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Lovely thread, although a little late to the game. Rather long, this...
Things in Scrubbland suprisingly good, given that this was meant to be the year of DOOM, is actually turning into the year of “Good Lord, this is all rather pleasant”.
Workwise - In the final(ish) stages of writing up the bloody thesis. I moved from a one-bed flat in Big City to a shared house in Nice Seaside Town 3 months ago, and that was definitely a turn for the best. Housemates are lovely - like me, also final year PhD-ers. We’re all working in various aspects of socioeconomic theory but in different fields (them = anthropology, healthcare, South East Asia; me = technology, adult entertainment), so can have theory discussions in the kitchen at midnight. Writing up, although painful, bloody and confusing, is happening slowly - keep reminding myself to take it in short chunks rather than seeing the monstrosity in its entirity and wailing (the “eating the elephant” thing also gets repeated frequently). Have been doing lots of conferences and seminars which is both scary and exciting, and is also helping me realise my work is ok and valid. Mind you, I’m still living in fear of the annual department review in 3 weeks time. I’ve been kept grounded and informed by fellow academic chums, and also by the good folks over at Phinished.
Otherworkwise - Comic shop still going well, and having fun setting up a very exciting small press group and doing its launch exhibition with MacReady. Unexpectedly picked up a freelance technology journalist gig for a US syndicated news agency a few months ago too - very strange to be writing in a non-academic style and using words like “zippy” and “sluggish” instead of “problematise” and “engender”. These, plus teaching, should hopefully also see me through the next academic year when the funding gets pulled. If not, will also dance for pennies on the seafront. Very much sympathise with Kit-Kat’s scenario of “Too many THINGS! and not enough time...”, not least since I’m also involved in various bits and pieces of queer activism stuff.
Otherwise - good relationships, lovely mates, car that still runs and a spider called Wilbur in my bedroom (he’s hiding behind the printer and won’t be lured out). This bout of late sping weather is just bloody gorgeous, the South Downs are fab and there are bunny rabbits on campus. The only major squeaks on the horizon are the uncertainties of stuff after the autumn, but I’m trying to plan and prepare for that now rather than being caught on the sly when it happens. |
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