tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339543402012-01-27T13:24:52.410-05:00That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.comBlogger6501100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-90336176374811607482012-01-27T13:24:00.003-05:002012-01-27T13:24:52.428-05:00

As little j and I left for school today there was a torrential downpour.  We ran from the house to the car and, despite rain jackets and our quick feet, we were soaked by the time we got in.  And then little j came up with this gem as we drove to school: "The clouds must have had to pee really bad." 

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-48768799357786984602012-01-10T22:19:00.001-05:002012-01-10T22:28:26.604-05:00

Yes, the on-line catalog search is convenient, but sometimes I miss the card catalog.  Our library still has card catalogs, but they aren't easily accessible.  Apparently there are a few faculty who haven't learned how to use the on-line system.  In some ways I don't blame them; it's the difference between an e-reader and a book (well, maybe not that extreme, but....well, whatever). So, in the

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-69518485603698351402012-01-06T11:02:00.002-05:002012-01-06T23:07:05.324-05:00

Today my nerdiness manifests itself in my new office calendar.  First, let me say that I am super picky when it comes to calendars.  I think that they are a reflection of who I am and so I don't want to have something like, say, kittens frolicking in the grass.  While I think kittens are adorable, I don't want to be known as "That Girl with the kitten calendar."  In the past I've generally had a

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-77719279344512576762011-12-28T09:44:00.002-05:002011-12-28T09:44:45.226-05:00

The end of the year is always an odd time.  For one, I don't think of December as the end since my "work year" ends in May and I always think of August/ September as the beginning of a new year.  On the other hand, there are things that I do at the end of December that sort of signal "new year."  First and foremost, I begin to think about getting rid of things.  Now, it seems like that fits

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-20068676665368197982011-11-08T16:55:00.000-05:002011-11-08T16:55:42.512-05:00

I'm not a particular fan of bumper stickers.  Some I think are clever and humorous, but others are just mean-spirited.  Case in point, on my way home this afternoon there was a car in front of me with several political bumper stickers for republicans.  I don't have a problem with that.  But right in the middle of the trunk was a bumper sticker that read, "That Obama sticker on your car might as

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-91075610455297827002011-10-26T17:57:00.001-05:002011-10-26T20:30:51.681-05:00

Today in my history class we are talking about student protest movements.  As I was re-reading the articles for today there was one that really made me think about the current protest movements both in the U.S. and abroad -- "The free speech movement and the heroic moment" by James A. Hijiya.  The article is not just about the FSM in Berkeley, but at its core it is about a moment of consciousness

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-75184421665972545652011-10-22T11:54:00.000-05:002011-10-22T11:54:25.024-05:00

little j's soccer coach is awesome.  The girls have a lot of fun and work really hard.  It's a joy watching them play.  After they finished the game today I was waiting on the sidelines and watching the next team warm up.  The team is one that little j's team played a couple weeks ago and they are quite good and just a bit older.  As I was waiting I heard their coach say (yell?), "Is that how we

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-28762914362198833502011-10-21T07:25:00.001-05:002011-10-21T07:25:16.330-05:00

It's hard to believe that little j is 9 today.  There are some days I look at her and see a little girl and other days I look at her and see the woman she will become.  A couple weeks ago I sort of freaked out because we only have 9 more years until she is 18 and getting ready to head off to college.  So we are halfway there.  But, at heart, I'm not the mom that longs for the baby or little

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-77817510674872547602011-09-30T09:59:00.001-05:002011-09-30T09:59:16.014-05:00

I just watch Dierks Bentley on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.  He did a Pink Floyd song (since it is Pink Floyd Week on Late Night).   I seriously dislike Pink Floyd, but Dierks' cover was amazing. Speaking of covers, if someone suggests you listen to Susan Boyle's cover of Enjoy the Silence by Depeche Mode, don't.  Just run away, far, far away. Weather-wise, this is going to be the perfect fall

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-78298663609238379892011-09-28T11:39:00.003-05:002011-09-28T11:39:27.329-05:00

Elizabeth Warren has been on my radar for a while.  I think she got a raw deal with the Obama administration, but that's a topic for another day.  She is running for the Massachusetts senate seat and if I could vote for her I would.  She's amazing. Here's the quote that's making the rounds: You built a factory out there? Good for you.  But I want to be clear: you moved your goods to market

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-53894646847644831422011-09-19T20:40:00.003-05:002011-09-19T20:41:00.591-05:00

"This is not class warfare.  It's math."  President Obama We need to hear more statements like this!

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-91933958160665717052011-09-18T18:23:00.002-05:002011-09-18T18:23:22.064-05:00

It's getting a bit easier having Big J away during the week.  little j and I are finding our rhythm and we are able to spend good time with Big J when he is home on the weekends.  The plus is that he is usually home on Thursday night, so he has some down time (sort of) and we get him for three days! little j has adjusted better than I anticipated.  I think that is partly because she is so crazy

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-90843327502080308712011-09-09T11:03:00.002-05:002011-09-09T11:08:39.052-05:00

Yesterday I heard a wonderful interview with Hisham Matar on NPR.  Mr. Matar has a new book about a fictional account of a father's disappearance, loosely based on his own experience when his father was kidnapped by the Egyptian secret service. This story was definitely a "driveway moment" for me, although technically I was on my way to work.  (It's hard to have a "driveway moment" with Morning

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-13002953972871721152011-09-08T18:37:00.000-05:002011-09-08T18:37:12.688-05:00

As we are watching President Obama's speech little j has a running commentary.  But the best came when she asked why he was talking about "responsible hobos."  Or, perhaps, responsible homeowners?  Yeah, I like responsible hobos better too.

