As of right now I'm caught up.
I don't have piles of papers to read.
I don't have quizzes to grade.
I don't have classes to prep.
It is all done. Tonight I think I'll watch TV and read a book.
tomorrow I'll drive back to BN state, teach and begin the insanity of another short week.
I'll be back here on Thursday for a whole different kind of insanity....
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Procrastination techniques...
So, today I have about 20 logic papers to grade and a lecture on feminist ethics to prepare.
What have I done instead?
What have I done instead?
- gone out to get coffee
- started to read a book
- found a bunch of podcasts for my trip back to BNstate
- wrote an e-mail to my department about our latest adminsitrivia
- looked at my calendar
- started a list of stuff to bring back with me next weekend
- watched the neighbor grandkids cavort in the yard
- laundry (which was necessary due to some mysterious smell on most of the clothes I left here that we're calling "dead dog funk").
- Eat Indian food leftovers
- watch more home shows
- take a nap
- read more of the book about the boys of Sierra Leone (that is dissertation research, kind of)
- clean the kitchen
- clean out my car
- go to the gym
- play basketball
- Send an e-mail to the philosophy people
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Good things about Red State...
I had another one of those perfect Red State Saturday mornings.
I slept in (for me) until almost 8:00... then I went to the farmer's market. At the farmer's market I got a bunch of veggies, the world's best salad mix, some blue cheese bread, salsa and flowers.
I love the Red State farmer's market because it is really farmers from around the area... It isn't too big, there is a lot of variety, and the crowds aren't awful. Plus, there is plenty of free parking and fun shops at which to window shop on the way back to your car.
On the way back I stopped at Whole Foods for olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mozzarella, and blue cheese for the salad. Then I went to Brueggers for bagels and SBucks for coffee.
When I went to pay for our coffee, the person at the window told me that the car in front of me had paid for mine... When I paid for the person behind me, she told me that I was car number 11 in the pay for the person behind them chain. One weekend they had a string of 50 cars do it... which was pretty cool. I imagine that the last car didn't have anybody behind them -- or, at least I like to think that :).
Today I'll spend the afternoon at my new desk (i.e. a card table) in hubby's office -- looking out the window and appreciating my Red State flowers as I grade. When I need a snack, we have plenty of good healthy veggies to eat. When we need a break, we'll go to the gym.
Tonight, we'll go for dinner at best Indian food in the world!!
I slept in (for me) until almost 8:00... then I went to the farmer's market. At the farmer's market I got a bunch of veggies, the world's best salad mix, some blue cheese bread, salsa and flowers.
I love the Red State farmer's market because it is really farmers from around the area... It isn't too big, there is a lot of variety, and the crowds aren't awful. Plus, there is plenty of free parking and fun shops at which to window shop on the way back to your car.
On the way back I stopped at Whole Foods for olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mozzarella, and blue cheese for the salad. Then I went to Brueggers for bagels and SBucks for coffee.
When I went to pay for our coffee, the person at the window told me that the car in front of me had paid for mine... When I paid for the person behind me, she told me that I was car number 11 in the pay for the person behind them chain. One weekend they had a string of 50 cars do it... which was pretty cool. I imagine that the last car didn't have anybody behind them -- or, at least I like to think that :).
Today I'll spend the afternoon at my new desk (i.e. a card table) in hubby's office -- looking out the window and appreciating my Red State flowers as I grade. When I need a snack, we have plenty of good healthy veggies to eat. When we need a break, we'll go to the gym.
Tonight, we'll go for dinner at best Indian food in the world!!
Friday, September 28, 2007
Corn State radio...
I own an ipod.
My ipod has lots of fun stuff on it.
My car stereo has an ipod jack (which is why I bought it) -- but, the darned thing was never great about controlling the ipod from the stereo deck, although it worked until today.
today -- when I had to drive from BNstate to Red State -- thus, traversing Corn State.
Things were fine for a while. In the southern part of BNstate I could get NPR and the signal bled nicely into the northern reaches of corn state. Eventually the static got too bad and I had to hit seek...
First, I came across an editorial rant about the former Secretary of Agriculture. Apparently the only thing this guy did right was to kiss GW Bush's ass, at least according to the person doing the rant. The ranter went on for a good five minutes with much imbedded snarkyness. It was really pretty fun to listen to, especially since his target went to live in Nebraska -- and is going to run from senate from there... the announcer spewed this information with undertones of "everyone from Nebraska is a complete pervert-moron-freak" -- and the idiots from Nebraska deserve him as a Senator. Of course, he didn't seem to realize that editorial rants about the AG secretary aren't the stuff of scintillating radio...
After the rant about the Ag Secretary, I got the farm reports... which I still don't understand -- what the hell is a "barrow" and what is a "gilt" --- I suspect it has something to do with the sexuality or maturity of a pig... but, I wouldn't bet a dollar on it.
Next up was, I kid you not, a reading of the list of ALL of the people cast in the local high school production of Oliver! If you want to go, they are doing it November 2 and Cassie Johnson will be in the play, so it will be worth your while.
Finally -- I fell into an NPR zone and was safe for a while... Ah, the blissful sounds of a repeated broadcast of "All Things Considered" -- complete with a story about how Minnesota is doing a good job trying to prevent re-entry problems for National Gard soldiers returning from Iraq.
Eventually -- NPR turned to static and I had to hit the seek button again...
I came across, I kid you not, the radio version of the police blotter for a small Corn State town.... It seems that Mary was arrested for her 3rd DUI -- and Julie got picked-up on an arrest warrant from a neighboring county. It was so short that the radio personality repeated it twice, with full first and last names. There seems to be a female crime-spree in western Corn State these days...
After the police report I got all the details of the stuff on sale at the meat counter at the local Hy-Vee... obviously pre-recorded, as the beginning of the sale talk didn't exactly match the lead-in.... After the Hy-Vee report, we got what was on sale at Walgreens.
Finally, this station went back to country music and an amusing song about a guy recalling being threatened by the father of a high school girlfriend. The singer's point was that his daughter is about to start dating and he remembers the father's speech all too well.... it made me laugh to recall when hubby met my step-dad... kind of a similar situation.
After the country song I found some good late-80s/ early 90s stations, so I could sing along with the words... which was ok, I seem to learn all I need to know about Corn State on the radio --
actually, that isn't true -- if someone could tell me how to see my hubby without driving in it, that would be lovely... problem is that would require Star Trek wormhole technology that doesn't exist quite yet... sigh.
My ipod has lots of fun stuff on it.
My car stereo has an ipod jack (which is why I bought it) -- but, the darned thing was never great about controlling the ipod from the stereo deck, although it worked until today.
today -- when I had to drive from BNstate to Red State -- thus, traversing Corn State.
