It's less than two hours until May.
This one looks like one for the record books. I'm finishing four semester classes, writing up my Independent Study, volunteering at the adult confirmation class, teaching two classes at CTU, going to RI at least twice by mid-month, keeping my house ready to be shown to prospective buyers, getting the cats vet visits taken care of, and trying to spend time with friends here. And moving at some point.
It will take cunning. And planning.
But I like the pressure. Bring it!
4.30.2007
4.29.2007
Bonus!
Despite having planned it weeks ago, and with some intentionality, it hit me only yesterday that I have a few days off. This is my last week of teaching at CLC and OCC before finals next week. But my students are all doing that take-home final assignment on Virginia Tech, so I don't have any class meetings to conduct next week.
Basically, I'm free from Friday May 4 to Wednesday May 9, with the exception of the confirmation class which I would miss. I need to be back for the Killers concert on Thursday night or I could stay longer. But that will work --- i'll get back to town for the weekend.
So I checked in with the family and started making some plans. It'll be good to get things started, start setting things up, etc. I'm going to think it over and make sure I can make it work before booking the flight tonight. Part of the problem is that I have so many options: RI, Maine, DC, stay here, etc.
And today's forecast calls for "abundant sunshine". Today's weather is nothing short of divine. Jennifer and I are heading to Neiman Marcus so she can try on a wedding dress, and to Macy's so I can return some things and maybe find a new pair of jeans. And yes, I know the weather is too good for the mall, but it IS an outdoor mall after all. So I gotta hit the showers. Jen's on her way.
Basically, I'm free from Friday May 4 to Wednesday May 9, with the exception of the confirmation class which I would miss. I need to be back for the Killers concert on Thursday night or I could stay longer. But that will work --- i'll get back to town for the weekend.
So I checked in with the family and started making some plans. It'll be good to get things started, start setting things up, etc. I'm going to think it over and make sure I can make it work before booking the flight tonight. Part of the problem is that I have so many options: RI, Maine, DC, stay here, etc.
And today's forecast calls for "abundant sunshine". Today's weather is nothing short of divine. Jennifer and I are heading to Neiman Marcus so she can try on a wedding dress, and to Macy's so I can return some things and maybe find a new pair of jeans. And yes, I know the weather is too good for the mall, but it IS an outdoor mall after all. So I gotta hit the showers. Jen's on her way.
4.26.2007
Fabulous on All Counts
Dinner at Maza on Lincoln Avenue with Jennifer, Pats, and Zibby tonight. Falafel, lebneh, lubieh, and hommus for appetizers, followed by the salmon and the famous orgasmic lamb specials. Lebanese coffee (finjal, same as Ethiopian. Strong and spiced in demi-tasse cups) and baklava and some creamy mango and honey custard for dessert. The best thing though? I got to have dinner with THREE of my favorite human beings all at once. Love you guys!
4.25.2007
I Could Not Be More Proud
Than if this were my own article. Here is my dear friend Graham being interviewed for a UK website about the literary magazine Transmission which he co-founded. I had the honor of having some of my photographs included in the first edition, before the editorial decision to limit the contributions to those from the Manchester area. Anyway, Graham has interviewed literati from Chuck Palahniuk to Douglas Coupland to Dave Eggers to Doris Lessing for Transmission and now gets his own turn. Check it out!
Follow the Rabbit Down the Hole
And you will go from a discussion about Adsense to clubbed feet. While chatting with Mr Bojangles online today, he suggested I should use Adsense on this blog. I told him I did, and he said that he hadn't noticed, so that might be a problem. But there is also the issue of WHAT Adsense is putting on my blog, which was in this case "A Guide to Hammertoe Deformity" by Chicago Podiatric Surgeons.
So the conversation inevitably turned from there to a Google search about clubbed feet, which led to Celebrities with Clubbed Feet. Check out this site. You might be surprised to find who was born with a clubbed foot, especially the athletes.
We were about to google "Hotties with Clubbed Feet" but Mr. Bojangles had to go. I'll let you know what we find.
So the conversation inevitably turned from there to a Google search about clubbed feet, which led to Celebrities with Clubbed Feet. Check out this site. You might be surprised to find who was born with a clubbed foot, especially the athletes.
We were about to google "Hotties with Clubbed Feet" but Mr. Bojangles had to go. I'll let you know what we find.
Shatner!
Many thanks to Brian at Priceline who found my blog posting on Robert Goulet and William Shatner yesterday and shared with me the "Falcon of Truth" website and a password so I could see some pix and video clips, like the one above.
Here's the email:
Subject: Some funny William Shatner stuff
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2007 12:05:29 -0400
From: brian@priceline.com
To: jbeagan78@hotmail.com
Hello Jessica,
I saw your recent blog entry on Robert Goulet and William Shatner. There is a new William Shatner web site you might be interested in. It was created for bloggers and Shatner fans (don’t know if you’re one). In any event, the stuff is pretty funny.
Web site: www.falconoftruth.com
Password: FRT6YH0039
The site, which is dedicated to Bill’s current work on the Priceline Negotiator campaign features:
All of his Negotiator spots, including his brand-new Falcon of Truth spot which begins airing this week
Behind the scenes interviews with Bill – all exclusive and unscripted
An assortment of new cell phone ring tones
Wallpaper and screen savers featuring Bill
Any and all of this stuff can be downloaded to your blog so you can share it with your friends and readers. No copyright concerns – feel free to use it if you like.
Regards,
Brian
You heard the man. Use the password above and have fun!
Goulet!
It's been out for a couple months, but I so love that Emerald Nuts commercial with Robert Goulet. It's the one with the legend that in the afternoon when your energy is low at work, Robert Goulet shows up and messes with your stuff. But if you eat Emerald Nuts, the story goes, you will keep Robert Goulet at bay. For a little while anyway.
It is perfect that Robert Goulet would, as a much-older man than the Grecian formula belies, be in such a delightfully fun and totally brilliant commercial. It connects his schlocky lounge singer persona with roles in goofy comedy classics from my youth, like Beetlejuice and The Naked Gun.
Emerald Nuts is a coda on a decades-long career the silliness of which is tolerable only because of the self-consciousness of Goulet of his Goulet-ness. It's just like William Shatner, I'd say. And even he has a Priceline commercial which is nothing short of Shat-tastic.
