A day after the end of the world. It's not bad, actually. I could swear I'm still alive.

[nae_k]

Probably because... they're not even getting to the recreation of the big bang until weeks (or months) from now. Wasn't the first use of the Hadron Collider just to send a particle around one way? To test it out? And then, in a few weeks, they'll send a particle around the reverse way, to test that out too?

I'm no physicist, but I'm guessing turning the machine on and then making a particle move really fast is not likely to end the world, never mind that not one physicist has come out and confessed such concern for the world's safety when the main event--the smashing together of two particles--finally happens. But who am I to say such things?

And who needs accurate news when cries of, "The end of the world is nigh!" are so much more entertaining? Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between tabloids and our TV and newspaper news over here. God, some of our headlining stories crack me up:

"Nicole Kidman arrives in Australia with husband and baby, Sunday Rose."

That beats all wars, atrocities, scientific discoveries, and little kiddies saved from house fires. It's of critical importance, a life and death matter, to learn that a couple, and their baby, took a plane flight to Australia.

Here's some news:

• I... didn't get the lecturer position. BUT I was told it was because the other two shortlisted already had their PhDs. And I'm still working very hard on my PhD. Mostly. When I can be bothered.
• Not having a PhD also limits me from having a few professional memberships that are becoming increasingly important in the profession, so that reduced my competitiveness as well.
• There's good news, though. They want to keep me on as a sessional lecturer and "nurture" me towards a permanent position. Apparently that was the condition my boss put forward when those above her decided on another applicant. I'm honoured she went to that extent. I really am surrounded by quality people and I can't be thankful enough for that. It's wonderful to know that the people around me not only like the work I do but will do what they can to keep me.
• The day after quietly hearing I did not get the job, a student came up to me and asked if I would be teaching a particular unit next semester. I said I was not sure at this stage (the system for unit allocation changes each year) to which she replied that she'd only enrol in the unit if I was teaching it. Aww. Yay for uplifting comments after getting knocked back!
• Other good news: I'm going into private practice! A wonderful woman whom I respect greatly has a booming private practice, situated in medical centres, and has invited me to join her. Hoorah!

All in all, it's looking good. A year ago I had a contemplative period in which I revisited what it was I really wanted to do with my life--nothing! Or lying on a beach somewhere? Reading books? Watching the sunset each day and taking out-of-focus photos of the view, no matter how bad? Finding the best recipe for chocolate cake?--and I came back with the answer of teaching and private practice. With sessional teaching continuing and this new private practice work, I'll get both!

So I'm glad the world didn't end. It's pretty good this life, suits me just fine.

I'd still like to find the perfect chocolate cake, though. I feel that would be a worthy cause.