Things were fine for a while. In the southern part of BNstate I could get NPR and the signal bled nicely into the northern reaches of corn state. Eventually the static got too bad and I had to hit seek...
First, I came across an editorial rant about the former Secretary of Agriculture. Apparently the only thing this guy did right was to kiss GW Bush's ass, at least according to the person doing the rant. The ranter went on for a good five minutes with much imbedded snarkyness. It was really pretty fun to listen to, especially since his target went to live in Nebraska -- and is going to run from senate from there... the announcer spewed this information with undertones of "everyone from Nebraska is a complete pervert-moron-freak" -- and the idiots from Nebraska deserve him as a Senator. Of course, he didn't seem to realize that editorial rants about the AG secretary aren't the stuff of scintillating radio...
After the rant about the Ag Secretary, I got the farm reports... which I still don't understand -- what the hell is a "barrow" and what is a "gilt" --- I suspect it has something to do with the sexuality or maturity of a pig... but, I wouldn't bet a dollar on it.
Next up was, I kid you not, a reading of the list of ALL of the people cast in the local high school production of Oliver! If you want to go, they are doing it November 2 and Cassie Johnson will be in the play, so it will be worth your while.
Finally -- I fell into an NPR zone and was safe for a while... Ah, the blissful sounds of a repeated broadcast of "All Things Considered" -- complete with a story about how Minnesota is doing a good job trying to prevent re-entry problems for National Gard soldiers returning from Iraq.
Eventually -- NPR turned to static and I had to hit the seek button again...
I came across, I kid you not, the radio version of the police blotter for a small Corn State town.... It seems that Mary was arrested for her 3rd DUI -- and Julie got picked-up on an arrest warrant from a neighboring county. It was so short that the radio personality repeated it twice, with full first and last names. There seems to be a female crime-spree in western Corn State these days...
After the police report I got all the details of the stuff on sale at the meat counter at the local Hy-Vee... obviously pre-recorded, as the beginning of the sale talk didn't exactly match the lead-in.... After the Hy-Vee report, we got what was on sale at Walgreens.
Finally, this station went back to country music and an amusing song about a guy recalling being threatened by the father of a high school girlfriend. The singer's point was that his daughter is about to start dating and he remembers the father's speech all too well.... it made me laugh to recall when hubby met my step-dad... kind of a similar situation.
After the country song I found some good late-80s/ early 90s stations, so I could sing along with the words... which was ok, I seem to learn all I need to know about Corn State on the radio --
actually, that isn't true -- if someone could tell me how to see my hubby without driving in it, that would be lovely... problem is that would require Star Trek wormhole technology that doesn't exist quite yet... sigh.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
New kitty and the automatic litter box...
A bit of history: New Kitty gets freaked out by the printer. It puts paper out and pulls it back in to print on the back. This makes her think it is somehow her mortal enemy. She doesn't like the sound it makes and she took a hunk out of hubby's hand when he touched her while she was watching IT do it's evil deeds... (like printing political science and philosophy articles... oh no, not that!). I suspect she's afraid it will start to do other things, like come alive and eat her catly companions.
Since we've moved into the new place, I've been VERY good about cleaning the box. Every day they get scooped.... and they are getting accustomed to such service..
Problem is, my sweet hubby is in Red State and I want to go see him.
enter, the automatic cat box.
I'm going to Red State tomorrow.
I set it up tonight, under the supervision of New Kitty (who supervises EVERY bathroom move, in either bathroom).
I scooped some of New Kitty's litter on top of the crystal stuff and went to put her into the new box, so she'd know what it was... To say she reacted badly would be a huge understatement.
She has found a new enemy, the cat-eating litterbox. She showed her hatred of the thing by clawing up my arm. I now have several long gashes in my left arm, thanks to her.
I suppose she'll either use it or use the inconvenient one... if she decides to punish me like she punished hubby, the cat and I are going to have a little "chat". I hope that by the time I get back from Red State on Monday that she'll be friends with it -- but, I'm not exactly hopeful.
Since we've moved into the new place, I've been VERY good about cleaning the box. Every day they get scooped.... and they are getting accustomed to such service..
Problem is, my sweet hubby is in Red State and I want to go see him.
enter, the automatic cat box.
I'm going to Red State tomorrow.
I set it up tonight, under the supervision of New Kitty (who supervises EVERY bathroom move, in either bathroom).
I scooped some of New Kitty's litter on top of the crystal stuff and went to put her into the new box, so she'd know what it was... To say she reacted badly would be a huge understatement.
She has found a new enemy, the cat-eating litterbox. She showed her hatred of the thing by clawing up my arm. I now have several long gashes in my left arm, thanks to her.
I suppose she'll either use it or use the inconvenient one... if she decides to punish me like she punished hubby, the cat and I are going to have a little "chat". I hope that by the time I get back from Red State on Monday that she'll be friends with it -- but, I'm not exactly hopeful.
Way too much "to do"
Time got away from me in grading jail, so the grading isn't done.
Lots of other details were ignored as I finished papers, so they had to be done today as well.
Somehow I fell into a time warp and was constantly behind.
tonight:
1) grade most of my 12:45 logic class' quizzes
2) pack for Red State
3) pick-up apartment so I don't come home to a pig sty
4) load car
5) bring up snazzy new automatic litterbox because I'll be gone...
6) update ipod
That still leaves the laundry unfolded -- so, maybe I'll get it done next week.
Lots of other details were ignored as I finished papers, so they had to be done today as well.
Somehow I fell into a time warp and was constantly behind.
tonight:
1) grade most of my 12:45 logic class' quizzes
2) pack for Red State
3) pick-up apartment so I don't come home to a pig sty
4) load car
5) bring up snazzy new automatic litterbox because I'll be gone...
6) update ipod
That still leaves the laundry unfolded -- so, maybe I'll get it done next week.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Attitudes all over the place...
- A shows up 10 minutes into the morning quiz. A is in my afternoon class and wants to take the quiz with this bunch instead, as it seems that he doesn't want to stay around any longer than necessary... poor dear, I'm sure the Burger King really can't operate without his shining personality. Too bad for A that we discussed material he'll need for homework next time before the quiz -- he missed that. He also missed getting back his paper, and I only bring them to class once. Bummer, dude.
- DD (for ding-dong) asks the same question every day. Finally, I had the class answer it for me. I wonder if he got the message?
- J is a real jerk kid -- he turned his paper in late, I took off the penalty I said I would according to the syllabus, and he's been giving me the stink-eye ever since.
- I got back to my office after my teach-a-thon, which backed up to the marathon-meetings... Waiting for me was an e-mail form someone who has missed, at minimum, all of 3 classes and most of a fourth. This is a night class that had Labor Day off. At most this person has attended 1 class -- and they want to start back up with the class, without some kind of verifiable problem -- or, really any other explanation than "things came up".
