Our furnace died over the weekend. It's been dying over the past few weeks, but we (I) didn't have time to call a repairperson to come and fix it. But it died a final death Saturday afternoon. We didn't want to bother anyone on a weekend, so we just bundled up and endured the coldness. It's around 50 degrees in the house, and it was down to 12 degrees outside last night. It's cold.
I left two messages for a repair person this morning, but no one has called me back yet. Hmpf.
I'm officially on winter break now, but I still have to grade finals and papers today. Grades must be posted by tonight. We used to have until after the new year, but they changed that this year. Hmpf.
Once I'm finished grading, I don't think I'll know what to do with myself. The past several months have been filled with prepping and grading...no free time at all. I have a huge stack of books that I want to make my way through. I'm also picking up some side work for an insurance broker, filling in for his assistant who's on maternity leave. Thankfully, that's just a few hours a week, and I can work from home.
The furnace people just called. I guess I should make the house look presentable!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Free time? What's that?
I have the day off today. I wasn't supposed to. A colleague and I were supposed to go to a workshop today, so I cancelled my classes at one college. Last night, they cancelled the workshop because of snow. I'm disappointed about that, but...I have a day off. Free time! And I have no idea what to do with myself!
I'm teaching 8 classes this semester (6 at one school, 2 at another). It is insane. Really. I have no time to do anything anymore. I teach back to back classes Monday through Thursday, 8am-5pm. Fridays are an "easy" day, with classes from 8:30-11:10. I am exhausted. They're all writing/literature classes, so I've been up late every night grading papers and commenting on drafts. It's too much. I'm looking forward to next semester, when I'll only have 4 classes at one college.
I haven't been reading anything aside from student papers, which is...depressing. I just don't have the time. I did place a rather large order a few weeks ago -- the new Stephen King, new Toni Morrison, and new Sarah Vowell.
Mary Karr came to campus for a reading last week. She taught a master class in the afternoon, discussing a writer's obligation to their audience. Then, I had the honor of going out to dinner with her with other folks from the department. She is an amazing woman. Completely unapologetic, not afraid to say exactly what she wants. She gave a fantastic reading that night, reading from Cherry, and her most recent book of poetry.
I think I might take a nap now. I haven't had a nap in months!
I'm teaching 8 classes this semester (6 at one school, 2 at another). It is insane. Really. I have no time to do anything anymore. I teach back to back classes Monday through Thursday, 8am-5pm. Fridays are an "easy" day, with classes from 8:30-11:10. I am exhausted. They're all writing/literature classes, so I've been up late every night grading papers and commenting on drafts. It's too much. I'm looking forward to next semester, when I'll only have 4 classes at one college.
I haven't been reading anything aside from student papers, which is...depressing. I just don't have the time. I did place a rather large order a few weeks ago -- the new Stephen King, new Toni Morrison, and new Sarah Vowell.
Mary Karr came to campus for a reading last week. She taught a master class in the afternoon, discussing a writer's obligation to their audience. Then, I had the honor of going out to dinner with her with other folks from the department. She is an amazing woman. Completely unapologetic, not afraid to say exactly what she wants. She gave a fantastic reading that night, reading from Cherry, and her most recent book of poetry.
I think I might take a nap now. I haven't had a nap in months!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Monday Blahs
I know, I know. It's been awhile. And every time I write, I say that I'm going to post more frequently...but it never happens.
Why?
Well. I was going to say that I'm busy (teaching 6 classes), but everyone is busy. I was also going to say that I haven't been feeling well lately, but that's no excuse.
Okay, so I have no excuse.
This semester has been a busy one, and there are moments when I can't wait until December 18th when it will all be over. But that's over two months away, so for now I'm just keeping my head down and doing what I have to do.
I did manage to find time to have some fun last weekend at the Dodge Poetry Festival. I met Lucille Clifton, whom I want to adopt as my grandmother. I also met Chris Abani, whose poetry blew me away, and Sharon Olds, who read a series of new poems inspired by Neruda's Odes. My favorite was "Ode to the Douchebag."
