busy as a bee

I am sitting here looking at the monthly day planner that I just picked up at OfficeMax and thinking to myself that these quiet months of writing I had anticipated are looking awfully busy... October and November are just a little scary. My slingshot planner and palm are trusty companions, but it wasn't until I bought a large monthly calendar and wrote in all of my appointments that I could see the 'big picture.' Don't get me wrong, I like to be busy. I thrive under pressure. But, I don't know how the days filled up so quickly!

At least, between now and December the calendar is filled with exciting things-- and I've had the good sense to schedule daily 'writing blocks.' So, what are those exciting things, you ask? Let me share a few:

1. TEACHING! I'll be teaching tutorials of Political and Economic Anthropology. Now whatever my issues with anthropology, this course really excites me. It examines methods and morality and the perspectives that anthropology can bring to pressing and relevant world issues. More than that, teaching tutorials gives me a chance to interact with undergrads. There's something really magical about watching people grow in confidence and ability at such a rapid pace.

2. RUNNING! A couple of weeks ago I came home to help pack up our house (Not going well). To keep our sanity, my mother and I started running together in the mornings. Now, we've both been running individually, but quite frankly, neither of us lives in a road running friendly environment and running alone outside is daunting. (Hence, my treadmill addiction.) However, running with a friend is amazing in whatever conditions. Since I can't run with my mom every morning, I am joining Serpentine Running Club.

3. EGYPT! Enough said.

4. DISSERTATION WRITING! For the first time in a long time, I am feeling really good about my dissertation. I wrote an email to my supervisors clearly stating my needs in terms of structure and support and received a wonderful response. This is a good lesson for me. Typically I take what's before me and make it work as best I can. This time, instead to plowing ahead, I really asked for what I need. My guess is that we all feel better about this.

5. CREATIVE WRITING! I've also scheduled in daily creative writing time. A poem that I wrote last summer gave birth to a new project and I am looking to have a manuscript length draft ready by June. It is so good to be back on track with creative writing.

There's more, but those are the 'biggies.' Ok, ok there is one more biggie in the next two months but I would rather not go there until I know for sure. So for now, all you need to know is that I am steadily working towards my long-term goal and pounding away at applications. Most importantly, I am feeling really positive about everything.


much love

N.