Well, that was a longer pause in blog posts than I intended. Goodness. I think the last time I posted was nearly a month ago. I certainly didn’t plan to be post-less for so long, but, well, life and work and various and sundry “things” conspired to keep me from sharing my thoughts in this space.
And wow, I missed it. Even if I am just putting these thoughts out into the ether, and no one is reading them, there is something cathartic about writing posts about what is on my mind. It’s different from what I write in my personal journal, and I am finding that I really value both.
All of that to say, it’s good to be back. And today it’s going to be a hodgepodge of randomness, because it’s Monday, technically a holiday here in the US, and I honestly don’t have a more thoughtful, composed (ha, I almost typed “composted”) post in my head. So, here we go…
- Work stuff. Oof. The last post I had here was right before the end-of-semester grading frenzy. We are on a hard deadline for that so I was prioritizing that for several days. Fortunately, my students’ papers were pretty darn good (points to me for building a lot of feedback into the writing process) so there were fewer papers that made me shake my head and despair for the future of my profession than in past years. 😉 Tomorrow marks the start of the summer session, and I’m super-nervous about the course that I will be teaching for the first time. Ooof, again. Let’s just say the person who taught it last year was not, um, forthcoming with information/support/resources. I basically reconstructed what they did by downloading and reviewing the files and the course website. The first class is tomorrow afternoon – so here’s hoping it goes well. (I do still need to do a more in-depth read of the articles assigned, too…) We also have several PhD students at time-intensive points in their programs, so I have responsibilities related to that, too. In other words, summer has started but other than not having any standing meetings (hallelujah, since they’re mostly on Friday afternoons, something Kae can sympathize with now…), it’s pretty much the same pace as during the academic year. Not uncommon, but let’s just say that last week’s break was desperately needed.
- And on that note, life stuff. Specifically, travel and vacation stuff from last week. It was wonderful to see my parents and get some down time during the all-too-brief transition from spring semester to summer session. We spent time on the (very windy) beach, I read at a speed I can only maintain when I have no other responsibilities (I did read the hardback version of Codebreaker, about the development of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and the women who made the discoveries and connections needed to support its development in… 2.5 days. It was nearly 500 pages. When I’m passionate about something – and have the time – it’s good to know that I can still be the reader that I “used to be” before life took over…). I got more quality time with my parents than I had had for years. And then, well, there were some downsides. I got a skin infection related to the health issue I’ve been having for several months now. And then, my dad’s “allergies” turned out to be… COVID. So, yeah. I see my parents for the first time in a year. And one of us gets COVID. Sigh. This meant that I wound up sleeping on the couch (not super-comfortable, but at least it let me get horizontal) for three nights, so that my dad could isolate and my mother was not sleeping on the not-super-comfortable couch. Let’s just say my hope for deep, restful sleep was squashed when he tested positive. Fortunately, he is much better now (his symptoms were relatively mild), and neither my mom nor I seems to have contracted it. I’ll know for sure when I test later today. (Fingers crossed, as that would complicate tomorrow’s class a bit…) (OK, edited to add, overwhelmingly negative, which means my immune system actually functioned properly for once! Woohoo.)
- There are other life stuff things, but moving on… I have a crazy long list of personal to do’s to go along with my work related ones and can I just say that while writing them out helps (classic brain dump style), it is really overwhelming to look at everything, all at once. Also, I haven’t updated my work to do lists in weeks and I’m dreading doing that. Whine, whine. I am grateful to be busy – otherwise, I would be bored – but some days it’s just overwhelming. I know we all have these challenges, so I also know that I’m nothing special when it comes to long to do lists. 🙂
- We are finally – FINALLY – having more seasonal weather here. It’s supposed to be hot as blazes here today, then more normal the rest of the week. Well, except for the severe storms. Tomorrow. Likely when I’ll be walking from the parking ramp to my class – because that’s how it usually goes. 🙂 Despite the more normal temps, though, I am feeling distinctly under-inspired regarding any plants/herbs for my mini balcony. I usually at least TRY, but this year? I’m just…. not into it. The idea of getting some potted herbs, repotting them, putting them on the balcony… it’s pathetic, but it just seems like a lot right now. (I think part of the reason I feel so pathetic is that my dad is like super-gardener-man, and… while I love it? it’s not a key part of my identity, the way it is for him. I’d rather be reading, thanks.) So maybe, in the interest of not adding *one more thing* to my to do list, I’ll just… skip it this year.
