I’ve just informed the organisers of Blogtalk that I’m pulling out – a very sad state of affairs, but I’ve had to give myself a serious reality check when it comes to the amount of extra-PhD commitments I keep piling on my own plate. And sorry Christian, Glen, Ben and Mel for leaving the party before it even starts.

Actually, before i gave myself a good talking to and actually managed to turn down some interesting research work as well as this conference, I was seriously considering the implementation of some sort of self-banning system, much like the ones casinos have – like maybe I could put a block on the payroll system so I couldn’t be appointed to any more positions or something…

On the upside: I’m lecturing and tutoring again this semester after a whole semester of near-abstinence. After the first two tutorials, i remembered why I missed tutoring last semester, why I’m in the research field I’m in, and why sitting in front of the screen 24/7 for the last two months trying to get some serious PhD writing done in preparation for confirmation has turned me into something akin to a wild-haired, crazy-muttering hermit. It all comes down to the fact that I really like people and find them, and the stuff they do, totally fascinating. So as terrifying and exhausting as it is at times, I’m excited to be back on the ride.