Ok, I’ve been rather neglectful of this blog lately. The last year or so has been a bit of a whirlwind, and there never seems to be time to reflect on what has happened, let along write about it. However, I tell my students that the more they write, the better they will be at it, so I should probably follow my own advice.
What has happened since I last posted?
I finished my PhD thesis and passed my viva in October. With barely any time to celebrate, I then launched myself straight into a year of academic teaching at UCL and Middlesex Universities. I’ve been teaching pragmatics (my main subject) at UCL, and general linguistics/communications skills at Middlesex. It’s been lots of fun, but I don’t think I’ve ever worked as hard before in my life.
I really enjoy teaching, and I think I’m pretty good at it (although we all have lessons that don’t go so well), but the sheer volume that I’ve taken on this year (for experience and financial reasons) has taken its toll on me.
Three days ago I finally exchanged contracts on the sale of my flat and purchase of another. It’s just down the road from my current place, but is much bigger. I’ve been fairly happy in my little studio flat, but with the sale of my mum’s house, it was definitely time to upgrade. Once again, it hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve had two buyers pull out on me, and my relationship with the estate agent ‘sales progressor’ has been far from stress free, but we’ve almost made it.
I’m once again training for the Hastings Half Marathon in about a month’s time. I’m still climbing and playing softball (although there was a brief hiatus whilst I nursed a broken finger at the end of last year. I’ve decided to change softball teams for the 2011 season, and so for this summer at least, I will be a Tecumseh, rather than a loan wolf. It was a difficult decision to make, but I think it’s for the best.
So that’s around 9 months of my life summed up in a few paragraphs. I will make more effort to update on a more regular basis from now on…. assuming interesting things happen!