- My non-trads are starting to freak out a little. One turned in a pretty good paper, but the structure was unclear, so I didn't see her objection to Aristotle. She was pretty stunned by the C, but when she pointed out the objections to me, I told her I'd re-grade the paper and she should expect a higher grade. She's pretty fixated on the grade -- so much so that she came by my office to discuss it some more --- it was kind of like she wouldn't let me give the paper another look ---
- Our "student senate" had elections last week. 91 students voted, of almost 11,000 who were eligible to vote. I have at least 150 students. An informal poll showed only a few people realized we had a student senate at all. Four knew there were elections. 5 were available to vote for the TWO hours the "polls" were open, and I actually had one of the 91 students who voted in my class. If their "adviser" notices me laughing when he talks about Student Senate being the voice of the student body, now I'll have some data to back-up my cynicism. He tells me he's "thinking about" having on-line voting. It isn't hard to do -- although, why would they pursue it if they aren't pushed -- hmmm, maybe I'll do the pushing.
I do wonder whether I have an inner aggressive side that got mitigated by coaching debate -- now that I'm not doing that anymore, I seem to be raking muck all over.
Only in Red State...
... do they sell hay bales at the grocery store....
the Hy-Vee at 132nd and Dodge (yes, it is a suburban as it sounds)...
Hubby says they are listed as "produce".
Sadly, I'm looking forward to going back on Thursday ---- sigh.
the Hy-Vee at 132nd and Dodge (yes, it is a suburban as it sounds)...
Hubby says they are listed as "produce".
Sadly, I'm looking forward to going back on Thursday ---- sigh.
Monday, September 24, 2007
for the record...
- I really did just try to rake the muck with the Student Senate guy... in e-mail I asked him how many votes were cast to elect the Student Senators. My beef with the way they run elections is long-standing. The fact of the matter is that they have the "poll" open for TWO hours in the middle of ONE day. They also don't bother to advertise or promote voting at all... since the only people who end up voting are student senators and their pals, and the only people that run are those selected by Student Senate guy, the whole shebang is corrupt.
- Sibling rivalry is funny, from the outside.
- Goodbye to the slowskys....
- Grading is icky
- New office supplies are neat -- although I find myself putting stuff on my "to do" list so i can use them... sigh.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
celebratory shopping...
Today I sent out another paper.. that means all three of them are in someone else's in-box for review.
To celebrate, I went shopping for office supplies -- neat ones, not necessarily functional ones :).
I found a sale at Pottery Barn -- exactly what I wanted for %30 off.
I also went to this cool place and spent more than I'm willing to admit --
I'll do my grading tomorrow.... really I will.
To celebrate, I went shopping for office supplies -- neat ones, not necessarily functional ones :).
I found a sale at Pottery Barn -- exactly what I wanted for %30 off.
I also went to this cool place and spent more than I'm willing to admit --
I'll do my grading tomorrow.... really I will.
nice to be watching from home...
This weekend was the first debate tournament of the season... or, at least the first tournament we traditionally went to.
I miss the classically beautiful SLAC campus. It has a traditional quad, buildings with spires and columns and it just feels like you think a college campus should.
I miss seeing the debate teams all awkward and hopeful. At this point in the seasons they are kind of uncomfortable in their own skins and not worn down by the travel and behind in all of their classes. It is a new year and a whole bunch of experienced debaters have graduated, so there is a kind of competition to see who will replace them on top of the pile.
I miss seeing my friends. The coaches I spent many weekends with have shaped the way I see the world and have been amazing role-models in how to relate to students and colleagues.
I don't miss the drive to their city. I isn't hard, it is just kind of long. During the first hour or two there is decent conversation in the van, but then everyone retreats to their ipods and video games and I'm left to be the chauffeur.
I don't miss the Fairfield Inn. We always stay there because it is cheap.... since it is the first tournament of the year, a basic conservatism made me think we should save the $100.00/night we save by staying there. The problem is that they don't put blankets on their beds and the place is in terrible shape.
I don't miss the stress of sending a team into a round I'm pretty sure they won't win. Sometimes you know that the team they are debating is unusually good, or that their judge is unusually bad. Really, the latter is much worse, because then you have to explain to your brand-new debaters that debate life isn't fair and not everyone actually judges the rounds they see.
I don't miss losing the time the tournament used to take out of my real life. As I sit here, I'm thinking about what I've accomplished this weekend. I finished a paper on Ancient philosophy, I cleaned the apartment and washed laundry. I made two meetings on Friday that I wouldn't have been able to attend if we were traveling and thus I was in on the ground floor of something that will change the college for the better. I saw my mom for a bit when she came to see my new place and I went to the gym. Today I'm going to finish another paper, go shopping and go to the gym. I'd have had time for none of that if I was still coaching debate.
I miss the classically beautiful SLAC campus. It has a traditional quad, buildings with spires and columns and it just feels like you think a college campus should.
I miss seeing the debate teams all awkward and hopeful. At this point in the seasons they are kind of uncomfortable in their own skins and not worn down by the travel and behind in all of their classes. It is a new year and a whole bunch of experienced debaters have graduated, so there is a kind of competition to see who will replace them on top of the pile.
I miss seeing my friends. The coaches I spent many weekends with have shaped the way I see the world and have been amazing role-models in how to relate to students and colleagues.
I don't miss the drive to their city. I isn't hard, it is just kind of long. During the first hour or two there is decent conversation in the van, but then everyone retreats to their ipods and video games and I'm left to be the chauffeur.
I don't miss the Fairfield Inn. We always stay there because it is cheap.... since it is the first tournament of the year, a basic conservatism made me think we should save the $100.00/night we save by staying there. The problem is that they don't put blankets on their beds and the place is in terrible shape.
I don't miss the stress of sending a team into a round I'm pretty sure they won't win. Sometimes you know that the team they are debating is unusually good, or that their judge is unusually bad. Really, the latter is much worse, because then you have to explain to your brand-new debaters that debate life isn't fair and not everyone actually judges the rounds they see.
I don't miss losing the time the tournament used to take out of my real life. As I sit here, I'm thinking about what I've accomplished this weekend. I finished a paper on Ancient philosophy, I cleaned the apartment and washed laundry. I made two meetings on Friday that I wouldn't have been able to attend if we were traveling and thus I was in on the ground floor of something that will change the college for the better. I saw my mom for a bit when she came to see my new place and I went to the gym. Today I'm going to finish another paper, go shopping and go to the gym. I'd have had time for none of that if I was still coaching debate.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Theme for the month, if the committee pisses you off, join it!
In the past, I've had big issues with the way the Student Senate here at BNCC allocated money. For a while they were fully funding the Dance, Dance Revolution Club -- but would only fund debate one trip at a time. Were it not for a really astute student, who was also the president of Student Senate, my debate team would never have been moved to Academic funding and many people's lives would be different.
