Before: tasty frosted beverage
After: BRAIN FREEZE!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Send in the clowns..er, 2010.
Winding down 2009, which has been a year of great transformation, challenges, some new opportunities, and new friendships. I've renewed my interest (read: obsession) with the work of Rod Serling, returned to my roots in sci fi writing, and forged a new partnership with my husband. It has also held the deepest sorrow I could ever have imagined, with a Momazoo-shaped hole in my life. One thing is for certain; I am ready to say good-bye to 2009, but I choose to usher it out with a smile and a hearty "thank you" for the many and myriad opportunities to practice Dharma.
I welcome 2010, the first year of the second decade of the 21st century, with a child-like enthusiasm, a feeling of humble dedication towards making the most out of every opportunity that comes my way. In that spirit, I'm doing away with lists of intentions or resolutions. There is only this one: To celebrate and make the most of every moment of this precious human birth. No wasted time, no wasted opportunities, no matter how small. Every moment to be lived with intention, no matter what the intention, rather than passively letting time and life flow past. This means making choices in all things, from what script to develop, to what to wear to work, to how I eat, to how much time is spent in front of the TV, to what time to get up in the morning, to meditating at my shrine, to what ways I can make City on the Edge of Forever work for me, instead of allowing myself to be depressed and defeated by it.
I wish everyone a healthy new year with plenty of opportunity and intentions of your own. Thank you for reading my burblings on Fred In The Can. Be safe tonight, all you partiers.
I welcome 2010, the first year of the second decade of the 21st century, with a child-like enthusiasm, a feeling of humble dedication towards making the most out of every opportunity that comes my way. In that spirit, I'm doing away with lists of intentions or resolutions. There is only this one: To celebrate and make the most of every moment of this precious human birth. No wasted time, no wasted opportunities, no matter how small. Every moment to be lived with intention, no matter what the intention, rather than passively letting time and life flow past. This means making choices in all things, from what script to develop, to what to wear to work, to how I eat, to how much time is spent in front of the TV, to what time to get up in the morning, to meditating at my shrine, to what ways I can make City on the Edge of Forever work for me, instead of allowing myself to be depressed and defeated by it.
I wish everyone a healthy new year with plenty of opportunity and intentions of your own. Thank you for reading my burblings on Fred In The Can. Be safe tonight, all you partiers.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Went a little crazy with the post-Christmas consumption of commercial goods, but nothing I purchased today is wasteful. A new valise to carry around my work and not look like a grad student. A new power cord to the ole' MacBook Pro so that I can have dual work stations at home (and incidentally, so I can work here in Cleveland even though I left the power cord at home). A car charger for my iPod (at Marshals for $8!). Two games at 40% and 50% off - Hang Four (a surfing doggeh card game) and The Big Kahuna (Tiki guys galore). A wipey cloth for my laptop. Bizarro bought me a pair of earrings on clearance for belly dancing (they're rather big and flashy, not for work). I also treated myself to a quickie manicure (at a cheap price) - lavender, of course.
Best of all, we had a few minutes by the lake in the mid-afternoon sunshine. Photos soon to come. The best part of the day was free!
I've done well with the level of food intake; my healthy, filling breakfast of yogurt and oatmeal is leaving me full until 1 or 2 in the afternoon, and I've been eating a sammich and one side dish for lunch. Dinner is whatever Mom and Dad Bizarro make, but as with tonight's dinner of (fried) lumpia, I only had a few, and instead had two bowls of soup and a largeish salad. And only a few spoonfuls of rice. As long as they see me eating a little of everything, they leave me alone. Hee. Of course, I've had more than my fair share of Christmas cookies, but still within normal range.
And now the exciting stuff: I've been "hired" to proof read for a small press that is publishing original novels of Space: 1999. I've been email pals with one of the writers, who eventually took over the role of editor when the actual editor had to manage some personal crises that prevented him from doing the work of publishing books that had already been written. At this point we're gonna get all the books out in 2010 that were supposed to have come out earlier this year. I say "hired" in quotation marks because although he's cut me in on this, I won't see money for awhile. However, I will see money, and let's face it, I can put this on my C.V. That alone is worth the time I'm taking.
Now, I've also been working with the writer-cum-editor on some ideas for a TV pilot pitch. That's right - if Battlestar Galactica with their disco capes and King Tut-style space helmets can be reimagined - and hell, if Star Trek can be messed with - then Space: 1999 needs a jolt of its own. At present I don't know if I want to go the route of alt history or create a different title set another 1000 years in the future. It's a primordial work in progress at the moment, but it's very exciting, especially with my writing retreat coming up.
And so, 2009 is winding down with some great possibilities lined up in 2010. New job as a permanent writing tutor, new manager interested in my scripts, new side job as a proof reader, and many new ideas ready to break out into the world. Made a couple new friends this year, and I'm looking forward to nurturing those relationships in the new year, as well. 2010 feels like it's going to be a great year!
Right now, though, it's time to catch the Doctor Who Christmas Special on BBC America! Time to say good bye to David Tennant. He's my personal iconic Doctor, and always will be.
Best of all, we had a few minutes by the lake in the mid-afternoon sunshine. Photos soon to come. The best part of the day was free!
I've done well with the level of food intake; my healthy, filling breakfast of yogurt and oatmeal is leaving me full until 1 or 2 in the afternoon, and I've been eating a sammich and one side dish for lunch. Dinner is whatever Mom and Dad Bizarro make, but as with tonight's dinner of (fried) lumpia, I only had a few, and instead had two bowls of soup and a largeish salad. And only a few spoonfuls of rice. As long as they see me eating a little of everything, they leave me alone. Hee. Of course, I've had more than my fair share of Christmas cookies, but still within normal range.
And now the exciting stuff: I've been "hired" to proof read for a small press that is publishing original novels of Space: 1999. I've been email pals with one of the writers, who eventually took over the role of editor when the actual editor had to manage some personal crises that prevented him from doing the work of publishing books that had already been written. At this point we're gonna get all the books out in 2010 that were supposed to have come out earlier this year. I say "hired" in quotation marks because although he's cut me in on this, I won't see money for awhile. However, I will see money, and let's face it, I can put this on my C.V. That alone is worth the time I'm taking.
Now, I've also been working with the writer-cum-editor on some ideas for a TV pilot pitch. That's right - if Battlestar Galactica with their disco capes and King Tut-style space helmets can be reimagined - and hell, if Star Trek can be messed with - then Space: 1999 needs a jolt of its own. At present I don't know if I want to go the route of alt history or create a different title set another 1000 years in the future. It's a primordial work in progress at the moment, but it's very exciting, especially with my writing retreat coming up.
And so, 2009 is winding down with some great possibilities lined up in 2010. New job as a permanent writing tutor, new manager interested in my scripts, new side job as a proof reader, and many new ideas ready to break out into the world. Made a couple new friends this year, and I'm looking forward to nurturing those relationships in the new year, as well. 2010 feels like it's going to be a great year!
Right now, though, it's time to catch the Doctor Who Christmas Special on BBC America! Time to say good bye to David Tennant. He's my personal iconic Doctor, and always will be.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Happy Birthday, Rod Serling
RS was a fan of the Christmas spirit, despite the fact that he was Jewish. He once described himself as a Christmas present delivered unwrapped (born on Dec. 25, 1924).
It's late in the afternoon on Christmas day, and Bizarro is lying beside me taking a nap. The lasagna will come out of the oven very soon, and I believe dinner will be set shortly. It's been a good couple of days here at the Bizarro household in Cleveland, though I will feely admit that I really wanted to be with my family gathered at Pat & Beckie's last night. They passed the phone around when I called so I could briefly chat with everyone - even Owen! I went into a bit of a funk after watching "White Christmas," that being Mom's favorite Christmas movies. I perked up later on, though, and then of course was the midnight unwrapping of gifts and eating a petit meal around 1:00 am. Needless to say, I slept in today.
Yesterday we hit a couple stores, including my favorite Italian grocery this side of the North End - Alesci's. It was like heaven; I could've spent the entire day in that place. I fully intend to return tomorrow and buy some home-baked bread, and more capicola (and I didn't have to pronounce it "cappa-cola" for the guys at the meat counter!). The smells and sights really bring back a lot of sense memories from childhood.
Also had a glorious trip to Half-Priced Books with a gift card from the in-laws, and came home with a few prizes, including the director's cut of Blade Runner, and a Twilight Zone-themed collection of short stories edited by Carol Serling (RS has one story in there which I haven't read). The fluffy purchase was a tarot card set with Egyptian iconography and supposed hieroglyphs.
The days have started to meld together as they often do here, with all the sitting/lying around that goes on, so I have made a point to do yoga and journal and DO things as often as possible. It's so tempting to fall into that spaced-out state that this house seems to encourage. I'm doing my best to keep myself pulled together in that respect, if for no other reason than not to gain 5 lbs before I get home.
And speaking of which, it's time to take the lasagna out of the oven. Happy Christmas, all !
It's late in the afternoon on Christmas day, and Bizarro is lying beside me taking a nap. The lasagna will come out of the oven very soon, and I believe dinner will be set shortly. It's been a good couple of days here at the Bizarro household in Cleveland, though I will feely admit that I really wanted to be with my family gathered at Pat & Beckie's last night. They passed the phone around when I called so I could briefly chat with everyone - even Owen! I went into a bit of a funk after watching "White Christmas," that being Mom's favorite Christmas movies. I perked up later on, though, and then of course was the midnight unwrapping of gifts and eating a petit meal around 1:00 am. Needless to say, I slept in today.
Yesterday we hit a couple stores, including my favorite Italian grocery this side of the North End - Alesci's. It was like heaven; I could've spent the entire day in that place. I fully intend to return tomorrow and buy some home-baked bread, and more capicola (and I didn't have to pronounce it "cappa-cola" for the guys at the meat counter!). The smells and sights really bring back a lot of sense memories from childhood.
Also had a glorious trip to Half-Priced Books with a gift card from the in-laws, and came home with a few prizes, including the director's cut of Blade Runner, and a Twilight Zone-themed collection of short stories edited by Carol Serling (RS has one story in there which I haven't read). The fluffy purchase was a tarot card set with Egyptian iconography and supposed hieroglyphs.
The days have started to meld together as they often do here, with all the sitting/lying around that goes on, so I have made a point to do yoga and journal and DO things as often as possible. It's so tempting to fall into that spaced-out state that this house seems to encourage. I'm doing my best to keep myself pulled together in that respect, if for no other reason than not to gain 5 lbs before I get home.
And speaking of which, it's time to take the lasagna out of the oven. Happy Christmas, all !
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Christmas Time Is Near
This was my very first record as a child. The next one was, I believe, the soundtrack to Star Wars.
I rather identify with Alvin, especially "Let's do it again! Whaddya mean, 'over do it'?"
Tomorrow we drive to Cleveland, so yesterday and today have been filled with preparations, shopping, house cleaning (cause I despise coming home to a dirty apartment) and an attempt at detoxing before the onslaught of greasy meat, fried everything, and sugar bombs. I am going to eat small portions and avoid rice, and we're bringing our favorite Brown Cow chocolate yogurt and oatmeal. At least I can have a decent breakfast (although Bizarro will eat every scrap of the fried eggs, bacon, sausage and rice that his dad fixes for breakfast EVERY DAY). If this week-long trip doesn't give him a blocked artery, it'll be a miracle.
Then of course on the way back to New York next week, we're stopping over at our beloved Splash Lagoon. I had to pick up a pair of flip flops for the occasion, since I did away with all mine after I was told that they were hurting my ankles (after spraining them both last year). The Splash Lagoon and hotel pool will get me started on a good exercise program for the winter. I plan on using the pool where I work this break.
Soon I'll be posting my Best/Worst of 2009 (that'll be a doozey) and my Bliss List for 2010, so keep an eye out.
Meantime, I'm sending warm Christmas and New Year wishes. Yesterday was Yule, so from now on the days will get a little longer, the nights a little shorter. Here's to the coming of the Sun!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
She got belly
I went back to belly dance class a couple weeks ago, after over a year off, and it was both fun and nerve-wracking. Clearly, even with the Yoga, I'm out of shape. The other night I showed up for class, but no one else did, so I ended up having a private lesson. It was wonderful; my teacher and I went through a few things that I needed help with, and we also identified a few things that I need to avoid to keep my knee and lower back safe. It was really inspiring - I looked in the mirror and didn't have that body-loathing that so often accompanies a full-length mirror with tight-fitting or skimpy clothing on. I found myself really able to relax with the music and the moves, and didn't worry so much about doing it "right" as doing it "well," if that makes any sense.
This whole "doing it right" thing stems from my childhood, living with a perfectionist (a couple of them, actually). It's taken its toll on my creativity and my motivation, and I am constantly finding ways to unravel it. Belly dance, it would seem, is one such way that both embraces life and movement, and encourages the fire of creativity. My creative volcano (oblique Hawaii reference there)!
