1963 wooden Pocock

I finally had a chance to test-row the wooden Pocock kept at the BPRC. The owner is a longtime rower who just heard that he'll be getting his new Van Dusen single in October. He's only the second owner of the boat. The first owner raced it in the 1964 Olympic trials.

Sitting in that boat - it's like a part of me just relaxed and opened up in a different way. I think I just like the older Pocock flat-bottomed hulls. The boat is in phenomenal shape and runs true. Wood responds differently than fiberglass. As C put it, it's like the difference between a steel bike frame and an aluminum one.

When I got off the water, JD asked me how I was doing, and I said, "Great, actually. Couldn't be better."

I don't know if I'll wind up being the third owner or not. C asked if it would be all right if he still went ahead and put up an advertisement for it, and I said yes. I can afford it with funds I have saved up, but on the other hand if another person comes along who is a better fit for the boat based on life circumstances/etc, I would be satisfied to see it in good hands. I'm still not quite settled down to the point where I could guarantee the boat the best possible home.

The good thing about rewriting my job application materials

Intellectually, I have come a long ways in the past year and a half. It's a relief to be able to look back and see that as I revise my research statement. I'm incredibly grateful to both TZ and CMW for their roles in getting me to this point.

On the other hand, I need to get two manuscripts submitted this fall: the leafcutter one, and the next cricket one. I also need to get 1-2 more cricket manuscripts ready to go shortly thereafter.

Oh, there are also the ongoing feeding and oxidation experiments.

Almost every day, though, I'm aware of how fortunate I am to be able to do this kind of good work.