I got an email from a new first year student enrolled in my writing class, just a short email, friendly, introductory.
"Hello" was the header it used. Unsure about how to address a professor, I bet.
I sent back a friendly email welcoming the student to NWU and making a short, happy comment about one of the details the student gave.
This was a first for me, though. I don't think I've ever gotten an introductory email from a student before. I've gotten polite inquiries about class stuff, but not a friendly introduction.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Wednesday, August 08, 2012
Happy Day!
Day three, and things are so much better today! We're half way through the day, and the time has passed without my looking at the clock and wishing I were breaking rocks or something.
On to the second half with high hopes!
On to the second half with high hopes!
Tuesday, August 07, 2012
It's a Bad Sign...
... when facilitator B is reading hir email or texting while facilitator A talks
... when facilitator A goes over a short essay we were asked to read for more than an hour
... when the facilitators don't look around at the audience politely trying not to scream and figure out that things aren't going really well
... when I'm becoming familiar with the ring tones of my colleagues, none of whom seem to have turned off their phones or whatever. (Including me, but no one calls me much.)
I don't think this is just me, but maybe it is. Maybe I suck at being a student. I know I suck at having to sit still for hours at a time to listen to people tell me about what I've read.
... when facilitator A goes over a short essay we were asked to read for more than an hour
... when the facilitators don't look around at the audience politely trying not to scream and figure out that things aren't going really well
... when I'm becoming familiar with the ring tones of my colleagues, none of whom seem to have turned off their phones or whatever. (Including me, but no one calls me much.)
I don't think this is just me, but maybe it is. Maybe I suck at being a student. I know I suck at having to sit still for hours at a time to listen to people tell me about what I've read.
Blogs and Feeds
Part of yesterday's thing was to teach us about blogs and feeds. They made us get a google account. That went well. Except not for me. They think I'm a technology idiot, but really, I couldn't remember the password attached to the account I know I have on blogger, not this one, the other one. And I wasn't going to use this one.
So blogs. Have you heard? New sensation. Or not.
The facilitator (a special tech person) taught us how to add RSS feeds to the page we made, because it will help us manage our reading of blogs and such. I'm sure it does.
Here's the question I'd like to ask, though. And I know lots of people use feeds, so some of you will have some thoughts, I hope.
If you do your blog reading through a "feed," are you less likely to comment on the blog?
Do you think that commenting and conversations in blog communities is less lively when people use feeds?
I love the metaphor of "feed" by the way. It's so passive. Here, you're being "fed" a list of blogs that have posted recently.
I think part of what these folks are thinking when they suggest having students do blogging is that students will become more aware of audience and rhetorical situations on a blog than in a standard, turn it into the prof paper. But if they're not commenting on each other's blogs, and not getting comments, it's really not so different from turning it into your professor, right?
I don't think blogging generally results from the sort of brainstorming and revision processes that we hope our students will use to write academic work. It's not that I think all writing has to look like academic writing (see "blog" and "Bardiac"), but I'm not sure asking them to practice blogging will help them write for classes and professional situations.
(Note: I use the sidebar thing, and still sometimes look at what other people have on their sidebars in order to learn about new blogs. Then sometimes, if someone hasn't posted in a long while, I delete them from my sidebar. Sometimes, I hope people will start posting again, so I don't delete them for a long time.)
So blogs. Have you heard? New sensation. Or not.
The facilitator (a special tech person) taught us how to add RSS feeds to the page we made, because it will help us manage our reading of blogs and such. I'm sure it does.
Here's the question I'd like to ask, though. And I know lots of people use feeds, so some of you will have some thoughts, I hope.
If you do your blog reading through a "feed," are you less likely to comment on the blog?
Do you think that commenting and conversations in blog communities is less lively when people use feeds?
I love the metaphor of "feed" by the way. It's so passive. Here, you're being "fed" a list of blogs that have posted recently.
