that yesterday my colleague and I met with a publisher to talk about the anthology that came from a service-learning project. It looks like we will be able to get 1,000 copies of the book published with the grant money we have. That's really good news, since the project has been a long time in the works. It's a collection of narratives based on interviews with breast cancer survivors. It was a rewarding project, but it's time to get the show on the road, so to speak.
The other good news is that I'll be able to start the laser treatment this Monday instead of waiting a week. I'm already sick of being in bed and driving everywhere. I'm proud of myself for not a) over researching the procedure on the Internet, and b) letting myself freak out with worry that I may come out of this with a big hole burned through my back. Modern medicine, right?
Right.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
Bummer dude!
As this week ends, I have to say it hasn't been a great one. I had to cancel a trip to NYC to see my family and some goods friends coming from Portland. It makes me pretty sad. My back is under code red "back attack," and I'll just say it hurts a lot. So, as I often do, and because I'm a pathetically eternal optimist, I'm going to focus on some good things that happened this week. Hopefully it'll cheer me up.
1) My classes went very well. Students spoke very intelligently about the essays I assigned. Hooray!
2) Because of my back and immobility, I don't have to feel guilty because I'm not spending enough time with the stupid dog. Ha! Now I can focus on feeling guilty because I can't walk the dog, and she's turning into a little porker.
3) As my doctor said, I can devote the next six weeks "upper body strengthening". That translates to crunches and repetitions (many) with small weights. Maybe I won't have string bean arms when this is done.
4) I can focus even more (and this might not really be a good thing) on my next scholarly project.
5) I'll have more time to worry about tenure. Oops, how did that get in there?
6) I have more time to remind myself that, basically, I'm an optimist. And I'd better get to it.
7) My new posture, crooked and hunched over, might be considered quite sexy in some cultures.
8) The wonder drug my doctor gave me to reduce pain and inflammation should start working soon.
9) I have great linens, so that makes being bedridden a lot nicer.
10) Since I can't walk for exercise, I won't have to replace my shoes so soon.
Gee, I feel better already. Well, not really but I will. I hope that as your week draws to a close, you have some weekend fun to look forward to. Pity party, here I come!
1) My classes went very well. Students spoke very intelligently about the essays I assigned. Hooray!
2) Because of my back and immobility, I don't have to feel guilty because I'm not spending enough time with the stupid dog. Ha! Now I can focus on feeling guilty because I can't walk the dog, and she's turning into a little porker.
3) As my doctor said, I can devote the next six weeks "upper body strengthening". That translates to crunches and repetitions (many) with small weights. Maybe I won't have string bean arms when this is done.
4) I can focus even more (and this might not really be a good thing) on my next scholarly project.
5) I'll have more time to worry about tenure. Oops, how did that get in there?
6) I have more time to remind myself that, basically, I'm an optimist. And I'd better get to it.
7) My new posture, crooked and hunched over, might be considered quite sexy in some cultures.
8) The wonder drug my doctor gave me to reduce pain and inflammation should start working soon.
9) I have great linens, so that makes being bedridden a lot nicer.
10) Since I can't walk for exercise, I won't have to replace my shoes so soon.
Gee, I feel better already. Well, not really but I will. I hope that as your week draws to a close, you have some weekend fun to look forward to. Pity party, here I come!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Ouch!
So the news from the doctor wasn't so good. He thinks my back pain is another rupture, same disc, different side. I'm grounded for awhile, no extra walking, no jogging certainly, just going to work and resting for up to six weeks and taking an anti-inflammatory. Oh, and laser treatments, up to twenty of them that insurance won't cover. Maybe I'll drive that Corolla a little longer.
Am I bummed out? Yeah, a little.
What would cheer me up?
Well, the virtual pretend party hasn't happened yet, so answer those three questions from yesterday and let's do it. I'm not so sure about the Spam, Clark, but hey I'll (virtually) give it a try. Jess, your dip sounds interesting, and I'm gonna add some virtual chili flakes to the cocktail sauce. The best thing about the virtual nature of this event is that since it's not in CNY, nobody has to feel obligated to bring greens and riggies.
Back to my back; I call it the "back attack," yeah like "Barack Attack". Since I'll have a lot of free time on my hands, time that will not result in me learning to crochet after last year's pathetic attempt, what am I gonna do? What should I watch, read, take up? I've got Netflix and my buddies from Lost are still somewhat entertaining as I schlog through season two, but does anybody have any interesting recommendations?
Have a great Thursday!
Am I bummed out? Yeah, a little.
What would cheer me up?
Well, the virtual pretend party hasn't happened yet, so answer those three questions from yesterday and let's do it. I'm not so sure about the Spam, Clark, but hey I'll (virtually) give it a try. Jess, your dip sounds interesting, and I'm gonna add some virtual chili flakes to the cocktail sauce. The best thing about the virtual nature of this event is that since it's not in CNY, nobody has to feel obligated to bring greens and riggies.
