December 27

It has been a good trip overall. I have gotten to relax, take some time to myself, swim fairly often, meet Pepper, and sleep a fair amount. (I can do a better job of that last one.)

In the two days that remain, I will treat myself well. I will get some exercise. I will do a strategic plan for spring 2023, so as to lay the foundation for a productive semester. I will take time every day to read. 

In 2023, I will pursue true truth. I will be truly open to new perspectives. I am an open-minded skeptic. 

Perhaps most importantly, I will embrace my leadership role. I will be a MFin' prince who will be the fucking department head one day. I will look like a leader and act like a leader. Like Prince Philip leading the coronation committee, like Queen Elizabeth II finding her voice in giving the ministers a dressing-down like children. I will be a lion for sticking up for myself. Because no one else will be. Because my voice matters.

My voice matters.

December 12

I sit here feeling good overall. Could use a little more sleep, but good. 

I just want to do good in the world. I'm inspired by the Indigo Traveller (NZ spelling). He has clearly put years of work in, and put his own life at risk, for his craft. And for a message of benevolence and curiosity about the world around us. I admire that. I aspire to that.

I want to do my part to make ICG J-aggregates into a viable photothermal therapy for cancer. I want to demonstrate enzyme-powered DNA nanoparticles that burrow into a biofilm, rendering it harmless. I want to make products that help people. 

I will let this vision carry me.