I think part of what these folks are thinking when they suggest having students do blogging is that students will become more aware of audience and rhetorical situations on a blog than in a standard, turn it into the prof paper. But if they're not commenting on each other's blogs, and not getting comments, it's really not so different from turning it into your professor, right?
I don't think blogging generally results from the sort of brainstorming and revision processes that we hope our students will use to write academic work. It's not that I think all writing has to look like academic writing (see "blog" and "Bardiac"), but I'm not sure asking them to practice blogging will help them write for classes and professional situations.
(Note: I use the sidebar thing, and still sometimes look at what other people have on their sidebars in order to learn about new blogs. Then sometimes, if someone hasn't posted in a long while, I delete them from my sidebar. Sometimes, I hope people will start posting again, so I don't delete them for a long time.)
Monday, August 06, 2012
Too Long
Eight hours today. EIGHT HOURS. Sitting on my rear being talked at.
45 minutes on the importance of [really basic skill I teach across a number of my classes]. Seriously?
It's not that any of it was bad, but it was too long and too slow.
Four more days.
I wanted to fold my arms and put my head down on them on the table. But I have just enough self-control that I didn't. I squirmed, though.
And when we were supposed to be back at 1pm from lunch, and all but three people were there, waiting, I was ready to go. Why did we need to wait for three people when 20 were ready to go? I wouldn't do it in class.
Now I'm supposed to be doing "homework."
This is one of those workshops that's supposed to help me be a better teacher, and I had high expectations, because at least one of them has done workshops I've found invaluable before, but this was frustrating. Here's a hint for workshop facilitators:
1) Don't make people sit for eight hours.
2) Don't talk at us. And especially, don't show us a really slow video as a "break" from talking at us, especially if the video is people talking and bad graphics, and way out of date.
3) Get enough sense of your audience to realize that they've got your point, and move on.
And for those of us at the workshop:
1) Be on time.
2) If there's an abundance of research over many, many years, take a deep breath and rethink your practice. The research shows that teaching or correcting grammar in student writing doesn't help students become better writers. Further, correcting grammar may dismay students to the point that they don't try to write more complex sentences and ideas, so it may actually hurt student writing.
3) Don't share every single thought.
Time for homework.
45 minutes on the importance of [really basic skill I teach across a number of my classes]. Seriously?
It's not that any of it was bad, but it was too long and too slow.
Four more days.
I wanted to fold my arms and put my head down on them on the table. But I have just enough self-control that I didn't. I squirmed, though.
And when we were supposed to be back at 1pm from lunch, and all but three people were there, waiting, I was ready to go. Why did we need to wait for three people when 20 were ready to go? I wouldn't do it in class.
Now I'm supposed to be doing "homework."
This is one of those workshops that's supposed to help me be a better teacher, and I had high expectations, because at least one of them has done workshops I've found invaluable before, but this was frustrating. Here's a hint for workshop facilitators:
1) Don't make people sit for eight hours.
2) Don't talk at us. And especially, don't show us a really slow video as a "break" from talking at us, especially if the video is people talking and bad graphics, and way out of date.
3) Get enough sense of your audience to realize that they've got your point, and move on.
And for those of us at the workshop:
1) Be on time.
2) If there's an abundance of research over many, many years, take a deep breath and rethink your practice. The research shows that teaching or correcting grammar in student writing doesn't help students become better writers. Further, correcting grammar may dismay students to the point that they don't try to write more complex sentences and ideas, so it may actually hurt student writing.
3) Don't share every single thought.
Time for homework.
Sunday, August 05, 2012
On Your Mark!
I've got a week long workshop starting tomorrow, so I feel like a kid the night before school starts.
I got mowing and weeding done today, shopped for groceries, played with the neighbor's dog. I still have some reading to do to prep for the workshop (I'm a student, not the leader).
Still, it feels like the end of summer, come early. I'm a bit frustrated, because I feel like I've spent a lot of time this summer doing stuff for other folks rather than doing my own stuff. I have done a fair bit of my own stuff, of course.
