Well, January has been interesting. Here in Chicago, the weather has fluctuated between deep negative temperatures and an unusually warm reflection of climate change, as might be expected at this point in history.
But that doesn’t mean that my world is completely dystopian. I have lots of reasons to celebrate, whether it’s a (currently) 67-day Wordle streak or the impending outcome of different projects, there are a lot of things that I’m hyped about. Here’s a condensed list:
I gave up caffeine . . . again, but this time for good. The withdrawal was so painful that I don’t ever want to go back. I am much better off without it.
Although I didn’t land a couple of full-time job opportunities, I am excited about the new semester at both schools where I tutor. I’m especially excited about doing embedded tutoring (like teaching assistant work) in three different classes at one of the schools.
With impending deadlines, I am working harder as the Contest Chair for the Illinois Woman’s Press Association’s High School Communications Contest, open to all high school students in Illinois. Check the link for the Professional Contest as well!
I’m rediscovering folk music on Chicago radio! As I type, I am listening to Folkstage, followed by The Midnight Special, folk music radio shows on WFMT 98.7 FM. Folk music was my first musical love, and it’s nice to get back in touch with that part of me that loves acoustic guitars (beyond my own) and gorgeous vocal harmonies.
I’m working on different projects, including a personal essay about Ella Fitzgerald’s music and research for an article on freedom. At least one article proposal I submitted got turned down recently, and at least a couple others are on hold at the moment.
Be well!
Best,
Josh Friedberg