First, I am not tempted to utter disparaging remarks about editors who reject my manuscripts (at least, not beyond 24 hours after I receive the rejection). I am still humble enough that I believe I have something to learn, even when I have something to impart.
Second, no one has unrealistic expectations about my production rhythm. Paraphrasing the estimable Mr. Gaiman (and why are “inestimable” as in “value is beyond estimation” and “estimable” as in “held in highest esteem” not antonyms?) :
And sometimes, and it’s as true of scientists as it is of employees of grant organizations, you have a life. People in your world get sick or die. You fall in love, or out of love. You move house. Your aunt comes to stay. You agreed to give a talk half-way around the world five years ago, and suddenly you realise that that talk is due now. Your last article comes out and your competitors vociferously hated it and put that in writing and now you simply don’t feel like writing another. Your cat learns to levitate and the matter must be properly documented and investigated. There are deer in the apple orchard. A thunderstorm fries your hard disk and fries the backup drive as well…
And life is a good thing for a scientist. It’s where we get our raw material, for a start. We quite like to stop and watch it.
So, thanks for the lack of recriminations for the previous long pause. Much appreciated.
It’s pouring levitating cats and gravitating dogs in Vichy, I’ve hashed out a provisional budget with the patient association who wants me to organize the speakers for their conference in November. I still have to invite a couple of other speakers who might possibly not take it too badly if I write them in September to tell them the association actually has no money to host said conference.
And my student has written a more mature draft, that requires input into the results and discussion sections before I get on the train to head back to Toulouse tomorrow morning.
One and three-quarter hours free time ahead of me, before I need to smile for the potential sponsors.
One and three-quarter hours free time ahead of me, before I need to smile for the potential sponsors.
I missed the chance to wish you good luck. Hope it went well!!
Did you eat all those mints, or did you offer them to the sponsors?
Thanks, Steffi. My zygomatic muscles are feeling a little stiff now, but I slipped out early during the cheese course, pleading an early train tomorrow. I also managed to catch 20 minutes of hammam in the famous Vichy spa area before heading downstairs, which did much for my equanimity and good will to all.
A few mints were offered to me, which I hope will relieve any residual motion sickness in the morning.