Another year passes, and it is a chance to look both forward and back. I made three pseudo-resolutions of late, to exercise more, to write more frequently in my diary, and finally to learn Japanese. The first is the most hackneyed resolution of them all, and although I did not overindulge across the holidays, I would still like to improve my fitness.
The second is something that has fallen by the wayside during the frantic semester. Who knows how much better it will fare in the next semester, but it is for the best of intentions.
Finally learning Japanese is something that has been moving along for a while. I have several very simple books on learning the language, and perhaps in the Autumn (Northern Hemisphere) semester, I will use my position to sign up for a course. I have a continuing interest in Japanese culture, and who wouldn't like to be able to read manga in the original language!
In other news of varying importance are these news snippets. Kadie came to visit for two weeks over the Xmas and New Year holidays. In other news, Kadie and I have officially broken up (again). I believe this time it is for good, as opposed to the short abortive breakup that we had in September. We were incompatible on many levels, and she was not able to control her jealousy and this sparked the final resolution. We will still remain in occasional contact as friends, but the relationship is finished. I care about her still, but at the same time I am glad that the relationship is over.
My first semester as a professor was frenetic, but I submitted several grants and received some very positive teaching evaluations. I have to repeat the same performance again this semester as well. In addition over the Xmas break I finally moved into the new laboratory facility. It was a move that had kept me waiting for some time, but now it appears the builders will move out not long before the students move in. Of course this meant boxing up large amounts of equipment and then unpacking it after the move. I am only just starting reactions after a multi-month hiatus.
What else? There is nothing too much to report really. My family is well back home in Australia. The Aussie's are pounding the Pom's as the regain the Ashes, I watched all of Azumanga Daioh again for the 2nd time, I need to dilate more (though I did tonight for the first time in months), and Bonnie is well and happy in Berkeley.