Here's a belly dancer who really inspires me with her grace, charm, joie de vivre, and the fact that she looks like a woman, not a stick-figure in a coin bra and fringe. I love Aziza!
This whole "doing it right" thing stems from my childhood, living with a perfectionist (a couple of them, actually). It's taken its toll on my creativity and my motivation, and I am constantly finding ways to unravel it. Belly dance, it would seem, is one such way that both embraces life and movement, and encourages the fire of creativity. My creative volcano (oblique Hawaii reference there)!
Here's a belly dancer who really inspires me with her grace, charm, joie de vivre, and the fact that she looks like a woman, not a stick-figure in a coin bra and fringe. I love Aziza!
Friday, December 11, 2009
I'll Be Home For Christmas...
Just created my Pandora holiday music station - classics like Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, and of course my guy, Perry Como. There's also Dean Martin, Sinatra, Burl Ives, Johnny Mathis.
Classes are done for 2009. By this time next week I will be completely done with finals and grading. I have already started getting into the Christmas Spirit, which by the way is completely possible for a non-Christian. 'Cause guess what? We're all about the same thing: peace on Earth, good will to all. That's what it's all about, folks. This year is very special - my first Christmas without both parents, but again I keep feeling this inescapable RELIEF, as if my Mom and Dad are telling me to go ahead and enjoy myself in full, at long last. I intend to!
It'll be great to see my in-laws for the holiday, and to soak up the Cleveland holiday spirit (leg lamp, anyone?). Meantime, I've decked out our apartment in lights and some very special decorations that came from Mom's - and in the case of the "Jingle Bells" - from my childhood. The Jingle Bells is an ancient (older than me) door ornament, a huge bell-shaped affair with a music box that plays... you know. It's hanging right next to our door and I love it. I can see it and pull the string from my desk for a quick shot of Christmas Spirit any time.
I want to know your favorite Christmas songs! Leave a comment and let me know!
My Top5 6 Christmas Songs
1. Home For the Holidays, by Perry Como
2. Jingle Bells, by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters
3. Mele Kalikimaka, by Bing Crosby
4. Happy Christmas (War Is Over), John Lennon & Yoko Ono
5. Wonderful Christmastime, Paul McCartney
6. Adeste Fideles, by Nat King Cole
Classes are done for 2009. By this time next week I will be completely done with finals and grading. I have already started getting into the Christmas Spirit, which by the way is completely possible for a non-Christian. 'Cause guess what? We're all about the same thing: peace on Earth, good will to all. That's what it's all about, folks. This year is very special - my first Christmas without both parents, but again I keep feeling this inescapable RELIEF, as if my Mom and Dad are telling me to go ahead and enjoy myself in full, at long last. I intend to!
It'll be great to see my in-laws for the holiday, and to soak up the Cleveland holiday spirit (leg lamp, anyone?). Meantime, I've decked out our apartment in lights and some very special decorations that came from Mom's - and in the case of the "Jingle Bells" - from my childhood. The Jingle Bells is an ancient (older than me) door ornament, a huge bell-shaped affair with a music box that plays... you know. It's hanging right next to our door and I love it. I can see it and pull the string from my desk for a quick shot of Christmas Spirit any time.
I want to know your favorite Christmas songs! Leave a comment and let me know!
My Top
1. Home For the Holidays, by Perry Como
2. Jingle Bells, by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters
3. Mele Kalikimaka, by Bing Crosby
4. Happy Christmas (War Is Over), John Lennon & Yoko Ono
5. Wonderful Christmastime, Paul McCartney
6. Adeste Fideles, by Nat King Cole
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Ed! to the rescue
So as you know, I was feeling down and out today. I got on ye olde Facebooke and had a chat with my dear Dharma friend Ed! in Columbus. He tipped me off to a very cool thing: my constant illnesses, one after the other, may well be a ripening of karma. Now, this isn't to say that I shouldn't keep striving for a healthier immune system, etc. but somehow this puts a spin on things that helps me to relax. "The Rinpoches," he wrote, "would tell you to get all Tonglen-y with it." Tonglen is a beautiful practice of dedicating the merit of your own suffering to the elimination of the suffering of others (in a nutshell). It takes the emphasis off your own pain, and puts it into a much larger context. And on a karmic level, it helps to purify that negative icky stuff.
Now for those of my tiny readership that don't buy into the laws of karma or Dharma, hey that's cool. If nothing else, getting the focus off the "me" is never a bad thing; it produces a more compassionate person.
So hey, it's hep to have a runny nose! It's cool to sneeze all over the place! Out with the mucus already! Sore throats make the world go 'round! Sinuses are the chambers of goodness and universal harmony! Cold sores are, well those are kinda nasty, but harbingers of good things to come nonetheless!
Now for those of my tiny readership that don't buy into the laws of karma or Dharma, hey that's cool. If nothing else, getting the focus off the "me" is never a bad thing; it produces a more compassionate person.
So hey, it's hep to have a runny nose! It's cool to sneeze all over the place! Out with the mucus already! Sore throats make the world go 'round! Sinuses are the chambers of goodness and universal harmony! Cold sores are, well those are kinda nasty, but harbingers of good things to come nonetheless!
Keeping my face screwed on
I've been floundering lately. And I don't mean fishing for flounder. Okay that was dumb. Point is, I've been feeling pretty bad about things of late. I tend to get bound up in all the particulars of "ways in which I am not happy" and I made a very erroneous assumption: that things will always be this way. I lose sight of the fact that a) I'm pulling out of a long, sad, awful period of my life, and it's going to take time to get back on an even keel, b) I really do have some great opportunities to teach and get some good experience under my belt, c) I have time to write, d) I only have to stick it out in City on the Edge of Forever until Bizarro gets his degree; at that point we will decide what is next, and there is nothing that ties us down here (unless we choose to stay).
I'm forever feeling FORCED into the situation, or TRAPPED into something that is mediocre, at best, depressing at worst. I see there are lot of ways my life is not what I'd like, and knowing that I turn 42 in three months doesn't help my feeling of being behind schedule, and just overall feeling like shit about my situation. Still working part time teaching jobs, living in an apartment, driving a car that's slowly falling apart, gaining weight every year, meanwhile the gray hairs keep coming in and I stare at the web-cam of my beach at Nantasket every day, wishing I was by the ocean.
So I have to remind myself every now and again that all that is truly temporary. I've traveled many paths in the first few decades of my life, including the humbling road of being my mother's caretaker and champion, and thus it's taking me a little longer to get where I want to be. But truly I'm a better person for the places I've been. At least I like to hope so.
I am feeling confident that the experience I'll have as an adjunct writing tutor will help me to get a full time job when we are ready to move. I have to believe this, or else it's just another job with no future, like so many I've held before it.
Perhaps that's really what's bothered me - feeling like I don't really have a future. Like I'm just throwing band-aids on top of band-aids. I need to believe that I'm working towards something, with my teaching and writing. I'm not just floundering. Keeping it real, but keeping the dream alive.
I'm forever feeling FORCED into the situation, or TRAPPED into something that is mediocre, at best, depressing at worst. I see there are lot of ways my life is not what I'd like, and knowing that I turn 42 in three months doesn't help my feeling of being behind schedule, and just overall feeling like shit about my situation. Still working part time teaching jobs, living in an apartment, driving a car that's slowly falling apart, gaining weight every year, meanwhile the gray hairs keep coming in and I stare at the web-cam of my beach at Nantasket every day, wishing I was by the ocean.
So I have to remind myself every now and again that all that is truly temporary. I've traveled many paths in the first few decades of my life, including the humbling road of being my mother's caretaker and champion, and thus it's taking me a little longer to get where I want to be. But truly I'm a better person for the places I've been. At least I like to hope so.
I am feeling confident that the experience I'll have as an adjunct writing tutor will help me to get a full time job when we are ready to move. I have to believe this, or else it's just another job with no future, like so many I've held before it.
Perhaps that's really what's bothered me - feeling like I don't really have a future. Like I'm just throwing band-aids on top of band-aids. I need to believe that I'm working towards something, with my teaching and writing. I'm not just floundering. Keeping it real, but keeping the dream alive.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Here we go...
I am really quite peeved that I've caught another virus (cold). WTF? I'm doing everything right, I'm getting acupuncture to strengthen my immune system, and STILL I get sick. I've about had it with this body. I'm ready to trade it in for a better model. Sleeker, stronger, less weepy, and with working joints.
This is the last week of classes at both colleges, so I can't be out again. It's final script reading and grammar review time, respectively, and I need to be here for this work. I just need to make it through another week (with finals) and then I'll be on break.
Ahh winter break, that wonderful time where I get to catch up on sleep and writing, in which I don't get paid for a month. There will be no Xmas presents this year. There will be no sending out 50 xmas cards, either. My immediate family gets cards, and that's it. I'd rather call the people who are far away that I think about at the holidays.
I don't know how people with kids do it. I can barely keep myself running; I couldn't imagine having to be in charge of small human beings keeping their shit together as well. Especially in this day and age.
Okay, here's my list of things I want to do/see/eat in Cleveland approximately two weeks from now (in no particular order)
+ Cleveland Museum of Art
+ Caribou Coffee (to hang out and write)
+ Alesci's Italian Grocery and Deli - Capicola and sausage! (And can I just say I'm so fucking sick of the yokel-locals around here insisting on calling it "cappa-cola." Plebes.)
+ Christmas lights downtown
+ Visit my friend Pat H., one of the teachers from my trip to China in '04. That woman can DRINK!
+ Play Scrabble with my sister-in-law, so that the Moning (Tagalog for kitteh) can sit herself in the middle of the board and mess up the tiles.
+ Make lasagna for my Filipino family.
+ Go to one of the swanky bars on 6th and sing that Cleveland tourism video song "It's the perfect place if you're a douchebag."
+ Drive around the Flats and sing that other Cleveland tourism video song "The Flats look like a Scooby Doo ghost-town."
This is the last week of classes at both colleges, so I can't be out again. It's final script reading and grammar review time, respectively, and I need to be here for this work. I just need to make it through another week (with finals) and then I'll be on break.
Ahh winter break, that wonderful time where I get to catch up on sleep and writing, in which I don't get paid for a month. There will be no Xmas presents this year. There will be no sending out 50 xmas cards, either. My immediate family gets cards, and that's it. I'd rather call the people who are far away that I think about at the holidays.
I don't know how people with kids do it. I can barely keep myself running; I couldn't imagine having to be in charge of small human beings keeping their shit together as well. Especially in this day and age.
Okay, here's my list of things I want to do/see/eat in Cleveland approximately two weeks from now (in no particular order)
+ Cleveland Museum of Art
+ Caribou Coffee (to hang out and write)
+ Alesci's Italian Grocery and Deli - Capicola and sausage! (And can I just say I'm so fucking sick of the yokel-locals around here insisting on calling it "cappa-cola." Plebes.)
+ Christmas lights downtown
+ Visit my friend Pat H., one of the teachers from my trip to China in '04. That woman can DRINK!
+ Play Scrabble with my sister-in-law, so that the Moning (Tagalog for kitteh) can sit herself in the middle of the board and mess up the tiles.
+ Make lasagna for my Filipino family.
+ Go to one of the swanky bars on 6th and sing that Cleveland tourism video song "It's the perfect place if you're a douchebag."
+ Drive around the Flats and sing that other Cleveland tourism video song "The Flats look like a Scooby Doo ghost-town."
Monday, December 07, 2009
More holiday cheer from Plan59.com
Blogger's photo uploader stopped working, so I had to wait until later to post these:
That's a chilly house they have there. I guess walls were too expensive in the '50s.
Her husband's floozy - stored in the freezer for future, um, snow balling.
I'll have what she's having...
OH NO THEY DIN'T!
That's a chilly house they have there. I guess walls were too expensive in the '50s.
Her husband's floozy - stored in the freezer for future, um, snow balling.
I'll have what she's having...
OH NO THEY DIN'T!
Holiday Cheer...Mid-Century Modern Style!
Of course, when you're the woman of the house STUCK IN THE KITCHEN ALL DAY MAKING A HUGE-ASS CHRISTMAS DINNER, it's handy to be able to chat on the phone while you smoke a pack of cigs and nip the cooking sherry. Ahhhh the good old days.
Speaking of that pack of cigs...
Did you know that in the '50s, they played with toy trains in their underwear? By themselves? In the attic?
(All images from Plan 59.)
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Let it snow, let it snow, come on baby, light my fire.
It's snowing. Which means the sky has been gray since before the sun came up (or did it?), and I woke up with a distinct lack of zip this morning. This is what happens, people. This is what happens to Ms. Bizarro when winter sets in, the sun doesn't shine, and the outside walls of the apartment are approximately the temperature of a penguin's tittie.
