I can't believe how long it's been since I've blogged and I can't promise that I'll keep blogging on a regular basis, but c....'s new year's meme offers a good opportunity to try to get the ball rolling again. I think I stopped blogging regularly because I had too much on my mind that I couldn't discuss publicly and then never got back into it. But excuses are so 2008. Here goes:
1. what did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Um…got pregnant?
2. did you keep your 2008 resolutions, and will you make more this year?
I can’t remember if I made 2008 resolutions but if I did, they probably were about money, eating better, and being more productive and organized. No set resolutions for this year but if I did, they’d be about money, eating better, and being more productive and organized.
3. did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes!
4. did anyone close to you die?
Thankfully, no.
5. what countries did you visit?
France. And Canada but that was just a drive-through on the way to Detroit so I don’t think it counts. The Tim Horton's was good though.
6. what would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
More days in which I feel like I’ve accomplished something by noon. And more beer, sushi, and soft cheese.
7. what was your biggest achievement of the year?
Work: figuring out how to teach high school teachers without us wanting to kill each other (for the most part); keeping up with my “slow and steady” pace on research
Fun: almost pulling off a surprise party for df’s dissertation defense; making it up a super-steep, super-long hill without stopping during the Tour de Queens on a 90+ degree day; wanting to go to more museums and then actually doing it.
8. what was your biggest failure?
Not being patient enough with students. Not finishing work on the apartment. Having too many unfinished projects.
9. did you suffer illness or injury?
No, but I had some yucky queasiness for most of the summer that made me feel hungover all of the time. And I developed a (temporary) aversion to ice cream. It was a seriously weird feeling.
10. what was the best thing you bought?
Df and I bought an amazing/deeply discounted reclining chair from the DWR outlet. It has some small imperfections but good back support.
11. whose behavior merited celebration?
Everyone who worked to make the election a positive experience. Anyone who is a good friend.
12. whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
High school kids on the subway and the bus.
13. where did most of your money go?
Food—either eating out or ingredients to prepare things at home.
14. compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
a) generally about the same b) fatter but I hope I have a good excuse, c) poorer if you include retirement fund losses
15. what do you wish you'd done more of?
Had more dinner parties.
16. what do you wish you'd done less of?
Mindless procrastination.
17. did you fall in love in 2008?
Yes, with the chair (see 10).
18. what was the best new book you read?
Cormac McCarthy’s The Road. Df gave it to me as a birthday present and it was one of those “can’t put it down” experiences.
19. what was your favorite film of the year?
Rachel Getting Married. But I’ll admit that I didn’t see too many movies this year.
20. what kept you sane?
Yoga, cycling (class and outside), cooking/baking, fun tv, having a good partner
21. tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
I do not keep my cool in emergency situations. Apparently when df is in trouble, I will either scream, panic, or both.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
dirty tricks (and am I dumb for expecting more?)
I was lucky enough today to enjoy lunch in the park with df and ab. The park was crowded, as it usually is during the lunch hour, with people jockeying for tables and lawn space. A woman approached us to sign a petition to "raise the minimum wage" in our state. ab, being from out-of-state and much smarter than to agree to sign a random petition declined, but df and I took the the clipboards. Upon closer examination, I realized that the top part of the petition was folded over, you know, the one that tells you exactly what you're signing. So I freed the top sheet from the clip and oh, look--it was not a petition about raising the minimum wage at all, but rather a petition to get R*lph N*dar on the ballot as a presidential candidate. The signature collector then said, "Yes, we're trying to get him on the ballot because he's a supporter of raising the minimum wage." Um, ok. Is this kind of thing illegal or just unethical?
Monday, July 21, 2008
Who I am still thankful for 1 year later
One year and one day ago, it was all over. I walked out of the thesis office, one dissertation lighter. Between preparing to move and finishing it all up, I was too exhausted to be giddy, but I was definitely grateful. The acknowledgments were one of the last things I wrote in the process.
The short version: writing a dissertation is like hauling a 5-ton boulder along a twisting path up a rocky hill without a map. I am forever thankful for the many people who helped me carry that freakin' rock along the way.
