Well it’s been a weekend of adrenaline, with Thursday go-karting with work people, Friday climbing Matagarup Bridge then zip lining back down to ground and a footy match which was close, well played and we won but only in the last quarter. Saturday and today have been much quieter, largely at home working on my thesis but the excitement was setting up my own AI assistant.

I’ve been very cautious about engaging with AI, however have come to the conclusion that AI is a tool that won’t go away. It’s so widely used, I’d rather understand it to the best of my ability and with some understanding. So I have created an AI assistant who will assist with my thesis, ask me questions based on the papers I train it up on, look for references on Just Transition; the university is very clear about the ethical usage of AI so it cannot be used to write chunks of a thesis, but it can be used to correct grammar, clarify points, assist my learning. Basically I can use it as a tireless but rather dim assistant who does exactly what I ask !

Back to the adrenaline, I’m not as much of a junkie as I thought I’d be, and do enjoy being in control. I spun out of control while go-karting, no damage other than a very interesting bruise from the seat belt, but drove exceedingly carefully for the rest of my turn, then gave my second turn to someone else to enjoy.

Heightened adrenaline and uncertainty, I am just realising that they are very much not my preferred state of being, I like planned and orderly. The changes coming up at work, with likely job shifts to Brisbane and redundancy for those who chose not to move, are unsettling to say the least. While I can work the scenarios out in my mind, realising that a few months away from paid work and focussing only thesis could be a good option, the uncertainty is getting tiring. I’m trying not to dwell on the issues too much, but it’s tough making decisions at work when it’s possible I won’t be there in a few months.

My focus for the next months, with the thesis and uncertain job future; stay calm, eat well and go kayaking/ swimming/ walking/ to yoga …. you get the drift.

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