Today I will start a chapter that I'll send off to some other "scholars" who are writing about service-learning and composition. It's part of the deal for academics; we teach and write. My project with the After Breast Cancer group was a good one. It resulted in a book that I just did the final edit on yesterday. The article I wrote about the project is under review, and if I can stop blogging and get the chapter done, so too will it be part of my tenure portfolio.
But what about the book I'd like to write? I don't really know what it would be. If autobiographical, the plot line would be: Catholic Jersey kid leaves home at fifteen, moves West, then East, then West, then East, marries, has children, gets divorced, gets doctoral degree. Wow, that's exciting! Maybe if I put in the part about the clown business I had . . .
Maybe I'd write a book about a boy who builds a spaceship and goes to Mars and finds out that Mars is full of people and stuff . . .oh wait, that's a Belle and Sebastian song.
I know, I'd write a book about the dark, dirty underside of school politics in a small central New York village, where missing money leads to murder and then it turns out that . . .oh wait, that's really happening in Clinton. Well, not the murder part, yet.
You know, when I really think about it, I don't want to write any of that stuff. Maybe writing scholarship isn't so bad after all. My friend Prisci says she can get me work writing porn, but I'm sure I won't do that until after tenure.
What would your book be about, if you could write any book at all?
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Dirty Little Secrets
Mikey says my blog is getting boring; Lu says I need to be more hard-hitting. Last night, the idea of posting dirty little secrets came up. Wow, what a great idea for my tenure year! Thanks Lu. Also, thanks for the critique guys because for the first time in a long time I have writers block, and I can't thing of a thing to post that could be interesting. Sure I had some good ones: for example, "Oooh, How Do You Like Your Eggs?". Now that idea seems kinda lame.
Maybe I should make up something. I could use this blog to reveal the truth that Alicia and Catherine have different fathers (ala Graham Swift's last novel, Tomorrow, which sucked) and see how long it takes them to read their own mother's blog. Don't tell, okay?
Think about it; they don't look alike at all, do they? I mean besides the fact that they both have mustaches.
So, I'm adrift with nothing much to say unless I get started on the whole Michelle Obama needs to leave me along thing. I could put something threatening in this post and see how long it takes for the Secret Service to show up outside my door.
There it is, my post! I'd like to hear from you about how many emails you're getting from candidates. I'm hearing from Barack, Michelle, Joe, Dennis, and some guy named Jon I've never heard of. Not just once, mind you. I'm hearing from Michelle (I call her Shel) all the time now, and Barack just sent me a video clip. I hope it's the Real Burnouts.
You hearing from anybody? Left or right, I don't care, let me know. What's the most ridiculous one you've gotten so far? Mine is still "Did you see Michelle on TV?" from Barack. Is this an American Idol campaign? I wanna get an email from his campaign that spells his name wrong. Whatchu got?
Maybe I should make up something. I could use this blog to reveal the truth that Alicia and Catherine have different fathers (ala Graham Swift's last novel, Tomorrow, which sucked) and see how long it takes them to read their own mother's blog. Don't tell, okay?
Think about it; they don't look alike at all, do they? I mean besides the fact that they both have mustaches.
So, I'm adrift with nothing much to say unless I get started on the whole Michelle Obama needs to leave me along thing. I could put something threatening in this post and see how long it takes for the Secret Service to show up outside my door.
There it is, my post! I'd like to hear from you about how many emails you're getting from candidates. I'm hearing from Barack, Michelle, Joe, Dennis, and some guy named Jon I've never heard of. Not just once, mind you. I'm hearing from Michelle (I call her Shel) all the time now, and Barack just sent me a video clip. I hope it's the Real Burnouts.
You hearing from anybody? Left or right, I don't care, let me know. What's the most ridiculous one you've gotten so far? Mine is still "Did you see Michelle on TV?" from Barack. Is this an American Idol campaign? I wanna get an email from his campaign that spells his name wrong. Whatchu got?
Friday, August 29, 2008
Mikey, ooooooooooooooooooooh!
Please tell Catherine that Missy wants to move in with her. She'll know what that means.
Kisses,
MNYAGG
Kisses,
MNYAGG
It Could Have Been a Brilliant Career
Yup, that's my theme song this week. I guess the first week of teaching has left me a little melancholy. As I look out at my students (all freshies, very nice)I can't help but wonder a few things. When you're in graduate school, you think little about the future because you're busy trying to survive the minute. But now, five years later, I have to stop and think about what's what. So I spent the summer writing some pretty smart stuff, now I'm back to helping people start their college writing careers. Daunting responsibility? No. Slightly depressing? Not really. But that starting at square one can be a bit deflating.
