Until now the atmosphere around here has been pretty relaxed.  At the university the classes start on Feb 2 and, even though there is some activity, the real rush is not yet upon us.  I have some duties, but I’m officially teaching any courses until the second half of the year.  It will be interesting to experience this situation:  for the last couple of years I have been flying off to Finland and teaching there.

My plan is to write a paper a month for January to June.  January’s paper has been written and accepted, although there is still some polishing left.  I’m working on the next paper, but I still have course work of my own, and I must also prepare for my administrative duties and for my lectures later on in the year.  This year I’m not using textbooks, and the lecture notes are only about 25% done.  And then there are two conferences coming up soon for which I’m on the PC;  I’m expecting a nice load of papers to review.  And a conference in April to attend and present a paper at.  Hmm.

I did find my tax forms last night.  (They were in the bedroom – I may have been using them to swipe at mosquitoes.)  But as usual I have procrastinated too much and I’m still waiting for the tax office to verify my registration.  At least the tax return itself should not take much time.  My Finnish salaries are covered by international tax agreements, and my South African finances are pretty straighforward.