic. And that has been a great decision!
WRITING UPDATE
In academic writing, I submitted my first manuscript of the year a few weeks ago (yippie!), and I’m preparing to submit another as co-author in a week. In fiction writing, I have less than 60 pages to edit of my first novel. The goal is to continue forward progress on all writing projects, but I have to remain realistic given my teaching load. Unfortunately, my academic writing takes higher priority since that’s my present career. But my writing partner and I are cooking up ways to maintain momentum on our various projects.
CURRENT BOOKS AND SHOWS
Recently finished reading: A Memory Called Empire; Planetary Geomorphology
- A Memory Called Empire was a fantastic novella of political intrigue and murder mystery set against the backdrop of an interplanetary empire. The writing was beautiful. And the scenery, courtesy of the writing, was spectacular.
- A fantastic textbook written by the godfather of planetary geology and perfectly suited for upper-level undergraduates and early graduate students. This book will fundamentally change how I teach my planetary geology course in the future (although my course format largely followed the layout of this book).
Currently reading: Data Analysis for the Geosciences
Recently finished watching: Detective Conan (s32); Inside Man; Law and Order (s3-4); Only Murders in the Building (s5); The Devil’s Plan (s1)
- Inside Man was very interesting and entertaining. A neat role for Stanley Tucci, but it left me with so many questions.
- Only Murders in the Building was delightful, but I’m growing weary of the plot. I feel like it should’ve wrapped up after season 4. And sometimes I just can’t stand Oliver.
- The Devil’s Plan has been so much fun even if the games go way over my head. Definitely a show for strategists, gamers, and brainiacs.
- Detective Conan and Law and Order are institutions for me at this point.
Currently watching: Daredevil (s3); Law and Order (s5); The Morning Show (s4); The Devil’s Plan (s2); Trigun Stampede
Thank you for reading! The next blog is scheduled for Thursday, March 12th. Until next time….
The Planetary Novelist 