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-91698183398768445212011-09-05T18:26:00.002-05:002011-09-05T18:59:54.393-05:00

By nature, I am not a particularly organized person. Actually, pretty much the opposite. On the Myers-Briggs I am actually a very strong 'P,' and therefore, totally unorganized. Well, I should say, in the vernacular of the MBTI, my preference is to leave things open-ended, not be tied into decisions. I suppose that it can manifest itself in disorganization. Although, I don't see being

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-44780266209073672432011-08-30T21:43:00.002-05:002011-08-30T21:48:15.884-05:00

I feel like this week has gone on forever! On the plus side, I've checked a lot of my to do list. On the negative, I've added the same amount back on! But it's been good to get back on track and feel like little j and I are heading toward being on more of a schedule. I was writing her weekly schedule on the board this morning and realized that she is busy all but one evening during the week.

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-73539553632667306602011-08-26T21:07:00.003-05:002011-08-29T07:23:49.777-05:00

There have been some good days and bad days here at That Family's house the last couple of weeks. Big J is in his third week of his new job. I think he really likes it. It comes with a lot of new challenges and opportunities that he was really ready for. Here's the thing -- I miss having Big J around to share things with on a day to day basis. We usually talk a couple times a day, but it's

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-14476850346963081482011-08-12T12:39:00.002-05:002011-08-12T12:49:57.672-05:00

Someone told me that when men hear that a woman's husband is working away from home they say, "I'm so sorry to hear that." And when women hear it they say,"Wow, that must be great." I don't know how I feel about that. Week one of Big J's new job and I had one meltdown when I couldn't pump up little j's bicycle tire. I got a parking permit in a new lot today and it is so much closer! Woohoo!

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-27850845079548030832011-08-11T08:46:00.002-05:002011-08-11T09:16:56.835-05:00

I don't know many people that squeal with joy when the the announcement of a new poet laureate is made. I, however, was one of those people yesterday. And I freely admit that I "squealed with joy" when I heard that Philip Levine would be the U.S. Poet Laureate. I have long admired Mr. Levine's work for its deceptive simplicity, focus on social and political justice, and accurate portrayal of

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-70248710947100077482011-08-07T10:49:00.002-05:002011-08-07T10:56:22.466-05:00

We made it home last night about 11. It was a long day of traveling and we were all happy to be back in Virginia. We even all said that the humidity was okay. Yeah, that changed this morning when Big J and I both went outside and decided we were done with the humidity. Lots of changes this week. Big J starts his new position in DC, so little j and I will be on our own. I think it will be

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-41109122577752616872011-07-26T11:11:00.003-05:002011-07-26T11:24:00.379-05:00

We arrived in Oregon on Saturday and the simple change in weather has been good for all of us. Before we left Virginia I think we were all experiencing a bit of "heat rage." But with highs in the low 80s here we've all been a lot more pleasant to be around.The Js went fishing with Big J's dad today. It was so great seeing little j excited about fishing with Papa. Tomorrow she is going riding

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-652745849428896022011-07-20T11:47:00.003-05:002011-07-20T11:56:08.528-05:00

As if Muppets + Beastie Boys weren't enough, today I read two items about knitting that make me so happy: Pink has taken up knitting (as if I needed a reason to love her more). And there is a rumor that Margaret Atwood is on Ravelry. Seriously? What does she like to knit? But more importantly what is her name on Ravelry? Have I added one of her patterns to my favorites? Celebrities: just

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-89299305950069977022011-07-19T20:07:00.000-05:002011-07-19T20:08:21.091-05:00

Someone's been reading my dream journal.

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-14588733648994187852011-07-17T19:45:00.002-05:002011-07-17T20:17:37.037-05:00

Big J and I started watching Lost in March. (Yes, I know, we're late to the party.) We finished it last night and so glad to. It really sucked us in, but by the time we got halfway through season 5 we were pretty much ready to be done. I've been reading various theories on the show, but I don't know if anything really makes sense -- in fact, it really doesn't. And now, I don't care so much.