I look around me as I sit at my desk - my Wild Republic monkey watching sightlessly with his endless winter ennui, my palm tree magnets mocking me on the white board, the very last month of 2009 on the calendar reminding me that Hawaii is made of lava, the Barrel Man gazing out the window as appalled as I am, and of course, my Rod Serling Foundation card proclaiming my membership-in-good standing - and I am reminded that I have a lot of writing to do (as well as grading, of course, it being end of the semester). I know that I really shouldn't watch those last 3 episodes of TikiBar TV. I know that I need to take charge of my winter blues and also do some laundry because I am down to the little white socks I only wear in the summer with sneakers.
And so, on December 5, the birthday of my grand-niece Erin Dorothy, and my close, personal friend Racheeee Schmiff, winter has finally begun. I feel the cold, clammy weight of it, and I say, it's time to light a fire in the fireplace (as opposed to the futon) and drink a hot toddy out of a Tiki Mug.
I look around me as I sit at my desk - my Wild Republic monkey watching sightlessly with his endless winter ennui, my palm tree magnets mocking me on the white board, the very last month of 2009 on the calendar reminding me that Hawaii is made of lava, the Barrel Man gazing out the window as appalled as I am, and of course, my Rod Serling Foundation card proclaiming my membership-in-good standing - and I am reminded that I have a lot of writing to do (as well as grading, of course, it being end of the semester). I know that I really shouldn't watch those last 3 episodes of TikiBar TV. I know that I need to take charge of my winter blues and also do some laundry because I am down to the little white socks I only wear in the summer with sneakers.
And so, on December 5, the birthday of my grand-niece Erin Dorothy, and my close, personal friend Racheeee Schmiff, winter has finally begun. I feel the cold, clammy weight of it, and I say, it's time to light a fire in the fireplace (as opposed to the futon) and drink a hot toddy out of a Tiki Mug.
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Because sometimes one is better than too many
Sitting here in my office at work, enjoying the easy listening sounds of Walter Wanderley, Wes Montgomery and their ilk over Pandora. Today students are handing in their final screenplay projects. Tomorrow I get a stack of essays from the remedial writing students. I plan to plow through all of these in as timely a fashion as possible, so that I can focus on planning for next semester and get everything ready before the holiday and my writing retreat.
Hm, well except that there's the final exam I have to give on the 14th and then GROUP GRADE that same night from 6 p.m. until god knows when. Group grading, in case you're wondering, is a Communist form of evaluating student work and I despise it. Here's what we were told to do in an email this week:
I am exhausted just thinking about this. Know what's even worse? I have to be in the classroom at 7:30 the next morning for a "final exam" that I don't even have. We have to meet during final exam times, even if we don't give final exams!
Hm, well except that there's the final exam I have to give on the 14th and then GROUP GRADE that same night from 6 p.m. until god knows when. Group grading, in case you're wondering, is a Communist form of evaluating student work and I despise it. Here's what we were told to do in an email this week:
After the exam, we will meet to group grade the paragraphs. We’ll meet in ### at 6:00pm. Let me know if this will create a problem for you. We divide into grading teams of three. Two other instructors grade your exams Pass or Fail before you make the final decision. In the borderline situations, there will be enough people around to give a few extra reads. Also, this is where your grammar exam can help us make a clear decision. Students who do poorly on grammar on both the paragraph and the grammar test show that they didn’t just fail to edit enough before handing in the paragraph. They do not have a solid grasp of basic grammar and will not be best served by moving on to English 100. On the other hand, students who do extremely well on the grammar test can be given the benefit of the doubt.
I am exhausted just thinking about this. Know what's even worse? I have to be in the classroom at 7:30 the next morning for a "final exam" that I don't even have. We have to meet during final exam times, even if we don't give final exams!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Vive le cap francais!
A quick shout out to Annie, who is in Paris and Berlin (Not at the same time, though. That would be physically impossible.). I'm excited for her trip, and I hope to hear all about her fantastic travels in her iniminiminimible style. I told her to be wary of stinky French men, and to devour as many sexy German men with chiseled jaws who ski and drink good beer as possible, on my behalf.
Home Stretch
The sun is shining, and I am up to my armpits in grading today. What a lovely way to spend the last day of Thanksgiving vacation (truly! I'm not being sarcastic). I can't complain; I've taken more than my fair share of R&R these last few days, so now it's time to hit the bricks for the last 3 weeks of skool.
Tomorrow my teaching is being observed at the community college. As you know (if you read this here blog), I don't have the best of luck with observations. Although all my observations at the Other School on the Hill have been just fine, I've had rough reports from idiot supervisors at other institutions, and I loathe the idea of being raked over someone's coals of perversity. I think some supers think the whole point of the observation is to find things not to critique with helpful feedback, but to grind their ten pages of notes about how I pair students up into a paste along with my blood and sweat and than hand it back to me and tell me it's good for me. In those instances, observations generally feel like this:
Kung Fu Men Have Tough Balls - The most amazing bloopers are here
If I had them, my balls would not be tough like that.
Tomorrow my teaching is being observed at the community college. As you know (if you read this here blog), I don't have the best of luck with observations. Although all my observations at the Other School on the Hill have been just fine, I've had rough reports from idiot supervisors at other institutions, and I loathe the idea of being raked over someone's coals of perversity. I think some supers think the whole point of the observation is to find things not to critique with helpful feedback, but to grind their ten pages of notes about how I pair students up into a paste along with my blood and sweat and than hand it back to me and tell me it's good for me. In those instances, observations generally feel like this:
Kung Fu Men Have Tough Balls - The most amazing bloopers are here
If I had them, my balls would not be tough like that.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Now that Thanksgiving is over, it's time for me to hit the grading that has patiently waited for me on my desk for the last few days.
I am delighted to have found Tiki Bar TV, and will probably spend time watching past episodes instead of grading.
I have made a breakthrough on one of my scripts, and on my TV pilot. Ooooo I'm psyched.
I am delighted to have found Tiki Bar TV, and will probably spend time watching past episodes instead of grading.
I have made a breakthrough on one of my scripts, and on my TV pilot. Ooooo I'm psyched.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Stick a needle in me!
Went to my first of 6 acupuncture treatments today and got my batch of Chinese herbs. It really was a relief, to know what's going on and why and to know that something is being done.
I have to say that post-flu, I've been feeling much more centered, emotionally and mentally. It's like being down for that week and a half pushed the re-set button. I also think a lot of the introspection and EFT I did while I was down had an effect. My head feels lighter and clearer, and I don't feel quite the same heaviness that I was dragging around with me for months.
I am optimistic that the holiday season won't be as bad as I'd once feared. Tonight I had to go to the mall for an errand, and I was pleasantly surprised that the Christmas Consumer decorations and muzak didn't bother me. I've struggled with Christmas every year since my dad died in 1979, and walking through a store at the holidays quite often would leave me in tears. This time, though, something was different. I kept hearing in my head "You deserve to enjoy Christmas. We're happy, and you should be too." That thought kept running over and over, and at one point (in Yankee Candle) when my favorite of all Christmas songs came on - Home for the Holidays by Perry Como - I was singing along and smiling. There was no dark sadness or feelings of despair. I felt like at last, Mom and Dad are together and the holidays are again a time for joy, new traditions, and happy memories to be shared and made.
Didn't that just sound like a Hallmark card? But it's all true.
Progress is being made, and I have another piece of good news to share: I have 2 weeks of writing retreat in January 2010 at the same place I've gone to over the last 2-3 years. Wow, what an incredible gift! My recent meeting with a new manager has inspired me with notes and possibilities and I am soooo ready to write, revise, and create.
I'm off to drink my nasty-tasting Chinese herbs now.
I have to say that post-flu, I've been feeling much more centered, emotionally and mentally. It's like being down for that week and a half pushed the re-set button. I also think a lot of the introspection and EFT I did while I was down had an effect. My head feels lighter and clearer, and I don't feel quite the same heaviness that I was dragging around with me for months.
I am optimistic that the holiday season won't be as bad as I'd once feared. Tonight I had to go to the mall for an errand, and I was pleasantly surprised that the Christmas Consumer decorations and muzak didn't bother me. I've struggled with Christmas every year since my dad died in 1979, and walking through a store at the holidays quite often would leave me in tears. This time, though, something was different. I kept hearing in my head "You deserve to enjoy Christmas. We're happy, and you should be too." That thought kept running over and over, and at one point (in Yankee Candle) when my favorite of all Christmas songs came on - Home for the Holidays by Perry Como - I was singing along and smiling. There was no dark sadness or feelings of despair. I felt like at last, Mom and Dad are together and the holidays are again a time for joy, new traditions, and happy memories to be shared and made.
Didn't that just sound like a Hallmark card? But it's all true.
Progress is being made, and I have another piece of good news to share: I have 2 weeks of writing retreat in January 2010 at the same place I've gone to over the last 2-3 years. Wow, what an incredible gift! My recent meeting with a new manager has inspired me with notes and possibilities and I am soooo ready to write, revise, and create.
I'm off to drink my nasty-tasting Chinese herbs now.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
So I'm back in action, but still not completely healthy. I know there's a massive problem with my sinuses - I don't think that infection ever really went away. The fact that I can still hear my blood coursing through my left ear is a sign that not all is well. So is the fact that my head hurts like a wrecking ball is having a field day in there, and nothing seems to do any good.
I have an appointment with my acupuncturist on Friday and an appointment with my traditional give 'em antibiotics doctor in a couple weeks. I am going to start taking names if someone doesn't do something about my completely trashed immune system and morally bankrupt sinuses.
In other news... um... no not so much. More whining, which no one needs to hear.
I have an appointment with my acupuncturist on Friday and an appointment with my traditional give 'em antibiotics doctor in a couple weeks. I am going to start taking names if someone doesn't do something about my completely trashed immune system and morally bankrupt sinuses.
In other news... um... no not so much. More whining, which no one needs to hear.
Friday, November 13, 2009
I suppose I should give the update. I have swine flu. I am well aware of the irony of this fact. All those posts about the Four Pork Products of the Apocalypse. Well, I guess that was really SMJ's thang, not mine. I have been put in my place, it would seem.
Courtesy of Synthstuff.com
Courtesy of Synthstuff.com
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
If the shoe fits, burn it
Still sickly and not at all happy about it. What is going on with me that I have been so sick lately? I can't believe it's just a coincidence. Something has slammed my immune system. Grief? Sorrow? Stress?
Some good news in the midst of that, though, is a 2-hour telephone meeting I had with a manager today to develop a couple scripts. Even though I sounded like a frog, the meeting went extremely well. She liked the sci fi I'd written and gave me some really great notes going into the next draft. She's also interested in my other ideas, so when I've got those drafts ready I'll send them along, too. I like their approach to forming relationships and cultivating partnerships with their writers and filmmakers. This is very heartening. I'm making things happen, at long last.
Now if I can just reattach my immune system I'll be all set.
Some good news in the midst of that, though, is a 2-hour telephone meeting I had with a manager today to develop a couple scripts. Even though I sounded like a frog, the meeting went extremely well. She liked the sci fi I'd written and gave me some really great notes going into the next draft. She's also interested in my other ideas, so when I've got those drafts ready I'll send them along, too. I like their approach to forming relationships and cultivating partnerships with their writers and filmmakers. This is very heartening. I'm making things happen, at long last.
Now if I can just reattach my immune system I'll be all set.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Home Sick
Slight fever and raw throat. Watching A Haunting and UFO Hunters all day, and trolling hte internets.
see more Political Pictures
see more Political Pictures
Sunday, November 08, 2009
I know you
Where have the days gone? Busy busy makin' wax over here.
This past weekend went to Astronomicon 11 Sci Fi Convention in Rochacha, where I hobnobbed with awesome writers and intelligent, sensitive human beings (at least, I think they were human). Some names of note: Daniel A. Rabuzzi, Robert J. Sawyer (of FlashForward fame), David DeGraff, and Nancy Kress. Bizarro also made some good connections. We were both incredibly pleased with ourselves, the panels, and the weekend in general. It was up in the 60s (because you know how important it is to me not to freeze my knees), and we enjoyed staying with friends Tim & Leigh, going to eat at Arigato Japanese Steakhouse, subs at DiBella's for lunch today, and of course, Abbot's Frozen Custard.
Damn good thing I went back to my work-out regime last week. I'll need to keep on that after the custard. Bizarro has joined my Yoga class on Monday nights, which is great because we can mutually bolster our drive to get to class even on a night of inclement weather or just plain laziness. Water aerobics was delightful last week, too. Man I could feel it in my hips, though. We did "water ballet," as in, barre work in the water, not THIS:
I'm feeling great about the week to come. Really motivated after this con (and after the Serling Conference, which is still providing me with a boatload of inspiration). I have a phone meeting with a manager on Wednesday, so I'm going to spend some time getting ready for that over the next couple days. This means putting off grading until later in the week. They'll just have to wait.