Recently, the Honors council made me mad when my honors ethics class didn't make and got opened up for full registration. The reason it didn't make is because I only had 80 philosophy students the previous semester, so it didn't get promoted to my normal 200-250 students per semester and nobody registered for it. Their attempts at communicating with students have been really pathetic and were no help at all.
So, what have I done in the last week? I joined BOTH committees. It seems pretty counter-intuitive, until you realize that I think both committees do important work and I think I have ideas that could make some real changes in the programs the committees support.
So, on top of four sections this semester and 150 students... I am:
department chair.
mentoring two embedded tutors
on Student Life
on Honors Committee
taking curriculum revisions to the infamously hard committee.
working on a dissertation / conference presentation
going to see my honey-pie in Red State....
This year I have two challenges...
1) Resist taking over honors. Really, it is tempting for me, but I don't want that.
2) Don't let any other committees make me mad.
do you think that's enough??
Recently, the Honors council made me mad when my honors ethics class didn't make and got opened up for full registration. The reason it didn't make is because I only had 80 philosophy students the previous semester, so it didn't get promoted to my normal 200-250 students per semester and nobody registered for it. Their attempts at communicating with students have been really pathetic and were no help at all.
So, what have I done in the last week? I joined BOTH committees. It seems pretty counter-intuitive, until you realize that I think both committees do important work and I think I have ideas that could make some real changes in the programs the committees support.
So, on top of four sections this semester and 150 students... I am:
department chair.
mentoring two embedded tutors
on Student Life
on Honors Committee
taking curriculum revisions to the infamously hard committee.
working on a dissertation / conference presentation
going to see my honey-pie in Red State....
This year I have two challenges...
1) Resist taking over honors. Really, it is tempting for me, but I don't want that.
2) Don't let any other committees make me mad.
do you think that's enough??
Thursday, September 20, 2007
I miss my mind...
In the second year of a long-distance relationship and in my first year in 11 that I haven't coached debate, it is seeming to me that I'm more and more an introvert.
While I love teaching (most of the time) it is hard for me. It sucks my energy out like a Star-Trek creature sucks power from the Enterprise.
This week I've been spending a lot of time with other people, even when I haven't been teaching. I've had a few meetings, but there has been a lot of adjustment-drama around me, and while I can deal with it -- it takes energy out of me as well.
My current challenge is to balance the grading and writing I need to do this weekend. I've had some student projects for a couple of weeks so far. The project doesn't directly relate to the rest of their work, so it has been low priority. My Ethics students got their stuff back right away, as they'll write more of these papers. My Logic students also got their quizzes back ASAP, because the concepts are included in the next quiz. I keep meaning to come home and dig into the lingering project, but by the time I get home, I'm exhausted.
For a variety of reasons, the bulk of the grading will have to wait another weekend. This weekend I have two papers to get out -- one needs a lot more work than the other. After they are out, I'll have a deck-clearing grading jail to get caught up.
While I love teaching (most of the time) it is hard for me. It sucks my energy out like a Star-Trek creature sucks power from the Enterprise.
This week I've been spending a lot of time with other people, even when I haven't been teaching. I've had a few meetings, but there has been a lot of adjustment-drama around me, and while I can deal with it -- it takes energy out of me as well.
My current challenge is to balance the grading and writing I need to do this weekend. I've had some student projects for a couple of weeks so far. The project doesn't directly relate to the rest of their work, so it has been low priority. My Ethics students got their stuff back right away, as they'll write more of these papers. My Logic students also got their quizzes back ASAP, because the concepts are included in the next quiz. I keep meaning to come home and dig into the lingering project, but by the time I get home, I'm exhausted.
For a variety of reasons, the bulk of the grading will have to wait another weekend. This weekend I have two papers to get out -- one needs a lot more work than the other. After they are out, I'll have a deck-clearing grading jail to get caught up.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Goals
Tomorrow is a teaching day. I'll spend my time with the administrivia of teaching and getting ready for next week. It helps that my Monday class is behind their T/Th counterparts (Labor Day was a Monday, like every year), so my Monday class is ready to go from this week :).
On Thursday night I plan to do the following:
Grade
go to the gym
Friday:
Morning is for working on papers
Afternoon is meetings... sigh.
Saturday:
finish Ancient paper and send to Ancient prof.
Sunday:
Polish Supreme Emergency paper and send to supervisor
If I meet these goals I'm going to book myself a massage with a gift-card we got when we joined the gym.
If I can send out 50+ pages of polished work in one weekend, I'll need and deserve a massage.
On Thursday night I plan to do the following:
Grade
go to the gym
Friday:
Morning is for working on papers
Afternoon is meetings... sigh.
Saturday:
finish Ancient paper and send to Ancient prof.
Sunday:
Polish Supreme Emergency paper and send to supervisor
If I meet these goals I'm going to book myself a massage with a gift-card we got when we joined the gym.
If I can send out 50+ pages of polished work in one weekend, I'll need and deserve a massage.
What I'm finding funny today...
Kermit and Big Bird -- after hours
The text is below, but hitting the link and then going to "Kermit and Big Bird in Pot Shock" is worthwhile. I have it on my ipod in both the 'revision' playlist and the 'grading' playlist....
and, yes -- the paper is going well -- thanks!
Hello, Kermit The Frog here
And welcome to Sensamere Street
I'd like to tell you what today's letter is
But I am really f**ked up!
Hey, hey Big Bird
Do you know what today's letter is?
Sure Kermit! Today's letter is... Joint
Urrr.... Big Bird, joint is not a letter
It is a word
Sorry kids! Todays letter is three!
Umm.... Big Bird, three is a number
Exactly! the number three
Which is how many joints I've smoked today
Kermit.... are ya with me?
mmm... God Im stoned!.... Me too!
[Starts laughing]
[Elmo] Guys guys! Show go on, Come on!
Uh, thank you Elmo, um
How about we say our ABC's Big Bird?
O...K
A... B... C... D... E... F.... uh G
Q...K...C...R...C...F
I forgot what we were doing Kramit!
Did you just call umm me Kramit?
Yes I did
Mmm Kramit The Frog here
[Starts giggling]
Ok, ok thats all the time we have for today
Goodbye kids, todays show was brought to you by
The uhh... letter...
Bong
And the number...
God you're messed up
F**k you, the number f**k you
Bye bye
Bye bye kids
The text is below, but hitting the link and then going to "Kermit and Big Bird in Pot Shock" is worthwhile. I have it on my ipod in both the 'revision' playlist and the 'grading' playlist....
and, yes -- the paper is going well -- thanks!
Hello, Kermit The Frog here
And welcome to Sensamere Street
I'd like to tell you what today's letter is
But I am really f**ked up!
