Apparently, I'm a jock

Well, a "heat wave" has brought mid-70s weather to Cambridge -- and good heavens, there are so many more tourists than in winter!  This mellow weather makes it a delight to sit in the Jerwood Library at Trinity Hall, looking out at the back lawn as punts drift by on the river and muffled chatter drifts in through the window.  Of course, the actual amount of work accomplished is somewhat less than it should be...

Part of this is because I find myself with many a sports training this week.  I've been learning some cricket basics with the university women's team -- some of you may recall that I learned a few skills when I was studying abroad -- and of course rowing is re-convening as we all trickle back into town.

As a result, I'm feeling especially sporty this week, though it's a feeling that has been growing all year.  Since the fall, I've definitely lost circumference as clothes are fitting more loosely, and I'm generally firmer in areas that I used to dislike.  In addition, as a boatie, I'm automatically part of the jock crowd -- but without the sense of exclusivity, because everyone knows that the boat club would love for everyone to row.  Still, it's funny that people treat you with mild reverence when, say, you mention that you've been out on the river earlier in the day.

In other news, my next academic "milestone" is also coming up: submitting a form with supervisor's signature, stating that I intend to register for the PhD at the end of the year (technically I'm probational right now).  Doing this starts the gears turning for a meeting at the end of term with several other professors, who will discuss what I've been doing and how to proceed.  Everyone says not to be scared of it, but that's a bit challenging.

I'll try to post some pictures next time to break up the text.  Wishing you all a happy Easter.