Oh - and to close out the story of the Plagiarizing Student, he just trailed off somewhere and never came back to confront me, other than a one-(grammatically incorrect) sentence email. I am enjoying the remaining 14 students I have in that class, after the attrition of 5 non-hackers. Now that the tension has been broken with Mr. Plagiarism Is My Middle Name, my students and I can focus. Still, I am really looking forward to my new position as Adjunct Writing Tutor come January.
I am also very pleased to report that I've made it a point to cultivate other friendships here in the City on the Edge of Forever. I was feeling a bit bereft of nearby friendly faces there for awhile, but I am always on the mend. I miss PMP like crazy, but I know that when I'm out in Boston, we'll be able to catch up and do our usual things. The other two folks who pretty much disappeared off the face of the earth are doing other things, and I wish them both well, but I'm done feeling bad for anything.
Rock on with my highly caffeinated self! I suppose I need to wind down for the evening, watch MadMen's season finale, and go to sleep.
P.S. This week's Vladurday wasn't very funny, so I'm skipping it in favor of other amusements.
This past weekend went to Astronomicon 11 Sci Fi Convention in Rochacha, where I hobnobbed with awesome writers and intelligent, sensitive human beings (at least, I think they were human). Some names of note: Daniel A. Rabuzzi, Robert J. Sawyer (of FlashForward fame), David DeGraff, and Nancy Kress. Bizarro also made some good connections. We were both incredibly pleased with ourselves, the panels, and the weekend in general. It was up in the 60s (because you know how important it is to me not to freeze my knees), and we enjoyed staying with friends Tim & Leigh, going to eat at Arigato Japanese Steakhouse, subs at DiBella's for lunch today, and of course, Abbot's Frozen Custard.
Damn good thing I went back to my work-out regime last week. I'll need to keep on that after the custard. Bizarro has joined my Yoga class on Monday nights, which is great because we can mutually bolster our drive to get to class even on a night of inclement weather or just plain laziness. Water aerobics was delightful last week, too. Man I could feel it in my hips, though. We did "water ballet," as in, barre work in the water, not THIS:
I'm feeling great about the week to come. Really motivated after this con (and after the Serling Conference, which is still providing me with a boatload of inspiration). I have a phone meeting with a manager on Wednesday, so I'm going to spend some time getting ready for that over the next couple days. This means putting off grading until later in the week. They'll just have to wait.
Oh - and to close out the story of the Plagiarizing Student, he just trailed off somewhere and never came back to confront me, other than a one-(grammatically incorrect) sentence email. I am enjoying the remaining 14 students I have in that class, after the attrition of 5 non-hackers. Now that the tension has been broken with Mr. Plagiarism Is My Middle Name, my students and I can focus. Still, I am really looking forward to my new position as Adjunct Writing Tutor come January.
I am also very pleased to report that I've made it a point to cultivate other friendships here in the City on the Edge of Forever. I was feeling a bit bereft of nearby friendly faces there for awhile, but I am always on the mend. I miss PMP like crazy, but I know that when I'm out in Boston, we'll be able to catch up and do our usual things. The other two folks who pretty much disappeared off the face of the earth are doing other things, and I wish them both well, but I'm done feeling bad for anything.
Rock on with my highly caffeinated self! I suppose I need to wind down for the evening, watch MadMen's season finale, and go to sleep.
P.S. This week's Vladurday wasn't very funny, so I'm skipping it in favor of other amusements.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Decided to stay in this weekend, after all. Still feel like I'm fighting off sick and really can't stand a relapse. Last night Bizarro and I went to see "Paranormal Activity" instead of going out of town to that party. My advice is to wait until this movie comes out on Netflix.
It's a lo-budget, indie horror movie, and I commend the filmmakers for making the most of their budget with no CGI, singular set, and only two characters. But the script was lacking - the first 45 minutes dragged, and there were character actions that made no sense based on what the film established in the first half hour. As a result, I couldn't suspend disbelief enough to be scared. For sure there were a couple moments to jump, including the end, but this felt like a short film that was dragged out to be an hour and a half simply to find theatrical distribution. I give it 3 out of 5 stars.
We've been watching eps of Night Gallery on Hulu as we start preparing for conference presentations two years hence on Rod Serling's "bastard step-child" TV series. Poor Night Gallery, always taking second billing to Twilight Zone.
I've spent a good deal of my time writing this weekend, in protest of last week, which sucked moss-covered boulders. I have yet to see the end of the Plagiarizing Student story this coming week, I'm sure. I am really so over that class; I'll be delighted never to teach it again.
Here's hoping for a solid week of inspiration, seeing the glass half full, and making things happen.
It's a lo-budget, indie horror movie, and I commend the filmmakers for making the most of their budget with no CGI, singular set, and only two characters. But the script was lacking - the first 45 minutes dragged, and there were character actions that made no sense based on what the film established in the first half hour. As a result, I couldn't suspend disbelief enough to be scared. For sure there were a couple moments to jump, including the end, but this felt like a short film that was dragged out to be an hour and a half simply to find theatrical distribution. I give it 3 out of 5 stars.
We've been watching eps of Night Gallery on Hulu as we start preparing for conference presentations two years hence on Rod Serling's "bastard step-child" TV series. Poor Night Gallery, always taking second billing to Twilight Zone.
I've spent a good deal of my time writing this weekend, in protest of last week, which sucked moss-covered boulders. I have yet to see the end of the Plagiarizing Student story this coming week, I'm sure. I am really so over that class; I'll be delighted never to teach it again.
Here's hoping for a solid week of inspiration, seeing the glass half full, and making things happen.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Finished off the week by having to fail a student and kick his ass out of my class because I discovered he'd plagiarized paragraphs. Ripped them off lock, stock and barrel from websites that allegedly exist to give examples of writing for students.
This is the same student who I was supposedly meeting every week, who blew me off and showed up 15 minutes late on a regular basis. He'd miss class, come in late, show up unprepared, etc. He'd already failed the class twice before. I was working hard on his behalf, and clearly he wasn't willing to work as hard.
The saddest thing is, he would've passed this semester on his own if he'd just stuck it out and done the work. His writing was getting stronger when he did apply himself, and his grammar quizzes were passing. He just fucked himself in the ass, is what he did.
Woke up nervous this morning about having to confront the student. I'd already been in contact with the Provost and The Dean, who were both very supportive of my decision. At this college, it's up to the teacher to decide upon a sanction for academic dishonesty, though there is some namby-pamby policy in place for one-time offenders vs. repeat-offenders. To me the choice was clear. He's toast. And of course he didn't show up this morning so I ended up having to break the news to him in email. He'll get a letter from the Provost soon enough.
In better news - finished off some writing of my own this afternoon, and got valuable feedback on a short script I've been working on for awhile.
I'm off to a Halloween party this weekend. My costume: dead Lt. Starbuck. Hells yeah.
This is the same student who I was supposedly meeting every week, who blew me off and showed up 15 minutes late on a regular basis. He'd miss class, come in late, show up unprepared, etc. He'd already failed the class twice before. I was working hard on his behalf, and clearly he wasn't willing to work as hard.
The saddest thing is, he would've passed this semester on his own if he'd just stuck it out and done the work. His writing was getting stronger when he did apply himself, and his grammar quizzes were passing. He just fucked himself in the ass, is what he did.
Woke up nervous this morning about having to confront the student. I'd already been in contact with the Provost and The Dean, who were both very supportive of my decision. At this college, it's up to the teacher to decide upon a sanction for academic dishonesty, though there is some namby-pamby policy in place for one-time offenders vs. repeat-offenders. To me the choice was clear. He's toast. And of course he didn't show up this morning so I ended up having to break the news to him in email. He'll get a letter from the Provost soon enough.
In better news - finished off some writing of my own this afternoon, and got valuable feedback on a short script I've been working on for awhile.
I'm off to a Halloween party this weekend. My costume: dead Lt. Starbuck. Hells yeah.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
What color is your caboose?
Thankfully, yesterday is but a memory. I'm over all you fuckerz.
Grading's getting there, and I'm reminding myself that I don't have to get things done in some kind of faster-than-light nano-speed. Clearly I'm making up the technobabble as I go.
There are some residual health issues, and a new one that's cropped up, but nothing that a ton of yogurt won't cure. Or so I'm told. Don't ask.
By the way, chocolate yogurt is my new favorite thing to eat.
And the weather's more like it should be in mid-October, rather than end of November temps. That helps, too.
Grading's getting there, and I'm reminding myself that I don't have to get things done in some kind of faster-than-light nano-speed. Clearly I'm making up the technobabble as I go.
There are some residual health issues, and a new one that's cropped up, but nothing that a ton of yogurt won't cure. Or so I'm told. Don't ask.
By the way, chocolate yogurt is my new favorite thing to eat.
And the weather's more like it should be in mid-October, rather than end of November temps. That helps, too.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Bitch Session
I would just like to say I'm having a shitty-ass fucking day. Everything I touch breaks. I am so buried in work I could literally punch a hole in the wall out of frustration. I went from having 3 friends in this shitty little town to having 0 friends in this shitty town. I cannot keep up with the crap I am expected to do as a human being, and god help the next student who lays on the excuses thicker than a truck stop hooker's mascara.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
It's time to get serious
...about staying warm. Freaking snow! And it's only the beginning... just like death.
I got a rejection letter from a "journal of arts and ideas" published around these parts. As Rod Serling suggested, I will use it to start a collage of rejection in the john, reminding me that 90% of writing is not giving up.
I got a rejection letter from a "journal of arts and ideas" published around these parts. As Rod Serling suggested, I will use it to start a collage of rejection in the john, reminding me that 90% of writing is not giving up.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
What's that smell?
That's the burning rubber of my wheels trying to catch up with my life. Or the flinty smoke from my rotundus maximus trying to wedge itself through the door.
Haven't gone to H2O aerobics in 3 weeks due to: covering someone else's class, attending a department meeting, having my period, getting ready for the conference last weekend, grading, and getting a sinus infection. I am going tomorrow if I have to shoot down and stomp on my students' dead bodies and bloody scripts to get there.
Did manage to get to Yoga tonight, and that felt good, although clearly my abs have forsaken me.
I'm behind on everything but that's only going to last a few more days, then I'll have a chance to catch up.
Cleveland and the in-laws were delightful this past weekend, though as usual I ate too much bad stuff there (though not as much as usual; I was being careful). Only one piece of pie instead of four. Not so shabby eh?
A successful visit to Half Price Books gleaned me the first season of Night Gallery, a Twilight Zone Companion, a book on belly fat, a new journal, and...something else I can't recall at the moment. Best part was that, unbeknownst to me, there was a 20% off educator discount going on. Of course I had no college I.D. on me, other than a business card, and I more or less bludgeoned the clerk into giving me a discount anyway. She got her vengeance by "forgetting" to put the DVDs in the box for Night Gallery. I had to go back, wait in the damn line again, etc. But did get a coupon for 15% for my troubles (which I promptly gave to my sis-in-law since it was only good until the end of the month and I live 2 states over).
Ah, but now I have tons of grading to do and Night Gallery to distract me. Who could ask for anything more?
Haven't gone to H2O aerobics in 3 weeks due to: covering someone else's class, attending a department meeting, having my period, getting ready for the conference last weekend, grading, and getting a sinus infection. I am going tomorrow if I have to shoot down and stomp on my students' dead bodies and bloody scripts to get there.
Did manage to get to Yoga tonight, and that felt good, although clearly my abs have forsaken me.
I'm behind on everything but that's only going to last a few more days, then I'll have a chance to catch up.
Cleveland and the in-laws were delightful this past weekend, though as usual I ate too much bad stuff there (though not as much as usual; I was being careful). Only one piece of pie instead of four. Not so shabby eh?
A successful visit to Half Price Books gleaned me the first season of Night Gallery, a Twilight Zone Companion, a book on belly fat, a new journal, and...something else I can't recall at the moment. Best part was that, unbeknownst to me, there was a 20% off educator discount going on. Of course I had no college I.D. on me, other than a business card, and I more or less bludgeoned the clerk into giving me a discount anyway. She got her vengeance by "forgetting" to put the DVDs in the box for Night Gallery. I had to go back, wait in the damn line again, etc. But did get a coupon for 15% for my troubles (which I promptly gave to my sis-in-law since it was only good until the end of the month and I live 2 states over).
Ah, but now I have tons of grading to do and Night Gallery to distract me. Who could ask for anything more?
Vladurday
This one's going out to Salty Miss Jill:
see more Political Pictures
(no, these will will never be on time. deal with it.)
see more Political Pictures
(no, these will will never be on time. deal with it.)
Thursday, October 08, 2009
It's Getting Better All the Time
As I'd thought, I do indeed have a sinus infection and with the proper drugs I am on my way to a full recovery. Today going back to work, finally. My little students - I miss them.