Goulet and Shatner are pop culture standards, culturally significant, and clearly still relevant on some level. Their success is based on their silliness, which must always be played straight-faced, as that's the heart of the humor. For these guys, serious doesn't work quite the way that silly through the serious does.
And maybe that's what sticks with my generation. It's the little tension between them, like when your normally sober grandfather is sudden funny. And there are some really funny and creative people in advertising right now who get it. They're the same bastards who seduced me with Citibank and Mac. But beyond that, I love being a part of a generation with a sense of humor and wide, deep, and broad love and curiosity and respect not only for other cultures, but for our own history and culture as well. That's what it is. Goulet and Shatner are part of our common experience as Americans in this generation, so we get it.
And of course, it worked because now I know the product too. Ah, how the wheels continue to spin.
It is perfect that Robert Goulet would, as a much-older man than the Grecian formula belies, be in such a delightfully fun and totally brilliant commercial. It connects his schlocky lounge singer persona with roles in goofy comedy classics from my youth, like Beetlejuice and The Naked Gun.
Emerald Nuts is a coda on a decades-long career the silliness of which is tolerable only because of the self-consciousness of Goulet of his Goulet-ness. It's just like William Shatner, I'd say. And even he has a Priceline commercial which is nothing short of Shat-tastic.
Goulet and Shatner are pop culture standards, culturally significant, and clearly still relevant on some level. Their success is based on their silliness, which must always be played straight-faced, as that's the heart of the humor. For these guys, serious doesn't work quite the way that silly through the serious does.
And maybe that's what sticks with my generation. It's the little tension between them, like when your normally sober grandfather is sudden funny. And there are some really funny and creative people in advertising right now who get it. They're the same bastards who seduced me with Citibank and Mac. But beyond that, I love being a part of a generation with a sense of humor and wide, deep, and broad love and curiosity and respect not only for other cultures, but for our own history and culture as well. That's what it is. Goulet and Shatner are part of our common experience as Americans in this generation, so we get it.
And of course, it worked because now I know the product too. Ah, how the wheels continue to spin.
April is Pedicure and Blisters Month!
It's not too late to enjoy the festivities. Head on over to your local neighborhood nail shop. You won't have to go far to find several in your area, but quality can vary so be prepared to shop around if you get sub-par service or treatments.
Get those feet de-funked from the winter and ready for some sexy, strappy, sky-high sandals!
Glide through the pain as your lily-white and tender feet recharge their key callouses after months in socks.
Remember, it will all be worth it soon: Columbus Day when you are running around barefoot in the fallen leaves, or breaking in some gorgeous little pair of expensive torturers: size 7, 3 inches tall, all straps. Bring it on!
But in the meantime, I recommend a variety pack of Band-Aid clear bandages. Get the various sizes for various vintages of blisters. And remember, before long your feet will have cottoned to your shoes and your shoes will have cottoned to your feet.
And until then, cotton might come in handy for padding. Or wound-cleaning.
Get those feet de-funked from the winter and ready for some sexy, strappy, sky-high sandals!
Glide through the pain as your lily-white and tender feet recharge their key callouses after months in socks.
Remember, it will all be worth it soon: Columbus Day when you are running around barefoot in the fallen leaves, or breaking in some gorgeous little pair of expensive torturers: size 7, 3 inches tall, all straps. Bring it on!
But in the meantime, I recommend a variety pack of Band-Aid clear bandages. Get the various sizes for various vintages of blisters. And remember, before long your feet will have cottoned to your shoes and your shoes will have cottoned to your feet.
And until then, cotton might come in handy for padding. Or wound-cleaning.
Her Mother's Daughter
Big blue eyes, tousled curls, and a book in hand. Maybe I'm just biased, but dang these kids are cute. My cousin Gracie, petite ange.
4.24.2007
And Choirs of Angels Sang from on High
Ah-ah-AH!
I figured out my independent study tonight. Mille grazie to Amity for letting me keep her up until she could only get five hours of sleep so I could work this out. I gave four classes the same final exam: a five-page analytical paper related to one of the cultural themes emerging from the Virginia Tech massacre on April 16, 2007.
The themes we have identified to date are: issues of campus security, gun control, freedom versus security, mental illness and privacy, warning signs and personal liberties, comparison and contrast to similar past events (Columbine, etc)., cultural responses: virtual communities, Korean, campus, American;, communications and campus administrators, the efficacy of email versus text messaging in notifying the campus in an emergency, the role of Facebook and MySpace in communicating amongst the victims almost instantaneously, text messaging to friends and loved ones from inside Norris Hall, etc.
I have decided to frame the study around my thesis, so that I may examine the role of popular media in the consumption of information around major cultural events. By having the students follow the themes of the event in the three weeks after they unfold, they must consume information from the culture around them and process the information. But all the while, they are conscious of the fact that they are consuming this information and must be able to analyze it.
The best part is that I told everyone to email their finals to me, so I have a data set of up to 60 papers all filed electronically. I can print working copies and save the originals. The exams will be the data I analyze qualitatively. So what I need now is a kick-ass outline and the proper amount of detail to present a case to Dr. Mbilizi by May 15.
But now I have a plan. Woo woo!
I figured out my independent study tonight. Mille grazie to Amity for letting me keep her up until she could only get five hours of sleep so I could work this out. I gave four classes the same final exam: a five-page analytical paper related to one of the cultural themes emerging from the Virginia Tech massacre on April 16, 2007.
The themes we have identified to date are: issues of campus security, gun control, freedom versus security, mental illness and privacy, warning signs and personal liberties, comparison and contrast to similar past events (Columbine, etc)., cultural responses: virtual communities, Korean, campus, American;, communications and campus administrators, the efficacy of email versus text messaging in notifying the campus in an emergency, the role of Facebook and MySpace in communicating amongst the victims almost instantaneously, text messaging to friends and loved ones from inside Norris Hall, etc.
I have decided to frame the study around my thesis, so that I may examine the role of popular media in the consumption of information around major cultural events. By having the students follow the themes of the event in the three weeks after they unfold, they must consume information from the culture around them and process the information. But all the while, they are conscious of the fact that they are consuming this information and must be able to analyze it.
The best part is that I told everyone to email their finals to me, so I have a data set of up to 60 papers all filed electronically. I can print working copies and save the originals. The exams will be the data I analyze qualitatively. So what I need now is a kick-ass outline and the proper amount of detail to present a case to Dr. Mbilizi by May 15.