- I have so many blog posts clogging up my brain… so I hope to show up more here in the next few weeks. It’s going to be an interesting summer – 2 more trips, both involving family; teaching a new course; getting 4 manuscripts out the door; and prepping for another busy academic year ahead. Already. Ha. Oh, and while I *thought* that our work meetings were all going to be virtual? As in, I thought it had been decided? Um, yeah, no. Apparently it was too far down the agenda for the last governance meeting of the year, and so now, the decision will be made by 4 people. We were all able to weigh in – and nearly everyone voted in favor of virtual only or hybrid – but I worry that 2 of the 4 people will hijack the process because they are strongly in support of in-person meetings. So until I hear otherwise, I’m going to fret about this. Of course. It’s me, I fret. It’s what I do. Fortunately, one of my closest friends at work is one of the four, and so a) I know she will speak up on my behalf, and b) I also know that she will tell me what the outcome is as soon as she knows. But still. Unnecessary and dumb stress. (Also, seriously, who wants to sit in a crowded conference room that never has enough seats on a FRIDAY afternoon at 3 pm? Particularly when we have experienced the joy of online meetings for the last 2+ years? Sighhhh….)
I hope you are all well. I have missed this space, and interacting more regularly. May was… well, it was kind of a cluster, to be honest. Here’s hoping June smooths out a bit? Maybe?
Aiming for this: “I will be calm, I will be mistress of myself.” (Thanks, Jane Austen…)
I’m actually fascinated that people want to go back to IRL meetings when it’s so convenient having them online, and the pandemic has showed that it’s possible. But well, that’s me. I love hanging out with people, but like… that’s when we go to the pub, chat over a drink and maybe play a couple of tunes. And certain meetings can be convenient having IRL but I can’t see that meetings in your field would be of that category.
Eew about Covid, but good to hear it was mild. Now you may have some added immunity, at least!
I know – what is with people who want to be in person? I am okay with it for teaching – it definitely makes for a better experience, for most classes. But for meetings? Seriously people, it’s 2022. And you’re absolutely right that meetings in my department do not need to be in person. Sigh. I had a crazy day yesterday (although class was fine, thank goodness) so didn’t get to ask if they’ve talked about it yet, either. I hate the uncertainty more than anything, I think.
And yes, the COVID situation was not fun. I was kind of impressed that my pathetic immune system, which usually decides to fail at the most inopportune times, held up. We were definitely not distancing before he tested positive! I’m glad it was mild – he’s already feeling about 100%, so that makes me very happy.
Wow! Busy indeed.
Hope the class goes smoothly today. It is always unnerving to try something new (teaching this class) for the first time. I have a feeling you’ll knock it out of the park.
I’m so sorry to hear about your Dad and what unfortunate timing. Very sadly one of my brother-in-law’s father was just diagnosed with advanced cancer and my BIL was all set to come visit his father. And then this father tested positive for COVID and now has to be isolated in the hospital which means none of the family can visit him in what is likely his last few weeks of life. It still seems slightly surreal to me that COVID is still having such an impact 2.5 years later. It’s a new “normal” but it still feels so, so abnormal. I’m so glad he’s recovering well and that you/your mother didn’t get COVID!
And how wonderful you finished a long book so quickly. It’s nice to do that once in a while; it’s a particular feeling for a book-lover that’s hard to recreate that quick binge-read of a long, good book.
It was a bit bonkers – and yesterday did not go as intended. Fortunately, class went well and hey, only 7 weeks to go. 🙂 They are a good group and the bonus for me is that I get to learn about topics that are not my area of expertise. Even better, there is a student whose interests align with mine, so that might lead to things beyond this course. Fun!
Terrible timing for Dad to get sick, but honestly, it wasn’t that bad. I just felt awful that he did not feel well when we were on vacation! I was also glad that I won the fight for the couch. Sheesh, mom, I’m 30 years younger than you are – I think it might be better for me to sleep on the couch!
That’s terrible about your BIL’s father. Cancer. ARGH. (I have a pin on my desk from a long-ago project that says “Cancer sucks” and yes, yes it does…) I hope that they loosen the rules and the family is able to see him – restricting visitors seems totally unnecessary in this case. 🙁
And yes, oh, the book binge was so wonderful. I worry sometimes that I have lost the ability to fall into a book, but this just served to remind me that yes, I can absolutely still do that. 🙂
I’m always happy when I see a post from you pop up in my feed!