We're headed to Cleveland tomorrow to visit the in-laws and take a much-needed break (okay not counting my 3 days home sick which didn't feel like a break). I would like to try to enjoy myself this weekend. Our favorite spots: Half-Priced Books, Caribou Coffee, Microcenter, Marshalls. Things we can't get here. I'd also love to hit up the Cleveland Museum of Art, which was closed for renovations last time we tried to go.
Oops time to get ready for bein' a teacher.
We're headed to Cleveland tomorrow to visit the in-laws and take a much-needed break (okay not counting my 3 days home sick which didn't feel like a break). I would like to try to enjoy myself this weekend. Our favorite spots: Half-Priced Books, Caribou Coffee, Microcenter, Marshalls. Things we can't get here. I'd also love to hit up the Cleveland Museum of Art, which was closed for renovations last time we tried to go.
Oops time to get ready for bein' a teacher.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Sickly
I've been home sick for 3 days. I think it's a sinus infection and I do have a doctor's appointment at 4:00. I figure, if my left ear hurts and I can hear my blood stream going whoosh whoosh whoosh - that's bad, right? I'm hoping this is a sinus infection so I can take some pills and make it better real quick-like. After the high of last weekend, this week has dipped to a crushing low whereby I've achieved nothing but a certain over-familiarity with the couch.
I have read and emailed feedback on student scripts, and even managed to do some of my own revision last night before I fell into a dead trance-sleep and then woke up feeling worse this morning. No more worky for me.
I have read and emailed feedback on student scripts, and even managed to do some of my own revision last night before I fell into a dead trance-sleep and then woke up feeling worse this morning. No more worky for me.
Sunday, October 04, 2009
A fine weekend in the Twilight Zone
Without giving away too much that will spoil the anonymous fun here, suffice it to say that Bizarro and I attended a conference this weekend that inspired, rejuvenated and impressed us both. Of special note is meeting our new friend from U.K., DREW. Drew did a fabulous presentation at the conference, and in general impressed us both with his successful blend of scholarship and unabashed geekery. We realized after meeting him that we were, indeed, in the right place.
Drew's plane should be lifting off just about now on the journey home, so I'm wishing him safe travels. For sure we'll be seeing him again - either our visit to England or at the very latest, the next conference we all attend.
By the way, it's very hard to keep this all sanitized to maintain what anonymity there is here. I apologize for all the vague references and obfuscation.
Drew's plane should be lifting off just about now on the journey home, so I'm wishing him safe travels. For sure we'll be seeing him again - either our visit to England or at the very latest, the next conference we all attend.
By the way, it's very hard to keep this all sanitized to maintain what anonymity there is here. I apologize for all the vague references and obfuscation.
Vladurday
Missed two weeks with all the shenanigans going on around here, so:
see more Political Pictures
see more Political Pictures
see more Political Pictures
see more Political Pictures
Friday, October 02, 2009
Reality Check
This came through via email from the community college today to everyone:
"Financial aid has disbursed $5.8 million in the last two weeks. Today we are mailing the first refund checks to 1,133 students. They will be paying their landlords, babysitters, car insurance and such with a total of about $2.3 million. Some will simply be able to eat this week."
The remedial writing class I'm teaching is getting easier to manage. My students and I have a much better understanding of each other. I have a professional writing tutor coming in every Wednesday to help me with students working on their drafts. They are starting to go to the writing center to get help in areas they need most. I know I'm exactly where I need to be.
"Financial aid has disbursed $5.8 million in the last two weeks. Today we are mailing the first refund checks to 1,133 students. They will be paying their landlords, babysitters, car insurance and such with a total of about $2.3 million. Some will simply be able to eat this week."
The remedial writing class I'm teaching is getting easier to manage. My students and I have a much better understanding of each other. I have a professional writing tutor coming in every Wednesday to help me with students working on their drafts. They are starting to go to the writing center to get help in areas they need most. I know I'm exactly where I need to be.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
A very important day
Today is the day that PMP marries the love of her life, TMH. Bizarro and I are prepared to get all spiffed up for the big event, and party the night away with the newlyweds and their family and friends.
Unfortunately, I've managed to contract yet another head cold from sickly students who insist on coming to class with drippy noses. We didn't attend the cocktail welcome last night, which was a rotten shame, but I figured it was better to stay in for the night and try to feel better for the actual blessed event.
But all that is unimportant in the face of the momentous occasion that today brings. PMP has been in Boston since the end of May, living with TMH, but now starts the chapter of being in society as husband and wife, and all the wonderful, unexpected, joyous, complicated things that entails (hey, I'm a realist!). It also begins the state of creating what marriage means to THEM, as opposed to their families, friends, or the constructs of society. I am so pleased that we can celebrate their union with them today, and I wish them both the best in their new life together.
Unfortunately, I've managed to contract yet another head cold from sickly students who insist on coming to class with drippy noses. We didn't attend the cocktail welcome last night, which was a rotten shame, but I figured it was better to stay in for the night and try to feel better for the actual blessed event.
But all that is unimportant in the face of the momentous occasion that today brings. PMP has been in Boston since the end of May, living with TMH, but now starts the chapter of being in society as husband and wife, and all the wonderful, unexpected, joyous, complicated things that entails (hey, I'm a realist!). It also begins the state of creating what marriage means to THEM, as opposed to their families, friends, or the constructs of society. I am so pleased that we can celebrate their union with them today, and I wish them both the best in their new life together.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Get your laffs
These lists have made my week much funnier:
Passive aggressive office kitchen notes.
Dan Brown's 20 Worst Sentences (or, why Dan Brown sucks as a writer).
Enjoy~
Passive aggressive office kitchen notes.
Dan Brown's 20 Worst Sentences (or, why Dan Brown sucks as a writer).
Enjoy~
5 Pet Peeves
1. People being flaky. Saying they'll do something or be somewhere and then "forgetting" or sleeping or double booking themselves and then letting me down. This includes students who ask for an appointment, then blow it off or show up 5 minutes before my office hour is over and I'm ready to go home. Of course we're all inclined to do this once in a while but for some people it's a way of life. It annoys me. I despise having my time taken for granted.
2. People hogging the copier at work, standing there leafing through their text book trying to figure out which pages to copy. Figure it out first, mark the pages, then get in line with the rest of us.
3. Manicurists who have cigarette burn scars on their forearms and tats peeking out from under a shirt unbuttoned down past their chest. I'm pretty sure the guy I had the other day is in some Vietnamese gang. It was very creepy. He wasn't very nice. I didn't tip him.
4. Students blaming technology for their unpreparedness. How convenient. ~F~
5. People driving 45 in a 55, on a 2-lane, double solid-line country highway. Here in the Empire State we pay exorbitant taxes so we can have such smoothly paved roads. Why do you insist on driving as if it were still a one-lane wagon trail? Some of us actually care about getting to where we're going, so pull over and let me pass.
Just sayin'.
2. People hogging the copier at work, standing there leafing through their text book trying to figure out which pages to copy. Figure it out first, mark the pages, then get in line with the rest of us.
3. Manicurists who have cigarette burn scars on their forearms and tats peeking out from under a shirt unbuttoned down past their chest. I'm pretty sure the guy I had the other day is in some Vietnamese gang. It was very creepy. He wasn't very nice. I didn't tip him.
4. Students blaming technology for their unpreparedness. How convenient. ~F~
5. People driving 45 in a 55, on a 2-lane, double solid-line country highway. Here in the Empire State we pay exorbitant taxes so we can have such smoothly paved roads. Why do you insist on driving as if it were still a one-lane wagon trail? Some of us actually care about getting to where we're going, so pull over and let me pass.
Just sayin'.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Okay fine; you need me to get academic on your ass, I will.
PRI interviewed Diablo Cody, mastermind of "Jennifer's Body," and I would just like to poke some gaping, bleeding holes in her b.s.
From the transcript:
Two hours of my life I'll never get back. Gone for good. That's the real horror story.
*BTW, how did breaking the locket have any effect on the demon-possessed Jennifer at that point? Based on the mythology used in the screenplay, it shouldn't have!
From the transcript:
The theme of 'Jennifer's Body,' said Cody, is about the horror of being a teenager, "A person who is under the influence of hormones, and jealousy and society, is by nature combustible and scary and unpredictable, and I think anybody who's ever lived with a teenager knows this to be true.But aren't most teen-horror movies about these same themes? How is this any different from any other teen-horror flick?
The dynamics of friendship between teenage girls, which was explored in the humorously dark 1980s movie "Heathers," is at the core of "Jennifer's Body."and
"Heathers" had a big impact on Cody -- she called it life-changing, "It influences my entire life and my entire career path, and everything that I do -- it's like gospel."Heathers" did it right; it was genius, it was superlative. So stop trying to do what's already been done! And stop trying to convince me that because it has some kind of manufactured post-feminist tinge to it, it's worth my time!
Said Cody about her own film, "The germ of the plot ... is about the two girls and the relationship between them, and the fact that they had this friendship that went all the way back to childhood, but had now turned toxic."Okay, fine... but I didn't care a whit about either character. There was so much exposition, and so much attention paid to being ironic (a hallmark of today's hipsters), that the characters were flat and unexciting. Yawn. It became a standard, totally predictable horror movie with empty characters and little to care about. The expository flashes behind the end credits were an enormous let-down. If you're going to put us through all this agonizing, first-person voice-over so that we can try to give a crap about the main character, and then you insist on dragging us through the inevitable battle in Act III*, at least let us see her final act of contrition, the culmination of her story.
Two hours of my life I'll never get back. Gone for good. That's the real horror story.
*BTW, how did breaking the locket have any effect on the demon-possessed Jennifer at that point? Based on the mythology used in the screenplay, it shouldn't have!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
"Jennifer's Bore-dy"
This is what one review had to say about Diablo Cody's latest cinematic work:
As much as I adored "Juno," I hated "Jennifer's Body." That'll teach me to go see a matinee on a gorgeous sunny day in September when I should've been on my patio with a tropical drinkie-poo and a book. Humph.
Still, the movie introduces a little rrriot grrrl-y feminism to a genre that for too long has been predicated on female victimization. Kusama ("Girlfight") handles the structural imperatives with solid timing and occasional panache. And between all the compulsive punning and look-at-me snarkitude, Cody manages to create moments of genuine humor.To which I say: horseshit. This movie sucked. I want those 2 hours back. I feel awful that my husband paid $7.50 for my ticket to see this "it's been done, and it's been done better" horror-wannabe flick that doesn't even make me remember how much I hated high school. Oh yeah, it's THAT BORING.
As much as I adored "Juno," I hated "Jennifer's Body." That'll teach me to go see a matinee on a gorgeous sunny day in September when I should've been on my patio with a tropical drinkie-poo and a book. Humph.
Friday, September 18, 2009
The sweet smell of success...
Today I was offered a 26-hour-per-week, permanent/renewable position as a Writing Tutor at the community college where I'm teaching the remedial writing class. The position is wonderful, the pay is reasonable, and I like the two people I'd be working with/for. Since it's tutoring with some administrative work, there will be no take-home work, which is good for my writing. This opportunity is the residual of the interviews I had in May and June for the Writing Center Coordinator position. Apparently they were sufficiently impressed with me, to the point where they said they wanted "to get me before anyone else could." That is a direct quote.
I start in January, and I will have summers off so I can go teach in Korea or where ever. An opportunity to teach screenwriting in Korea next summer has opened up, so I'm trying to make that work, but if not, I already have an offer to teach an ESL class at the community college (though the hours are strenuous and pay is low for that - still it's better than washing the priests' undies).
I might actually be able to make a decent living next year! And that's good for everyone, because Bizarro wants to go back to school full time, and my combined salaries will allow that to happen.
I am grateful and ecstatic. I know my Mom would be so happy and proud of me.
I start in January, and I will have summers off so I can go teach in Korea or where ever. An opportunity to teach screenwriting in Korea next summer has opened up, so I'm trying to make that work, but if not, I already have an offer to teach an ESL class at the community college (though the hours are strenuous and pay is low for that - still it's better than washing the priests' undies).
I might actually be able to make a decent living next year! And that's good for everyone, because Bizarro wants to go back to school full time, and my combined salaries will allow that to happen.
I am grateful and ecstatic. I know my Mom would be so happy and proud of me.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Making Waves
My water aerobics class continues to rock and make me sore and happy. However, today I discovered something disconcerting. My posture. It blows. When did I get all hunched over? When did I contort my spine in such a way that I can't do my water exercises without straining my lower back and provoking pangs of fire in my lumbar region? At one point today I had to just stop. Yikes.
I need to be Rolfed. Or I need to find someone to purvey the Alexander Technique. Yoga helps but I think I need to re-learn how to stand and walk. Put my pelvis in its place.