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-80300800857090115362011-07-12T11:29:00.003-05:002011-07-13T09:53:21.946-05:00

That's right, I have two more days of teaching. I think it gets harder as we get closer to the end because I know I'm almost done. There's just a point where I'm tired and all I really want to do is sleep. That point is Friday.The very best thing is that today I gave my last lecture of the summer. So happy! Tomorrow we are doing an all stats day, so it won't be difficult. Then Friday is all

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-63062679842111163872011-07-10T16:03:00.002-05:002011-07-10T16:22:23.223-05:00

I haven't been particularly productive this weekend, which is just fine with me. I'm trying to finish up some grading while hanging out with a sick little j and watching a Harry Potter marathon. I also have a kitten sleeping on my lap, always a good thing.I did get a new pair of Dansko sandals and another pair a little more work-appropriate that I've had my eyes on for a while. And since I've

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-89395164590511551182011-07-09T09:22:00.003-05:002011-07-09T09:29:34.977-05:00

It sucks to be sick when you have to teach 5 days a week. Once again, I am totally grateful for my rock star TA who has been the stats queen and filling in for me and generally making sure people are feeling like they have someone to vent to.It also sucks to go to the doctor thinking you have strep throat and coming out with cardiology appointment for a heart murmur. Wait a minute.......But I

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-77693246176612231942011-06-27T19:11:00.005-05:002011-06-27T19:22:33.250-05:00

Well, not really. But it is the first day of my second summer session. It's sort of odd. I feel like it's a continuation of the same class, but at the same time completely new and different.I had one of those teaching days where I feel like I was totally on my game in terms of getting a ton of information across in a clear way, but I was still left with several blank stares. That's okay, I

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-13375015460021700262011-06-24T10:12:00.002-05:002011-06-24T10:17:30.057-05:00

I really didn't want to get out of bed this morning. But I did and once class got going it was good.For their final class projects, I had students make a game about college access, experiences, and outcomes. They were awesome! I am actually pretty proud of how I teach, and I think I get better each time (that's good, right?). And honestly I've never been happier in a job despite my random

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-59267791488514496782011-06-21T13:52:00.002-05:002011-06-21T13:59:41.208-05:00

why grading papers in a coffee shop without earbuds is a bad idea:The coffee slurper across from me. I would understand (or be more tolerant) if the coffee were hot, but he's drinking iced coffee. And it's not a little slurp, it's a disgusting giant slurp. Every. Single. Time.The ridiculous 80s emo music. Yes, I liked it in high school and early in college when I was full of angst (ahhh.....

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-55003917754916547872011-06-21T12:17:00.003-05:002011-06-21T12:23:23.821-05:00

Big J and I watched a recent episode of Bizarre Foods and sat on the couch laughing hysterically. Yes, we are 12. No further explanation needed.P.S. Oh, Saturday Night Live writers, I hope you watch this show!

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-4859602466002780712011-06-19T15:54:00.002-05:002011-06-19T16:06:39.801-05:00

I've been sort of in a funk today because I keep thinking about calling my grandfather and wishing him a happy father's day. Of course there's no way to call where ever he may be, or not be, however you wish to look at it. So I get thrown off. And it's not like this is the first father's day he's been gone; it's been four years so you think I would have it figured out by now. I don't know

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-53239853281252293902011-06-17T12:26:00.003-05:002011-06-17T12:27:41.715-05:00

We have a new Whole Foods in town -- it's nice and definitely larger than the last one. However, the parking leaves something to be desired. This awesome video sums it up:

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-15478621417990462872011-06-11T08:53:00.002-05:002011-06-11T09:01:31.191-05:00

I'm not quite sure what to do with myself. Big J is still is Moscow and will return home tomorrow night. little j just left for a Girl Scout overnight. I'm all alone -- in the best kind of way possible. And what to do with myself? I just spent the last 45 minutes looking online for potting benches and came across photos of benches made out of old doors. I think that would be very cool -- an

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-29278224205217388292011-06-10T15:07:00.002-05:002011-06-10T15:15:53.557-05:00

I always forget how tiring teaching summer session is. By the end of week I'm ready for a break.I had a student tell me today (and this was a genuine complement) that I was the smartest person he'd ever met. It was sweet, but I had to laugh because it seemed too funny. It has been so, so, so hot here! The heat index has been over 100〫Yuck! As always, it wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-38350841343164567392011-06-07T15:34:00.002-05:002011-06-07T15:54:10.762-05:00

So today was my second day of teaching. I need to work on my time management skills in discussions. But honestly, the level of discourse in the class was amazing for day 2 with 24+ new graduate students. Of course this ramps up my expectations for discourse in the future.I have an interesting mix of students, which I really like. I've found that I've come to enjoy having athletes, or former

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-42522578407446161242011-06-05T20:22:00.002-05:002011-06-05T20:55:50.473-05:00

I start teaching class tomorrow. I'm so not ready. I mean, I'm ready for class -- the syllabus is done, assignments are ready, lectures are prepped. But I'm just not mentally ready. I feel like the time between the end of spring semester and now has been way too short. I just feel unprepared and I don't want to do it. I just want to curl up and sleep. Of course, that's not going to happen.

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-42913696980108167022011-06-03T14:35:00.003-05:002011-06-03T14:40:22.141-05:00

The return of her all-time favorite perfume! I was browsing Sephora today that there it was - DKNY Women. Same (almost) bottle, same intoxicating scent. I hoarded away bottles while I could and just started the last one. I cannot say how happy I am that DKNY brought this back.

