Happy new year everyone! Hope the year 2021 will be a much better year.
So far, the first week of 2021 has been fine. In fact, it has been quite nice.
I managed to see the first sunrise of the year 2021!
In Japanese culture, the first sunrise of the year carries a special meaning. Some people in Japan tries to see them every year, and as they see the sunrise, they think of the hopes and wishes of the year along with the new years resolution. Some just enjoys the luck/fortune aspect of the fact that they were able to see them, hoping for a good year ahead, bringing some positive mood/atmosphere.
I was purely enjoying the beauty of the sunrise this year. However, I did think of the things I need to accomplish this year; the fact that I need to finish my thesis, experiments leading up to it, and to take a first step forward after finishing my PhD. I don’t usually get to see the sunrise on the new year’s day—frankly, it’s too early in Japan and lately, I’ve been spending the new year’s day in Japan for the past few years.
My first week of 2021 started with getting back to the research after a first proper break since January 2020. I’ve been writing emails to sort out some admin tasks, looking things up, brainstorming how to move forward with the software implementation for my PhD.
The majority of Scotland, specifically level 4 areas in Scotland, has moved from level 4 COVID-19 restriction to a lockdown, which means there is little to no chance for me to be in the building for a while. So, for now, looks like more hands-on tasks with my part-time research assistant position may need to be put on hold for a bit.
The first week of 2021 has brought the first snow of the year to St Andrews. As per usual, they melted within the 2-3 day span but it was nice to see some snow. As I was born and raised in snowy places, I enjoy some amount of snow. (But also fully aware of the nightmare that can come with it, with my own experience)