But now I have a plan. Woo woo!
4.23.2007
Kate Winslet
A totally underrated actress. A living, contemporary legend. I am happy to share a generation with her.
I just heard on TV that the movie "Titanic" has grossed 1.8 BILLION worldwide, and is the highest-grossing film in history. Schlocky though it is, it's a good movie and she was spectacular in it. But that's just the start of it.
Kate Winslet is so good that I remember the first time I saw her in a film. It was "Heavenly Creatures" opposite Melanie Lynskey in 1994 at the Cable Car Cinema in Providence. In the past decade she has gone on to perform expertly in diverse and challenging roles in films like "Sense and Sensibility", "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind", "Finding Neverland", and "Little Children."
I seem to recall someone saying during the Oscars that she's the most-nominated actress of our generation. I don't think she's won yet. I think she's our Meryl Streep. At the very least, one to watch.
I just heard on TV that the movie "Titanic" has grossed 1.8 BILLION worldwide, and is the highest-grossing film in history. Schlocky though it is, it's a good movie and she was spectacular in it. But that's just the start of it.
Kate Winslet is so good that I remember the first time I saw her in a film. It was "Heavenly Creatures" opposite Melanie Lynskey in 1994 at the Cable Car Cinema in Providence. In the past decade she has gone on to perform expertly in diverse and challenging roles in films like "Sense and Sensibility", "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind", "Finding Neverland", and "Little Children."
I seem to recall someone saying during the Oscars that she's the most-nominated actress of our generation. I don't think she's won yet. I think she's our Meryl Streep. At the very least, one to watch.
4.22.2007
First Prospective Buyers!
It was planned yesterday but not confirmed until 1pm today that I had in fact found someone who was coming to see my condo at 5pm tonight. I pulled out a couple closets last night and had a mess on my hands here when I got up this morning, but I still managed to grade assignments at CTU and clean this place like the devil was chasin' me.
The only thing I didn't get to do was vacuum. I barely managed a MUCH needed shower. But the litter box was clean, the candle burning, the garbage out. The rooms were as clear as possible and tidy. The young couple and her little sister arrived and I showed them around.
The story goes tonight that she loves the place, but I think he needs convincing. They also have to figure out financing, so we agreed to touch base by Thursday.
And now, my house is clean (other than needing a vacuuming). And I LIKE it like this. Unfortunately it won't last long, but I will try. If nothing else other people will be coming to see it if this deal doesn't work out. But I feel optimistic. Home is about finding a place that clicks for you. I think my prospective buyer feels good about this condo. Of course, that is the part now that is out of my hands.
So I remain optimistic. Another decision by Thursday, and a house to not destroy between now and then. Maybe school will be easier this week with less clutter? That would be nice. I'll let you know.
The only thing I didn't get to do was vacuum. I barely managed a MUCH needed shower. But the litter box was clean, the candle burning, the garbage out. The rooms were as clear as possible and tidy. The young couple and her little sister arrived and I showed them around.
The story goes tonight that she loves the place, but I think he needs convincing. They also have to figure out financing, so we agreed to touch base by Thursday.
And now, my house is clean (other than needing a vacuuming). And I LIKE it like this. Unfortunately it won't last long, but I will try. If nothing else other people will be coming to see it if this deal doesn't work out. But I feel optimistic. Home is about finding a place that clicks for you. I think my prospective buyer feels good about this condo. Of course, that is the part now that is out of my hands.
So I remain optimistic. Another decision by Thursday, and a house to not destroy between now and then. Maybe school will be easier this week with less clutter? That would be nice. I'll let you know.
4.21.2007
Surfing
Oddly enough, I never surf the internet. But I wanted to find out some information about the erosion at Narragansett Town Beach from the storms last weekend. Rumor has it that all the sand is gone, and that the old pilings are exposed. The pilings are from the turn of the last century, and are the foundations for the old Narragansett Pier, which has been gone for decades. The foundations have been buried as long I'm sure.
So I google "narragansett beach erosion 2007" and I found The Journal of New England Surfing and this gorgeous picture of the waves in Southern New England.
I went surfing and found surfing. Back home. Still no good pix on the beach erosion, but I'll keep looking. This is a total find. Who knows what else is there.
So I google "narragansett beach erosion 2007" and I found The Journal of New England Surfing and this gorgeous picture of the waves in Southern New England.
I went surfing and found surfing. Back home. Still no good pix on the beach erosion, but I'll keep looking. This is a total find. Who knows what else is there.
a country wedding!
Very Maine, and yet . . . . paparazzi?
Amity's friends Tim and Diane got married today in a little country church in Talmadge, Maine. I think her brother Zach took this picture. I love the moment he captured here. Everyone wants to get their shot of the newlyweds!
4.20.2007
Planning
It's little things that add up. For instance, one little e-newsletter. You order something online or create a new account and all of a sudden you are getting yet another e-newsletter. And you think for a long time that because it's email, it's somehow not real. Well, it's real, but it's not a thing, physically. Right? So if it's not a thing, it can't be clutter.
Alas, virtual things in virtual spaces still take up very real space.
So, as I'm wrapping up my life in Chicago, I'm streamlining. All those .edu email accounts are going to be obsolete soon, so I want to lead everyone back to my hotmail account. I've had it for years, so why not? But I've let those e-newsletter things run amok in my account, and I get at least a half dozen alerts of some sort every day.
These items, despite their "e-" ethereality, still require the same mental energy to cope with as the paper catalogs in my snail-mail box. So I'm cutting them out! And as I cut the clutter, I can see this forest a little clearer now. But it's not just the virtual forest. Clearing the clutter and junk in one places produces a ripple-effect in my space. It's starting to clear.
And then there is the shopping. I've been on a bit of a kick, buying everything from suits to tanktops. I had a list of staples and I'm attacking it. I have attacked it. It's done. For now. But with the clarity comes a better idea of the things I need, so there it is.
The last thing is selling my place. Pats and I have airline tickets for May 18-21 to visit RI and bring the cats with us. The rest is up in the air, depending on whether or not I get the Kaplan job. At this point, the condo is not actually on the market yet. I found someone who might be interested, so I want to follow up on that first. And, to be honest, I need a break from the stress of getting this place prepared. I have two full weeks left of school before finals week, an independent study to pull off, and a trip to RI with the cats which will be no small feat. I'm okay with taking my time, but at the same time don't want to wait too long and miss out on something.
