Normally by now I would have had time to contemplate a to do list for the summer. Sadly, I’ve been pretty busy. Top of the list, of course, is my summer employment as a lifeguard. I am still uncertain in what capacity that will be but I do have a job for the summer one way or the other. That, for now, is enough.
The Reading List
Behind me on the shelf is The Landmark Herodotus, edited by Robert Strassler. It was supposed to be my summer reading project last year but the need for hours on the clock to prevent eviction pretty much laid that project aside. Herodotus isn’t the sort of thing you can zip through like a novel. It requires focus of mind and to be perfectly honest, a bit of silence. Barring that, a lot of sun near the pool doesn’t hurt either.
So Herodotus it is. If I can get through that then I’ll revisit The Landmark Thucydides for the first time since graduate school.
The Writing Front
As of now, here are the current projected projects.
1. A Restoration of Faith, a Warhammer 40K short story, slated for May submission. It is about to transition to second draft status.
2. Blood and Gears, another 40K project. First draft stage.
3. An untitled 40K project.
4. Convergence Point, an older project which I’ll be dusting off for re-submission.
5. An untitled mainstream SF short story project.
By the end of the summer I plan on having all of these out to market. Of course, plans rarely survive contact with reality. It will depend on whether or not I can keep everyone and everything out of my hair long enough to move forward.
The Fitness Front
With a return to the pool my plan is to get the twenty pounds I regained over the winter back off of my body. If I am working as a baseline lifeguard, that should be easily accomplished. However, I have additional goals.
1. Swim one kilometer without pause. Yes, I know this was last year’s goal. We’re going to do it this time.
2. Depending on where I am assigned, I may purchase a bicycle for daily rides in order to build up my cardio endurance.
The Lifeguard Front
Whatever else happens, my plan is to participate in the Lifeguard Olympics Team of my assigned facility. I believe that since I am an instructor, I can not be an active team member myself. However, I can coach, train and advise. Where ever I am finally assigned, I fully intend to do my part to see to it that my facility’s team performs well.
Nah, screw that. I want my facility to win it, pure and simple. I’ve got some ideas on that score.
The Home Front
1. Continue upgrades to the office area downstairs. This includes salvage and restoration of a fair amount of furniture, the purchase of some electronics and perhaps the inclusion of a punching bag.
2. Paint the shed in the backyard.
3. Assemble the new gas grill and get to grilling on a regular basis during the summer months.
4. Help Mom paint the rest of the interior of the house, a long overdue task.
Finally, of course, get some time in at the pool for some sun, swimming and relaxation. I learned last year that it was best if I did not take my time off at the pool I work at. Fortunately for me, there is a local pool which is relatively secluded, quiet and tranquil.
Just the sort of pool I like to visit as a patron but not the type of place I’d like to work as a guard.
We’ll see how things go.
Last but not least, there will be the research projects, which are beginning to firm up. And I’ve got lectures to revise for the Fall.
So it goes.
Respects,
Steven Francis Murphy
Author of The Limb Knitter and Tearing Down Tuesday
Kansas City, Missouri
Those that done said stuff