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-89957013414601846402011-05-28T18:09:00.002-05:002011-05-28T18:13:59.718-05:00

We're in Oklahoma for Big J's family reunion. Oklahoma is much greener than I expected.I've learned a lot about the Chickasaw tribe on this trip (the Js are both Chickasaw). Very interesting and different than any of the tribes in the Pacific Northwest, since they are not nomadic or move seasonally.I also learned that the Chickasaw was one of the tribes that had slaves -- which seems pretty

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-81338983635103560892011-05-16T19:31:00.003-05:002011-05-16T19:46:04.505-05:00

I'm not a negotiator. I'd prefer to just take what's offered and make the best of it. So when I got my salary offer last week and it was above what I deemed my bottom line, I would have been happy. Fortunately I had done some reading about negotiating faculty salaries and I had Big J to support me.So I asked for 8.7% more than the offer (it makes more sense in whole dollars) and waited...

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-51901985651529616482011-05-14T21:35:00.002-05:002011-05-14T21:50:53.258-05:00

I have mixed feelings on college sports. On one hand, I love them. I think student athletes are some of the most dedicated individuals at universities. But it's where their dedication lies, often not on the "student" but rather the "athlete," that I have trouble with. Tonight I read an article about Troy Polamalu, Steeler safety, completing his college degree. Here's what he had to say, in

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-13808433196302519972011-05-13T16:38:00.003-05:002011-05-13T16:44:38.291-05:00

I am having a profound sense of deja vu at the moment. Big J has been away for two weeks in Ethiopia and South Africa. He is home tomorrow and I am so glad!little j and I are having our weekly pizza and American Idol tonight. It's been fun to watch with her. I'm craving hot wings.I'm also craving a grapefruit margarita. I have a giant pile of grading on my desk at work. This is not the best

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-52873879838457628832011-05-12T10:51:00.000-05:002011-05-13T15:40:10.429-05:00

Yes, it's grading time again so I have found two nerdy websites to procrastinate with:Public Radio Name Generator -- my name is Adelaide Palca-Guo. Big J is Leroy Reyes-Howard, and little j is Zooey Welna-Molina. This is nerdy awesomenessShit My Students Write -- brilliant gems like this, "The colonists won because they were better, duh!" make my own grading just a little bit easier.

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-84864612676506036622011-05-05T16:36:00.004-05:002011-05-05T16:44:35.114-05:00

Clearly, although I didn't blog about it, my interview went well because I received a job offer late yesterday afternoon. Although I had a good feeling, I wasn't 100% sure, so it was a relief to the the email and know that there is some stability in my future!This morning as I finished up my last class with the current cohort of students I was again reminded of the power of student experience

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-21818433927399523382011-04-24T20:17:00.002-05:002011-04-24T20:29:54.360-05:00

In the past (that is, when I was little), Easter was about going to church, celebrating the fact that Jesus died for our sins, and coloring Easter eggs. Now things are a little different. It's mostly about coloring eggs and the search for said eggs and baskets. We don't go to church and we don't even talk about Jesus. It's another holiday that is made slightly more difficult because we don't

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-71861241917403545232011-04-22T15:56:00.002-05:002011-04-22T16:02:55.667-05:00

It's been too long, my friends. This semester is kicking my ass. I'm interviewing for my job next Tuesday. Really? Yes, really. It's a good thing because if they hire me then I will have been vetted through a national search. But it's also pretty weird.little j and I are getting ready to start reading the last Harry Potter book. Big J leaves for Ethiopia and South Africa a week from today.

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-32266598426968680832011-03-19T13:05:00.002-05:002011-03-19T13:17:24.935-05:00

you're really busy that you don't even have time to read your favorite web sites? This has been my life for the past couple of weeks. I have been feeling super stressed about work, applying for my own job (long story), and just my life in general. I don't know why, it's really no different than any other day of my life.One thing I realized a couple nights ago is that there is no downtime with

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-20728959776612234972011-03-04T10:44:00.002-05:002011-03-04T10:53:42.583-05:00

This morning The Chronicle had an article about the "exam dream," in which one dreams they have a test they hadn't studied for. I was relieved to find, from the comments, that I am not the only PhD that still has those dreams, or dreams about teaching. I feel incredibly tense lately. My office organization has gotten pretty sloppy. I began this job keeping up with all the paperwork, filing, etc

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-25588466625901452292011-02-26T17:40:00.002-05:002011-02-26T17:50:53.967-05:00

It's Saturday, the end of a particularly long week. I have a lot on my mind this weekend.In the last couple of weeks my development class has been talking about racial and ethnic identity. It has been one of the toughest classes to teach I have ever experienced. There is a range of understanding of the concepts of oppression and privilege, from complete understanding to none at all. This week

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-76607711614668515202011-02-22T19:37:00.003-05:002011-02-22T19:52:26.265-05:00

I'm big on expectations. I tell my classes what I want. I tell Big J what I'm thinking. I let little j know how things are going to go. Someone once told me that I don't deal well with change. Actually, I do. I just don't deal well when my expectations aren't met.The past few days have been all about expectations not being met. You would think after over 20 years together I would be used