Thank goodness for humor. One of my students wants to be called Chocolate Thunder. He'll be fun. One came up to the table and took my coffee mug. Ouch! Both classes respond a lot, good. One class responds too much, okay. I'll be fine.
I have a reading next week at the Tramontane Cafe in Utica. I have two new poems and I like them both. I read with fun, smart people, and there's an open mic, so if you're in the area get out your guitar, zither, whatever and step up to the plate.
So now that this week's over, what has been your theme song? Has it been some ironic, funny song like mine that pokes fun at the whole idea of a career? Has it been some sappy ballad because you're so in love? Has it been a rap song about booty (Mikey I know you wanna spice up my blog, so respond)?
My song is out there on the Internet if you want to hear it. Right now I'm listening to Jens Lekman sing about Nina and his lesbian "girlfriend" situation, and you can just let me know what you're listening to, if you want.
I gotta take my melancholy self to the backyard with my mower, so let's hope when my three hours of homeowner bliss are done they'll be some encouraging comments. BTW Mikey, my blog is not getting boring. You're just not getting it.
Thank goodness for humor. One of my students wants to be called Chocolate Thunder. He'll be fun. One came up to the table and took my coffee mug. Ouch! Both classes respond a lot, good. One class responds too much, okay. I'll be fine.
I have a reading next week at the Tramontane Cafe in Utica. I have two new poems and I like them both. I read with fun, smart people, and there's an open mic, so if you're in the area get out your guitar, zither, whatever and step up to the plate.
So now that this week's over, what has been your theme song? Has it been some ironic, funny song like mine that pokes fun at the whole idea of a career? Has it been some sappy ballad because you're so in love? Has it been a rap song about booty (Mikey I know you wanna spice up my blog, so respond)?
My song is out there on the Internet if you want to hear it. Right now I'm listening to Jens Lekman sing about Nina and his lesbian "girlfriend" situation, and you can just let me know what you're listening to, if you want.
I gotta take my melancholy self to the backyard with my mower, so let's hope when my three hours of homeowner bliss are done they'll be some encouraging comments. BTW Mikey, my blog is not getting boring. You're just not getting it.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Did You See Me?
That was me running in Clinton yesterday at about 4:30. I wasn't breaking any records by any means, but I was out there, water bottle in hand, enjoying a little run after my last back injury. Enjoying, you say? Well, sort of. That brings me to today's topic -- why run?
1) Even when I think I'm in good shape, running reminds me that I've far to go.
2) Even though I walk a lot, running reminds me that things are actually somewhat loose and jiggly.
3) Running evokes comments from people, like the mother of a young child who said "yes, she's running!"
4) Running is horrible in so many ways that it feels great when it's done.
5) Running enables me to avoid conversations with other locals, when I need to stop chatting and get down Kellogg Street.
6) Running is fast, compared to walking, and therefore ends quicker.
7) Running makes me sweat, and that's probably a good thing.
8) Running renders me incapable of thought. Sure, I can remember not to cross a busy street, but I can't worry about tenure, or what that black thing hanging on the side of my house is, while running.
9) Running is in line with my leftist, liberal agenda. I hope someone out there will dispute this one.
10) Running lets me think I can run away from scary dogs (scary students) if I need to.
I should say that this running thing isn't really new for me. I used to run 3 miles a day, six days a week. Then I took up walking, and I thought I would always be a walker. Maybe taking up running again will put me in a walker, but a lot of doctors advise their "back patients" to run. Today, my spine says "good girl!" Who knows, tomorrow, it might say "are you crazy? You're too old to do this again!" If you think I'm nuts for starting up again, let me know. If you run, or like running, let me know.
This post isn't really about running, though; it's about questions. I know that some of you out there have expertise to answer some questions. Some are things I've been wondering about; some are things I probably should know; one isn't even really my question. So, here goes:
1) Why aren't all plants perennials?
2) What is CSS, and how can it be used (this one's for Clark)?
3) What happens to bulbs when we plant them in fall? I mean what really happens?
4) What does the average Canadian really think about nationalized health care? It might be an American issue soon.
5) Why doesn't everybody have a favorite Belle and Sebastian song?
6) How do I know whether to cover shrubs or not?
7) Is the Internet a good "place" to educate people? Moopy, I'm expecting a response to this one.
8) If you used to live here, why did you leave central New York?
9) What's the best way to bake bread in a bread machine? I'm getting out the Breadman this weekend, and I've been less than successful thus far.
10) What color should I paint my house?
If you know the answer to any of the above, let me know. Gotta go get ready for work and see if Carlie's jumping around too much from those chocolate covered coffee beans.
Peace to everybody; peace for everybody.