The workshop should be good, and useful, and I'm happy about it, except that it feels like the end of summer.
To change the topic, slightly, I noticed recently that I get cranky when I think someone doing formal writing has used "like" where I think s/he should use "as." Then I thought a bit about how I would explain the difference, and it's tough. So I looked it up. And the "rule" is totally not what I would have thought, though I'm pretty sure I reliably use "like" and "as" according to it. How strange is that?
Without looking it up, can you explain the rule about when to use "like" and when to use "as"?
I got mowing and weeding done today, shopped for groceries, played with the neighbor's dog. I still have some reading to do to prep for the workshop (I'm a student, not the leader).
Still, it feels like the end of summer, come early. I'm a bit frustrated, because I feel like I've spent a lot of time this summer doing stuff for other folks rather than doing my own stuff. I have done a fair bit of my own stuff, of course.
The workshop should be good, and useful, and I'm happy about it, except that it feels like the end of summer.
To change the topic, slightly, I noticed recently that I get cranky when I think someone doing formal writing has used "like" where I think s/he should use "as." Then I thought a bit about how I would explain the difference, and it's tough. So I looked it up. And the "rule" is totally not what I would have thought, though I'm pretty sure I reliably use "like" and "as" according to it. How strange is that?
Without looking it up, can you explain the rule about when to use "like" and when to use "as"?
Friday, August 03, 2012
Not so Random Thoughts
Here's a post about the chicken restaurant with the homophobic, nasty CEO. It's a smart post, way better than anything I could write. I thought some of you might want to see it, too.
There are a number of businesses in my area that have donated in big ways to people who want to cut my wages or who say nasty things about educators and glbtq folks. I figure they don't need my business, and try alternatives.
Some folks I know think that avoiding such businesses is unfair, or mean, or somehow limits the CEO's free speech. It doesn't. For one thing, I have a limited budget to spend on things. I get to choose how to spend my money, though given my limited budget I doubt the businesses notice that I'm not doing business with them. And when someone in town supports unions and says so publicly, I figure they're likely paying their workers fairly, and I want to do business with them.
I'm also not the government, and so the first amendment isn't something that applies to me in terms of limiting someone else's free speech. What I can't do is arrest you, try you, sentence you.
While I'm at it today, let me say that I'm sick to death of subsidizing religious organizations with MY taxes (supplying them with roads, fire departments, police protection, etc.) while they try to limit my right to privacy and religious freedom. It's time for religious organizations to pay their share of real estate taxes, payroll taxes, and social security.
There are a number of businesses in my area that have donated in big ways to people who want to cut my wages or who say nasty things about educators and glbtq folks. I figure they don't need my business, and try alternatives.
Some folks I know think that avoiding such businesses is unfair, or mean, or somehow limits the CEO's free speech. It doesn't. For one thing, I have a limited budget to spend on things. I get to choose how to spend my money, though given my limited budget I doubt the businesses notice that I'm not doing business with them. And when someone in town supports unions and says so publicly, I figure they're likely paying their workers fairly, and I want to do business with them.
I'm also not the government, and so the first amendment isn't something that applies to me in terms of limiting someone else's free speech. What I can't do is arrest you, try you, sentence you.
While I'm at it today, let me say that I'm sick to death of subsidizing religious organizations with MY taxes (supplying them with roads, fire departments, police protection, etc.) while they try to limit my right to privacy and religious freedom. It's time for religious organizations to pay their share of real estate taxes, payroll taxes, and social security.
Spot Check
Recently, some pups were visiting my house, and one of them had a couple small accidents. (I think it was the small one, given the small size of the spots, and the much larger other dog. But it doesn't really matter.)
So this morning, I pulled out the carpet cleaner that I got when my dog was getting old and had some accidents. Then I pulled out the vacuum, because you need to vacuum first, right? So I vacuumed that part, and then figured that a full load of solution in the cleaner would leave some left over, so I vacuumed more. Then I cleaned (and both little spots came out).