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-22327350295073085172011-02-21T09:47:00.003-05:002011-02-22T19:37:17.222-05:00

little j doesn't have school today so we are spending a third fun-filled day together. Oh wait, the last three days haven't been completely fun-filled. It is interesting to spend so much time together; and I mean that in a good way.I am continuously reminded how alike we are. We both prefer, given the option, to stay home and do things around the house. We are both quick tempered and stubborn

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-76292929012181903962011-02-19T21:53:00.000-05:002011-02-19T21:54:42.880-05:00

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-22185609689138635342011-02-19T20:39:00.003-05:002011-02-19T21:41:33.733-05:00

The last couple of weeks have been busier than planned. I supposed that's a good thing, at least in some ways.We've had some wicked winds in the last week. Unfortunately we are also in the midst of fire season so Big J is at work on date night. little j is at "Kids' Night Out" tonight. So at least she is having a fun evening out!Swimming is not going as well as I would like, which is to say, I

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-88472825003517921012011-02-06T16:43:00.002-05:002011-02-06T17:01:58.365-05:00

Yes, it's true. This is the first time in a long time that I have been truly excited about the Super Bowl. My Packer shirt has been working overtime this week and finally got a wash while I went to cycle class so I could justify big game food and drink. An hour of a 19-year old yelling at me to "turn it up" will be worth it.I think this is going to be an epic game. Certainly my hope is for

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-82728815472030356722011-02-02T09:31:00.002-05:002011-02-02T10:39:41.748-05:00

Usually I'm sort of meh on the Super Bowl. Not this year! In preparation for the big day, here's a fun fact about the Green Bay logo. Go Pack! Go!(Click on "fun fact" to go to original site if video doesn't load.)

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-27348700468984785872011-01-28T13:16:00.005-05:002011-01-28T13:32:52.119-05:00

Well, my thoughts may not be so random because they all have to do with my OLW - Courage.I signed up for the Shenandoah Valley Sprint Triathlon this week. It is June 5. It is 4 months away. I'm terrified I won't be ready.I road the bike this week for half and hour and went 6 miles. The tri is 14 miles. I have a ways to go.I swam laps (and I use that phrase loosely) this morning. It was the

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-2989528997698294342011-01-25T12:32:00.003-05:002011-01-25T12:38:58.502-05:00

little j and I have just a few chapters left of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, so I picked up books 6 and 7 last week to have on hand and do some pre-reading. I started Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince last Thursday. I finished it yesterday morning. Last night I started Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.I'm one of those people that gets totally sucked into books. Right

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-43332714800909844722011-01-21T13:51:00.003-05:002011-01-21T14:01:00.285-05:00

I want to be more like Gregory House -- well, maybe not as mean as he is, but I inspire to be a little more edgy. Case in point, someone says, upon an introduction to House, "I've heard your name before." House responds, "I bet you have, it is a common noun." HA! It is so darn cold in our offices that I am convinced they are turning off the heat on Thursday nights.I was updating my advising

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-13393420447113421672011-01-19T19:28:00.004-05:002011-01-19T21:19:38.847-05:00

Generally That Girl is all about the love -- people I admire, girl crushes, tv I can't stop watching. But I just read a post over on the Defamer about actors you irrationally hate. And damn if it didn't strike a chord.Why is it that we (meaning humans) have such intense dislike for some people yet can't explain why? For instance, I irrationally hate Roxette (I know, totally obscure late-80s

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-62652974355859463512011-01-19T14:49:00.004-05:002011-01-19T15:09:27.082-05:00

you start to analyze Harry Potter's choices based on his developmental levels. Yesterday little j was sick so I read three chapters ( = three hours) of book 5 and all I could think about was how a lot of his decision making was entirely age-appropriate for his developmental level, and how the adults had expectations that were too high and developmentally inappropriate for him.Clearly Harry's

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-19498972554249378352011-01-18T18:34:00.002-05:002011-01-18T19:11:10.183-05:00

Tomorrow is the first day of spring semester. Fortunately I am teaching two classes I have taught before so even though it is a lot of work, there is less prep overall, and for that I am thankful. I have some really great ideas for the college student development class, including have the students read and analyze a book based on the development (psychosocial, cognitive, ethical, etc.) of the

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-81473921156896260722011-01-07T10:11:00.002-05:002011-01-07T10:15:01.091-05:00

This is day 5 of working out. It feels better than I expected. I just have to keep it up once the semester starts.I've been panicking this week because I keep thinking that classes start next week. No, it's the week after. Whew!Every year I pick the same calendar for my office: William Morris. I don't know what that says about me -- either I don't like change or I appreciate fine art.Big J

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-4159926967024548252011-01-03T19:14:00.002-05:002011-01-03T19:29:05.053-05:00

There are three amazing women that I know from my years in Oregon and they happen to be sisters and they all keep blogs. And all three have selected One Little Word for the year: Strong, Embrace, and Perseverance. One thing that strikes me about their words is how fitting they are for each of them. It is such a great idea to choose a word rather than make resolutions. It's something that you

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-4489663033711488132010-12-31T15:08:00.003-05:002010-12-31T15:21:44.937-05:00

