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.
Monday, October 6, 2008
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!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Beep beep click click whirr....
As part of my desire to be more environmentally responsible, I decided to ride my bike to vote and go to the library today. [OK, and in the process get some exercise]. I am painfully out of shape, but I survived the [paltry] 4/14 miles. Idiot that I am, though, I didn't take any water with me. Won't make that mistake again.
We have access to a lot of things within a mile or so of where I live, but it's all cut down the middle by a highway that just isn't pedestrian/biker friendly. The post office is in the middle of the highway [think of it like a big island in between the westbound and eastbound lanes] which just pisses me off because it's just inaccessible by anything other than car. But, when I can, I'll ride my bike to run my errands instead of taking the car.
I was perusing the bike laws today and discovered that I'm required to have an "audible signal" which can be heard up to 100 feet away. This news made me tingle. I get to get a horn! Or a bell. I'll have to try them out to see what is best. I'll do this when I get back from vacation. I was also scolded by my husband because I didn't wear my helmet...so I'll start to do that, too.
[I think] we decided to leave for Maine early Thursday morning. There's just too much to do before we go. What concerns me, though, is that we suck at getting up early. Heeding the 5am [or 4am] alarm is not going to go well, me thinks. But I'm excited about getting away. It's only for a few days, but I'm hopeful that we'll still be able to relax. At the very least, we'll just gorge ourselves on lobster!
I got a voicemail from the Dept. Chair today, telling me that another class opened up this summer. If it doesn't conflict with the class I'm already teaching, I'll take it. I need the money, and frankly, I miss the work. The session starts June 24th -- I'll start prepping for it next week.
My garden is doing well [so far]. Everything has been planted -- it's just a matter of weeding, watering, and waiting for the harvest. There are some things I'll plant soon for a fall/winter harvest. I'll post photos when it gets more interesting.
I've finished some great books recently [most of them about living simply, without modern technology...hence my desire to stay away from the computer]. It's been nice to get away from the computer and it's tendency to suck time out of me. But I do want to write about a couple great books I just finished, so...when I get back.
We have access to a lot of things within a mile or so of where I live, but it's all cut down the middle by a highway that just isn't pedestrian/biker friendly. The post office is in the middle of the highway [think of it like a big island in between the westbound and eastbound lanes] which just pisses me off because it's just inaccessible by anything other than car. But, when I can, I'll ride my bike to run my errands instead of taking the car.
I was perusing the bike laws today and discovered that I'm required to have an "audible signal" which can be heard up to 100 feet away. This news made me tingle. I get to get a horn! Or a bell. I'll have to try them out to see what is best. I'll do this when I get back from vacation. I was also scolded by my husband because I didn't wear my helmet...so I'll start to do that, too.
[I think] we decided to leave for Maine early Thursday morning. There's just too much to do before we go. What concerns me, though, is that we suck at getting up early. Heeding the 5am [or 4am] alarm is not going to go well, me thinks. But I'm excited about getting away. It's only for a few days, but I'm hopeful that we'll still be able to relax. At the very least, we'll just gorge ourselves on lobster!
I got a voicemail from the Dept. Chair today, telling me that another class opened up this summer. If it doesn't conflict with the class I'm already teaching, I'll take it. I need the money, and frankly, I miss the work. The session starts June 24th -- I'll start prepping for it next week.
My garden is doing well [so far]. Everything has been planted -- it's just a matter of weeding, watering, and waiting for the harvest. There are some things I'll plant soon for a fall/winter harvest. I'll post photos when it gets more interesting.
I've finished some great books recently [most of them about living simply, without modern technology...hence my desire to stay away from the computer]. It's been nice to get away from the computer and it's tendency to suck time out of me. But I do want to write about a couple great books I just finished, so...when I get back.
Monday, May 19, 2008
What did you do today?
I've been off for a little over a week, and every day my husband asks me, "What did you do today?" Well. Not as much as I planned on doing. But it's not my fault -- the weather has been horrible (cold, rainy) for gardening. I've done a ton of reading, though -- expect a full report in a day or so.
I've been obsessed with asparagus lately. You know, the green stalks that make your pee smell when consumed. It's asparagus season around here...and I can't find any. Yes, I can find the stuff trucked across the country from California, but nothing local. I've inquired at farm stands, but no luck. I've only managed to find some local lettuce. But everything at the local farmer's market (note: there's another one that I haven't tried yet) is non-local. Yeah, that makes sense.
Inspired by Barbara Kingsolver's Animal, Vegetable, Miracle (I re-read it last week...seriously, everyone needs to read it...NOW) I've been trying to eat seasonally and grow as much as I can. I've started a garden at my parents' (they have more land and sun), but the weather has been so weird that I haven't even put in the tomatoes, peppers, squash, etc. I'm worried that we won't harvest much before fall.
I just have these grand visions of living off the land. My grandparents did it. They had a huge garden, raised chickens and cows (which they butchered and ate...I didn't realize this until a few years ago...yes, I'm a little slow) and only had to go grocery shopping once a month or so for items they couldn't produce on their own. I wish I'd paid more attention to how they did it. I was so young, though, and didn't think about a time when they'd be gone and I'd want to know how the heck to grow and preserve things.
Hmmm...wonder if there's a canning/preserving class somewhere...
I've been obsessed with asparagus lately. You know, the green stalks that make your pee smell when consumed. It's asparagus season around here...and I can't find any. Yes, I can find the stuff trucked across the country from California, but nothing local. I've inquired at farm stands, but no luck. I've only managed to find some local lettuce. But everything at the local farmer's market (note: there's another one that I haven't tried yet) is non-local. Yeah, that makes sense.
Inspired by Barbara Kingsolver's Animal, Vegetable, Miracle (I re-read it last week...seriously, everyone needs to read it...NOW) I've been trying to eat seasonally and grow as much as I can. I've started a garden at my parents' (they have more land and sun), but the weather has been so weird that I haven't even put in the tomatoes, peppers, squash, etc. I'm worried that we won't harvest much before fall.
I just have these grand visions of living off the land. My grandparents did it. They had a huge garden, raised chickens and cows (which they butchered and ate...I didn't realize this until a few years ago...yes, I'm a little slow) and only had to go grocery shopping once a month or so for items they couldn't produce on their own. I wish I'd paid more attention to how they did it. I was so young, though, and didn't think about a time when they'd be gone and I'd want to know how the heck to grow and preserve things.
Hmmm...wonder if there's a canning/preserving class somewhere...
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