Deep breath. I must remember that not everything can be planned. At least not at once.
Alas, virtual things in virtual spaces still take up very real space.
So, as I'm wrapping up my life in Chicago, I'm streamlining. All those .edu email accounts are going to be obsolete soon, so I want to lead everyone back to my hotmail account. I've had it for years, so why not? But I've let those e-newsletter things run amok in my account, and I get at least a half dozen alerts of some sort every day.
These items, despite their "e-" ethereality, still require the same mental energy to cope with as the paper catalogs in my snail-mail box. So I'm cutting them out! And as I cut the clutter, I can see this forest a little clearer now. But it's not just the virtual forest. Clearing the clutter and junk in one places produces a ripple-effect in my space. It's starting to clear.
And then there is the shopping. I've been on a bit of a kick, buying everything from suits to tanktops. I had a list of staples and I'm attacking it. I have attacked it. It's done. For now. But with the clarity comes a better idea of the things I need, so there it is.
The last thing is selling my place. Pats and I have airline tickets for May 18-21 to visit RI and bring the cats with us. The rest is up in the air, depending on whether or not I get the Kaplan job. At this point, the condo is not actually on the market yet. I found someone who might be interested, so I want to follow up on that first. And, to be honest, I need a break from the stress of getting this place prepared. I have two full weeks left of school before finals week, an independent study to pull off, and a trip to RI with the cats which will be no small feat. I'm okay with taking my time, but at the same time don't want to wait too long and miss out on something.
Deep breath. I must remember that not everything can be planned. At least not at once.
4.19.2007
Why I Do It.
Jessica says:
i got a really nice compliment from a student today
Jessica says:
she kept me after class for an hour so she could talk about all of the things she's been thinking about from our documentaries and discussions in class.
Jessica says:
it was awesome. the light bulb is ON in this woman's head. She's going to be a nurse, she has 4 kids, and she told me she sees human beings in a different way now
Arik says:
how so
Jessica says:
she said she sees them as people like her. Not just anatomy, and not just as "other"
Jessica says:
she said she never cared about the rest of the world
Jessica says:
and it made me feel like I had done my job
Arik says:
what made her see people different
Arik says:
class?
Jessica says:
we've been watching documentaries on things like the Israel/Palestine conflict
Jessica says:
we talked alot this week about Virginia Tech
Jessica says:
i'm trying to teach them to observe the culture around them. Culture is what makes human beings different, and that's wonderful. But it also causes misunderstandings, right?
Jessica says:
so you start to appreciate culture, and don't fear it, and then you can see the common humanity in people
i got a really nice compliment from a student today
Jessica says:
she kept me after class for an hour so she could talk about all of the things she's been thinking about from our documentaries and discussions in class.
Jessica says:
it was awesome. the light bulb is ON in this woman's head. She's going to be a nurse, she has 4 kids, and she told me she sees human beings in a different way now
Arik says:
how so
Jessica says:
she said she sees them as people like her. Not just anatomy, and not just as "other"
Jessica says:
she said she never cared about the rest of the world
Jessica says:
and it made me feel like I had done my job
Arik says:
what made her see people different
Arik says:
class?
Jessica says:
we've been watching documentaries on things like the Israel/Palestine conflict
Jessica says:
we talked alot this week about Virginia Tech
Jessica says:
i'm trying to teach them to observe the culture around them. Culture is what makes human beings different, and that's wonderful. But it also causes misunderstandings, right?
Jessica says:
so you start to appreciate culture, and don't fear it, and then you can see the common humanity in people
Wow.
You know what I did? I repeated a post. Well, not exactly repeated. The pictures of my house from Sunday that I posted yesterday, thinking I hadn't posted them? Well, I did post them on Sunday too, evidently.
Wow.
Oh, and the Goose silhouette too. Clearly I'm really in love with these shots, huh?
Or maybe it's just been that kind of week that makes me want to go back to Sunday's tranquility.
Wow.
Oh, and the Goose silhouette too. Clearly I'm really in love with these shots, huh?
Or maybe it's just been that kind of week that makes me want to go back to Sunday's tranquility.
2006, You Are On Notice
That's right. You thought you had the Summer O' Fun all sorts of locked up, but I gotta warn you. 2007 is throwing down the gauntlet.
Not only will there be lots of fun to be had at the beach house, but my brother just bought a boat! Woo woo! It's 23 feet and intended for ocean fishing. We are going to have a blast.
So we'll see. 2006 was outstanding. Is 2007 up for the challenge? Stay tuned.
Not only will there be lots of fun to be had at the beach house, but my brother just bought a boat! Woo woo! It's 23 feet and intended for ocean fishing. We are going to have a blast.
So we'll see. 2006 was outstanding. Is 2007 up for the challenge? Stay tuned.
New Favorite Thing
I've started collecting vintage linen dishtowels when I go out antiquing. They're wonderful quality, and kitschy fun. Shown here from top to bottom is: "Regatta", a sailboat theme framed with little sailboat silhouettes and their names around the border; "Carmel by the Sea", showing off tourist sites of interest; and some 70's orange and brown warmness.
These are cheap items to collect,(roughly five dollars a piece, give or take), and they're useful. I also think I got into collecting these because my mom had a linen apron from Sicily that my friend Melissa's sister had gotten her. It was a big detailed map of the island, and it was delightful. My mother wore that apron into the softest little rag and has long since retired it. I think these towels remind me of that apron.
4.18.2007
A Little Gift from the Universe
Gomez Live in Concert from Chicago on MSN.
This is the most life-affirming thing for me right now. It ties in everything right now: moving, teaching, going home, making connections, blogging, thinking, creating, being inspired. Coping.
The massacre at Virginia Tech has rattled me intensely this week. I was teaching a roomful of college students when it happened. It hits so intensely close to home, and it saddens me so deeply as a student and a teacher and a person who loves that world. This never should happen anywhere, but to have it happen in a university, a place that is so very sacred to me, is devastating beyond words.
So, I have tried to channel all of this into my students in these last two days. I decided to introduce Virginia Tech as the topic for their take-home final examinations. They are to follow the story over the next 2-3 weeks and monitor the major themes we identified together in class, based on CNN.com's articles and timelines.
