So I vanquished my General Exam on Friday, which was a great thing. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to relax at all this weekend. I haven’t had a day off in forever, and I feel like I should be doing something, always. Worse, I’m stuck in this place of over analyzing every conversation I had on Friday between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. So much anxiety. I’m even giving myself nightmares. I do this to an extent after cons as well–I think it has to do with being out of my comfort zone. Regardless, I look forward to my social editor turning off in a couple of days.
Box of manju from an amazing and thoughtful friend.
The blue one in front (Habutai) reminds me of a river stone.
I read this article over on io9, and Eugene Fischer’s comments really resonated with me. Without a doubt my day job has the potential to improve the world and expand the boundaries of scientific understanding … and yet, writing is what brings me joy. Both careers are fulfilling in different ways, so maybe it’s a good thing that I can’t afford to quit my day job anytime soon. And yet, the tug of war is there, and it complicates my choices. Knowing that I’ll be looking for a new job in less than a year freaks me out. I have mixed feelings about leaving Seattle to chase down a prestigious academic post.
I eventually decided that being good at something didn’t mean you had an obligation to actually do it … You don’t have to maximize along the axis of what contribution would be the most good for the most people, you actually are making a contribution by being a passionate person creating things.” ~ Eugene Fischer on io9
And finally, I made a bit of progress on the new novel and set goals for finishing the first draft by the end of the year.
Great post, Nicole and congrats on the fast approaching finish line to the Ph.D. And I totally know where you’re coming from on the duality we face as writers. It’s something I struggle with everyday and frankly haven’t solved yet. I do know that the work you’re doing (you were so gracious to provide the details in laymen’s terms at VP, hehe) is important and you, my dear writer, will be able to do both.
Thanks, Ronnie! It always makes me so happy to hear from you. One of these days, we need to do this con thing together. I hope your writing is going well!
Also, I wish my committee had told me 10 months so that it doesn’t sound like I’m pregnant. Misleading blog titles FTW?
Congratulations again! I totally get what you’re saying about cons. Have felt similarly. <3 /high-fives you/
Fortunately I am past that stage now and feel like a normal person again. Or as normal as I get! ::high five::