I’m sorry to hear that your father got Covid during your vacation. What a bummer, especially since it meant sleeping on a not-so-comfortable couch. I am so scared about getting Covid before my trip – I even tested myself this morning like the crazy person I am (it was negative). I hope you were able to make the most of your vacation, though!
Here’s to a new semester! I hope it goes well. <3
Aww, thanks! I’m glad it makes you smile to see my posts. I feel the same about yours. <3
You know, it was a total bummer that dad got COVID. On the other hand, his symptoms were not severe at all (thank you, vaccines and boosters…), and my mother and I managed to dodge it, which was completely unexpected. The couch was not the worst surface I have ever slept on, and I was so wiped out by the sun, the humidity, and the WIND (seriously, winds of like 15 mph all week?) that I actually slept okay. I hope you continue to test negative – you and your mom are going to have so much fun on your trip!!!
And, class went well. Thank goodness. It makes me think I need to do a post about how I am really different when I teach, compared to how I am in the rest of my life. It's a good group – and I'll get to learn about some things that are really new to me, which I love. 🙂
Shoot, I tried to comment on this last week from my phone, but I’m seeing now it didn’t show up. I always goof up commenting on my phone! ha. Anyway, I had just said YES I can commiserate with the Friday afternoon meetings!! And guess what- the meeting Fri at 3:30 that I thought was once a month? I was wrong! It’s bi-monthly, or TWICE a month!! UGH. Now it looks like we might have one added on Friday mornings, too, just to round the day out. wah…
I am glad to see you emerging back into some more “normal life” activities, even though the travel didn’t pan out quite as hoped….I know you had struggled with coming back out of the shell after the big isolation periods of the pandemic started to lift. I hope you enjoy your summer, and enjoy less standing meetings!! I’m with you on the gardening, too, by the way. I like the idea of it, but I just honestly don’t have the time right now to deal with it. I don’t know much about it, so to be successful with it, I’d really need to spend some time reading, researching, learning, etc about it. And that’s just not happening right now. Maybe in retirement??! Haha.
I know you can commiserate with the Friday afternoon meetings. Although your situation sounds like it’s getting worse – so sorry to hear that. Who is doing that??? I mean, really – on what planet are Friday afternoon meetings that do not involve fun drinks and snacks a good idea? 😛
The travel was actually okay, despite the COVID situation. I actually have the (random) chance to see my parents – and my brother and his family! – for a few days in a couple of weeks. Long story, but I’m already looking forward to it.
Totally giving up on the plants. My indoor plants are all still alive – I’m going to take that minor victory and enjoy it. Ha!
Oh no, Anne, I was so excited about your trip with your family… and then you write that your father got Covid (mild, thankfully!) and you had to spend three nights on a very uncomfortable couch. Ugh. I am so sorry. Still happy to hear you had some good times with your family and got to (leisurely!) read! I know what you mean about picking up the reading pace when your mind isn’t otherwise occupied!!
I am hoping that they’ll vote to have the meeting virtually. I mean really, what’s the point of cramming people in a conference room on a Friday afternoon. Just no.
I hope your summer class goes well and please, let the gardening stuff go…. I am doing the same this year (mostly. I did get a tomato and strawberry plant, but I am not really committed this year either. There’s only so much brain capacity!) LOL .
It was really disappointing BUT at the same time, a) he wasn’t very symptomatic, b) we were able to still be together, albeit in an altered way. The beach actually worked out well since we had WIND the entire time we were there (as in, 15 mph on the beach). It kept it from getting too hot, and dad could sit downwind of mom and me. We felt pretty comfortable with that.
No vote yet on the meeting. Sigh. I just… hate the uncertainty. I know you’re back in the office, one day a week, I think? I hope it’s going relatively well. I like teaching in person, just don’t make me come in just for meetings. That’s dumb. And it wastes time (and I live close to campus – it’s a real waste of time for people who are in the ‘burbs!).
Thanks for validating my complete lack of interest in plants/gardening this summer. I just… yeah. I don’t have the mental energy for it. Not even a basil plant. You’re right – there’s only so much brain capacity, and mine needs to focus on getting 4 manuscripts out by 9/1. Yikes!