Then I thought, oh, there are some other dirty spots. So I vacuumed elsewhere, and cleaned. And then thought of some other areas, and did the same. I basically did about a third of the upstairs part of the house. (Which reminds me that I should check the downstairs for other accidents.)
You know what's horrible? First, even though the house is vacuumed regularly, and I just vacuumed, the cleaner brings up this horrid muddy sludge stuff.
And second, perhaps worse, despite brining up the horrid muddy sludge stuff, the carpet doesn't look dramatically better. But it did make me think that perhaps I should do a more thorough job soon, and probably do it a bit more often than I do.
So this morning, I pulled out the carpet cleaner that I got when my dog was getting old and had some accidents. Then I pulled out the vacuum, because you need to vacuum first, right? So I vacuumed that part, and then figured that a full load of solution in the cleaner would leave some left over, so I vacuumed more. Then I cleaned (and both little spots came out).
Then I thought, oh, there are some other dirty spots. So I vacuumed elsewhere, and cleaned. And then thought of some other areas, and did the same. I basically did about a third of the upstairs part of the house. (Which reminds me that I should check the downstairs for other accidents.)
You know what's horrible? First, even though the house is vacuumed regularly, and I just vacuumed, the cleaner brings up this horrid muddy sludge stuff.
And second, perhaps worse, despite brining up the horrid muddy sludge stuff, the carpet doesn't look dramatically better. But it did make me think that perhaps I should do a more thorough job soon, and probably do it a bit more often than I do.
Thursday, August 02, 2012
Hard Sell
My eight weeks since my last blood donation were up recently, so I got a call from the Red Cross folks. Here's how it basically goes:
Hi, may we speak to Bardiac.
Hi, this is Bardiac.
This is Name from the Red Cross, calling to let you know that you're eligible to donate again.
Great, let me get my calendar.
You know, Bardiac, blood supplies are critical and in critically short supply right now and blah blah.
See, I've already implied that I'll donate, but then they need to go on their script and tell me about the critical shortage of blood supplies. And somehow, that makes me cranky. They don't need to convince ME! I donate pretty regularly.
And I've never gotten a call from them when they didn't say that there was a critical shortage. It's like there's always a critical shortage in the blood supply and always a crisis in education. It's the state of things.
But after a while, the critical shortage, crisis sort of thing becomes sort of mundane, as when the emergency danger level is always red.
And I don't think trying to convince me does much, since I donate pretty much to the yearly limit. What they need to do is reach people who are qualified to donate (adult, healthy, etc) and convince them. And I don't know how to do that.
At any rate, the extra good news is that my blood pressure was 116/68. And I had a pulse, and my temperature was above room temperature. All good.
Hi, may we speak to Bardiac.
Hi, this is Bardiac.
This is Name from the Red Cross, calling to let you know that you're eligible to donate again.
Great, let me get my calendar.
You know, Bardiac, blood supplies are critical and in critically short supply right now and blah blah.
See, I've already implied that I'll donate, but then they need to go on their script and tell me about the critical shortage of blood supplies. And somehow, that makes me cranky. They don't need to convince ME! I donate pretty regularly.
And I've never gotten a call from them when they didn't say that there was a critical shortage. It's like there's always a critical shortage in the blood supply and always a crisis in education. It's the state of things.
But after a while, the critical shortage, crisis sort of thing becomes sort of mundane, as when the emergency danger level is always red.
And I don't think trying to convince me does much, since I donate pretty much to the yearly limit. What they need to do is reach people who are qualified to donate (adult, healthy, etc) and convince them. And I don't know how to do that.
At any rate, the extra good news is that my blood pressure was 116/68. And I had a pulse, and my temperature was above room temperature. All good.