The themes we identified were: Gun Control, Campus Security, Administration and Law Enforcement Policy, Communications, and Mental Health.
I believe the events of Monday morning are a culture-changing moment, and I am hoping that my students and I will be watchers of this process together, all being together in the community and thinking critically of the choices and changes being made there.
So, blogging, listening to one of the soundtracks of my life, observing, creating. Amity and I will look for lampshades and picture frame mattes, I will do live chats in an hour.
"So it goes."
This is the most life-affirming thing for me right now. It ties in everything right now: moving, teaching, going home, making connections, blogging, thinking, creating, being inspired. Coping.
The massacre at Virginia Tech has rattled me intensely this week. I was teaching a roomful of college students when it happened. It hits so intensely close to home, and it saddens me so deeply as a student and a teacher and a person who loves that world. This never should happen anywhere, but to have it happen in a university, a place that is so very sacred to me, is devastating beyond words.
So, I have tried to channel all of this into my students in these last two days. I decided to introduce Virginia Tech as the topic for their take-home final examinations. They are to follow the story over the next 2-3 weeks and monitor the major themes we identified together in class, based on CNN.com's articles and timelines.
The themes we identified were: Gun Control, Campus Security, Administration and Law Enforcement Policy, Communications, and Mental Health.
I believe the events of Monday morning are a culture-changing moment, and I am hoping that my students and I will be watchers of this process together, all being together in the community and thinking critically of the choices and changes being made there.
So, blogging, listening to one of the soundtracks of my life, observing, creating. Amity and I will look for lampshades and picture frame mattes, I will do live chats in an hour.
"So it goes."
4.16.2007
This Has to Stop
While I was teaching a class this morning at Oakton, someone killed at least 31 people in Blacksburg, Virginia on the campus of Virginia Tech. It is the worst mass-shooting in American History, according to MSNBC.
First of all, why does this always happen in April? It's like terrorism in September.
Maybe it's because I'm a teacher that I get so brokenhearted over something like this. I cried for a week every time I turned on the television after Columbine. It was April 1999 and I was about to graduate from college. Maybe it's because the victims are young and there is so much ahead of them that is lost.
And maybe it's because it's just not that deep. And by that I mean school. There is no reason anyone should do this. Nothing is that important, not worth 31 lives and counting taken. And I include the gunman in this. Because what happened is that this young man was consumed so profoundly that he took a hell of a lot of people with him.
Before I went there in 2000 I didn't know that Iowa had had a similar incident, five people dead and one injured severely in 1991 or 1992. A graduate student flipped out and took out his rival, some professors and staff. Van Allen Hall. I was at Iowa for the 10th anniversary of the shooting. That day I walked the same path across the Pentacrest the gunman took between two buildings, Jessup Hall and Van Allen Hall. Now, Iowa was a tough time and a tough place for me, as we all know, and it got dark at times. But I never saw anything there that was enough to justify these acts.
The anniversary was around the same time as 9/11 too. Another thing that felt so senseless even though I felt like I had acheived an understanding of where the attackers were coming from. At least the so-called terrorists have a point. They're sacrificing themselves (along with a bunch of other people, granted), for what they perceive is a greater good, a higher cause. What the fuck was this? Grades? An Assistantship? A Fellowship? A Publication? A Break-up? Why 31 people? He chained the doors so people couldn't escape.
It's too much.
First of all, why does this always happen in April? It's like terrorism in September.
Maybe it's because I'm a teacher that I get so brokenhearted over something like this. I cried for a week every time I turned on the television after Columbine. It was April 1999 and I was about to graduate from college. Maybe it's because the victims are young and there is so much ahead of them that is lost.
And maybe it's because it's just not that deep. And by that I mean school. There is no reason anyone should do this. Nothing is that important, not worth 31 lives and counting taken. And I include the gunman in this. Because what happened is that this young man was consumed so profoundly that he took a hell of a lot of people with him.
Before I went there in 2000 I didn't know that Iowa had had a similar incident, five people dead and one injured severely in 1991 or 1992. A graduate student flipped out and took out his rival, some professors and staff. Van Allen Hall. I was at Iowa for the 10th anniversary of the shooting. That day I walked the same path across the Pentacrest the gunman took between two buildings, Jessup Hall and Van Allen Hall. Now, Iowa was a tough time and a tough place for me, as we all know, and it got dark at times. But I never saw anything there that was enough to justify these acts.
The anniversary was around the same time as 9/11 too. Another thing that felt so senseless even though I felt like I had acheived an understanding of where the attackers were coming from. At least the so-called terrorists have a point. They're sacrificing themselves (along with a bunch of other people, granted), for what they perceive is a greater good, a higher cause. What the fuck was this? Grades? An Assistantship? A Fellowship? A Publication? A Break-up? Why 31 people? He chained the doors so people couldn't escape.
It's too much.
4.15.2007
The Painting Project
Kitchen cabinets under construction.
The new blue bathroom.
Living room yellow, kitchen green, and into the blue bathroom.
Dad painting cabinets. He did an amazing job.
Into the kitchen.
April 3-6, 2007
Haiku: "A slight fire incident"
Burned the brown sugar
on my frozen creme brulee.
Smoke alarm is working.
Season Change
I shot some pix out the window, using my rickety old Quantaray 300 mm zoom lens. The lens was tripping out the Digital Rebel though. I am more than comfortable with that camera, but I'm in the mood to pull out the manual and start using it better.
As the stuff is getting packed away and the universe is so far making everything fall into place, I feel photography opening up for me again. I miss it. I also cleaned my desk with the Mac on it today, so it's actually a FUNCTIONAL space again.
Last night was BB's birthday and it was a barn-burner. So good I was able to inflict harm upon myself. But that's what I get for wearing high heels for a night out with the Rat Pack. And not eating first.
But today it was cool and sunny and bright and I got to enjoy just BEING in my beautiful home. In fact, I have made a decision about this place. I'm going to keep it and rent it out. It's not actually on the market yet, so I can still pull out of that.
Everything happens for a reason.
As the stuff is getting packed away and the universe is so far making everything fall into place, I feel photography opening up for me again. I miss it. I also cleaned my desk with the Mac on it today, so it's actually a FUNCTIONAL space again.