Hey, hey Big Bird
Do you know what today's letter is?
Sure Kermit! Today's letter is... Joint
Urrr.... Big Bird, joint is not a letter
It is a word
Sorry kids! Todays letter is three!
Umm.... Big Bird, three is a number
Exactly! the number three
Which is how many joints I've smoked today
Kermit.... are ya with me?
mmm... God Im stoned!.... Me too!
[Starts laughing]
[Elmo] Guys guys! Show go on, Come on!
Uh, thank you Elmo, um
How about we say our ABC's Big Bird?
O...K
A... B... C... D... E... F.... uh G
Q...K...C...R...C...F
I forgot what we were doing Kramit!
Did you just call umm me Kramit?
Yes I did
Mmm Kramit The Frog here
[Starts giggling]
Ok, ok thats all the time we have for today
Goodbye kids, todays show was brought to you by
The uhh... letter...
Bong
And the number...
God you're messed up
F**k you, the number f**k you
Bye bye
Bye bye kids
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
New thoughts on crying students...
Today seemed to be a day of student tears...
My early-morning logic class didn't cry when they got their quizzes. After a stern talking to about being on-time and ready to learn at the start of class, they perked up and asked some good questions. The ones who needed help are getting with the tutor, so there is hope for them yet.
No, the first round of tears today was from a male student, about his paper. He brought something printed, about three sentences that were supposed to describe Hobbes (philosopher, not tiger), and then object to Hobbes. He had it rolled up in his fist -- he really didn't want to give it to me. He was anxious and knew it wasn't good.
I took a quick look at it and handed it back to him. He was right not to want to turn it in. It wasn't good work. As he stood in front of me, his eyes got red and he actually cried about not doing a good paper.
The thing is, I'd rather have a student cry than blow off an assignment. The crying student is crying because he cares. He wants to do a good job, but doesn't have the tools to do so. He knows he's struggling and he cares enough about his education that it makes him cry when he fails. That is a student I can work with.
I tried a different approach with this one. I first told him about my own struggles with writing philosophy. How I had to ditch what I thought was an acceptable and interesting area paper because it had a fatal flaw -- a paper I'd worked on, off and on, for YEARS. I told him about my frustration and about how it made me feel like a failure. I then told him that the result was me starting over on a much better paper, and one on a topic I actually like!
Then, we made a plan. He has another paper due in a couple of weeks. Next week he'll bring me a written draft of that paper and we'll talk about it. We'll go over what works and what doesn't work. We'll talk about what is extraneous and what is missing. Then, he'll have another week to work on the paper before he turn it in.
There seems to be an unexpected advantage to the "sign-up to write on a topic" plan... Students like him have another chance, provided there are open slots, to not turn in a paper that sucks -- and to turn in a good paper later... and to do so in a structure that is fair to all students.
Something that really, really, really chapped my ass was the way that some students would get extensions on papers -- just because they asked for it. While I busted my ass and didn't sleep for weeks to get it in on time, they'd just ask for and get an extension. I suppose part of that anger was at the fact that the students who were buddies with the profs were the ones comfortable enough to get the extensions. These were the same pretentious philosophy boys who would hang out in the prof's office and suck up. As a female non-traditional student, I didn't think that was something open to me.
As a professor, I've moved to having late penalties -- but, those really aren't good either, simply because they either are applied unevenly or they punish someone for bad luck/job schedule change/flat tire/sick kid days. Now, I don't accept these smallish papers late at all (because the material is discussed directly in class, the point is to make them read it!) -- rather, they write a paper for another week. As a result, my crying student doesn't have to turn in something that is embarrassing to him, and when I give him an alternative assignment to do another one later in the semester, I'm being fair...
My early-morning logic class didn't cry when they got their quizzes. After a stern talking to about being on-time and ready to learn at the start of class, they perked up and asked some good questions. The ones who needed help are getting with the tutor, so there is hope for them yet.
No, the first round of tears today was from a male student, about his paper. He brought something printed, about three sentences that were supposed to describe Hobbes (philosopher, not tiger), and then object to Hobbes. He had it rolled up in his fist -- he really didn't want to give it to me. He was anxious and knew it wasn't good.
I took a quick look at it and handed it back to him. He was right not to want to turn it in. It wasn't good work. As he stood in front of me, his eyes got red and he actually cried about not doing a good paper.
The thing is, I'd rather have a student cry than blow off an assignment. The crying student is crying because he cares. He wants to do a good job, but doesn't have the tools to do so. He knows he's struggling and he cares enough about his education that it makes him cry when he fails. That is a student I can work with.
I tried a different approach with this one. I first told him about my own struggles with writing philosophy. How I had to ditch what I thought was an acceptable and interesting area paper because it had a fatal flaw -- a paper I'd worked on, off and on, for YEARS. I told him about my frustration and about how it made me feel like a failure. I then told him that the result was me starting over on a much better paper, and one on a topic I actually like!
Then, we made a plan. He has another paper due in a couple of weeks. Next week he'll bring me a written draft of that paper and we'll talk about it. We'll go over what works and what doesn't work. We'll talk about what is extraneous and what is missing. Then, he'll have another week to work on the paper before he turn it in.
There seems to be an unexpected advantage to the "sign-up to write on a topic" plan... Students like him have another chance, provided there are open slots, to not turn in a paper that sucks -- and to turn in a good paper later... and to do so in a structure that is fair to all students.
Something that really, really, really chapped my ass was the way that some students would get extensions on papers -- just because they asked for it. While I busted my ass and didn't sleep for weeks to get it in on time, they'd just ask for and get an extension. I suppose part of that anger was at the fact that the students who were buddies with the profs were the ones comfortable enough to get the extensions. These were the same pretentious philosophy boys who would hang out in the prof's office and suck up. As a female non-traditional student, I didn't think that was something open to me.
As a professor, I've moved to having late penalties -- but, those really aren't good either, simply because they either are applied unevenly or they punish someone for bad luck/job schedule change/flat tire/sick kid days. Now, I don't accept these smallish papers late at all (because the material is discussed directly in class, the point is to make them read it!) -- rather, they write a paper for another week. As a result, my crying student doesn't have to turn in something that is embarrassing to him, and when I give him an alternative assignment to do another one later in the semester, I'm being fair...
Monday, September 17, 2007
and... that whining you hear --
Today is coming from Red State, who got their ass kicked over the weekend in football...
not all that bad, but a real occasion for ( insert the long German word for taking pleasure at someone else's pain, that I can't spell well enough to look up).
Tomorrow, my logic classes get their quizzes back -- one bunch will be happy, another bunch will be upset. To those who are upset, reading the directions and doing the homework will help -- go see your tutor!
not all that bad, but a real occasion for ( insert the long German word for taking pleasure at someone else's pain, that I can't spell well enough to look up).