BTW, former Factory Times people, a name change is being talked about. What do you think about that?
1) Even when I think I'm in good shape, running reminds me that I've far to go.
2) Even though I walk a lot, running reminds me that things are actually somewhat loose and jiggly.
3) Running evokes comments from people, like the mother of a young child who said "yes, she's running!"
4) Running is horrible in so many ways that it feels great when it's done.
5) Running enables me to avoid conversations with other locals, when I need to stop chatting and get down Kellogg Street.
6) Running is fast, compared to walking, and therefore ends quicker.
7) Running makes me sweat, and that's probably a good thing.
8) Running renders me incapable of thought. Sure, I can remember not to cross a busy street, but I can't worry about tenure, or what that black thing hanging on the side of my house is, while running.
9) Running is in line with my leftist, liberal agenda. I hope someone out there will dispute this one.
10) Running lets me think I can run away from scary dogs (scary students) if I need to.
I should say that this running thing isn't really new for me. I used to run 3 miles a day, six days a week. Then I took up walking, and I thought I would always be a walker. Maybe taking up running again will put me in a walker, but a lot of doctors advise their "back patients" to run. Today, my spine says "good girl!" Who knows, tomorrow, it might say "are you crazy? You're too old to do this again!" If you think I'm nuts for starting up again, let me know. If you run, or like running, let me know.
This post isn't really about running, though; it's about questions. I know that some of you out there have expertise to answer some questions. Some are things I've been wondering about; some are things I probably should know; one isn't even really my question. So, here goes:
1) Why aren't all plants perennials?
2) What is CSS, and how can it be used (this one's for Clark)?
3) What happens to bulbs when we plant them in fall? I mean what really happens?
4) What does the average Canadian really think about nationalized health care? It might be an American issue soon.
5) Why doesn't everybody have a favorite Belle and Sebastian song?
6) How do I know whether to cover shrubs or not?
7) Is the Internet a good "place" to educate people? Moopy, I'm expecting a response to this one.
8) If you used to live here, why did you leave central New York?
9) What's the best way to bake bread in a bread machine? I'm getting out the Breadman this weekend, and I've been less than successful thus far.
10) What color should I paint my house?
If you know the answer to any of the above, let me know. Gotta go get ready for work and see if Carlie's jumping around too much from those chocolate covered coffee beans.
Peace to everybody; peace for everybody.
BTW, former Factory Times people, a name change is being talked about. What do you think about that?
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
I Like the Java Jive and It Likes Me
I've been thinking a lot about coffee since yesterday. My financial adviser, who is responsible for keeping me out of the poorhouse (and we all know there isn't even a poorhouse anymore) came over last night and declined a cup of coffee. He said he'd had about nine cups already. Nine cups! Yet he seems so calm.
I love coffee. I had my first taste of this luscious beverage when I was about nine years old. Mrs. Murphy said "you won't like it," but, oh, she was wrong. I remember the cup and saucer it was served in, white with yellow flowers, even though the cup contained only a few small sips. I don't know when I actually started drinking coffee, but I know I've consumed it for a long, long time.
Mrs. Murphy made the strongest coffee I've ever tasted. While the label on the coffee can says one tablespoon per cup, my mother uses one "scoop" per cup and adds an extra scoop "for the pot." I can't tell you precisely how big these scoops are, but they result in some high-powered coffee. Imagine people from NJ jacked up on coffee. Yikes!
When I was married, my husband liked his coffee weak (I could say like his women here, but that would be ridiculous), and when the Murphy clan came to visit they would politely ask that I make a pot of stronger coffee. My coffee must have seemed like, well I don't know, dishwater, pisswater, you fill in the blank here.
Now I make really strong coffee, but there's a catch; it's half decaf. My doctor told me last year to reduce stress, so I "cut" my coffee. It's a crappy street version of real coffee in some ways, but with it I can close my eyeballs for more than one second at a time. And I can shut up too, sometimes.
Which leads me to my question of the day. What's your coffee history? Or, how do like your coffee? If you don't drink coffee, tell me about your favorite beverage, hot or cold. Right now I'm sitting here with a cup of half-decaf laced with nonfat half and half. What are you drinking? Whatchu got?
I love coffee. I had my first taste of this luscious beverage when I was about nine years old. Mrs. Murphy said "you won't like it," but, oh, she was wrong. I remember the cup and saucer it was served in, white with yellow flowers, even though the cup contained only a few small sips. I don't know when I actually started drinking coffee, but I know I've consumed it for a long, long time.
Mrs. Murphy made the strongest coffee I've ever tasted. While the label on the coffee can says one tablespoon per cup, my mother uses one "scoop" per cup and adds an extra scoop "for the pot." I can't tell you precisely how big these scoops are, but they result in some high-powered coffee. Imagine people from NJ jacked up on coffee. Yikes!