20 minutes later...
I just met with a student, and now I only have 15 minutes before my next class. So...until next time.
Why?
Well. I was going to say that I'm busy (teaching 6 classes), but everyone is busy. I was also going to say that I haven't been feeling well lately, but that's no excuse.
Okay, so I have no excuse.
This semester has been a busy one, and there are moments when I can't wait until December 18th when it will all be over. But that's over two months away, so for now I'm just keeping my head down and doing what I have to do.
I did manage to find time to have some fun last weekend at the Dodge Poetry Festival. I met Lucille Clifton, whom I want to adopt as my grandmother. I also met Chris Abani, whose poetry blew me away, and Sharon Olds, who read a series of new poems inspired by Neruda's Odes. My favorite was "Ode to the Douchebag."
20 minutes later...
I just met with a student, and now I only have 15 minutes before my next class. So...until next time.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
I should probably avoid writing when very tired. I'm yawning every minute or so, my eyes are watery and barely open, and I could fall asleep in, oh, about a second. But here I am. Because apparently I have something to say.
It's only the 5th day of the semester, and already I'm bone tired, ready for it all to be over. Don't get me wrong, I love every second (mostly) of my job. But I am tired.
I'm also a bit frustrated that I'm not reading anything of interest right now. Nothing has really struck my fancy in months, it seems. I'm re-reading The Reader, which I loved when I read it years ago, but it's boring me this time around. I don't know if it's because I'm so tired, or what. But it's getting really annoying.
A friend and I are thinking about starting a face-to-face book club, which is exciting. I have to admit, I miss taking literature classes. I miss sitting around with a bunch of folks, dissecting literature. I mean, I still do it to some extent in my classes, but it's not the same. I try not to offer my own thoughts/opinions so that the students are encouraged to think for themselves. Hopefully, the book club will be a good outlet for me. I've already started making a list of potential books (at the top, A Prayer for Owen Meany, which I love).
One thing I'm very excited about is the upcoming Dodge Poetry Festival. Any poetry lovers who are in the NJ/NY/PA area must go. I'm super excited about Lucille Clifton, Charles Simic, Sharon Olds, Billy Collins, and my colleague BJ Ward. Check out the website -- there are many more fantastic poets that I haven't listed here.
It's only the 5th day of the semester, and already I'm bone tired, ready for it all to be over. Don't get me wrong, I love every second (mostly) of my job. But I am tired.
I'm also a bit frustrated that I'm not reading anything of interest right now. Nothing has really struck my fancy in months, it seems. I'm re-reading The Reader, which I loved when I read it years ago, but it's boring me this time around. I don't know if it's because I'm so tired, or what. But it's getting really annoying.
A friend and I are thinking about starting a face-to-face book club, which is exciting. I have to admit, I miss taking literature classes. I miss sitting around with a bunch of folks, dissecting literature. I mean, I still do it to some extent in my classes, but it's not the same. I try not to offer my own thoughts/opinions so that the students are encouraged to think for themselves. Hopefully, the book club will be a good outlet for me. I've already started making a list of potential books (at the top, A Prayer for Owen Meany, which I love).
One thing I'm very excited about is the upcoming Dodge Poetry Festival. Any poetry lovers who are in the NJ/NY/PA area must go. I'm super excited about Lucille Clifton, Charles Simic, Sharon Olds, Billy Collins, and my colleague BJ Ward. Check out the website -- there are many more fantastic poets that I haven't listed here.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
The post where the blog totally jumps the shark...
Classes start tomorrow. I'm already overwhelmed. More on that later.
OK. I'm not pregnant, and probably won't be any time soon, but I know what I want to name my first son. Forget the family name I had picked out forever (Charlie Bennett). I'm going with the best, most super cool baby name (for a boy. Or a girl, if that's how you roll).
Leroy.
Yes, Leroy.
Yes, I'm serious.
In other news, I've had "Kiss Me Deadly" by Lita Ford stuck in my head FOR DAYS.