Here's the more fomal version (please forgive omissions due to fatigue at the time of writing):
Like many other pieces of writing, this dissertation has been a collaborative effort, made possible by the supportive people around me. For their dedication and willingness to help a needy graduate student, I’d like to thank all of the administrative staff in the department. I am especially thankful for TB who has provided me with all of the essentials, from peanut-butter rice crispy treats to a spare computer, and LH who has been such a good friend. I owe my current research interests to my encounters with dedicated teachers and scholars during my formative years: JA (Cool Feminist Philosopher), Constance, LD (Critical Theory
Guy), SD (First Teaching Mentor), PG (Composition Teacher during Grad Stint #1), ZG (high school history teacher), AR (Composition Teacher/Textbook Guru), and SS (Undergrad Mentor) all come to mind. I’d also like to thank JB, NR, and SS for always being available to answer my many questions and for being kind enough to ask some back.
I’m fortunate to have people in my life who give me much needed perspective for all of my research, including my grandparents and the rest of my extended family, my rowdy officemates in 315, all of the “Commandos” and “Doublepaunchers,” and my dear friends in Coffee Flats, wherever that may be. My colleagues, fellow students, and friends in Writing Studies need recognition for creating such a wonderful community. I am especially grateful for the insights of PB, MB, AC, KC, c... JP, Grim, SL, JW, and NW—you all helped me along with your thoughtful responses to my ideas and drafts. I’d also like to acknowledge MG/Hungygirl for her warm friendship throughout my stint in the Midwest.
My dissertation group deserves much of the credit (and none of the blame) for what lies in the following pages; thanks to EB, JH, LM, KHO, and prettytypewriters, and to our fearless leader who shared his home, snacks, and smarts. I’m particularly grateful for the friendship and support of E, K, and J who have been with me from the very beginning.
For their high standards, generosity and intellect, I sincerely thank the members of my committee. No one could ask for better mentors. I am indebted to GH and to CP. I am especially appreciative of DH; her enthusiasm is what got me here.
Everyone should be lucky enough to have an adviser and friend as intelligent, selfless, encouraging, and hilarious as PLM (aka superadviser). I give him my deepest thanks for his unflagging guidance.
Special thanks to my family, who have cheered me on and given me a lifetime of support. And df deserves the biggest thanks of all for sustaining me, for being such a good sport, and for making it all worthwhile.
The short version: writing a dissertation is like hauling a 5-ton boulder along a twisting path up a rocky hill without a map. I am forever thankful for the many people who helped me carry that freakin' rock along the way.
Here's the more fomal version (please forgive omissions due to fatigue at the time of writing):
Like many other pieces of writing, this dissertation has been a collaborative effort, made possible by the supportive people around me. For their dedication and willingness to help a needy graduate student, I’d like to thank all of the administrative staff in the department. I am especially thankful for TB who has provided me with all of the essentials, from peanut-butter rice crispy treats to a spare computer, and LH who has been such a good friend. I owe my current research interests to my encounters with dedicated teachers and scholars during my formative years: JA (Cool Feminist Philosopher), Constance, LD (Critical Theory
Guy), SD (First Teaching Mentor), PG (Composition Teacher during Grad Stint #1), ZG (high school history teacher), AR (Composition Teacher/Textbook Guru), and SS (Undergrad Mentor) all come to mind. I’d also like to thank JB, NR, and SS for always being available to answer my many questions and for being kind enough to ask some back.
I’m fortunate to have people in my life who give me much needed perspective for all of my research, including my grandparents and the rest of my extended family, my rowdy officemates in 315, all of the “Commandos” and “Doublepaunchers,” and my dear friends in Coffee Flats, wherever that may be. My colleagues, fellow students, and friends in Writing Studies need recognition for creating such a wonderful community. I am especially grateful for the insights of PB, MB, AC, KC, c... JP, Grim, SL, JW, and NW—you all helped me along with your thoughtful responses to my ideas and drafts. I’d also like to acknowledge MG/Hungygirl for her warm friendship throughout my stint in the Midwest.
My dissertation group deserves much of the credit (and none of the blame) for what lies in the following pages; thanks to EB, JH, LM, KHO, and prettytypewriters, and to our fearless leader who shared his home, snacks, and smarts. I’m particularly grateful for the friendship and support of E, K, and J who have been with me from the very beginning.
For their high standards, generosity and intellect, I sincerely thank the members of my committee. No one could ask for better mentors. I am indebted to GH and to CP. I am especially appreciative of DH; her enthusiasm is what got me here.