Back to my back; I call it the "back attack," yeah like "Barack Attack". Since I'll have a lot of free time on my hands, time that will not result in me learning to crochet after last year's pathetic attempt, what am I gonna do? What should I watch, read, take up? I've got Netflix and my buddies from Lost are still somewhat entertaining as I schlog through season two, but does anybody have any interesting recommendations?
Have a great Thursday!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Cheering Up
Jess is sick, Clark didn't get an offer on his house, and my back is killing me. So, there are three people who could use a little cheering up. What should we do about it? Well, in my opinion a costume party always helps. If you read this blog, and you like costume parties, let's have a virtual pretend one today. Virtual and pretend might seem redundant, but since we're all going to work (probably), and many of us live in such vastly different places, it'll have to do.
So, if your one of those people who says they read my blog, but never comments, here's your chance. You get "into" this party by telling me three things:
1) What costume you're wearing to the party
2) What the best costume you ever wore to a party was
3) What must-have food/beverage you're bringing to the party and why it's a "must have"
Here's my party information:
1) I'm coming to the party dressed as that adorable cartoon character Meatwad. To make things even better, I'm coming covered in real chopped meat, as my parents call it. Realism is important, and now that I've thought about it I also like the idea of being covered in chopped meat(mmmm). Vegetarians won't appreciate it, but everybody else will be glad I came if we run out of party munchies.
2) The best costume I ever wore was the gummy worm tamer outfit I came up with once. It was cool, a little sexy too, I think. I had a black leotard, fishnet stockings, boots, a red satin circusy skirt, a top hat, a whip, and gummy worms pinned to my costume. I felt quite inventive, but did spend a bit of time repinning my gummies, which fell off frequently.
3) I don't have to bring anything. I'm covered in chopped meat! Okay, I'd still bring my fetish food: potato chips. I don't buy potato chips, so when I go to a party (or a catered school function) where there are potato chips, you know where to find me. Cheap ones, fancy ones: I love them tater chips. The resta youse (yes, I'm going to talk in my NJ accent at the party) can bring the fancy stuff. Me, I'm bringing a bag of plain chips, a bag of ridged chips, and a bag of lower salt chips for when I get thirsty and want to cut down on my salt intake. Sorry bbq and cheddar lovers. I don't believe in that sorta stuff.
So let's get this party stated! Answer my questions and you're in! It's gonna be the best virtual pretend costume party you've ever attended. And just planning it has really cheered me up. I hope you all can make it.
Nicholas, there's a Gambino out there waiting to be impersonated.
So, if your one of those people who says they read my blog, but never comments, here's your chance. You get "into" this party by telling me three things:
1) What costume you're wearing to the party
2) What the best costume you ever wore to a party was
3) What must-have food/beverage you're bringing to the party and why it's a "must have"
Here's my party information:
1) I'm coming to the party dressed as that adorable cartoon character Meatwad. To make things even better, I'm coming covered in real chopped meat, as my parents call it. Realism is important, and now that I've thought about it I also like the idea of being covered in chopped meat(mmmm). Vegetarians won't appreciate it, but everybody else will be glad I came if we run out of party munchies.
2) The best costume I ever wore was the gummy worm tamer outfit I came up with once. It was cool, a little sexy too, I think. I had a black leotard, fishnet stockings, boots, a red satin circusy skirt, a top hat, a whip, and gummy worms pinned to my costume. I felt quite inventive, but did spend a bit of time repinning my gummies, which fell off frequently.
3) I don't have to bring anything. I'm covered in chopped meat! Okay, I'd still bring my fetish food: potato chips. I don't buy potato chips, so when I go to a party (or a catered school function) where there are potato chips, you know where to find me. Cheap ones, fancy ones: I love them tater chips. The resta youse (yes, I'm going to talk in my NJ accent at the party) can bring the fancy stuff. Me, I'm bringing a bag of plain chips, a bag of ridged chips, and a bag of lower salt chips for when I get thirsty and want to cut down on my salt intake. Sorry bbq and cheddar lovers. I don't believe in that sorta stuff.
So let's get this party stated! Answer my questions and you're in! It's gonna be the best virtual pretend costume party you've ever attended. And just planning it has really cheered me up. I hope you all can make it.
Nicholas, there's a Gambino out there waiting to be impersonated.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Something Ain't Right
Last night I was prepping for my class today, and I had the tv on. I wasn't really paying attention to what was on, but then I noticed it was a show with somebody named Fava Flav (yes, I realize that saying "somebody named" makes me seem old and uncool). I guess he has a "reality" show that involves women trying to "get with him" (yeah, now I sound hip, right?), and he eliminates them one by one. Man, it would really bite to get picked off or kicked out by a guy who seems to have a lot of bling and a little less brainpower. Sorry, I call 'em like I see 'em.
Of course, the whole thing got me to thinking. Now if you think this is going to be a post about perfect mates (as in what would you look for in a), or a High Fidelity list of my top five rejects(assuming I'd been rejected by five), you're wrong. I want to do a little brainstorming about reality tv. What would it take to make a good reality tv show that smart people wouldn't be ashamed to admit watching. I mean, you could have a show in which people are eliminated because they can't come up with the correct poem that contains the line "The world's whole sap is sunk/
The general balm th' hydroptic earth hath drunk," but would it be fun to watch people stay in the game because they were the only ones who actually took 17 century brit lit? And doesn't that format just seem like a Jeopardy category?