OK. I'm not pregnant, and probably won't be any time soon, but I know what I want to name my first son. Forget the family name I had picked out forever (Charlie Bennett). I'm going with the best, most super cool baby name (for a boy. Or a girl, if that's how you roll).
Leroy.
Yes, Leroy.
Yes, I'm serious.
In other news, I've had "Kiss Me Deadly" by Lita Ford stuck in my head FOR DAYS.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
A Day at the Races...
After a two month hiatus, we were finally back at the races yesterday. The car is still for sale, but we brought it out to Williams Grove Speedway (Mechanicsburg, PA) for a special race. A race for the children. It was a benefit for the Kasey Kahne Foundation. Kasey Kahne, Dave Blaney, and my boy Tony Stewart were all there to race. I'd been looking forward to this race for almost a year (since I attended last year's race...which didn't have Tony or Blaney). We didn't qualify, but that was OK. We just don't have the money or equipment to race with these guys. But we gave it a shot.
I crawled into bed at 3am, and I'm beat. So here are photos from the day. I promise, a real post soon.
Kasey Kahne on the track
Tony Stewart on the track
Turn 2 from the bridge (crosses over the track)
Kasey Kahne
Tony Stewart
Turn 3 from the bridge
Tony signing autographs (no, I didn't get one)
My only complaint about the day was that they allowed spectators (folks not associated with a car) into the pits during the races. Most of them congregated around the Nascar drivers' cars, and created a HUGE safety hazard because they were standing in the pit lane, where cars were coming and going. While Tony and Kasey were in their cars waiting to be pushed out onto the track, people were gawking, standing right by their car to take pictures of them in the cockpit. During the driver's meeting, there were people giggling and taking photos of the three (Kahne, Stewart, and Blaney) of them. I can completely understand the excitement of seeing your favorite driver up close, but they're there to race. Take pictures and stuff during autograph sessions or after the race. But when they're trying to focus and get ready to go out on the track, leave them alone.
OK, now I'm going to take a nap.
I crawled into bed at 3am, and I'm beat. So here are photos from the day. I promise, a real post soon.
Kasey Kahne on the track
Tony Stewart on the track
Turn 2 from the bridge (crosses over the track)
Kasey Kahne
Tony Stewart
Turn 3 from the bridge
Tony signing autographs (no, I didn't get one)
My only complaint about the day was that they allowed spectators (folks not associated with a car) into the pits during the races. Most of them congregated around the Nascar drivers' cars, and created a HUGE safety hazard because they were standing in the pit lane, where cars were coming and going. While Tony and Kasey were in their cars waiting to be pushed out onto the track, people were gawking, standing right by their car to take pictures of them in the cockpit. During the driver's meeting, there were people giggling and taking photos of the three (Kahne, Stewart, and Blaney) of them. I can completely understand the excitement of seeing your favorite driver up close, but they're there to race. Take pictures and stuff during autograph sessions or after the race. But when they're trying to focus and get ready to go out on the track, leave them alone.
OK, now I'm going to take a nap.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Ummmm....hi.
So...you'd think after not posting for two months I'd have something interesting to say. Oh? What's that? Where have I been? Ummmm...nowhere. Really. Just teaching and stuff. Nothing exciting. I haven't been online much recently because I've either been teaching (or doing class-related stuff) or reading (re-read the Twilight series and read the final book, Breaking Dawn which was horrible). See? Nothing exciting.
And because I have nothing exciting to write about, here's a meme via Andi:
1. My uncle once: let me drive the tractor around the field. In circles.
2. Never in my life: have I tried smoking.
3. When I was five: I already knew how to read.
4. High school was: painful.
5. I will never forget: the feeling of walking barefoot in my grandmother's garden growing up.
6. Once I met: Paula Cole at Lilith Fair.
7. There’s this girl I know: who doesn't think she's loved.
8. Once, at a bar: one of my bestest friends played "Mandy" by Barry Manilow on the jukebox just for me.
9. By noon, I’m usually: ready to go back to bed!
10. Last night: I watched the Olympics.
11. If only I had: money! I'd be able to help my friends and family.
12. Next time I go to church: will be for a wedding or funeral.
13. What worries me most: losing my family.
14. When I turn my head left I see: the wall.
15. When I turn my head right I see: the husband sitting in the comfy chair.
16. You know I’m lying when: my face turns purple.
17. What I miss most about the 80s is: lately, Garbage Pail Kids.
18. If I were a character in Shakespeare I’d be: Ophelia.
19. By this time next year: I might be a mom.
20. A better name for me would be: I'm pretty happy with my name.
21. I have a hard time understanding: why people can't be nice to each other anymore. No one even says "Thank you" or "excuse me" anymore.
22. If I ever go back to school, I’ll: get my Phd. Or MFA
23. You know I like you if: I cook for you.
24. If I ever won an award, the first person I would thank would be: My parents.
25. Take my advice, never: put strawberries in Coke. Not good.
26. My ideal breakfast is: coffee and a cheese danish.
27. A song I love but do not have is: Hmmm...I can't think of anything. I think I have all of the songs I love already.
28. If you visit my hometown, I suggest you: get some pizza from Nicolosi's and a hot dog from Toby's.
29. Why won’t people: just get along!
30. If you spend a night at my house: you'll have to be ok with cats breathing on you all night.
31. I’d stop my wedding for: I don't know. I didn't stop mine!
32. The world could do without: mean people.
33. I’d rather lick the belly of a cockroach than:eat beets.
34. My favourite blonde(s) is/are: my niece.
35. Paper clips are more useful than: beets.
36. If I do anything well it’s: cook!
37. And by the way: I'm having soy chik'n sammies with tater tots and baked beans for dinner. Lazy!
And because I have nothing exciting to write about, here's a meme via Andi:
1. My uncle once: let me drive the tractor around the field. In circles.
2. Never in my life: have I tried smoking.
3. When I was five: I already knew how to read.
4. High school was: painful.
5. I will never forget: the feeling of walking barefoot in my grandmother's garden growing up.
6. Once I met: Paula Cole at Lilith Fair.
7. There’s this girl I know: who doesn't think she's loved.
8. Once, at a bar: one of my bestest friends played "Mandy" by Barry Manilow on the jukebox just for me.
9. By noon, I’m usually: ready to go back to bed!
10. Last night: I watched the Olympics.
11. If only I had: money! I'd be able to help my friends and family.
12. Next time I go to church: will be for a wedding or funeral.
13. What worries me most: losing my family.
14. When I turn my head left I see: the wall.
15. When I turn my head right I see: the husband sitting in the comfy chair.
16. You know I’m lying when: my face turns purple.
17. What I miss most about the 80s is: lately, Garbage Pail Kids.
18. If I were a character in Shakespeare I’d be: Ophelia.
19. By this time next year: I might be a mom.
20. A better name for me would be: I'm pretty happy with my name.
21. I have a hard time understanding: why people can't be nice to each other anymore. No one even says "Thank you" or "excuse me" anymore.
22. If I ever go back to school, I’ll: get my Phd. Or MFA
23. You know I like you if: I cook for you.
24. If I ever won an award, the first person I would thank would be: My parents.
25. Take my advice, never: put strawberries in Coke. Not good.
26. My ideal breakfast is: coffee and a cheese danish.
27. A song I love but do not have is: Hmmm...I can't think of anything. I think I have all of the songs I love already.
28. If you visit my hometown, I suggest you: get some pizza from Nicolosi's and a hot dog from Toby's.
29. Why won’t people: just get along!
30. If you spend a night at my house: you'll have to be ok with cats breathing on you all night.
31. I’d stop my wedding for: I don't know. I didn't stop mine!
32. The world could do without: mean people.
33. I’d rather lick the belly of a cockroach than:eat beets.
34. My favourite blonde(s) is/are: my niece.
35. Paper clips are more useful than: beets.
36. If I do anything well it’s: cook!
37. And by the way: I'm having soy chik'n sammies with tater tots and baked beans for dinner. Lazy!
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