Tomorrow, my logic classes get their quizzes back -- one bunch will be happy, another bunch will be upset. To those who are upset, reading the directions and doing the homework will help -- go see your tutor!
Long distance relationships suck
The saying goodbye for two weeks doesn't seem to get easier.
I still have the urge to jump in the Jeep with him every time... it is just wrong that we aren't together most of the time.
I love teaching and most of the time I love both BNCC and the discipline of philosophy. Although, on Mondays when hubby drives back to Red State, I think that I may not love them enough.
Dammit -- one of us should have gone to law school. He's better in his field than I am in mine, so it probably should have been me. At least then we'd be able to both have jobs and live in the same state.
The realities of the job market for philosophy in Red State are such that getting hired without a top-10 program degree is next to impossible where I did my undergrad. Now, mind you that it doesn't seem to be reflected in their numbers of majors, quality of instruction OR publication rate -- but, they keep hiring essentially the same person every time -- and that person doesn't look like me. Of course, that person sees that program as their first job and often it is their ABD job -- but, it seems that is the way they like it. Sigh.
The other options are hubby's U, which would actually be ideal, but is a hard get -- or the ONE community college in the area, which would entail more sections (they do quarters), lower pay -- by a lot -- and a rare opening.... really, the last opening happened because the guy who beat me out for that job 7 or 8 years ago DIED.
The scary student-loan facts of the matter are that in order to pay them off I need to make my salary down there. But, getting a job that pays this much with an advanced degree in philosophy is kind of rough. Maybe my pal C needs an enforcer -- and maybe she'll be able to pay me enough to move...
I keep thinking about law school, but I don't want to take out more student loan debt (we are already scarily in student loan debt) and although we could probably figure out how to live without my salary for the three years I was in law school, I can't figure out how we'd be able to PAY for law school without student loans. I wonder if employees OF the law school get tuition remission? I know that they don't give it to faculty members or spouses, no matter how long you are employed there...
So, as it is, hubby makes the drive back every other weekend. I'll go down in October. He'll be back for fall break (hubby's school has a civilized week, we get two flipping days!) and we'll meet in Chicago for a conference at the end of October. I suppose if you think about the semester that way, it doesn't look that bad --
it is just hard to say goodbye.
I still have the urge to jump in the Jeep with him every time... it is just wrong that we aren't together most of the time.
I love teaching and most of the time I love both BNCC and the discipline of philosophy. Although, on Mondays when hubby drives back to Red State, I think that I may not love them enough.
Dammit -- one of us should have gone to law school. He's better in his field than I am in mine, so it probably should have been me. At least then we'd be able to both have jobs and live in the same state.
The realities of the job market for philosophy in Red State are such that getting hired without a top-10 program degree is next to impossible where I did my undergrad. Now, mind you that it doesn't seem to be reflected in their numbers of majors, quality of instruction OR publication rate -- but, they keep hiring essentially the same person every time -- and that person doesn't look like me. Of course, that person sees that program as their first job and often it is their ABD job -- but, it seems that is the way they like it. Sigh.
The other options are hubby's U, which would actually be ideal, but is a hard get -- or the ONE community college in the area, which would entail more sections (they do quarters), lower pay -- by a lot -- and a rare opening.... really, the last opening happened because the guy who beat me out for that job 7 or 8 years ago DIED.
The scary student-loan facts of the matter are that in order to pay them off I need to make my salary down there. But, getting a job that pays this much with an advanced degree in philosophy is kind of rough. Maybe my pal C needs an enforcer -- and maybe she'll be able to pay me enough to move...
I keep thinking about law school, but I don't want to take out more student loan debt (we are already scarily in student loan debt) and although we could probably figure out how to live without my salary for the three years I was in law school, I can't figure out how we'd be able to PAY for law school without student loans. I wonder if employees OF the law school get tuition remission? I know that they don't give it to faculty members or spouses, no matter how long you are employed there...
So, as it is, hubby makes the drive back every other weekend. I'll go down in October. He'll be back for fall break (hubby's school has a civilized week, we get two flipping days!) and we'll meet in Chicago for a conference at the end of October. I suppose if you think about the semester that way, it doesn't look that bad --
it is just hard to say goodbye.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
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Home show irritations...
I'm sick today. I should be finishing a conference proposal, but instead I'm blowing my nose and watching home shows while hubby naps and blind kitty has fits.
The home show things that bug me:
The home show things that bug me:
- Using the word "slash", as in, "the couple wants a guest room slash office" or "we are making them a coffee table slash ottoman". The "slash" is supposed to be silent!
- Hubby is bothered by the generic term "space". Why not use room?
- People who are getting paid to work on these shows and complain about the kind of work they are doing or try to be lazy and skate out of the work. Ummm... it is your job to clean up the nasty black dog hair, chica! Do IT!
- Homeowners who bitch about having to get rid of stuff when THEY asked the show to come in and help them sell their house!
- The people whose ugly house gets transformed in order to be sold and they don't like the result. Isn't the point of the show to STOP living in that house? Won't a bedroom you find to b ugly bot that causes someone else to buy your nasty little place a win/win situation? You get rid of that dog of a house and you don't have to live in the now ugly bedroom!
- People who are trying to flip houses without knowing what they are getting into... and then they bitch about it... I kind of like watching them flail-about and get themselves into trouble, but it bugs me when they start blaming their mess on someone else when even a quick look at the floor-to-ceiling cracks should have been a clue that the foundation sucks.....
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Damm Californians...
I've been watching "Mission Organization" lately. They've done several garages. These garages are full of stuff without any room for the car.
When they get organized, they still don't put their cars in the garage. Their garages are places to store their big-kid toys, someplace to do laundry, crafts and work on bikes for a community project.
Umm.. .the reason your rec room has those big ugly doors that open onto the driveway is that you are supposed to put your CAR in there.
Yea, it is a crazy idea -- but, garages are made for cars. At least, here in the real world they are--- Maybe I'm just the victim of old-fashioned Midwest thinking... but --
They've never had to go outside at -40F, in the dark, in their parka, nightgown and boots to start the car and chip the ice off of the windshield so they can go to work.
They've never had to dig their car out of a snowbank before they can go to the mall.
They've never had to walk up the icy sidewalks with bags full of groceries, a purse, a computer bag and gym bag. And, they've never fallen flat on their asses while doing so.
Clearly, they've never walked out the door onto black ice, fallen on their as and turned around to crawl back into the house to call in sick.
Not to say I've done all of those things, but -- yea, I have.
Obviously, it is fall-like around here. I'm thinking about winter and marveling at people who voluntarily give up being able to park their car in the garage. I grew up without a garage -- and once I lived with one, I'll never live in a snowy state without one.
When they get organized, they still don't put their cars in the garage. Their garages are places to store their big-kid toys, someplace to do laundry, crafts and work on bikes for a community project.
