claudine_c

Things I've learned from attending linux.conf.au 2009:

(1) My work -- using FOSS tools to aid historical research -- is interesting to people outside the 'digital humanities'. People came to my miniconference talks. It's counterproductive to wonder whether people came specifically to hear me, or just because they had nothing better to do. The point is, they turned up; some asked questions and made useful comments following the talks, and some later in the week. I even exchanged calling cards.

I've learned that there are geeks who are interested in hearing about [the use of computers in] history. It would be interesting to try delivering similar presentations (or writing articles) in a different direction -- talking to historians about how they can use computers at a more advanced level than desktop applications.

(2) The Linux/FOSS community is a close and compassionate one. Yes, there are notable exceptions to this, but this annual large gathering of geeks somehow brings out the best in a lot of the attendees. It's a community that provides support to people affected by the economic crisis, and that has donated $40,000 and Bdale Garbee's beard to Tasmanian devil research. [another report] I'm guessing that the proportion of women attending these events and being accepted as fellow geeks, not token women, is also increasing.

The FOSS community is not my primary one, but I admire its values and its community spirit.

----

The public website for my main project, Founders and Survivors, has not officially launched yet, but it was promoted in my talks and in the Fairfax press, and quite a few people have already made contact with us about getting involved. I feel my work is starting to bear fruit.

I began my new job three weeks ago, and began a new year of theology and ministry studies the following week. Work, study and chapel add up to a full time work week. I have been trying to keep to a Monday-Friday, 9-5 (or 10-6) work day, but haven't always been successful.

I underestimated how draining it would be to adjust to two new routines at once. My academic subjects are interesting, but I have to spend most of my evenings and weekends studying to keep up. Ministry formation is more emotionally demanding in the personal engagement that is expected of students. As for my new job, I think it is the right thing for me to do at this stage, but again, there has been a lot to learn.

There can be too much of a good thing. I am exposed to mental stimulation for almost all of my waking hours. It's getting harder to wind down mentally at the end of the day, and I am often physically tired as well—not exhausted or burnt out, but not able to get enough rest either. Work and study will take a back seat during Holy Week and the first week of Easter, but that is usually an emotionally draining time.

I feel I'm just coping now, but I see the potential for trouble later on if I don't try to slow down soon.

[I have made the previous post about my new job open to the public.]

Three major transitional events in one day is rather excessive. I hope not to make a habit of it.

Thursday was my last day at my former job, and a farewell lunch was held for me yesterday. I had worked there for seven or eight years running, and had also done an earlier stint of about eighteen months. This is clearly the longest that I have worked in any one place, but I felt no regret in leaving. I had been restless in this job for over a year. I think I can say that I have left with no hard feelings. It was a good place to work, and I learned a lot, but it was time to move on to something closer to my interests.

After lunch I went to see my new boss to be briefed on my first set of tasks, which are to try to extract biographical data from an online source, and to search for related primary and secondary sources in libraries and archives. I'm going to be paid to 1) solve problems using computers and 2) do historical research. I can't get over how right this feels for me. I feel I have finally settled in the niche that I was meant to occupy at this stage in my life.

The rest of the afternoon was spent at orientation for the ministry formation programme at Trinity College. I had taken some theology subjects last year but the MFP focuses on a more holistic development for ordained or lay ministry. I am new to this programme but already know about half of the students through study or church connections. I've often felt that Anglican theological students are my 'tribe'.

This is going to be a positive year for me. It will also bring difficult decisions—I'll eventually have to decide whether to direct most of my efforts at academic or ministry formation. But I don't think I am going to be bored or restless this year.

I'm always telling people I'm busy as an excuse for not being able to meet or talk. I've largely brought this on myself.

( life update, long, and if anyone comments I'll get it all back in email! )