working

It's been a while. I am back from the States, and feeling quite good. The prospect of coming back was daunting, a lot worse than actually spending a day back at work and realizing there are people who miss you and seem to like you. And then the teaching began and since then it's just been so busy that I've had no time to think - not unfortunately either about my paper with J, which I am less happy about. Can really lie awake and feel nervous. Today I had a really amazing day, just gave a big kick. We had an introductory day for new grad students of the KLI and we (I am part of the teaching commmittee) had restructured this day. So exciting to see whether they like it. Also, I had to give a talk (with two others) about what it is like to be a last year grad student. And it was fun, I enjoyed preparing it, and I enjoyed giving it! I am not sure whether people found it useful information (some said they did) but it certainly felt good to be able to try and help people be aware of what it will be like to be a grad student (and give the message that in many ways it gets easier). In general I certainly think everyone enjoyed the whole day, they had fun working in groups. It makes one feel pleased to be part of the organization, to organize something people enjoy and learn from. I was happy!
Tomorrow (officially free day), I finally get round to my paper (if I don't get stuck on regressions again...). And, because it is kind of my free day, I will go for a run. I've signed myself up for a half marathon, which I did to challenge myself, and it feels like a challenge too. It's only (or already!!) in February, and I need to speed myself up and run longer distances before attempting it. I also have this nagging feeling I should perhaps practice running with other people beforehand too. Right now I nearly kill myself in the park when someone overtakes me, I can't resist trying to keep up with them. I may have my tongue hanging down to my shoes, I cannot let people pass. And I guess when you run such a marathon you have to be able to accept that people will overtake you - AND that you may HAVE TO let them go. We'll see!