Everyone should be lucky enough to have an adviser and friend as intelligent, selfless, encouraging, and hilarious as PLM (aka superadviser). I give him my deepest thanks for his unflagging guidance.
Special thanks to my family, who have cheered me on and given me a lifetime of support. And df deserves the biggest thanks of all for sustaining me, for being such a good sport, and for making it all worthwhile.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
I'd like to publicly thank X...
It's coming up on the one-year anniversary of depositing my dissertation. To mark the occasion, I'd really like to post an abbreviated version of my acknowledgments. I want to do this in order to thank the people who helped me out in a more public space. Of course, the document as it stands right now has a number of names, including a bunch of former teachers. But does changing everything to pseudonyms defeat the purpose of publicly posting in the first place? Do certain people get a fake name while others have their full names posted? I suppose I could substitute a name with a quick description so it's not just a long list of initials but that doesn't seem quite right either. I'm not sure what to do here.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
the last two weeks in three cones
Because I've been nursing a terrible sore throat and cold, I'm feeling a little guilty because I've also been eating quite a few ice cream cones lately. I know, I know--when you're sick, no dairy, but I was really throwing caution to the wind.
Cone #1, June 18: After a heavy grilled cheese sandwich at the Spotted Pig (a sandwich that needed some fruity balance like fig spread or apples or something), ck and I ventured over to the Ronnybrook Farm dairy bar in Chelsea Market. I tried their strawberry and blueberry and they were both quite good (the blueberry was a little bit icy for my taste), but I needed something a little bit sharper to cut through the residue of the grilled cheese sandwich. Their ginger creme brulee did the trick; flecked with tiny pieces of ginger, the flavor definitely woke up my mouth.
Cone #2, June 27: I read recently about the gourmet ice cream truck in Soho so when I found myself in the neighborhood after a birthday afternoon of biking at Governor's Island, I really couldn't resist. Who cares that it was 45 minutes before dinner? Pre-sert should always on the agenda. I had such good luck with ginger during my previous ice cream outing that I picked ginger again with no regrets. Van Leeuwen's has bigger pieces of ginger than Ronnybrook, but not to the point of distraction. The cone was refreshing and creamy, perfect for a summer day. df and I were sitting on some steps near the truck and got interviewed by some Japanese television show about how we liked our ice cream cones. We gave them our hearty recommendation.
Cone #3, June 28: ck suggested that I check out Blue Marble, saying they had the best strawberry ever. Having some out-of-town visitors, including an almost-4 year old, seemed like the perfect occasion to head over there. I had two mini-scoops--one strawberry and one chocolate. Both delicious. The two flavors complemented each other well, especially because the chocolate was quite dark and the strawberry had a wonderful sour undertone (perhaps buttermilk?).
Please don't ask me to rank them because I would happily eat any of these cones again. With their artisan flavors and locavore-ish philosophy, they even give the gold (cold?) standard a run for its money. I'm sure I'll be visiting all 3 again. But I think I might need to hit the gym first.
(sorry, no pictures. next time!)
Cone #1, June 18: After a heavy grilled cheese sandwich at the Spotted Pig (a sandwich that needed some fruity balance like fig spread or apples or something), ck and I ventured over to the Ronnybrook Farm dairy bar in Chelsea Market. I tried their strawberry and blueberry and they were both quite good (the blueberry was a little bit icy for my taste), but I needed something a little bit sharper to cut through the residue of the grilled cheese sandwich. Their ginger creme brulee did the trick; flecked with tiny pieces of ginger, the flavor definitely woke up my mouth.
Cone #2, June 27: I read recently about the gourmet ice cream truck in Soho so when I found myself in the neighborhood after a birthday afternoon of biking at Governor's Island, I really couldn't resist. Who cares that it was 45 minutes before dinner? Pre-sert should always on the agenda. I had such good luck with ginger during my previous ice cream outing that I picked ginger again with no regrets. Van Leeuwen's has bigger pieces of ginger than Ronnybrook, but not to the point of distraction. The cone was refreshing and creamy, perfect for a summer day. df and I were sitting on some steps near the truck and got interviewed by some Japanese television show about how we liked our ice cream cones. We gave them our hearty recommendation.