Last night was BB's birthday and it was a barn-burner. So good I was able to inflict harm upon myself. But that's what I get for wearing high heels for a night out with the Rat Pack. And not eating first.
But today it was cool and sunny and bright and I got to enjoy just BEING in my beautiful home. In fact, I have made a decision about this place. I'm going to keep it and rent it out. It's not actually on the market yet, so I can still pull out of that.
Everything happens for a reason.
Goose
Some boys who are old enough to know better were outside tormenting the geese today. As you know, I hate them just as much as anyone, but there's no need to pelt them with rocks either.
My Newest Collection
I've started collecting vintage linen dishtowels from the 70's. They are fun and insouciant and cost maybe 6 bucks on average. Here are a few of them.
The Dog or the Tiger
Amity asked which Chinese Zodiac signs were compatible with mine, 1978.
"The most compatible match for a Horse is the Dog or the Tiger."
The Zodiac Chart tells which years are associated with which sign.
First a little about the Horse:
"Horses tend not to look much at the big picture; instead they just follow their whims, which can result in a trail of prematurely ended relationships, jobs, projects and so on. This Sign really knows how to motivate others, though, and get a lot accomplished. Once they find some peace within themselves, they can curb their wandering tendencies and learn to appreciate what's in their own backyard."
Now the Dog:
"The Dog's discerning nature does make it an excellent business person, one who can turn that picky, guarded nature into a keen sense of the truth of another's motives. Where love is concerned, Dogs often have a tough time finding the right match. They can be so anxious and overwrought in the romance dance that they'll stress their partner to the max! In any forum, this Sign is happiest when able to be quite physically active; at home or at work, the Dog will always be constructing something new or cleaning something up in order to make things better. Dogs need to work on controlling their irrational worries and would also be well-served to relax their mile-high standards, which can sometimes wind up alienating the ones they love."
And the Tiger:
"A lesson that Tigers would be well-served to learn is moderation in all things. Once these cats can find their center and direct their considerable energies toward worthwhile endeavors (as opposed to racing through life), they will accomplish much."
Hmm.
"The most compatible match for a Horse is the Dog or the Tiger."
The Zodiac Chart tells which years are associated with which sign.
First a little about the Horse:
"Horses tend not to look much at the big picture; instead they just follow their whims, which can result in a trail of prematurely ended relationships, jobs, projects and so on. This Sign really knows how to motivate others, though, and get a lot accomplished. Once they find some peace within themselves, they can curb their wandering tendencies and learn to appreciate what's in their own backyard."
Now the Dog:
"The Dog's discerning nature does make it an excellent business person, one who can turn that picky, guarded nature into a keen sense of the truth of another's motives. Where love is concerned, Dogs often have a tough time finding the right match. They can be so anxious and overwrought in the romance dance that they'll stress their partner to the max! In any forum, this Sign is happiest when able to be quite physically active; at home or at work, the Dog will always be constructing something new or cleaning something up in order to make things better. Dogs need to work on controlling their irrational worries and would also be well-served to relax their mile-high standards, which can sometimes wind up alienating the ones they love."
And the Tiger:
"A lesson that Tigers would be well-served to learn is moderation in all things. Once these cats can find their center and direct their considerable energies toward worthwhile endeavors (as opposed to racing through life), they will accomplish much."
Hmm.
4.14.2007
Flooring
New faux wood vinyl tiles to cover the washed out faux ceramic vinyl tiles in the bathroom. It's easier to install than I thought, and looks WAY better than I thought, both in and of itself and compared to the old stuff.
He's Back on the Market!
Prince William and Kate Middleton have split up.
I'd like to be excited about it, but God knows I've been in too much trouble (of which there are too many pictures out there) to ever REALLY be able to dream about Prince William. The British tabloids would be murder.
But still, for some lucky girl, the Queen lottery is still open. Best of luck!
I'd like to be excited about it, but God knows I've been in too much trouble (of which there are too many pictures out there) to ever REALLY be able to dream about Prince William. The British tabloids would be murder.
But still, for some lucky girl, the Queen lottery is still open. Best of luck!
Another Dozen
A new edited photoset!
Shot at Christmas 2006 at Scarborough Beach, Rhode Island.
It's a strange parallel to my MFA thesis:
Shot in 2003 at Center Avenue in Iowa City.
A million thanks again to Amity for insisting that I do this. And for not being TOO cross with me when I messed up merging my two flickr accounts and absolutely could NOT work until I had fixed it.
Shot at Christmas 2006 at Scarborough Beach, Rhode Island.
It's a strange parallel to my MFA thesis:
Shot in 2003 at Center Avenue in Iowa City.
A million thanks again to Amity for insisting that I do this. And for not being TOO cross with me when I messed up merging my two flickr accounts and absolutely could NOT work until I had fixed it.
4.12.2007
Out of Hibernation
But one more foray in, this evening for a quick spit-n'-polish on the condo before Jeff comes over with the paperwork to put my first home on the market.
I gave the UWESO presentation today at the 5th Annual Conference on Gender at CLC. It went okay. I still can't get those video clips to run from PPT on external media. Next time, we're rigging up the laptop. Tomorrow is the job interview. I'm taking any good vibes, so if any of y'all want to send some it will be much appreciated.
And it is Spring in Chicago after all, so I'm finally thawing out and wanting to feel social again. A fun dinner at Francesca's last night, a visit with BR and dinner with JS tomorrow after the interview, and BB's "41st" birthday dinner on Saturday night. He's actually going to be 34 we think, but Pats decided he's 41. Hmm. She's missing the fun for a weekend back home. She will be missed, and harassed via cell phone, in equal measure on Saturday night.
Alright. Off the couch. Time to start getting the house ready.
I gave the UWESO presentation today at the 5th Annual Conference on Gender at CLC. It went okay. I still can't get those video clips to run from PPT on external media. Next time, we're rigging up the laptop. Tomorrow is the job interview. I'm taking any good vibes, so if any of y'all want to send some it will be much appreciated.
And it is Spring in Chicago after all, so I'm finally thawing out and wanting to feel social again. A fun dinner at Francesca's last night, a visit with BR and dinner with JS tomorrow after the interview, and BB's "41st" birthday dinner on Saturday night. He's actually going to be 34 we think, but Pats decided he's 41. Hmm. She's missing the fun for a weekend back home. She will be missed, and harassed via cell phone, in equal measure on Saturday night.