Umm.. .the reason your rec room has those big ugly doors that open onto the driveway is that you are supposed to put your CAR in there.
Yea, it is a crazy idea -- but, garages are made for cars. At least, here in the real world they are--- Maybe I'm just the victim of old-fashioned Midwest thinking... but --
They've never had to go outside at -40F, in the dark, in their parka, nightgown and boots to start the car and chip the ice off of the windshield so they can go to work.
They've never had to dig their car out of a snowbank before they can go to the mall.
They've never had to walk up the icy sidewalks with bags full of groceries, a purse, a computer bag and gym bag. And, they've never fallen flat on their asses while doing so.
Clearly, they've never walked out the door onto black ice, fallen on their as and turned around to crawl back into the house to call in sick.
Not to say I've done all of those things, but -- yea, I have.
Obviously, it is fall-like around here. I'm thinking about winter and marveling at people who voluntarily give up being able to park their car in the garage. I grew up without a garage -- and once I lived with one, I'll never live in a snowy state without one.
Philosophy student Public Service Announcement
or, the obligatory first post complaining about my students....
Here are a few hints and tips for philosophy students.
Here are a few hints and tips for philosophy students.
- When you write a paper about a philosopher, use their NAME at least once. Using "the author" doesn't cut it.
- Work in college must be typed. That is what it says in my syllabus. That is why we discussed the font size and spacing etc. Don't give me the crusty look when I don't accept the handwritten stuff. I have too many students to try to read your chicken-scratch. You should consider yourself lucky that I don't make you type logic exams.
- When you turn in a paper late, don't fuss with me about how late it is. If I'm "not around to get it" when you decide to turn it in, that isn't my problem. My syllabus is clear that late penalties are assessed when I GET IT. This is the only fair way, as I don't know when you dropped it off. I also have no freaking duty to be in my office just in case you want to leave the masterpiece with me. Get the fuck over it and don't pout.
- Do the homework, really --- or you'll be sorry. Or, just wait until Tuesday when you get your pathetic quizzes back. Really, they suck and ALL of the problems are directly out of your textbook. I'm really pretty lazy AND I know you probably didn't do your homework, so the questions will be new to you. Next time ask better questions and you'll have fewer surprises.
- When you e-mail me, tell me which class you are in. Also, proofread your e-mails -- please. That 's enough complaining about student e-mails, look elsewhere -- I agree with EVERY complaint.
- Pay attention to when you have quizzes. Really, it is to your advantage to do so. Also, just follow the freaking directions on your quiz. Right now I'm finding y'all pretty pathetic, as you are missing points because you won't follow instructions on how to complete the quiz.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Yea, Yea, Yea!!!
A bunch of things to be happy about...
- Hubby comes home tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- I have a passable (i.e. not embarrassing) draft I could send out tomorrow. It isn't due until Sunday, and it doesn't suck!
- My cats have taken to sleeping in one big cat pile -- The boys are generally on the outside and New Kitty throws herself between them.
- I only have administrivia to do tomorrow, then I'll come home to clean a little and bake pumpkin bread (see #1)
- Today was the Russian holiday devoted to conceiving children. Russian workers are supposed to get time off to have sex. Couples who conceive today and whose children are born on June 12 get entered into a drawing for an SUV....
- My own, personal water aerobics equipment came today. I now own foam barbells and exercise bands. I used them in the pool today and gave myself a good workout--- without the annoying instructors at my regular club.... I really do miss my outdoor instructors from the summer, sigh.
- I got grading done so I can return papers tomorrow. My students will be shocked. I need to remember to tell them not to get used to it!
My "ethicnic" comfort foods...
Ethnically I'm mostly Swedish, with a lot of Scott and other northern European folks thrown in. I'm also 100% Ioweigen, as both of my parents were born in Iowa (not something I share in BN state, for some obvious reasons :).
My Grandma Joy is an "Upper"[pronounced like 'YOU-Per'] -- She's from the "Michisconsin" part of Michigan.. you know, the part of Michigan that isn't connected to the mitten part but is connected to Wisconsin.
Grandma Joy's father was a mine engineer whose proudest life accomplishment was that there was never a cave-in or other kind of fatal accident in his mine. When you consider the fact that Grandma will be 91 in December, having no fatalities in her father's time was quite an accomplishment.
All of this brings me to my love of Pastys. A Pasty is a kind of meat pie. Proper pasties have beef, potato and onion -- NOT parsnips... believe me, this is an ideological divide you must choose a side on. They are in a pie-like crust. They are often eaten with brown gravy, but since I developed my love for them as a child, I always eat mine with catchup.
The idea is that a pasty provides a hot-pocket like meal for a miner. Miners in the UP would put them in their lunch buckets in the morning and eat them in the mine during their lunch break. The tradition is one that started in the mines of Cornwall -- and fit well in the mines of the UP.
Today, if you've been to the UP and haven't had a Pasty -- you've missed out. It is the equivalent of going to France and only eating at McDonalds.... well, not quite, but it is something you have to do. If you happen to drive by Betty's Pies on Lake Superior's North Shore, you can stop in for a decent pasty.
One of the perks of working on my at home today is that I just put a frozen pasty in the oven. In 30 minutes I'll a proper meal for someone working in the philosophy factory :). If you are so inclined, look for "Captain Jack" brand pastys... or, at least some indication that they are "made by the caring people of upper Michigan".
My Grandma Joy is an "Upper"[pronounced like 'YOU-Per'] -- She's from the "Michisconsin" part of Michigan.. you know, the part of Michigan that isn't connected to the mitten part but is connected to Wisconsin.
Grandma Joy's father was a mine engineer whose proudest life accomplishment was that there was never a cave-in or other kind of fatal accident in his mine. When you consider the fact that Grandma will be 91 in December, having no fatalities in her father's time was quite an accomplishment.
All of this brings me to my love of Pastys. A Pasty is a kind of meat pie. Proper pasties have beef, potato and onion -- NOT parsnips... believe me, this is an ideological divide you must choose a side on. They are in a pie-like crust. They are often eaten with brown gravy, but since I developed my love for them as a child, I always eat mine with catchup.
The idea is that a pasty provides a hot-pocket like meal for a miner. Miners in the UP would put them in their lunch buckets in the morning and eat them in the mine during their lunch break. The tradition is one that started in the mines of Cornwall -- and fit well in the mines of the UP.
Today, if you've been to the UP and haven't had a Pasty -- you've missed out. It is the equivalent of going to France and only eating at McDonalds.... well, not quite, but it is something you have to do. If you happen to drive by Betty's Pies on Lake Superior's North Shore, you can stop in for a decent pasty.