As Big J keeps saying, it's hard to believe it will 2011 tomorrow. I still vividly remember waiting for the breakdown of order on New Year's Eve 1999.Our New Year's Eve traditions have become less party-like in the last few years. But we still enjoy good food and wine as we toast the outgoing year -- this year we are celebrating with crab and champagne.This morning when they did the decade in

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-8920424438935136212010-12-24T22:16:00.005-05:002010-12-31T15:23:16.073-05:00

This week has just flown by. I haven't even had time to post about our DC trip. After Christmas for sure!We've made cookies, marshmallows, and popcorn cake. And today I made pumpkin and apple pie.Big J made the traditional family (his family) cheese ball.Right now Big J and I are sitting in front of the fire with the Christmas tree on waiting for little j to fall asleep so we can putout the

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-54816751816686503492010-12-17T07:57:00.002-05:002010-12-17T08:06:27.144-05:00

This is an early posting for That Girl, usually I wouldn't be coherent enough to post random thoughts at 7:30 am! BUT: We are packing up to head to Washington DC today because tomorrow we have tickets to the White House! How exciting is that!Yesterday we watched the HGTV special on the decorating of the White House so we got an early glimpse of the decorations and all the work that went into

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-69438681384240076602010-12-14T12:31:00.005-05:002010-12-14T12:54:29.236-05:00

In honor of the end of the semester, and as a way to procrastinate grading papers, here are a few of my writing pet peeves. Sadly, although I remind my students over, and over, and over (and over), I still see them turn up in papers.(This is not lol cat!)Punctuation not correctly placed inside quotation marks (this is rampant internet behavior as well)Unnecessary modifiers, e.g., very little,

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-4812098306329751192010-12-10T13:23:00.002-05:002010-12-10T13:44:03.886-05:00

It is the end of the semester and I have one class meeting left. Students are presenting their research plans for next semester. And then I have a butt load of papers to grade. Awesome.I will have my grades in by this time next Friday!As part of my end of the semester ritual, I cleaned my office, put this semester's books back on the bookshelf and got out next semester's. It's a good feeling,

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-27194581469149956252010-12-02T10:51:00.006-05:002010-12-02T11:32:29.325-05:00

That Girl, as some of you know, has a gender ambiguous name. Actually, it is a name that is more likely to be thought of as masculine. I don't know how many times I have corresponded with someone by email only to meet them and their first comment is, "Oh, I was expecting . . ." and then they don't finish for fear of offending me.I've taken to adding (Ms.) to my signature, so it is (Ms.) That

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-34597323242994449882010-12-01T09:01:00.003-05:002010-12-01T09:15:27.051-05:00

little j has been so excited for December 1 because that is the day she gets to start the advent calendar. We have a hanging tapestry with a tree decorated with buttons and numbered pockets below that hold ornaments to hang on each button. This year little j talked Big J into buying the Playmobile Christmas in the Forest Advent Calendar.As Big J said this morning, if we were 8-years old we'd be

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-80759969941655275842010-11-26T21:48:00.002-05:002010-11-26T22:00:31.640-05:00

I have been so bad about keeping up my blog in the last couple of months. Hopefully as the semester comes to a close that will change. After one month the novelty of the iPhone has not worn off. I'm finding that I'm not using my computer as much when I am at home, which is probably a good thing. Less web surfing.The Js made their Annual Black Friday trek. They didn't come home with much . . .

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-44094423549703744932010-11-13T19:48:00.002-05:002010-11-13T20:02:04.449-05:00

This week was crazy busy after a few days of being sick. I have lots to do before I leave for a conference on Wednesday.It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away.Big J keeps reminding me how close Christmas is and I think I might be in denial.Since I've had my iPhone I've been doing less reading. I'm sure that will change in a couple weeks.The weather has been a little

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-48139108623267932592010-11-09T08:15:00.002-05:002010-11-09T08:50:56.574-05:00

I realized that I haven't written in a while and have missed my last two "Friday Random Thoughts." I think there are a couple things that contributed to this: 1) I haven't been on my computer as much in the evenings since I can check my email, etc. on the iPhone. 2) We are just on the other side of mid-semester and I'm tired, plus I was sick.So in that short absence the weather has grown cold

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-36989488621316152832010-10-22T14:56:00.002-05:002010-10-22T15:07:03.787-05:00

Yesterday was little j's birthday and tomorrow is mine. I really like having birthdays so close together.Since little j is having a slumber party tomorrow, we are celebrating my birthday tonight with dinner out. This morning Big J took me to breakfast and surprised me with an awesome gift: iPhone 4G. Woohoo!The other thing I got today was lovely flowers from A&S. Really there are few things

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-78547346718886181562010-10-21T06:34:00.002-05:002010-10-21T06:41:20.299-05:00

It's nearly impossible to believe that little j turns 8 today. But these eight years have been so much fun!

