½ a month until the semester begins!
SONG INSPIRATION
This month’s blog is inspired by Stacks from All Sides by SKAI ISYOURGOD.
END OF SUMMER
I can feel each hour slipping through my fingers. Recent days have been full of meetings, research, and lesson planning. Unlike previous summers, I’ve been working full days for the past month – a result of taking much needed time off. The student meetings which anchored my calendar have ended, and I’ve begun to assemble my course materials and plan my schedule for the Fall. There’s so much to do! Lab assignments. Canvas. Scheduling. The college is ramping up events related to faculty business, professional development, and strategic planning. While I am excited for a multitude of reasons, I’ll have to strike a balance to avoid end-of-the-semester burnout. Still – I’ll savor the next two weeks.
ONE LAST HOORAH
I’m continuing the tradition of a small trip the week before classes in order to armor my mind for the semester. The motivation for this trip is to organize a student visit to a few prominent academic institutions in the DC area. One of my great joys of research mentoring is watching students develop their scientific prowess, and I am excited at the opportunity to introduce them to some heavy hitters in science. I’ll make a brief stop in the Big Apple and take a day trip to Philly. Admittedly, the trip has since grown into an excuse to catch up with some of my best friends, try a few restaurants (cause of course!), and make a little time to write. It’s been a super productive summer, both in terms of research and socializing. And I feel as if I’ve been successful in recharging my mental and emotional batteries.
WRITING UPDATE
In the realm of academic writing, several projects are coming to a head. Within the next 2 weeks, I intend to submit 2 manuscripts for review. I have another manuscript under review although I’m hoping that paper will get accepted very soon. I’m also co-authoring an additional manuscript with a planned winter submission. All in all, I’m pleased with my progress. I’ll feel much better in a few weeks (I hope) after submission. As for fiction writing….
…well, I haven’t made time unfortunately. Between a new course, summer research students, and manuscript preparation, I haven’t had time to edit my second novel. Nor have I made time to revise my first. I’ve added a recurring block of time in my calendar to devote sufficient time to creative writing this Fall. I can’t go too long without nourishing the creative juices, or I’ll start to lose myself.
CURRENT BOOKS AND SHOWS
Recently finished reading: Petrology and Plate Tectonics: an Earth Systems Approach
- A fun, interesting, and actually entertaining textbook on the fundamental concepts of petrology and its connection to plate tectonics and the greater earth system. I’m assigning this textbook for my Intro to Petrology course this Fall.
Currently reading: New York 2140
Recently finished watching: Grantchester (s1); House of the Dragon (s3); Law and Order (s10-11); Rick and Morty (s9); Shameless (s1); The Floor (s5)
- Grantchester is a cozy police procedural featuring unrequited love. I rather fancy it.
- I can’t believe I have to wait 2 years for another season of HotD! I’m still Team Black, but my girl needs some help.
- Law and Order is basically post-Peloton and Japanese lesson morning routine.
- Rick and Morty was entertaining and – at times – emotional and existential. In other words, same ole’ same ole’.
- Shameless is a mess! Wow – this family is wreck; thus, the performances are amazing.
- I kinda tuned out towards the end of The Floor. This may be my last season. Some game shows get old after a while.
Currently watching: Abbott Elementary (s5); Grantchester (s2); Law and Order (s12); Shameless (s2); Silo (s3); The Ghost in the Shell (2026)
Thank you for reading! The next blog is scheduled for Thursday, September 24th. Until next time….
The Planetary Novelist 