Wednesday, August 01, 2012
Exciting Times in Small Town USA
I went out to dinner with a bunch of friends yesterday. We'd planned on a certain restaurant, but there were 7 of us standing there, and we decided we'd never get all seated together at this tiny (but yummy) place. While we were starting to decide this, we were standing outside.
It's a small restaurant on the corner of a pretty quiet street at the edge of the downtown area.
Then I saw a guy on a motorcycle very slowly turn right onto the street, just in front of a car, which slowed radically. The motorcycle guy basically stopped, and toppled onto his right side. He was on a HUGE Harley, and then the Harley was on his leg. (It looked pretty much the same as when a clipped in biker forgets to clip out when they stop, and just falls sort of gently over. Except that sort of biker isn't on a huge Harley.)
(The car totally stopped, probably ten feet from him, and then went around (because it's pretty quiet). But it was very clear that the car hadn't hit the guy.)
Several of us rushed out to pull the bike off his leg. I was lifting on the back, on his sissy bar (is that what they call them on motorcycles? It's what we called it on old Schwinn Stingrays.). Other folks were nearer him. I heard him mumble, and he looked shaky, but he got on the bike. And just sat there.
Different folks suggested that he shouldn't ride, and we were all a bit concerned.
Then one of the people near the front of the bike told him that he needed to turn the key. (I thought you had to do a semi-jump thing to start a motorcycle? Guess not.) Then he turned the key, and slowly motored off.
The people who were closer said they thought he might be drunk. I thought he just looked sort of stunned. But it didn't look like he'd hit his head or anything, nor did he seem to have road rash or scraped clothing.
And then one of the people called the police to tell them that she thought there was a drunk driver. And, impressively, she had his license plate. (I didn't even think of that, though I also didn't think he was drunk.)
Evidently, he had mumbled something about how he loved us all, so maybe that helped the people who thought he was drunk come to that conclusion?
It's a small restaurant on the corner of a pretty quiet street at the edge of the downtown area.
Then I saw a guy on a motorcycle very slowly turn right onto the street, just in front of a car, which slowed radically. The motorcycle guy basically stopped, and toppled onto his right side. He was on a HUGE Harley, and then the Harley was on his leg. (It looked pretty much the same as when a clipped in biker forgets to clip out when they stop, and just falls sort of gently over. Except that sort of biker isn't on a huge Harley.)
(The car totally stopped, probably ten feet from him, and then went around (because it's pretty quiet). But it was very clear that the car hadn't hit the guy.)
Several of us rushed out to pull the bike off his leg. I was lifting on the back, on his sissy bar (is that what they call them on motorcycles? It's what we called it on old Schwinn Stingrays.). Other folks were nearer him. I heard him mumble, and he looked shaky, but he got on the bike. And just sat there.
Different folks suggested that he shouldn't ride, and we were all a bit concerned.
Then one of the people near the front of the bike told him that he needed to turn the key. (I thought you had to do a semi-jump thing to start a motorcycle? Guess not.) Then he turned the key, and slowly motored off.
The people who were closer said they thought he might be drunk. I thought he just looked sort of stunned. But it didn't look like he'd hit his head or anything, nor did he seem to have road rash or scraped clothing.
And then one of the people called the police to tell them that she thought there was a drunk driver. And, impressively, she had his license plate. (I didn't even think of that, though I also didn't think he was drunk.)
Evidently, he had mumbled something about how he loved us all, so maybe that helped the people who thought he was drunk come to that conclusion?
Monday, July 30, 2012
Slogging Through Summer
I have a ton of stuff to do, mostly little stuff, some big stuff. It all needs to get done. But it doesn't need to get done today. Or tomorrow. If it did, I could probably buckle down and get it done (well, some of it).
I need to make a list.
I have a lot of difficulty procrastinating because I feel that thinks can wait, but really, they can't wait so long. This is the story of my life.
I need to make a list. Now.
I need to make a list.
I have a lot of difficulty procrastinating because I feel that thinks can wait, but really, they can't wait so long. This is the story of my life.