Also, is it me or do I splash more than anyone else in the class? I think it might be due to the fact that I float. I mean, I just naturally float, so I'm always more at the surface of the water than other people who are down there where they belong. Either that or I'm a clod in the water, which I can't allow because after all that would interfere with my plans to become a synchronized swimmer.
I need to be Rolfed. Or I need to find someone to purvey the Alexander Technique. Yoga helps but I think I need to re-learn how to stand and walk. Put my pelvis in its place.
Also, is it me or do I splash more than anyone else in the class? I think it might be due to the fact that I float. I mean, I just naturally float, so I'm always more at the surface of the water than other people who are down there where they belong. Either that or I'm a clod in the water, which I can't allow because after all that would interfere with my plans to become a synchronized swimmer.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Reloaded
After a bit of venting and an evening of figuring out the technology I need to use for class, I'm feeling a little less like a piss pot. I still have a mess of things to figure out, but at least if I can manage my classrooms this semester I'll have a sense of accomplishment. It's no easy task when students would rather examine their tongue rings in the reflection of their cell phones than learn something. But I am trying. I am trying.
Earlier this evening a neighbor somewhere in a nearby building was having very loud sex with the windows open. After about 30 minutes I yelled "close your fucking windows" and slammed my patio door shut. I'm sure they either didn't hear or didn't care. The upstairs neighbors have been stomping around since the afternoon. I swear to god it sounds like an elephant is dancing an Irish reel up there.
Trying to focus on the positive is difficult for me at this point. It feels fake and foolish to pour syrup on all the crappy stuff. Instead I need to get motivated by the crappy stuff and use that as momentum to change what needs to be changed. Venting is an important part of the process, and this here blog is good for that. But never think for a moment that all I do is kavetch without doing anything, or thinking deeply about the trends, signs, events, and situations of my life.
Tomorrow I'm in the screenwriting classroom. We're watching "Eve's Bayou," which I adore and love to teach with.
Heh. Things could be worse. I could have a voo doo priestess reading my fortune and making curses on my family. Yep.
Earlier this evening a neighbor somewhere in a nearby building was having very loud sex with the windows open. After about 30 minutes I yelled "close your fucking windows" and slammed my patio door shut. I'm sure they either didn't hear or didn't care. The upstairs neighbors have been stomping around since the afternoon. I swear to god it sounds like an elephant is dancing an Irish reel up there.
Trying to focus on the positive is difficult for me at this point. It feels fake and foolish to pour syrup on all the crappy stuff. Instead I need to get motivated by the crappy stuff and use that as momentum to change what needs to be changed. Venting is an important part of the process, and this here blog is good for that. But never think for a moment that all I do is kavetch without doing anything, or thinking deeply about the trends, signs, events, and situations of my life.
Tomorrow I'm in the screenwriting classroom. We're watching "Eve's Bayou," which I adore and love to teach with.
Heh. Things could be worse. I could have a voo doo priestess reading my fortune and making curses on my family. Yep.
I. Am. Done.
Nothing I do seems to matter. I'm churning water in circles here. There's no point to this bullshit. Being an adjunct at my age is ridiculous. Insulting. No one gives a shit. I am given the worst schedules. I am given classes that I am not equipped to teach because you need to be a fucking counselor and psychotherapist before you need to be able to teach. I did not get two degrees so I could yell at a bunch of 18-year-olds who are still acting like it's 5th period in 8th grade and who refuse to learn the difference between an adverb and a preposition.
I am so done wasting my time with people who don't appreciate me, the work I do, or the work I HAVE to do. I am done with teaching. As long as I'm chained to this hole of a town I have to find something else to do. Question is what? THERE ARE NO FREAKING JOBS HERE.
I can't imagine what it is I'm supposed to do here. I am bored. I am pissed off. I am lonely. I don't have the few things that make me happy. I can't get a good job that will either a. pay me well and help me put something away for retirement or b. give me a rosy feeling that my work is meaningful and I am appreciated.
I am tired of hearing my fat-ass upstairs neighbors stomping on the ceiling that sounds like it's going to cave in at any moment. I'm sick of freezing cold air that hangs about in my apartment all winter. I am done with country music in the grocery store FOREVER. I am done with the elitist hippies who wear flax pants and snub you on the street. Tired of the HILLS that have EYES and make me feel like I'm living in some kind of horror movie about a cult that owns the entire town and because you live in the valley YOU CAN NEVER LEAVE. I'm done feeling trapped. I'm done with having $17 in the bank because some places apparently think it's fine not to pay their adjuncts until 3 weeks after the semester has started. I'm done getting shat upon for summer work. I'm done working at the Chorch out of desperation.
I am not happy. I am depressed. I am angry. I want to leave, but I don't know where to go or what to do.
I am also sitting here alone in my living room because everyone else apparently had a bad day too and can't possibly listen to what I have to say about how unhappy my life is right now.
I ate brownies for dinner because I can't even be bothered.
I just want to crawl in a hole and I am so afraid of winter because if I feel this shitty now I can't imagine what it's going to be like in 3 months when it's cold, grey, bleak and everything is covered in ice.
Really, what is the point?
I am so done wasting my time with people who don't appreciate me, the work I do, or the work I HAVE to do. I am done with teaching. As long as I'm chained to this hole of a town I have to find something else to do. Question is what? THERE ARE NO FREAKING JOBS HERE.
I can't imagine what it is I'm supposed to do here. I am bored. I am pissed off. I am lonely. I don't have the few things that make me happy. I can't get a good job that will either a. pay me well and help me put something away for retirement or b. give me a rosy feeling that my work is meaningful and I am appreciated.
I am tired of hearing my fat-ass upstairs neighbors stomping on the ceiling that sounds like it's going to cave in at any moment. I'm sick of freezing cold air that hangs about in my apartment all winter. I am done with country music in the grocery store FOREVER. I am done with the elitist hippies who wear flax pants and snub you on the street. Tired of the HILLS that have EYES and make me feel like I'm living in some kind of horror movie about a cult that owns the entire town and because you live in the valley YOU CAN NEVER LEAVE. I'm done feeling trapped. I'm done with having $17 in the bank because some places apparently think it's fine not to pay their adjuncts until 3 weeks after the semester has started. I'm done getting shat upon for summer work. I'm done working at the Chorch out of desperation.
I am not happy. I am depressed. I am angry. I want to leave, but I don't know where to go or what to do.
I am also sitting here alone in my living room because everyone else apparently had a bad day too and can't possibly listen to what I have to say about how unhappy my life is right now.
I ate brownies for dinner because I can't even be bothered.
I just want to crawl in a hole and I am so afraid of winter because if I feel this shitty now I can't imagine what it's going to be like in 3 months when it's cold, grey, bleak and everything is covered in ice.
Really, what is the point?
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Clannad banishes demons - who knew?
Last night I had one of many recent nightmares that involves me fighting off ghosts/demons. The dreams take place in a house - sometimes one I lived in, sometimes one I've made up in my head - and my Mom is always there. She is alive but weak. Sometimes there are other people around, sometimes not. But it is always up to me to fight the demons. I pray to Green Tara, I drag out rosaries and crucifixes in the dream, but nothing seems to work. The demons never hurt us, they're just wicked creepy. And the dream always results in me waking in the middle of the night covered in sweat.
This morning Bizarro helped me to decode these dreams, and then I was able to do something I haven't been able to since Mom died. I played one of her CDs that have been sitting on my shelf since January. I actually gave her many of these CDs, and we'd listen to them when I would come over on Sunday to have dinner and play Scrabble. I tried listening to one of them back in February or thereabouts, and I couldn't do it. It was too much.
I feel like I'm working through the next layer of grief. About a month ago I was feeling very bad - sad all the time, not wanting to see anyone. Depressed, actually. The beginning of the school year has helped me regain some personal focus, but these issues are still there, and they've been coming out in the form of these dreams. I am hoping now that I've decoded them, played a Clannad CD that was my Mom's, and gone to the cemetery (last weekend, for the first time since the burial), I will sleep better at night.
This morning Bizarro helped me to decode these dreams, and then I was able to do something I haven't been able to since Mom died. I played one of her CDs that have been sitting on my shelf since January. I actually gave her many of these CDs, and we'd listen to them when I would come over on Sunday to have dinner and play Scrabble. I tried listening to one of them back in February or thereabouts, and I couldn't do it. It was too much.
I feel like I'm working through the next layer of grief. About a month ago I was feeling very bad - sad all the time, not wanting to see anyone. Depressed, actually. The beginning of the school year has helped me regain some personal focus, but these issues are still there, and they've been coming out in the form of these dreams. I am hoping now that I've decoded them, played a Clannad CD that was my Mom's, and gone to the cemetery (last weekend, for the first time since the burial), I will sleep better at night.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Top 10 Reasons Why The Mayan Calendar Stops at 2012
10. After the 3rd hit of peyote, it didn't seem to matter any more.
9. 2001, 2010 and 2031 were already taken.
8. Ran out of Red Bull.
7. The calendar actually went to 2500 but the wife used the last page as a coaster.
6. Cuz Jesus told me so.
5. The government funding ran out.
4. The Indians win the World Series.
3. Cuz that's what the Freemasons put on the back of the dollar bill.
2. If you divide 2012 by 2, subtract 500, then add 160, you get the SIGN OF THE DEVIL.
1. Mayan student: "I can turn this in now and get a C."
Thanks to Bizarro, Brian, Tim, and Annie for their priceless contributions to this list that mocks the end of life as we know it.
9. 2001, 2010 and 2031 were already taken.
8. Ran out of Red Bull.
7. The calendar actually went to 2500 but the wife used the last page as a coaster.
6. Cuz Jesus told me so.
5. The government funding ran out.
4. The Indians win the World Series.
3. Cuz that's what the Freemasons put on the back of the dollar bill.
2. If you divide 2012 by 2, subtract 500, then add 160, you get the SIGN OF THE DEVIL.
1. Mayan student: "I can turn this in now and get a C."
Thanks to Bizarro, Brian, Tim, and Annie for their priceless contributions to this list that mocks the end of life as we know it.
Monday, September 07, 2009
Rant-n-rave #1: Obama's Speech to America's Children
I'm more than a little annoyed with people griping over the president addressing our kids tomorrow. This comment from a blog reveals the kind of ignorance that makes me wonder if this country has a chance to reach the 22nd century: "if church and state are to be separate so should politics and school."
That's right - no more history classes, no more politics in America, no more social studies, no more citizenship classes. Teach our kids to distrust the president and liken him to Hitler programming his Youth (no kidding - I have heard this comparison). I am here to tell you that this approach will not foster a stronger nation. Keeping kids from discussing the very issues that will affect their future is rather like keeping them in a bubble, insulated and powerless. (Incidentally, the people whining about Obama talking to our kids are the same ones who complain that parents aren't taking enough responsibility these days, and that kids are coddled and not encouraged to think for themselves. Does anyone else see the irony here?) The transcript will be up today, for pity's sake. READ THE DAMN THING if you're so frightened of it, and then talk to your kids!
Believe me, I have my issues with President Obama, but he is our president and he is trying to do what is best for this country. Let's at least try to help him by educating our children, rather than teaching them the hallmarks of the last administration: mistrust and ignorance. I have a feeling that if George W. Bush had wanted to address our school children, the same people blustering about Obama's socialist-fascist-regime-machine would have been just fine letting W talk to our kids about WMDs in Iraq and the need for vigilant mistrust in a war on terror.
Obama's speech is meant to inspire our kids to stay in school and work hard for the future of this country. America has gotten fat and lazy. Hell we don't even remember why Labor Day was created - not to have end of summer BBQs and chill out with a beer in the hammock, but to remind us that the vacation season is over and it's time to get back to work. I'm teaching college freshmen who cannot write a paragraph and whose reading level is below that of a 9th grader. Come on, people, wake up! We have a problem right here in River City and its full name is Ignorance Sloth Apathy. If our president is taking time out of his busy schedule to inspire our youth to take their education seriously, I think the least we can do for our kids is try to support that message, even if we disagree with other areas of his policy and politics.
For those who feel strongly that Obama is out to brainwash our kids, you might be interested to know that indoctrination usually doesn't work if it's an optional program. Schools are not required to air Obama's speech. So that teachers who are already bursting at the seams don't have to run around the day before with a transcript to create a new lesson plan, talking points will accompany this speech, which again teachers are free to use, amend, or ignore. This is not an episode of Doctor Who, people. These children are not being programmed, used as talking pieces for an invading alien force, or brainwashed into being Democrats. And by the way, Obama isn't the only president to address America's children. Presidents Reagan and Bush both addressed our nation's youth during their terms in the Oval Office.