One of the perks of working on my at home today is that I just put a frozen pasty in the oven. In 30 minutes I'll a proper meal for someone working in the philosophy factory :). If you are so inclined, look for "Captain Jack" brand pastys... or, at least some indication that they are "made by the caring people of upper Michigan".
The cat may drive me to the coffee shop...
Today I'm working on my Supreme Emergency paper.
I've got to get it into good "draft" shape so I can submit it to a conference someplace warm... in January...
A warm long-weekend (sans debaters) is a strong motivation to hit the deadline.
I really only have today to do this.... and Blind kitty is getting loud.
If he doesn't shut up, I'll be forced to go to the cofffee shop with good food and yummy drinks.
yea, that would suck.
I've got to get it into good "draft" shape so I can submit it to a conference someplace warm... in January...
A warm long-weekend (sans debaters) is a strong motivation to hit the deadline.
I really only have today to do this.... and Blind kitty is getting loud.
If he doesn't shut up, I'll be forced to go to the cofffee shop with good food and yummy drinks.
yea, that would suck.
Good news for an old friend...
Not long ago I found out that my old friend C has a new career.
I met C when she was hubby's first college debate coach. She's the one who lured me into being a debate coach. She gave me the opportunity to try coaching, she mentored me and helped me get into the debate world.
C left coaching to finish law school, get married and have kids. She had her first son during her last semester of law school. Although she had both an MA and a JD, she decided to stay home and raise her boys. Mr. C could support them and she thought it was more important to stay home with her kids than to get a job.
In many ways C has been kind of a model of how I think the modern feminist ought to live her life. She's smart, educated, assertive and very willing to be feminine. She's willing to make the hard decision to stay home, in the face of significant family pressure, in order to raise her children. If there are "waves" in feminism, I want to be on the same wave as C.
Now it seems that C has found the PERFECT job, for her. She has the right kind of people skills for this job and definitely the right kind of kick-ass attitude to be effective.
So, good luck C!!!! I know you'll be fantastic.
I met C when she was hubby's first college debate coach. She's the one who lured me into being a debate coach. She gave me the opportunity to try coaching, she mentored me and helped me get into the debate world.
C left coaching to finish law school, get married and have kids. She had her first son during her last semester of law school. Although she had both an MA and a JD, she decided to stay home and raise her boys. Mr. C could support them and she thought it was more important to stay home with her kids than to get a job.
In many ways C has been kind of a model of how I think the modern feminist ought to live her life. She's smart, educated, assertive and very willing to be feminine. She's willing to make the hard decision to stay home, in the face of significant family pressure, in order to raise her children. If there are "waves" in feminism, I want to be on the same wave as C.
Now it seems that C has found the PERFECT job, for her. She has the right kind of people skills for this job and definitely the right kind of kick-ass attitude to be effective.
So, good luck C!!!! I know you'll be fantastic.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
the Tuesday the world changed
6 years ago today I was sitting down to do a little grading in front of Good Morning America.
I was in Red Sate -- in an apartment quite close to where hubby 'lives' during the week.
Looking up, I saw blurry footage of the first plane going in.
It was a beautiful early-fall day.
It was a terrifying early-fall day.
Some basic things I remember:
What didn't change is that I still have grading to do on a beautiful Tuesday in September. I suppose some things never change.
I was in Red Sate -- in an apartment quite close to where hubby 'lives' during the week.
Looking up, I saw blurry footage of the first plane going in.
It was a beautiful early-fall day.
It was a terrifying early-fall day.
Some basic things I remember:
- Seeing our old on-base neighborhood on TV being guarded -- by guys in Humvees holding GUNS. We'd moved out about a month before.
- The President stopping at our Air Force base as a safe place. Seeing the local folk's film on the national feed -- and realizing that he was in the same building where hubby used to work.
- Hubby and I waited nervously for his last few days in the military to pass --we were afraid that he'd be "stop-lossed", and wouldn't be able to finish his education as we'd planned.
- Phone calls from family and friends. They were concerned about our general safety and hubby's military status. More than a few of my friends and close family expressed deep relief to hear he was almost out of the military.
- Our debate friends gathered at our place for companionship and comfort. We had both TVs on news stations and two computers with high-speed internet, so we could get the latest information. Rumor has it that the Individual Events (speech) squad also gathered someplace to watch events unfold on MTV-news.
- The silence when air travel stopped and the roar when it started again.
- The fact that our Muslim neighbors stopped playing soccer, tennis and other games in the apartment courtyard at dusk.
What didn't change is that I still have grading to do on a beautiful Tuesday in September. I suppose some things never change.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
good news and bad news from the coffee shop...
The good news:
As I came in to my favorite coffee shop, an elderly gentleman was leaving my favorite corner spot...
My favorite spot has the following to recommend it:
The bench seat is comfortably worn in.
There is a 1/2 wall to my right, over which is an outlet!
I can see the rest of the place, so I'm not startled and can have the momentary distraction of people watching.
The bad news:
The icky 'coffee shop creepy intellectual' dude just showed up, and is sitting at the next table... facing me.
On Friday I was here for several hours. The whole time he had his stuff in my favorite spot, but he didn't use it! Not once did he sit here, in the perfect spot. He paced, he tutored some idiot on physics, he went outside to make phone calls and spent a creepily-long time in the men's room. He didn't sit here. He didn't plug in his computer. He certainly didn't do any intellectual work.
Now, he's giving me the crusty look --
The real good news:
I beat creepy-coffee-shop guy here... and I'm gonna stay.
So There, Mr. Creepy. And, I'm doing actual intellectual/academic work. I'm not just some creepy version of an intellectual poser.
Yep, look at me all you want. This is what writing an academic paper looks like.
now, I need to get back to work... I finally have a handle on this paper!
As I came in to my favorite coffee shop, an elderly gentleman was leaving my favorite corner spot...
My favorite spot has the following to recommend it:
The bench seat is comfortably worn in.
There is a 1/2 wall to my right, over which is an outlet!
I can see the rest of the place, so I'm not startled and can have the momentary distraction of people watching.
The bad news:
The icky 'coffee shop creepy intellectual' dude just showed up, and is sitting at the next table... facing me.
On Friday I was here for several hours. The whole time he had his stuff in my favorite spot, but he didn't use it! Not once did he sit here, in the perfect spot. He paced, he tutored some idiot on physics, he went outside to make phone calls and spent a creepily-long time in the men's room. He didn't sit here. He didn't plug in his computer. He certainly didn't do any intellectual work.
Now, he's giving me the crusty look --
The real good news:
I beat creepy-coffee-shop guy here... and I'm gonna stay.
So There, Mr. Creepy. And, I'm doing actual intellectual/academic work. I'm not just some creepy version of an intellectual poser.
Yep, look at me all you want. This is what writing an academic paper looks like.
now, I need to get back to work... I finally have a handle on this paper!
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