I need to make a list. Now.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Overheard on Eff Bee
I have a complicated extended family, and one of the folks in there is, well, I'll call him Joe.
We're Eff Bee "friends." And basically, I think he's a good guy. He's a year or so out of high school, somewhat attending a community college and working part time. He's had a tough life. I don't underestimate that. Living 2k miles distant, I don't know him well.
But sometimes, holy cow, sometimes he puts stuff up on Eff Bee and I want to smack him.
Recently, for example, he posted that he didn't know what the big deal about Sally Ride was, but that he felt bad for the men who hadn't gotten to go into space because she got special treatment. And his cohort friends chimed in and said, yes, they agreed, who cared what gender someone was, there's no difference, but women and LGBT people shouldn't get preferential treatment and so on.
It's a good reminder to me because many of my students have similar attitudes: they think the world doesn't need feminism, doesn't need social justice, and that white men are hugely discriminated against.
It's not all of them, of course, but a lot of them. And, of course, my generation was as poor at realizing how important WWII was for their parents, and at had a habit of thinking we were the center of the world.
One interesting part is that they do take a lot of things for granted. They may complain that LGBT folks get preferential treatment, but they don't use homophobic or derogatory language. They may think that racism is over, but they don't use derogatory labels, and the avatars of Joe's friends suggest his is a more multi-racial crowd that the Eff Bee pictures of my friends would suggest about me.
But, then, he always assumes that when a woman gets a job, it's because a better qualified man didn't. And there's this sense that men, because they're men, are always better qualified. And the female friends don't seem to dispute that at all. (But then, I'll acknowledge that I don't tend to comment to on Eff Bee in response to him. It's complicated.)
We're Eff Bee "friends." And basically, I think he's a good guy. He's a year or so out of high school, somewhat attending a community college and working part time. He's had a tough life. I don't underestimate that. Living 2k miles distant, I don't know him well.
But sometimes, holy cow, sometimes he puts stuff up on Eff Bee and I want to smack him.
Recently, for example, he posted that he didn't know what the big deal about Sally Ride was, but that he felt bad for the men who hadn't gotten to go into space because she got special treatment. And his cohort friends chimed in and said, yes, they agreed, who cared what gender someone was, there's no difference, but women and LGBT people shouldn't get preferential treatment and so on.
It's a good reminder to me because many of my students have similar attitudes: they think the world doesn't need feminism, doesn't need social justice, and that white men are hugely discriminated against.
It's not all of them, of course, but a lot of them. And, of course, my generation was as poor at realizing how important WWII was for their parents, and at had a habit of thinking we were the center of the world.
One interesting part is that they do take a lot of things for granted. They may complain that LGBT folks get preferential treatment, but they don't use homophobic or derogatory language. They may think that racism is over, but they don't use derogatory labels, and the avatars of Joe's friends suggest his is a more multi-racial crowd that the Eff Bee pictures of my friends would suggest about me.
But, then, he always assumes that when a woman gets a job, it's because a better qualified man didn't. And there's this sense that men, because they're men, are always better qualified. And the female friends don't seem to dispute that at all. (But then, I'll acknowledge that I don't tend to comment to on Eff Bee in response to him. It's complicated.)
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Advice for New Faculty
I've finished the scrapbook project, and put it in the mail. So now I can see my desk again, and it's back to more usual stuff.
We have some new colleagues coming in this year, and I've been thinking about what I want from them, and of them. This little list isn't meant to be complete, more just what I've thought of off the top of my head. Please add! And also, please think some about what new colleagues need from more experienced colleagues, and I'll post some thoughts on that soon, and ask for more help.
1. Teach the students we have. Yes, they probably aren't the same as the students you taught while in grad school. They may not be much like the student you were. But they're good folks, and they'll rise to your expectations. Take some time to get to know them a bit, and you'll find they're good to work with.