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-20305442738473700782010-10-15T20:36:00.002-05:002010-10-15T20:48:23.470-05:00

This morning I wanted to stay in bed all day. But I got up and Big J dropped me off on his way to work. I'm glad I went it because I actually got a lot done. I filed two full boxes of papers and cleaned off my desk. I also met with three students, including one with her parents. When I was cooking dinner I realized that I really don't feel good in the evening if I don't accomplish something

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-8835107216726184402010-10-08T18:10:00.003-05:002010-10-08T18:15:52.505-05:00

I don't have a lot of thoughts today -- in part because I am rocking another one of my headaches. These have to stop.little j and I made her birthday party invitations today. She's really excited for her first slumber party! I don't normally dress up for Halloween, but I am seriously considering Professor Trelawney. That would be most cool if little j chooses to dress up as Hermione. Even

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-3419731417039321652010-10-07T07:41:00.002-05:002010-10-07T09:13:51.841-05:00

Next week is fall break or reading days. Essentially students have Monday and Tuesday off from class. Good for me since I happen to teach on Tuesday. It's hard to believe that we are at mid-semester, but there you go.Today we have an open house for the ed. school and I am talking with students about our master's and doctoral programs. I was thinking that in the past I have been the organizer

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-15592367603031159242010-10-01T07:01:00.003-05:002010-10-01T13:53:29.370-05:00

I read an article this morning about scheduling time to write. It seems like such a no brainer, why is it so difficult?I have lots of grading to do this weekend. Note to self: don't make assignments due for both classes in the same week.Seriously, I started these thoughts at 7:30 this morning and it is now 2:40 in the afternoon.I love my new office. And I get so many compliments on it,

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-23870251652435238822010-09-28T13:56:00.002-05:002010-09-28T14:03:16.462-05:00

Seriously, I am pretty darn tolerant of noise, but when it sounds like the local dance club next door that's sort of an issue. I'm not talking about my next door neighbor at home, I'm talking about my office at work. And this is not a grad student, but a tenured full professor. Somehow I always end up with the noisy neighbors. In college my roommates and I lived next door to a woman who had

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-25024801859591218552010-09-24T13:59:00.002-05:002010-09-24T14:14:29.604-05:00

That Girl is tired. I feel like Fridays should be a day of rejuvenation, a day to work on things I want to work on. Instead they are turning out to be a day I catch up on all my email and answer questions.The best thing about having new carpet: I don't have to worry about not wear shoes and I can nap on the floor! (Although I should really get a nap mat.)Guilty pleasure: moleskin

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-56671636694331285692010-09-17T20:03:00.002-05:002010-09-17T20:08:44.554-05:00

It's been a long, long week. Lots of appointments, not enough down time.We had a get-together of students and faculty at our house tonight. Lots of people, and lots of fun.I am hoping this weekend will be relatively low-key.I got my hair done today. It's amazing how a good cut and color can perk up the day.The other day I cam home from work and Georgia was gone...panic! But she came when I

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-83943401906666177962010-09-14T09:24:00.002-05:002010-09-14T09:25:01.253-05:00

Black Keys tonight! Woohoo. Plus congrats to them for winning Breakthrough video on the VMAs.Enjoy!

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-65273359436034547462010-09-10T20:27:00.002-05:002010-09-10T20:44:32.778-05:00

A much better week!I'm finding that relatively late (9:40) on a Friday night, I'm not really having any random thoughts. In fact, I'm having very few thoughts at all!I finished The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest last night. I'm kind of sad. The book was great, but I wish there could be more.Big J and I are going to a beer festival tomorrow -- woohoo! Good beer.

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-21618521701205907942010-09-03T13:38:00.003-05:002010-09-03T13:53:51.296-05:00

For some reasons this feels like a Fleet Foxes Friday.My wonderful astronomy professor friend has a project entered in the Pepsi Refresh Project -- The grant will enable the group to provide bilingual astronomy books to over 300 third grade classrooms in Virginia. If you have a minute, please vote for the Dark Skies Bright Kids book project. (I promise you will not receive spam from Pepsi! And

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-46642183167332515622010-09-02T07:57:00.004-05:002010-09-02T08:31:27.682-05:00

Last weekend, with the invaluable help of Big J, my new office got a complete makeover: paint, carpet, trim. little j helped me pick out a nice carpet and coordinating paint (Bungalow Gold!) -- she has her mom's eye for decorating!By Sunday afternoon the office was done and ready for move-in. That move took place on Monday and Tuesday, and what a whirlwind it was. Well, hurricane is more like

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-57049597004602944302010-08-27T20:33:00.002-05:002010-08-27T20:38:08.961-05:00

It's been a busy week with the beginning of classes, preparing to move my office, and little j beginning second grade. After a 6-hour faculty retreat and starting my fourth month without a contract, this is the only thing that makes me feel better today:

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-32837024497038466702010-08-23T08:59:00.002-05:002010-08-23T09:15:55.465-05:00

It is fitting that it was cooler this morning when I left the house shortly before 8:00. I had a breakfast meeting and then made my way up to the University by 9:30. Grounds are buzzing with activity. Hard to believe, but tomorrow is the first day of fall semester. Saturday the Js dropped me off at my office so I could finish up my syllabus (I thought I was late, but several faculty were here

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-47651278445906490472010-08-20T13:34:00.003-05:002010-08-20T18:49:25.346-05:00

