Not like a dog at all, really. Perhaps a sheep dog. Short attention span, short bursts of activity. But most of the time I just lie around the house (or office) thinking my own thoughts to myself. To be honest, some days I think that I might as well return my salary. No effort and no progress. Other days — like today — I think I should receive double pay. Almost the entire day devoted to admin. Early start, late finish and not much of a break in between. The admin is important: organizing the Honours degree organization for 2010 and putting all the information in the right places. It is not all done, but at least I have something to show for a hard day’s labour.

I should dig up the list of goals for last year and check what was done and what was undone. For 2010 I’ll probably have to be a little more modest. I vaguely recall wanting to write a book about model checking, but I now believe that this field is pretty much done with. A few more papers to write about it, but I’m trying to diversify and shift my focus elsewhere. I think my one big goal for 2010 will be to find a cheapish but comfortable couch that will fit in my office on which I can take naps. It is also immensely impressive when an academic has a couch in their office. Big, big status symbol.