Alright. Off the couch. Time to start getting the house ready.
4.10.2007
It's Different Now
I really wanted to come home tonight after a full day at CLC to find that my house would FEEL different. Had I had time, I would have taken the five boxes and rug to storage and the textbooks to sell at the half-price books store. THAT would have really made the place feel open.
Nevertheless, it did feel different tonight. I mainly have cleaning and staging to do tomorrow. I'm almost through the home-repair woods. The light is breaking through the trees. And not a moment too soon. Tomorrow evening Jeff is coming over and we're putting the house on the market.
The process of packing to sell the house has been surreal. I'm trying to get as much out of here as possible to make it look good. I also want to pack in an organized fashion for the first time. It started with the books and has extended from there. I'm doing something AHEAD OF TIME for probably the first time in my life. I'm being patient. I'm taking my time. And it feels like it's being done correctly.
So this is what it feels like.
Nevertheless, it did feel different tonight. I mainly have cleaning and staging to do tomorrow. I'm almost through the home-repair woods. The light is breaking through the trees. And not a moment too soon. Tomorrow evening Jeff is coming over and we're putting the house on the market.
The process of packing to sell the house has been surreal. I'm trying to get as much out of here as possible to make it look good. I also want to pack in an organized fashion for the first time. It started with the books and has extended from there. I'm doing something AHEAD OF TIME for probably the first time in my life. I'm being patient. I'm taking my time. And it feels like it's being done correctly.
So this is what it feels like.
4.09.2007
Azeiba
Azeb T. says:
just passing through to say hi love!
Jessica says:
been thinking of you
Jessica says:
there are lovely vibes coming from Florida
Azeb T. says:
oh that is nice-- been laying low
Azeb T. says:
sunning myself and such
Azeb T. says:
dont' think we will ever come back
Jessica says:
i wouldn't blame you
Jessica says:
where are you?
Azeb T. says:
west palm beach
Jessica says:
i've never been there. you having fun?
Azeb T. says:
lots of old people
Azeb T. says:
nice outlets
Jessica says:
lol
Azeb T. says:
beautiful otherwise
Jessica says:
good. i'm getting ready for my move back east. Pats told me that she outed me
Azeb T. says:
i heard
Jessica says:
i was hoping to see you to tell you
Azeb T. says:
i am sad- but i think you are doing the right thing
Azeb T. says:
for soem reason it just feels right
Jessica says:
it really does
Jessica says:
and I have an interesting opportunity with Kaplan that might give me a regular link back here
Azeb T. says:
no its ok..... i know--- but i swear i was like yes- she should really go home--- just like i felt when iw as ready to come back from dc
Azeb T. says:
NICE!!
Azeb T. says:
what is that
Jessica says:
Pats and I have interviews for the same team on Friday
Jessica says:
Field Director of Faculty Development for Kaplan Higher Ed.
Jessica says:
they called me and I told them I was moving, and she said there was a Northeast regional position available
Azeb T. says:
sorry kicked my self out
Jessica says:
no problem. did you get the details?
Azeb T. says:
no what was that
Jessica says:
Field Director of Faculty Development for Kaplan Higher Ed.
Jessica says:
they called me and I told them I was moving, and she said there was a Northeast regional position available
Azeb T. says:
shut up
Azeb T. says:
that would be hot
Jessica says:
i have no idea how they found me
Azeb T. says:
just shut up
Azeb T. says:
that is great
Jessica says:
all you need is to live near a major airport
Azeb T. says:
more to add your resume
Jessica says:
it is perfect
Azeb T. says:
have them call me if htey need a refernece
Azeb T. says:
i think you are brilliant
Azeb T. says:
i hear that
Jessica says:
it's the next step, what made all that at CTU worthwhile I guess
Jessica says:
thank you so much
Jessica says:
i will definitely have them contact you
Jessica says:
i must have a resume out on Monster, but it would be really outdated at this point. I haven't been looking
Azeb T. says:
do it. ok-- anyway....lets chat sometime this weekend. we are going to dinner now.
Jessica says:
sounds good. have fun
Jessica says:
love you!
Azeb T. says:
i love you and i think you are doing the best thing for you
Jessica says:
thank you. that means alot
Jessica says:
ttyl!
Azeb T. says:
my pretty girl
Azeb T. says:
bye sweets!
just passing through to say hi love!
Jessica says:
been thinking of you
Jessica says:
there are lovely vibes coming from Florida
Azeb T. says:
oh that is nice-- been laying low
Azeb T. says:
sunning myself and such
Azeb T. says:
dont' think we will ever come back
Jessica says:
i wouldn't blame you
Jessica says:
where are you?
Azeb T. says:
west palm beach
Jessica says:
i've never been there. you having fun?
Azeb T. says:
lots of old people
Azeb T. says:
nice outlets
Jessica says:
lol
Azeb T. says:
beautiful otherwise
Jessica says:
good. i'm getting ready for my move back east. Pats told me that she outed me
Azeb T. says:
i heard
Jessica says:
i was hoping to see you to tell you
Azeb T. says:
i am sad- but i think you are doing the right thing
Azeb T. says:
for soem reason it just feels right
Jessica says:
it really does
Jessica says:
and I have an interesting opportunity with Kaplan that might give me a regular link back here
Azeb T. says:
no its ok..... i know--- but i swear i was like yes- she should really go home--- just like i felt when iw as ready to come back from dc
Azeb T. says:
NICE!!
Azeb T. says:
what is that
Jessica says:
Pats and I have interviews for the same team on Friday
Jessica says:
Field Director of Faculty Development for Kaplan Higher Ed.
Jessica says:
they called me and I told them I was moving, and she said there was a Northeast regional position available
Azeb T. says:
sorry kicked my self out
Jessica says:
no problem. did you get the details?
Azeb T. says:
no what was that
Jessica says:
Field Director of Faculty Development for Kaplan Higher Ed.
