Things that help me get through the day…

Now that I’m really, really busy, I’m finding great joy in embracing the non-nerdy, blissfully silly things.

My sacrifice goes in the volcano, then the friendly gods eat up my sacrifice, umm very nice, thank-you for the sacrifice, hey have another sacrifice, no I’ve had enough for the day, listen I’m going to be very unsettled unless you have another, I don’t want another sacrifice ok! Look at you, you look skinny!! No I think I’ve had a enough is that clear!!

~ King Julien, monologuing

1st Week

So it’s the end of the week and perhaps I might be jumping the gun by saying this, but I have never felt so happy.

Part time lecturing started on a Tuesday and thus far, after 6 hours of lecturing (and a sore throat), I dare say it’s going to be a good semester. The students are pretty responsive and I have yet to come across any problematic cases. But the best part is I have a clearer idea of how to get things done, both teaching-wise and administratively.

Postgraduate studies also kicked off this week, marking the start of my 2 semester coursework. To say I’m enjoying myself is an understatement. Sure, critical thinking is tough and the readings are challenging but it is such a joy to finally feel challenged again to do more and to mature in my thought and writing processes. Having my supervisor as my lecturer for all 4 subjects that I’m undertaking is second to none. Although there is a tendency for overkill (and we’d probably end up killing each other I reckon), I know that right now, at this very moment, I’m under the guidance of the very best.

Next week I have a presentation paper due. It’s terrifying and exciting and I’m turning into a full fledged nerd. I’ll be dreaming ethnomusicology in no time.

2008 in perspective

2008, by far, has been one of the most dramatic years. Some of the highlights of the year include:

• Quitting my full-time job (yay!)
• Securing a part time lecturing position at a private university
• Delivering a conference paper
• Joining an exclusive group of happy ethnomusicologists
• (Finally) embarking on my Masters studies
• Moving houses….twice
• Renovating the house with Mum
• Discovering my beloved Fisheye

It’s been a wonderful year albeit (still) a dramatic one. The end of 2008 was probably the hardest emotionally. While we were moving back to our newly renovated home, we lost our longtime housekeeper of 22 years. The leaving was something we had all anticipated although the way in which she left was one that left much to be desired.

Thankfully, that drama is now over. Sure, the home is not as spotless as it used to be but we’re now much happier and with our new household routines things are slowly but surely falling into place.

December was a special time. I made a quiet trip down to Singapore and met some of my dearest friends there for one-on-one time. Sure, I was exclusive as I could be (a sign of age?) and avoided gatherings like a plague but I knew no better way to end such a dramatic year.

I’m really looking forward to 2009. It will finally mark the start of my postgraduate studies and I’m hopeful it will be a good one (sans red tape, please). 2009 will also be the year in which both Noel and I will be actively pursuing our respective goals of studying and establishing our careers in archaeology and ethnomusicology (what a combo!). It is a goal in which the both of us have been looking forward to. For the very first time, we’d both be doing what tickles our fancy and that, I think, will be a great start to any year.