Once upon a time, there was a certain respect afforded the office of President of the United States. If the man in the chair proved himself unworthy of that respect, the nation reacted accordingly. This man is trying to inspire us and fix what's wrong. He has done nothing wrong, nothing illegal, immoral or otherwise earning this kind of mistrust. You might not agree with his methods or his politics, but to liken him to Hitler is, to my mind, un-American. Who needs terrorists to split us apart when we're doing the job ourselves by teaching our kids to mistrust the president who we elected into office, thereby subverting the American democracy that everyone claims to hold dear?
White House site with info on the Obama's speech to students.
That's right - no more history classes, no more politics in America, no more social studies, no more citizenship classes. Teach our kids to distrust the president and liken him to Hitler programming his Youth (no kidding - I have heard this comparison). I am here to tell you that this approach will not foster a stronger nation. Keeping kids from discussing the very issues that will affect their future is rather like keeping them in a bubble, insulated and powerless. (Incidentally, the people whining about Obama talking to our kids are the same ones who complain that parents aren't taking enough responsibility these days, and that kids are coddled and not encouraged to think for themselves. Does anyone else see the irony here?) The transcript will be up today, for pity's sake. READ THE DAMN THING if you're so frightened of it, and then talk to your kids!
Believe me, I have my issues with President Obama, but he is our president and he is trying to do what is best for this country. Let's at least try to help him by educating our children, rather than teaching them the hallmarks of the last administration: mistrust and ignorance. I have a feeling that if George W. Bush had wanted to address our school children, the same people blustering about Obama's socialist-fascist-regime-machine would have been just fine letting W talk to our kids about WMDs in Iraq and the need for vigilant mistrust in a war on terror.
Obama's speech is meant to inspire our kids to stay in school and work hard for the future of this country. America has gotten fat and lazy. Hell we don't even remember why Labor Day was created - not to have end of summer BBQs and chill out with a beer in the hammock, but to remind us that the vacation season is over and it's time to get back to work. I'm teaching college freshmen who cannot write a paragraph and whose reading level is below that of a 9th grader. Come on, people, wake up! We have a problem right here in River City and its full name is Ignorance Sloth Apathy. If our president is taking time out of his busy schedule to inspire our youth to take their education seriously, I think the least we can do for our kids is try to support that message, even if we disagree with other areas of his policy and politics.
For those who feel strongly that Obama is out to brainwash our kids, you might be interested to know that indoctrination usually doesn't work if it's an optional program. Schools are not required to air Obama's speech. So that teachers who are already bursting at the seams don't have to run around the day before with a transcript to create a new lesson plan, talking points will accompany this speech, which again teachers are free to use, amend, or ignore. This is not an episode of Doctor Who, people. These children are not being programmed, used as talking pieces for an invading alien force, or brainwashed into being Democrats. And by the way, Obama isn't the only president to address America's children. Presidents Reagan and Bush both addressed our nation's youth during their terms in the Oval Office.
Once upon a time, there was a certain respect afforded the office of President of the United States. If the man in the chair proved himself unworthy of that respect, the nation reacted accordingly. This man is trying to inspire us and fix what's wrong. He has done nothing wrong, nothing illegal, immoral or otherwise earning this kind of mistrust. You might not agree with his methods or his politics, but to liken him to Hitler is, to my mind, un-American. Who needs terrorists to split us apart when we're doing the job ourselves by teaching our kids to mistrust the president who we elected into office, thereby subverting the American democracy that everyone claims to hold dear?
White House site with info on the Obama's speech to students.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Another good day at the community college. Although I am sick (again), but despite that we had a good class. I know I'm doing things differently from what other teachers are doing but I like what's going on in the class. I'm taking them step-by-step in the process of writing a paragraph with guidance and help from exercises in the book before they have to turn in their first of 8 paragraphs for a grade. This Friday we'll start working with grammar. I'm serious. This could be it for me. My calling (for the day job, you understand).
I enjoy teaching screenwriting, but I know there's no real future for me at the Other School on the Hill as far as possible full time work. I feel like there is more for me to mine at the community college. I'm building bridges, gaining experience there, etc. Although I don't want to settle in this area permanently, I will definitely need a full time gig for Bizarro to attend grad school full time.
Despite being sickly, I'm in a good mood. The weather this week is fantastic - high 70s and sunny. I plan to hit the lake up this weekend in any way possible.
Tonight is Leverage - one of the TV shows that inspires me to write. And the Red Sox are playing the Rays tonight - they won last night so let's see a repeat performance!
I enjoy teaching screenwriting, but I know there's no real future for me at the Other School on the Hill as far as possible full time work. I feel like there is more for me to mine at the community college. I'm building bridges, gaining experience there, etc. Although I don't want to settle in this area permanently, I will definitely need a full time gig for Bizarro to attend grad school full time.
Despite being sickly, I'm in a good mood. The weather this week is fantastic - high 70s and sunny. I plan to hit the lake up this weekend in any way possible.
Tonight is Leverage - one of the TV shows that inspires me to write. And the Red Sox are playing the Rays tonight - they won last night so let's see a repeat performance!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Gettting my groove on
Second week of classes has begun. Feeling a lot more comfortable with my community college class. I feel like today I got to connect with them and we got started with the work to be done. For the most part they were engaged and with me. yay! Maybe I've found my true calling.
Gotta get the routine going and stick to it. On Thursday I'm going to check out the water aerobics class.
The paranormal investigation I went on last Saturday was really quite interesting. More details to follow after I completely review the evidence (miniDV tape). Lots of personal experiences and one or two things for consideration on digital photos and video from the Flip.
Gotta get the routine going and stick to it. On Thursday I'm going to check out the water aerobics class.
The paranormal investigation I went on last Saturday was really quite interesting. More details to follow after I completely review the evidence (miniDV tape). Lots of personal experiences and one or two things for consideration on digital photos and video from the Flip.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
I wanted one of these sooooooooooo badly when I was a kid
see more Epic Wins from the Past
Make sure you check out the video on Epic Win's site to see the full effect! This totally just made my exhausted, sickly day.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Survival of the Fittest
I did survive my first day of the 2 screenwriting sections, but barely. 15 minutes late to first class. I think I was so traumatized thinking about the developmental writing class I teach tomorrow at the community college that I was thinking 10:00 10:00 10:00 - even though my first screenwriting class was at 9:25. The department secretary had to come get me in my office when a student went looking for me. Mortifying.
The rest of the day went fairly well, though. The classes were just fine. I seem to have a variety of students in both sections (as far as backgrounds and stuff). They seem like a lovable lot.
Tomorrow though - I am very nervous. I am coming home in the afternoon and curling up into the futon with my PJs and a rum and OJ.
Went downtown to see a local funkadelic band do an outdoor concert this evening with Bizarro, against my better judgment. I figured it might relax me. And in fact, it did. I had a nice dinner by myself at my favorite Korean/Japanese restaurant, then met up with Bizarro and a friend of ours for the festivities. We stayed at a table a bit away from the bandstand and all the writhing, flitting, Acid-batting hippies swinging their dreadlocks this a-way and that a-way.
While ducking the patchouli and Nag Champa olfactory bombardment, I ran into another friend of mine, a fellow adjunct, and we discovered that we're both planning on the water aerobics class this fall, so it'll be great to have a buddy.
I'm headed to bed soon to be as ready for tomorrow's 10:00 class as possible. I think I have to read that Japanese book on warfare to get ready for this semester. Five Rings, it's called? Something like that. It's in the other room I think.
One last note - hung my diplomas by my desk tonight. This should, in feng shui terms, bring my intellect to bear on my work and job search. God only knows I'm in debt up to my earballs for them.
The rest of the day went fairly well, though. The classes were just fine. I seem to have a variety of students in both sections (as far as backgrounds and stuff). They seem like a lovable lot.
Tomorrow though - I am very nervous. I am coming home in the afternoon and curling up into the futon with my PJs and a rum and OJ.
Went downtown to see a local funkadelic band do an outdoor concert this evening with Bizarro, against my better judgment. I figured it might relax me. And in fact, it did. I had a nice dinner by myself at my favorite Korean/Japanese restaurant, then met up with Bizarro and a friend of ours for the festivities. We stayed at a table a bit away from the bandstand and all the writhing, flitting, Acid-batting hippies swinging their dreadlocks this a-way and that a-way.
While ducking the patchouli and Nag Champa olfactory bombardment, I ran into another friend of mine, a fellow adjunct, and we discovered that we're both planning on the water aerobics class this fall, so it'll be great to have a buddy.
I'm headed to bed soon to be as ready for tomorrow's 10:00 class as possible. I think I have to read that Japanese book on warfare to get ready for this semester. Five Rings, it's called? Something like that. It's in the other room I think.
One last note - hung my diplomas by my desk tonight. This should, in feng shui terms, bring my intellect to bear on my work and job search. God only knows I'm in debt up to my earballs for them.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Achoooo!
I just did an amazing thing. Started out by going through my wardrobe for work (which is pathetic due to how many things I cannot fit into anymore). I ended up rutting out the entire closet and I literally have a body-sized army surplus duffel bag full of things to give away to charity.
It's both good and bad that I have so few things to wear. The bad news is that I have so few things to wear. The good news is that I see very clearly why I have to lose weight. The cute things I've accumulated over the years that are now stored in a box so that I can lose 2 sizes and fit into them - these things are my inspiration.
I know I need to do two things: exercise more and eat less crap.
On point #1: I'm set to do a water aerobics class where I teach screenwriting, which fits perfectly into my schedule. It's clearly designed for staff/faculty rather than students as it's offered 12:10 - 12:50 for people's lunch break.
I'm also back to Yoga class. Thankfully the instructor was gentle on Monday; I was definitely out of sorts and falling over.
On point #2: There are many things I can omit from my desire to munch. I am also using EFT to reduce cravings and realize I don't need to eat. Making sure my blood sugar doesn't crash is an important part of not snacking on sweet stuff, which is always my downfall (a hot fudge sundae here, a couple Korean choco-cakes there, a handful of Bizarro's potato chips, four pieces of chocolate instead of just one). You get the picture. Today when I went grocery shopping I bought two awesome snacks: celery and hummus, and a jar of wasabi almonds. I need more of that and less sugar.
I have become a fan of 4:00 Tea. I now know why the Brits include this as a routine part of their day. Eat lunch at 12:00 or 12:30, blood sugar drops by 4:00. Dinner's not until 6 or 7 (usually more like 7 or 7:30 at our house). It's tempting to eat a bunch of sugar around 3 or 4, isn't it? Ah but instead now I fix a cup or small pot of tea, and have a decent snack (see above) instead of a sugary popsicle or chocolate-covered-somethings.
SUGAR IS EVIL.
So is the filth that was my closet. I had a massive allergy attack while rooting around in there and going through clothes. Airing it out and Febrezing the shit out of it hopefully has helped. Must not let things get that out of control in there again!
Speaking of 4:00 Tea, t'is time for tea and wasabi almonds!
It's both good and bad that I have so few things to wear. The bad news is that I have so few things to wear. The good news is that I see very clearly why I have to lose weight. The cute things I've accumulated over the years that are now stored in a box so that I can lose 2 sizes and fit into them - these things are my inspiration.
I know I need to do two things: exercise more and eat less crap.
On point #1: I'm set to do a water aerobics class where I teach screenwriting, which fits perfectly into my schedule. It's clearly designed for staff/faculty rather than students as it's offered 12:10 - 12:50 for people's lunch break.
I'm also back to Yoga class. Thankfully the instructor was gentle on Monday; I was definitely out of sorts and falling over.
On point #2: There are many things I can omit from my desire to munch. I am also using EFT to reduce cravings and realize I don't need to eat. Making sure my blood sugar doesn't crash is an important part of not snacking on sweet stuff, which is always my downfall (a hot fudge sundae here, a couple Korean choco-cakes there, a handful of Bizarro's potato chips, four pieces of chocolate instead of just one). You get the picture. Today when I went grocery shopping I bought two awesome snacks: celery and hummus, and a jar of wasabi almonds. I need more of that and less sugar.
I have become a fan of 4:00 Tea. I now know why the Brits include this as a routine part of their day. Eat lunch at 12:00 or 12:30, blood sugar drops by 4:00. Dinner's not until 6 or 7 (usually more like 7 or 7:30 at our house). It's tempting to eat a bunch of sugar around 3 or 4, isn't it? Ah but instead now I fix a cup or small pot of tea, and have a decent snack (see above) instead of a sugary popsicle or chocolate-covered-somethings.
SUGAR IS EVIL.
So is the filth that was my closet. I had a massive allergy attack while rooting around in there and going through clothes. Airing it out and Febrezing the shit out of it hopefully has helped. Must not let things get that out of control in there again!
Speaking of 4:00 Tea, t'is time for tea and wasabi almonds!
Jason Hawes look out!
This Saturday night I am going on a ghost hunt with a local ghost hunting group. I'm not a member; I'm a guest for the evening. I am really looking forward to it! Have to prep my cameras and come prepared with caffeinated beverages and a hoodie. I'll be sure to write up a report.