So what would it take? What would a bunch of people have to do on tv to make a reality show good? You notice I'm assuming there are no good reality shows out there, when, in fact I know nothing. If there are quality reality shows, tell me about them. Maybe I could watch them between Lost dvds. I've seen Project Runway and that cooking show, and they just don't really have it. Catherine used to make me watch Dog the Bounty Hunter; I guess that's a reality show. I'd like to see one of you defend that!
Anyway, I'm going to come up with a great idea for a reality show, or maybe an absurd one. And I'm going to post it tomorrow. You should come up with one too. Maybe together we can make millions.
Peace Out
Of course, the whole thing got me to thinking. Now if you think this is going to be a post about perfect mates (as in what would you look for in a), or a High Fidelity list of my top five rejects(assuming I'd been rejected by five), you're wrong. I want to do a little brainstorming about reality tv. What would it take to make a good reality tv show that smart people wouldn't be ashamed to admit watching. I mean, you could have a show in which people are eliminated because they can't come up with the correct poem that contains the line "The world's whole sap is sunk/
The general balm th' hydroptic earth hath drunk," but would it be fun to watch people stay in the game because they were the only ones who actually took 17 century brit lit? And doesn't that format just seem like a Jeopardy category?
So what would it take? What would a bunch of people have to do on tv to make a reality show good? You notice I'm assuming there are no good reality shows out there, when, in fact I know nothing. If there are quality reality shows, tell me about them. Maybe I could watch them between Lost dvds. I've seen Project Runway and that cooking show, and they just don't really have it. Catherine used to make me watch Dog the Bounty Hunter; I guess that's a reality show. I'd like to see one of you defend that!
Anyway, I'm going to come up with a great idea for a reality show, or maybe an absurd one. And I'm going to post it tomorrow. You should come up with one too. Maybe together we can make millions.
Peace Out
Monday, September 15, 2008
Tights: An Update
Let me get the real narcissism out of the way first. So far I've found four pair of tights, two black, one a wine color, and one pair is brown argyle. And I said central New York is bereft of tights! Thank you, TJ Maxx. Add to that the jacket I bought in a color we'll call "impulse buy red" and I'd say it was a pretty productive materialist spree.
No new car, though. But I did almost get, let's call it "hood"winked. I found a 2006 Kia Rio on a lot, got an asking price, got a trade in value, then went home and found that on the dealer website the car was listed at $2,000. less than they'd told me. I called them up and got two great "possible" explanations. We'll see.
Some nasty stuff blew through during the night and now I can hear the sound of people running over branches in the street. Hurricanes used to be so much fun when I was a kid in Jersey. We'd start at the corner, schlogging through the backed up water all the way to the end of the block in our bare feet with our mothers yelling "that's sewah wawtah"! Great times.
113 pictures were taken with the cutout of Barack Obama Saturday. Several people changed parties, I hear. The picture was life sized (he is tall), and from now on I will think of him as very skinny. I've said this before, probably too many times, but since I don't watch tv news, I never really know what these people look like. Like until I read all that about him in the Times, I never knew Carl Rove was so handsome.
So here's my challenge for the week, challenge to myself that is. I'm gonna shake the crappy mood I developed last week. This week I go to the doctor, so hopefully my back will be on the mend. I'm also going to NYC, yep, the Big Apple, to hang out with friends from Portland. So what have I got to mope about? True, I'm out of Lost season two dvds until tomorrow, but I can probably make it, maybe.
What are you going to do this week?
No new car, though. But I did almost get, let's call it "hood"winked. I found a 2006 Kia Rio on a lot, got an asking price, got a trade in value, then went home and found that on the dealer website the car was listed at $2,000. less than they'd told me. I called them up and got two great "possible" explanations. We'll see.
Some nasty stuff blew through during the night and now I can hear the sound of people running over branches in the street. Hurricanes used to be so much fun when I was a kid in Jersey. We'd start at the corner, schlogging through the backed up water all the way to the end of the block in our bare feet with our mothers yelling "that's sewah wawtah"! Great times.
113 pictures were taken with the cutout of Barack Obama Saturday. Several people changed parties, I hear. The picture was life sized (he is tall), and from now on I will think of him as very skinny. I've said this before, probably too many times, but since I don't watch tv news, I never really know what these people look like. Like until I read all that about him in the Times, I never knew Carl Rove was so handsome.
So here's my challenge for the week, challenge to myself that is. I'm gonna shake the crappy mood I developed last week. This week I go to the doctor, so hopefully my back will be on the mend. I'm also going to NYC, yep, the Big Apple, to hang out with friends from Portland. So what have I got to mope about? True, I'm out of Lost season two dvds until tomorrow, but I can probably make it, maybe.
What are you going to do this week?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