When I was married, my husband liked his coffee weak (I could say like his women here, but that would be ridiculous), and when the Murphy clan came to visit they would politely ask that I make a pot of stronger coffee. My coffee must have seemed like, well I don't know, dishwater, pisswater, you fill in the blank here.
Now I make really strong coffee, but there's a catch; it's half decaf. My doctor told me last year to reduce stress, so I "cut" my coffee. It's a crappy street version of real coffee in some ways, but with it I can close my eyeballs for more than one second at a time. And I can shut up too, sometimes.
Which leads me to my question of the day. What's your coffee history? Or, how do like your coffee? If you don't drink coffee, tell me about your favorite beverage, hot or cold. Right now I'm sitting here with a cup of half-decaf laced with nonfat half and half. What are you drinking? Whatchu got?
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
It has begun!
As I was pulling on some flannel pajama pants this morning, I decided I'd write about summer's end, yet again. I want to say that I love autumn. My birthday always occurs during peak foliage season, and when I was growing up I thought the whole foliage thing had been designed for me. Now I'm older and I know that it was designed for me. Seriously, autumn, fall whatever you call it is my favorite season, and I know it's here in central New York by some welcome (and some not-so-welcome) signs. Since fall is election time, I'll combine the two and come up with a list of how I know it's fall and election time:
1) I was pulling on flannel pj's at 6:30 this morning.
2) When Linell and I walked yesterday, red leaves scattered the lawns of some yards.
3) I have 25 Barack Obama posters in my car (anybody want one?)
4) In my inbox this morning were messages from my new friends, Michelle and Joe. When Joe first wrote me the other day, the salutation read "Murphy".
5) I got out my rake to rake up some grass trimmings and left it out because I'll be using it on leaves soon enough.
6) I put on a sweater (cotton) to sleep in last night because I couldn't find any winter pajamas.
7) Some democrat is giving a speech in Denver every time I turn on the tv.
8) I am avoiding the tv (and radio) because of 7 above.
9) Related to 6, I'll be getting out my winter clothes this weekend.
10) As I write this, I'm sitting under two blankets, still wearing said sweater.
I can't tell whether I'm complaining about autumn in this list or not, but I know I'm complaining about the election. I am so sick to death of the whole thing that I can understand why people don't vote: they're just too tired by November. One of my friends said that we really have to work hard between now and the election, and I understand that. But I just wish it were done.
Well, I feel better now. I can concentrate on going to work to teach 44 freshpeople and make them smarter and make the world a better place. I just added the last part because I like people to think that's what I do. If anybody out there wants to share observations about autumn, the election, or anything else, please do. How do you know it's turning fall where you live? Do you like it? How about election years? Do you think they're exciting? Joe and Michelle, you're out of this one. I think we know how you feel.
I'm still looking forward to peace group retort suggestions. Thanks, Jess; you're a hoot. As for the restayouse, whatchu got?
Peace Out Y'alls
1) I was pulling on flannel pj's at 6:30 this morning.
2) When Linell and I walked yesterday, red leaves scattered the lawns of some yards.
3) I have 25 Barack Obama posters in my car (anybody want one?)
4) In my inbox this morning were messages from my new friends, Michelle and Joe. When Joe first wrote me the other day, the salutation read "Murphy".
5) I got out my rake to rake up some grass trimmings and left it out because I'll be using it on leaves soon enough.
6) I put on a sweater (cotton) to sleep in last night because I couldn't find any winter pajamas.
7) Some democrat is giving a speech in Denver every time I turn on the tv.
8) I am avoiding the tv (and radio) because of 7 above.
9) Related to 6, I'll be getting out my winter clothes this weekend.
10) As I write this, I'm sitting under two blankets, still wearing said sweater.
I can't tell whether I'm complaining about autumn in this list or not, but I know I'm complaining about the election. I am so sick to death of the whole thing that I can understand why people don't vote: they're just too tired by November. One of my friends said that we really have to work hard between now and the election, and I understand that. But I just wish it were done.
Well, I feel better now. I can concentrate on going to work to teach 44 freshpeople and make them smarter and make the world a better place. I just added the last part because I like people to think that's what I do. If anybody out there wants to share observations about autumn, the election, or anything else, please do. How do you know it's turning fall where you live? Do you like it? How about election years? Do you think they're exciting? Joe and Michelle, you're out of this one. I think we know how you feel.
I'm still looking forward to peace group retort suggestions. Thanks, Jess; you're a hoot. As for the restayouse, whatchu got?
Peace Out Y'alls
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
