What I’ve Done on My Blogging Break

A lot of work, mostly. But also:

• Had family over and took them to York

• Had friends over and took them out for delicious Lebanese food

• Dealt with stress by getting high on sugar a little too often

• Did a whole lot of dissertation research

• Took advantage of the spells of lovely spring weather to do some of my dissertation-related reading in the park (and okay, I might have sneaked in some Diana Wynne Jones)

• Went for walks and marvelled at the lovely blossoms everywhere

• Hauled the aforementioned dissertation books to the Lake District and read them in the evening, after spending the days rambling among the sheep.

I’ve missed you all more than I can say, but unfortunately this is more of a Hi! I’m still alive post than a proper return one. Things are likely to continue to be very busy indeed until early May, when my dissertation proposal and my remaining final assignments are due (after which I expect I’ll remain busy, but at least I’ll only be working on one thing at once). So I might be unable to resume regular posting until next month – though I’m really hoping to be able to squeeze in a review of Herland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman before the end of April, and thus join in the Year of Feminist Classics fun.

I have been doing a little bit of fun reading – other than the Diana Wynne Jones you no doubt spotted in one of the picture above, I have thoughts to share on Naomi Novik and on a couple of non-fiction books. But those will likely have to wait for another couple of weeks: I actually have a folder full of half-finished posts, but after an entire day of school-related writing my wrists simply refuse to cooperate if I even consider the idea of doing any further typing for fun.

All these weeks of intensive and solitary school work have left me feeling a little lonely and disconnected from the world at large. I really miss the daily interaction and exchange of ideas that comes with blogging regularly and commenting on other blogs. So I’d love it if you took a minute to tell me what you’ve been up to lately. Read anything good? Gone to any interesting places? Done anything different? Also, feel free to drop me some interesting links – I have no idea when I’d have the time to actually read them, but it would be great to know they’re there for when I have some time to spare.