Jessica says:
they called me and I told them I was moving, and she said there was a Northeast regional position available
Azeb T. says:
shut up
Azeb T. says:
that would be hot
Jessica says:
i have no idea how they found me
Azeb T. says:
just shut up
Azeb T. says:
that is great
Jessica says:
all you need is to live near a major airport
Azeb T. says:
more to add your resume
Jessica says:
it is perfect
Azeb T. says:
have them call me if htey need a refernece
Azeb T. says:
i think you are brilliant
Azeb T. says:
i hear that
Jessica says:
it's the next step, what made all that at CTU worthwhile I guess
Jessica says:
thank you so much
Jessica says:
i will definitely have them contact you
Jessica says:
i must have a resume out on Monster, but it would be really outdated at this point. I haven't been looking
Azeb T. says:
do it. ok-- anyway....lets chat sometime this weekend. we are going to dinner now.
Jessica says:
sounds good. have fun
Jessica says:
love you!
Azeb T. says:
i love you and i think you are doing the best thing for you
Jessica says:
thank you. that means alot
Jessica says:
ttyl!
Azeb T. says:
my pretty girl
Azeb T. says:
bye sweets!
Spring Cleaning
Jessica says:
hey there
Patricia says:
yo
Patricia says:
Adrienne!
Jessica says:
lol
Jessica says:
i conquered the office area
Patricia says:
you rule
Jessica says:
there are two baskets full of EMPTY TOTE BAGS
Patricia says:
lol
Patricia says:
why am I not surprised
Jessica says:
i'm ashamed of myself
Patricia says:
you managed to squirrel away a lot of shite
Patricia says:
cool shite
Patricia says:
but lots of it
Jessica says:
exactly. the quantity in this tiny condo is baffling
Jessica says:
be it of quality items or not
hey there
Patricia says:
yo
Patricia says:
Adrienne!
Jessica says:
lol
Jessica says:
i conquered the office area
Patricia says:
you rule
Jessica says:
there are two baskets full of EMPTY TOTE BAGS
Patricia says:
lol
Patricia says:
why am I not surprised
Jessica says:
i'm ashamed of myself
Patricia says:
you managed to squirrel away a lot of shite
Patricia says:
cool shite
Patricia says:
but lots of it
Jessica says:
exactly. the quantity in this tiny condo is baffling
Jessica says:
be it of quality items or not
4.08.2007
Happy Easter
In need of a Spring Renewal ritual, Pats decided she and I should go to a Catholic Mass for Easter today. It's always striking to me how different the ways in which the masses work out here compared to back East. There was something slightly campy about the Easter Mass today, but that's another story. It was actually fun, and it hit that spiritual spot that she and I were looking to find in our own ways and according to our own needs.
And now I'm looking at the week ahead and it's a bit daunting. Teaching, home repairs, putting the house on the market, a conference at which I'm presenting, a job interview, and more teaching. CTU starts back up today and it's a whole new ballgame this term, less grading but I have to create all new presentations.
It will all work out. It always does. As it should.
And now I'm looking at the week ahead and it's a bit daunting. Teaching, home repairs, putting the house on the market, a conference at which I'm presenting, a job interview, and more teaching. CTU starts back up today and it's a whole new ballgame this term, less grading but I have to create all new presentations.
It will all work out. It always does. As it should.
4.06.2007
Phase 2: Painting
Dad just left this evening after a three-day painting marathon. We're finished but the dreaded clean-up begins tomorrow. Time to prepare for installing new vinyl tiles (necessity, not that which is desired) in the newly painted bathroom. "Pale Innocence": a robin's egg blue that screams "BUY ME" when paired with the proper accessories. Dad painted every single cabinet in the kitchen and bath, taking down doors and installing new hinges and knobs (SO much fun to do, especially now that I own a power screwdriver/drill). Every single door got painted, and a bunch of things were touched up too. Meanwhile, I had a full week of teaching outside of CTU, which was mercifully on break this week and not a moment too soon for myriad reasons. And, best of all, today came a phone call from the Universe to both Patsy and me, showing that maybe there is a plan after all.
Tomorrow, teaching and cleaning. Sunday, Easter Mass in the biggest baddest cathedral Patsy and I can find. The goal of getting the house on the market by today was ambitious, and all but impossible once the Phase 1: Kitchen Rehab began. But it's still only been TWO WEEKS since this whole packing and moving and preparing thing got underway. I cannot believe how much has gotten done. Every time I've felt tired I've had to just keep going.
But the best part is that I'm losing my fear. Today at Menard's I bought the second batch of knobs, having returned the white ones (which didn't work with the brushed nickel hinges we had to buy because they were the only ones of the right size and quantity in stock) for a set of chrome ones that are all wrong, of course. I chatted with Bobby, the guy who helped me order the white knobs. I've seen him in there three times this week. I'm starting to know people at Menard's.
But beyond that, I also walked through that store today with a purpose. Not clutching a neurotic little list, but thinking about what I needed to do and the tools I needed to get the job done. The gorgeous power screwdriver/drill has taught me that any job can be fun if you have the right tools. The wrong tools just suck. So I grabbed a utility knife, extra blades, scoring blades for the vinyl, and a hacksaw. From there, I picked up a piece of 1/4" quarter round moulding for the kitchen or bath or both. I was thinking of the work I wanted to do, the details that needed minding. I love this process.
Pix to follow, soon. :)
Tomorrow, teaching and cleaning. Sunday, Easter Mass in the biggest baddest cathedral Patsy and I can find. The goal of getting the house on the market by today was ambitious, and all but impossible once the Phase 1: Kitchen Rehab began. But it's still only been TWO WEEKS since this whole packing and moving and preparing thing got underway. I cannot believe how much has gotten done. Every time I've felt tired I've had to just keep going.
But the best part is that I'm losing my fear. Today at Menard's I bought the second batch of knobs, having returned the white ones (which didn't work with the brushed nickel hinges we had to buy because they were the only ones of the right size and quantity in stock) for a set of chrome ones that are all wrong, of course. I chatted with Bobby, the guy who helped me order the white knobs. I've seen him in there three times this week. I'm starting to know people at Menard's.
But beyond that, I also walked through that store today with a purpose. Not clutching a neurotic little list, but thinking about what I needed to do and the tools I needed to get the job done. The gorgeous power screwdriver/drill has taught me that any job can be fun if you have the right tools. The wrong tools just suck. So I grabbed a utility knife, extra blades, scoring blades for the vinyl, and a hacksaw. From there, I picked up a piece of 1/4" quarter round moulding for the kitchen or bath or both. I was thinking of the work I wanted to do, the details that needed minding. I love this process.
Pix to follow, soon. :)
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