2. Do NOT sleep with, have sex with, or party with students. Don't abuse students.
3. Do your job. Show up for classes. Have a syllabus and assignments ready. Prepare for meetings. Take service responsibilities seriously. (And if you haven't already, finish your damned dissertation.)
4. Don't believe everything the other faculty folks tell you. Mr. Voice of Experience? He might just be a sexist, serial adulterer. Ms. Crazy might be paranoid. Or I might just tell you that she is, but it's really me.
5. Keep your eyes open and ask questions. We're mostly pretty willing to share assignments, help with bureaucratic stuff, and try to make your adjustment work. Ask for help when you need it, rather than waiting and hoping problems will go away.
6. Try to believe that we really do want to tenure you (if we've hired you to a TT position). Hiring takes a huge amount of effort and energy, and we want everyone we hire to do great work and earn tenure. We'll try to help you with that, too.
7. Don't be a grad student; be a colleague. It's fine to remember your undergrad or grad programs fondly, but we don't need to be reminded constantly that we aren't the big time programs those were. And once you get to know us, you might find that we aren't actually schmucks, but hard-working, reasonably smart, decent colleagues.
8. Take a deep breath when you read your evaluations, both from students and from colleagues. Your yearly evaluation is important, and worth reading carefully. It's supposed to let you know what you're doing well, what you're not doing as well, and how to improve. Use it. (And yes, read the faculty handbook and ask questions, too.) (Corollary: When you're writing up your self-assessment stuff, realize that you're probably writing to an audience that doesn't know your specialty well. Use your rhetorical skills to help your colleagues understand what a good job you're doing.)
What would you like to add?
We have some new colleagues coming in this year, and I've been thinking about what I want from them, and of them. This little list isn't meant to be complete, more just what I've thought of off the top of my head. Please add! And also, please think some about what new colleagues need from more experienced colleagues, and I'll post some thoughts on that soon, and ask for more help.
1. Teach the students we have. Yes, they probably aren't the same as the students you taught while in grad school. They may not be much like the student you were. But they're good folks, and they'll rise to your expectations. Take some time to get to know them a bit, and you'll find they're good to work with.
2. Do NOT sleep with, have sex with, or party with students. Don't abuse students.
3. Do your job. Show up for classes. Have a syllabus and assignments ready. Prepare for meetings. Take service responsibilities seriously. (And if you haven't already, finish your damned dissertation.)
4. Don't believe everything the other faculty folks tell you. Mr. Voice of Experience? He might just be a sexist, serial adulterer. Ms. Crazy might be paranoid. Or I might just tell you that she is, but it's really me.
5. Keep your eyes open and ask questions. We're mostly pretty willing to share assignments, help with bureaucratic stuff, and try to make your adjustment work. Ask for help when you need it, rather than waiting and hoping problems will go away.
6. Try to believe that we really do want to tenure you (if we've hired you to a TT position). Hiring takes a huge amount of effort and energy, and we want everyone we hire to do great work and earn tenure. We'll try to help you with that, too.
7. Don't be a grad student; be a colleague. It's fine to remember your undergrad or grad programs fondly, but we don't need to be reminded constantly that we aren't the big time programs those were. And once you get to know us, you might find that we aren't actually schmucks, but hard-working, reasonably smart, decent colleagues.
8. Take a deep breath when you read your evaluations, both from students and from colleagues. Your yearly evaluation is important, and worth reading carefully. It's supposed to let you know what you're doing well, what you're not doing as well, and how to improve. Use it. (And yes, read the faculty handbook and ask questions, too.) (Corollary: When you're writing up your self-assessment stuff, realize that you're probably writing to an audience that doesn't know your specialty well. Use your rhetorical skills to help your colleagues understand what a good job you're doing.)
What would you like to add?
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Not Quite Christmas
First, there was the choosing out pictures to have printed.