I'm glad this opportunity came now, before things get busier in the fall.
I'm glad this opportunity came now, before things get busier in the fall.
Last Day of Summer
Tomorrow it's officially back to school for me. I have the screenwriting class gig, two sections, which I am looking forward to, and then Friday is the English 99 gig, which I am not as much looking forward to. I feel a little out of the loop and not quite ready for that one. But Friday is just introductions, syllabi, and getting a writing sample. That's it.
I am very much annoyed that that department had a meeting for new writing teachers yesterday but didn't announce it until last Friday (that's 2 business days notice). I had to work at the chorch yesterday and by Friday there was no way I could've gotten out of it (without leaving them in the lurch or doing both in one day, which would've sucked for me). It'll be fine, I know it, but it is rather irritating. I hate last minute work things that should have been planned out and communicated in advance (hell even 1 week would have been enough).
Today I have a long list of errands and things to do. I'm trying not to be overwhelmed. They are, in case anyone's interested:
grocery shopping (this entails 2 stops: Aldi and Tops)
desk lamp shopping (Target)
finally buying the Naot sandals I've had on layaway since May (the shoe store)
dragging out and trying on wardrobe to see what I can still fit into (and making a list of things I might need to supplement)
finalizing the ENG 99 syllabus and writing prompt for Friday
reviewing my lesson plans for screenwriting tomorrow
preparing my folder for screenwriting with class lists, etc.
packing my bag for tomorrow (with all the extra stuff I have at the beginning of the semester like my coffee cup and my box of teas, and my Hawaiian calendar, etc.)
I have a feeling dinner will be Lean Cuisine tonight.
But I'm actually in a good mood, despite the stuff to do and the constant sneezing (top of my grocery list is allergy med, which I've run out of). Let the games begin!
I am very much annoyed that that department had a meeting for new writing teachers yesterday but didn't announce it until last Friday (that's 2 business days notice). I had to work at the chorch yesterday and by Friday there was no way I could've gotten out of it (without leaving them in the lurch or doing both in one day, which would've sucked for me). It'll be fine, I know it, but it is rather irritating. I hate last minute work things that should have been planned out and communicated in advance (hell even 1 week would have been enough).
Today I have a long list of errands and things to do. I'm trying not to be overwhelmed. They are, in case anyone's interested:
grocery shopping (this entails 2 stops: Aldi and Tops)
desk lamp shopping (Target)
finally buying the Naot sandals I've had on layaway since May (the shoe store)
dragging out and trying on wardrobe to see what I can still fit into (and making a list of things I might need to supplement)
finalizing the ENG 99 syllabus and writing prompt for Friday
reviewing my lesson plans for screenwriting tomorrow
preparing my folder for screenwriting with class lists, etc.
packing my bag for tomorrow (with all the extra stuff I have at the beginning of the semester like my coffee cup and my box of teas, and my Hawaiian calendar, etc.)
I have a feeling dinner will be Lean Cuisine tonight.
But I'm actually in a good mood, despite the stuff to do and the constant sneezing (top of my grocery list is allergy med, which I've run out of). Let the games begin!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
I am a Feng Shui goddess
I just rearranged my writing/office area (with some ideas from Bizarro to kick it off) and I have to say I am very happy with the results. There is only one more thing to do, which will have to wait for another day because it entails me taking everything out of the china cabinet and Bizarro helping me to swap its place with my writing table. Then I get to put all the stuff back in the china cabinet. That will be another day. For now I am delighted at the freed up energy and space in here.
This is my pre-organization organization in pre-preparation for preparing for the semester.
This is my pre-organization organization in pre-preparation for preparing for the semester.
The sea of love
I've been swimming every day this week - either the pool or the lake. My arms and shoulders know it; I feel great!
Yesterday I tried to go swimming at the pool but there was no lifeguard on duty. Because we had showers earlier in the day, they thought it was fine to send the lifeguard home and save some bucks, apparently. Whatever. I stopped at the apartment for my car keys and headed out to the lake beach that is not too far from civilization (the suburbs). I was the only swimmer there, with a new storm cell rolling in. The lifeguard and his buddy looked dubious. I swam out and got a couple playful laps in before it started raining and the wind whipped up. There was no lightning and thunder, and I think I could have stayed in the water, but I didn't want to keep the lifeguard out there in the elements just so I could have a mystical experience swimming in the lake during a rain storm.
By the time I got out, there were whitecaps forming. I drove to another area of the park so that I could sit and watch the water. In the right conditions even a Finger Lake seems to have a personality.
Bizarro and I figure we'll be here for another three years or so; he's going to go for his M.S. and I'm just going to write and work my ass off so that we can build a brighter future. This means making best friends with the Finger Lake that's practically in our backyard. I want to know everything there is to know about the lake so that I can write some kind of crazy memoir about my life on the lake and the mystical path of awakening that these waters have afforded me.
Shoot, what else is there to do in the City on the Edge of Forever?
Yesterday I tried to go swimming at the pool but there was no lifeguard on duty. Because we had showers earlier in the day, they thought it was fine to send the lifeguard home and save some bucks, apparently. Whatever. I stopped at the apartment for my car keys and headed out to the lake beach that is not too far from civilization (the suburbs). I was the only swimmer there, with a new storm cell rolling in. The lifeguard and his buddy looked dubious. I swam out and got a couple playful laps in before it started raining and the wind whipped up. There was no lightning and thunder, and I think I could have stayed in the water, but I didn't want to keep the lifeguard out there in the elements just so I could have a mystical experience swimming in the lake during a rain storm.
By the time I got out, there were whitecaps forming. I drove to another area of the park so that I could sit and watch the water. In the right conditions even a Finger Lake seems to have a personality.
Bizarro and I figure we'll be here for another three years or so; he's going to go for his M.S. and I'm just going to write and work my ass off so that we can build a brighter future. This means making best friends with the Finger Lake that's practically in our backyard. I want to know everything there is to know about the lake so that I can write some kind of crazy memoir about my life on the lake and the mystical path of awakening that these waters have afforded me.
Shoot, what else is there to do in the City on the Edge of Forever?
West of Jesus
I just finished my summer reading - West of Jesus - Surfing, Science and the Origins of Belief by Steven Kotler. It's not just about surfing - anyone interested in spirituality, the human spirit, or just wants a good non-fiction read that is laugh out loud funny on occasion would enjoy this.
West of Jesus review.
West of Jesus review.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Swim little fishy
I have decided that swimming and Yoga are the two best forms of exercise for yours truly. I look forward to doing both activities, and I feel great after doing both activities. No grunting in the gym or destroying what's left of my knees on the pavement or the treadmill. Today I went swimming in the nearby Finger Lake, and yesterday I went swimming at the pool. Tomorrow I'll try another spot for swimming in the lake, one with less restrictions and hopefully fewer screeching children.
I am, after all, a Pisces.
I am, after all, a Pisces.
The Summer of 2009
Well ladies and germs, the summer is rapidly closing. Another week and 2 days and it's back in the classroom. I have a full teaching load this semester: 2 sections of intro to screenwriting at the Other School On the Hill, and one section of English 99 (developmental writing at the paragraph level) at the community college. For these gigs I am grateful. Now I'm trying to cram as much summer into the coming week and 2 days as possible. Summer weather is finally here, so swimming and patio grilling are required activities (though there are t'storms coming but whatever, as long as it's hot).
As you know, this was not the summer I'd planned. I ended up not teaching at all, and instead worked as a transcriptionist, tutor, and house keeper for the Catlic' Chorch, scrubbing the priests' terlets and washing their undies. (My sister-in-law asked whether the skid marks in a priest's undies are in the form of a crucifix. This is why I love my sister-in-law.)
So, no, not what I'd expected but the truth is that in true form, the Universe provided just what I needed. In fact our money was very tight this summer, but it forced us to be more mindful of our spending, and helped us to come together for the betterment of our household. Tracking expenses and keeping more in tune with our financial situation has been good for us both, and for our marriage.
The work I did at the rectory was actually quite easy, and since I was alone and autonomous, I had plenty of opportunity to manage my time as I saw fit, and I believe that the physical nature of the work was good for me. I tend to get stuck up here (points to head) and that's not always a good thing.
The transcription work was just fine, and it might even be useful in the future to say that I am familiar with chemical notations (who knows what kind of technical writing I might fall into at some point).
The tutoring is always fun and keeps me on the ESL map for my C.V.
Aside from my work, I had plenty of time for writing, and I was, I must say, rather prolific. I am just about finished with Sentinel, have started a new project, and most thrilling of all, I met a producer/filmmaker from L.A. who is producing a short script of mine, and who has connections that could really help me out.
I didn't get to go windsurfing, but I did spend a day at the Nor'easter Surf Shop in Scituate, Mass. and took excellent notes for my surf-related T.V. pilot. I also made a great connection for surfing lessons when I am able to give that a whirl. And the surfing season isn't over in September, so there's still a chance I could get a long weekend in and get a surfing lesson! (I'm talking surfing, not windsurfing, to be clear on that.)
Despite our financial hardship, I found a way with the help of friends to attend the Live Adventure this year (the annual live action role playing weekend I've been part of since 1991). That was a magical, wonderful, fun (if hotter than hell) weekend of beloved friends, creative imagination, camping, and music. I am so grateful!
This summer gave me ample time and opportunity to work through my grief, and I managed two trips to Massachusetts, one with Bizarro in tow, which has been extremely beneficial in my healing process. I was able to spend some QT with my beloved nephew and his family, my Big Bro, PMP, JET, Rachee and a couple other people I've known and loved for years. This recent trip was exceptionally fun with Bizarro - our day in Boston was delightful, especially hanging out with PMP who took us for fabulous cannoli in the North End. I also got to play in the waves at Nantasket, despite the drizzle. Oh how I miss the ocean!
I feel like I'm starting to finally come out of the darkness that was last winter, just before, during and after Mom's death. I am feeling more alive than ever; I can feel the possibilities of life, the energy of creation, and the wealth that is mine in so many ways. In the parlance of Live Adventure folk: Game on!
As you know, this was not the summer I'd planned. I ended up not teaching at all, and instead worked as a transcriptionist, tutor, and house keeper for the Catlic' Chorch, scrubbing the priests' terlets and washing their undies. (My sister-in-law asked whether the skid marks in a priest's undies are in the form of a crucifix. This is why I love my sister-in-law.)
So, no, not what I'd expected but the truth is that in true form, the Universe provided just what I needed. In fact our money was very tight this summer, but it forced us to be more mindful of our spending, and helped us to come together for the betterment of our household. Tracking expenses and keeping more in tune with our financial situation has been good for us both, and for our marriage.
The work I did at the rectory was actually quite easy, and since I was alone and autonomous, I had plenty of opportunity to manage my time as I saw fit, and I believe that the physical nature of the work was good for me. I tend to get stuck up here (points to head) and that's not always a good thing.
The transcription work was just fine, and it might even be useful in the future to say that I am familiar with chemical notations (who knows what kind of technical writing I might fall into at some point).
The tutoring is always fun and keeps me on the ESL map for my C.V.
Aside from my work, I had plenty of time for writing, and I was, I must say, rather prolific. I am just about finished with Sentinel, have started a new project, and most thrilling of all, I met a producer/filmmaker from L.A. who is producing a short script of mine, and who has connections that could really help me out.
I didn't get to go windsurfing, but I did spend a day at the Nor'easter Surf Shop in Scituate, Mass. and took excellent notes for my surf-related T.V. pilot. I also made a great connection for surfing lessons when I am able to give that a whirl. And the surfing season isn't over in September, so there's still a chance I could get a long weekend in and get a surfing lesson! (I'm talking surfing, not windsurfing, to be clear on that.)
Despite our financial hardship, I found a way with the help of friends to attend the Live Adventure this year (the annual live action role playing weekend I've been part of since 1991). That was a magical, wonderful, fun (if hotter than hell) weekend of beloved friends, creative imagination, camping, and music. I am so grateful!
This summer gave me ample time and opportunity to work through my grief, and I managed two trips to Massachusetts, one with Bizarro in tow, which has been extremely beneficial in my healing process. I was able to spend some QT with my beloved nephew and his family, my Big Bro, PMP, JET, Rachee and a couple other people I've known and loved for years. This recent trip was exceptionally fun with Bizarro - our day in Boston was delightful, especially hanging out with PMP who took us for fabulous cannoli in the North End. I also got to play in the waves at Nantasket, despite the drizzle. Oh how I miss the ocean!
I feel like I'm starting to finally come out of the darkness that was last winter, just before, during and after Mom's death. I am feeling more alive than ever; I can feel the possibilities of life, the energy of creation, and the wealth that is mine in so many ways. In the parlance of Live Adventure folk: Game on!
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