Cone #3, June 28: ck suggested that I check out Blue Marble, saying they had the best strawberry ever. Having some out-of-town visitors, including an almost-4 year old, seemed like the perfect occasion to head over there. I had two mini-scoops--one strawberry and one chocolate. Both delicious. The two flavors complemented each other well, especially because the chocolate was quite dark and the strawberry had a wonderful sour undertone (perhaps buttermilk?).
Please don't ask me to rank them because I would happily eat any of these cones again. With their artisan flavors and locavore-ish philosophy, they even give the gold (cold?) standard a run for its money. I'm sure I'll be visiting all 3 again. But I think I might need to hit the gym first.
(sorry, no pictures. next time!)
Monday, June 30, 2008
the beauty of June
The month of June brings a particular kind of joy in my life. When I was a kid, June meant an ice cream birthday cake was on the horizon, as well as all the other "school's out" kinds of feelings that you tend to have. But now it means the end of the school year and the beginning of summer in a completely different way than it did when I was 12. While not teaching during the summer doesn't mean days of lazing around and traveling, I actually don't mind. It feels like an absolute luxury to be able to think about my research project and my writing with a huge chunk of time in front of me. This June has seemed particularly good, even with the debilitating bouts of poison ivy and a terrible summer cold that made me lose my voice and knocked me out for several days (perhaps it seems like a cakewalk compared to last June with its serious deadlines and moving preparation and good-byes).
June-ing doesn't exactly roll off the tongue in the same way as dh's octobering, but the feeling of June for me is distinct because June is all about possiblity and excitement about what the summer will bring, whether that's getting a lot of work done or making fun vacation plans or seeing what will grow. I've spent the month laying out plans for my big research project--reading, taking notes, writing, strategizing--all without too many distractions or at least, only fun distractions. July is the month when I start gearing up for the school year (um, still haven't submitted my book order for fall classes) and it feels like there's less summer left than what's already passed. But I'm enjoying today, this last day in June.
June-ing doesn't exactly roll off the tongue in the same way as dh's octobering, but the feeling of June for me is distinct because June is all about possiblity and excitement about what the summer will bring, whether that's getting a lot of work done or making fun vacation plans or seeing what will grow. I've spent the month laying out plans for my big research project--reading, taking notes, writing, strategizing--all without too many distractions or at least, only fun distractions. July is the month when I start gearing up for the school year (um, still haven't submitted my book order for fall classes) and it feels like there's less summer left than what's already passed. But I'm enjoying today, this last day in June.
Monday, June 23, 2008
salad days
Part of the deal with our CSA is that you work a couple of shifts at the weekly distribution over the course of the summer. Last week, I was completely knocked out with a bad cold so df covered our first shift.
Well, df came back with the most ridiculous pile of vegetables ever. Apparently, the CSA hasn't set up its usual system with a shelter yet so the volunteers divided up the 4 unclaimed boxes. We ended up with: 4 bulbs(?) of kohlrabi (any suggestions would be great), a couple of quarts of strawberries, 4 bunches of rhubarb, lots of chard, a couple of bunches of cilantro, a pile of broccoli, garlic scapes, and lots and lots of salad stuff. We are dutifully working our way through 5 heads of various lettuce (butter, boston, red) and 3 bags of arugula. We've had it with salmon, we've had it with chicken, with a lime-herb vinagrette and with a balsamic vinagrette. We've had salad with beans in it, with broccoli in it.
Maybe it goes without saying that I'm kind of sick of salads.
Well, df came back with the most ridiculous pile of vegetables ever. Apparently, the CSA hasn't set up its usual system with a shelter yet so the volunteers divided up the 4 unclaimed boxes. We ended up with: 4 bulbs(?) of kohlrabi (any suggestions would be great), a couple of quarts of strawberries, 4 bunches of rhubarb, lots of chard, a couple of bunches of cilantro, a pile of broccoli, garlic scapes, and lots and lots of salad stuff. We are dutifully working our way through 5 heads of various lettuce (butter, boston, red) and 3 bags of arugula. We've had it with salmon, we've had it with chicken, with a lime-herb vinagrette and with a balsamic vinagrette. We've had salad with beans in it, with broccoli in it.
Maybe it goes without saying that I'm kind of sick of salads.
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