This has been a busy week -- still putting the finishing touches on my syllabi and getting ready to paint, carpet, and move into my new office.I can hardly believe that I teach class beginning on Tuesday.little j has had the best 2 weeks at horse camp. I'm really proud of her and amazed at how much her confidence has grown.I love this time of year: new pencils, notebooks, school clothes, and

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-66051282470750431962010-08-17T16:22:00.002-05:002010-08-17T16:35:12.957-05:00

Over the past 6 months I've had several people tell me that planning and prepping two new classes for fall semester is a lot of work. I laughed it off -- Ha! Ha! I can take on the world! Well, perhaps I can take on the world, but two new classes is a different story. Especially since I have exceedingly high expectations for myself.Class #1: Research and Evaluation in Higher Education -- Yeah,

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-89619109671007768412010-08-16T19:14:00.003-05:002010-08-16T19:49:08.946-05:00

Be careful what you ask for. I asked for cooler weather for our camping trip and got it! About 10 miles into Shenandoah National Park we found ourselves in the midst of a cloud -- cloud that lasted all weekend. There were times that we couldn't see more than 6 feet in front of us. It didn't really rain much, but it was wet and every time the wind would blow the drops fell off the trees like

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-61133965503405732782010-08-13T06:37:00.002-05:002010-08-13T06:57:21.075-05:00

We are going camping this weekend in the Shenandoah National Park. I hope the weather is cooler and not stormy.Part of me feels like the weather is turning. The other part of me thinks that part is delusional.little j is loving horse camp. Every day when I pick her up I am struck by how comfortable she is and how grown up she looks.Speaking of grown up -- the other day little j told me that

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-75097047576251222962010-08-10T15:42:00.003-05:002010-08-10T16:00:17.927-05:00

So here's the deal: I am still not done with my syllabi. That's okay, I'll get there. The thing is, and I realized this during lunch with Big J today, when I have something major coming up I find it hard to concentrate.We just opened the new education building and people have been moving their offices into the new space. I'm not moving into the new building, but I am moving upstairs,

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-12635605364498983122010-08-08T17:22:00.002-05:002010-08-08T17:32:27.171-05:00

Michelle and Sasha Obama are on vacation in Spain and apparently there are some people that think they are "wasting" taxpayer dollars. I don't see it this way. But regardless of how I or anyone else sees it I think the most important thing is that they are taking a trip together.Earlier this summer little j and I traveled to Oregon together and it was great. I think there is something to be

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-7943439867839283382010-08-06T20:13:00.002-05:002010-08-06T20:17:57.779-05:00

Today was mother-daughter day: back-to-school shopping, movie, riding helmet, new clothes.It is interesting when you send email to people asking for something particularly important and no one bothers to get back to you.I can't believe that classes start in just a little over two weeks. I am so not ready.Apparently, I have the option of having my new office painted. Of course that would be me

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-87343075098095372862010-08-03T15:00:00.004-05:002010-08-03T15:26:37.996-05:00

I just read an article in Mother Jones about Rep. Bob Inglis (R-S.C.). Rep. Inglis sounds like a pretty stand-up guy. And while I am a staunch liberal, I have to admire his style. Here is a politician that is willing to collaborate (his word) with the Obama administration and had some actual ideas for change then was essentially thrown overboard by his own party, more specifically the so-called

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-86750987476453434752010-08-02T11:48:00.006-05:002010-08-02T12:01:51.449-05:00

We spent last week in Cape Charles on the the Eastern Shore of Virginia. It was a little slice of heaven. Big J and I realized that, with the exception of our trip to Disney World, this was our first real family vacation that didn't involve visiting family. While visiting family is a good thing, there is really nothing like spending time just hanging out and relaxing and not feeling like you

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-39348986879745809072010-07-30T08:16:00.003-05:002010-07-30T08:23:34.066-05:00

It's been a fun, sunny, sandy vacation week in Cape Charles. We all love it here and hope to come back.little j goes to horse camp for a couple weeks and I'm sure she'll have a great time.Lots and lots of work in the next few weeks. I can hardly believe that classes start in less than a month.We've discovered that we are a really quiet family and we like quiet in the mornings.I've only listened

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-62567858677185290322010-07-23T13:26:00.002-05:002010-07-23T13:29:21.733-05:00

This has been a slightly hellish week. Big J was out of town and little j was busy with camp and her last swim meet.We are headed to the beach for one week tomorrow. I am so looking forward to vacation.As usual, I think I will take too many books. But I am ambitious.I am thinking about Ms. S. today; sending her love and good thoughts. I got my hair cut and colored today. I always feel so much

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33954340.post-50854127459412240972010-07-20T20:23:00.002-05:002010-07-20T20:46:59.921-05:00

I can hardly believe that fall semester starts in a little over a month. At the very least I have my textbooks selected and ordered for the two classes I am teaching. I haven't even started slightly weird syllabus building technique where I put each class on a sticky note and organize and reorganize them on the wall until I have the topics, readings, and assignments in just the right order. I

That Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00134716960263092742noreply@blogger.com0