Something I thought about:

  • I’ve decided to stop posting weeknotes in 2025. This probably isn’t a big surprise — I’ve started to post these in batches, as they’ve turned into yet another item on the to do list rather than a time for real reflection. Part of it is that I’ve been coming to understand new routines and ways of working here in the US and as a non-academic. Weeknotes worked when I was trying to be accountable about my research and to share the process more publicly. It helped while working on my dissertation and conference papers and all of that. It’s less useful when my work is to be a project doula — I don’t want to scoop the work I’m supporting, so I don’t post beyond saying I had meetings, etc. And this is why I’ve been posting irregularly. There isn't much new to say beyond the fact that work continues.

    I’ve had a year to adjust to the new life — not teaching, regular work hours, parenting a busy middle schooler. We finished our major renovations and set up. And now I’m feeling very protective of my time and energy. My word for 2024 was “slow,” and in many ways I did try to slow down. I cut some activities and commitments. I am very happy that I began to craft and to make things again. But I did not pace myself very well, especially towards the end of the year, so I’m aiming for balance this time around. I need to refill the well, which means both balancing input and output but also engaging in different ways — giving myself introvert time, going for walks and getting out more, feeding different parts of my brain.

    Along with letting go of weeknotes, I have also decided against doing more slow reads. I’m glad I did them this year. They helped me find community and to re-engage my literary brain. But I have a reading list of my own to tackle now that I’ve made a way in.

    I'll continue to post on social media and to post news here when I have it. Have a wonderful 2025.

Something I did: 

  • Had one very intense work day
  • Hosted Christmas Eve
  • Celebrated Christmas at home and with family
  • Took time off to read, watch movies, play games, etc.
  • Went to Disney on Ice with the family
  • Started to reflect on 2024 and plan 2025.

Something I read: 

  • Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune
  • The World She Edited: Katharine S. White at The New Yorker by Amy Reading