Then, I had to put the pictures in order. I put them in little envelopes by day/activity, so that I wouldn't have to deal with a whole stack at a time. But I also had to write the picture number on the back of each one, so that I could figure them out, and that took a LOT of time. For some reason, the aiming store photo service gave them to me way out of order.
Then I emailed our former admin assistant, who's an avid scrapbooker, and also kind enough that I knew she'd advise me. She did way more than that! She met me at a local crafts shop and showed me the basics, and helped me choose out how to get started. Thank goodness for her help!
Here are things laid out, almost ready to go. And until I finish, I won't be able to use my desk for anything else much. Stupid me.
I spent from about 2-8 Sunday afternoon/evening working on it. And a couple of hours yesterday. And now I've just started day four of the trip. That means two and a half FULL days to go.
I'd have been fine with doing the first couple of pages and being done. But at this point, I want it to be done more than I want to be doing it, so it's not that fun. I have (I think) 29 pages done, and had to buy more supplies today so that I have enough plastic sleeves to put the rest in.
If I can power through for a few hours over the next couple of days, it will get done. Please.
Visiting Canyons, Pt 3
We left the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and went to the main part of Zion. The big difference in this part of Zion compared with what we saw at Bryce and the Grand Canyon is that we were in the canyon itself, rather than above on a rim looking down. That's a huge difference. (Though we did go to the upper part of the Grand Canyon on a raft.)
We did get to see a Mule Deer buck in velvet! Isn't he beautiful? (I took this with a 400mm zoom, so he's not quite as close as he may seem.)
I highly recommend it! And Bryce! And the North Rim of the Grand Canyon!
If you've got a hankering to go on a guided tour of places, I'd recommend looking into National Geographic and/or Backroads. Both were great to deal with.
Later, on to other stuff!
Monday, July 23, 2012
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Visiting Canyons, Pt 3
We got off the raft at Lee's Ferry, and then took our shuttle to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, arriving late at night. In the morning, we went to breakfast at the Lodge, where I was stunned to see a view over the canyon. Having arrived late in the dark, I was totally unaware of how close we were to the rim, but we were right there. Our cabin wasn't right on the rim, but a very short (2 minute, maybe) walk. And what a view!
I'm sure you've all seen pictures, but they really don't get anywhere close to the real thing.
When I first moved from the west to the midwest, I drove across country, partly on a southern route. And I went for a short visit to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It was beautiful. But the North Rim is way better.
This was our home away from home at the Grand Canyon. These cabins are just lovely! They're pretty basic, but have hot showers and comfortable beds, and great food not far away at the main lodge.
When I first moved from the west to the midwest, I drove across country, partly on a southern route. And I went for a short visit to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It was beautiful. But the North Rim is way better.
We spent two nights at the Grand Canyon, walked on the easy trails, took a shuttle ride to some of the viewing areas. Just, wow.
Tomorrow, on to Zion!
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Visiting Canyons, Pt 2
Still, it's the Colorado River!
Along the way we stopped and were able to take a short walk to see some petroglyphs.
And then there were some desert bighorn sheep!
At this point, a moment of amusement. When we saw the bighorn, they were far away. Now, all along, I'd been carrying my 100-400 zoom, with some technology that's supposed to keep things a tad steadier. That meant that my bag was way heavier than it appeared, to the extent that when someone helped me get in or out of the shuttle by holding my bag, they noticed and made jokes about bricks and such. With the bighorn in sight, I pulled out my big lens and did a relatively quick change, and voila, I got a bunch of sheep pictures. And everyone knew the secret of my heavy day pack. (I also shared around my binoculars, of course. But they aren't nearly as heavy.)
Not long after we saw the sheep, we saw some horses. The guide person said that they were semi-feral horses, with brands, that belonged to folks on the Navajo reservation. (Does everyone have the Stones' song in their head now? I do!)
And now you can see what a difference the lens makes:
I like this picture a lot, mostly because I really like that it somehow caught that left front hoof coming up, with water.
And finally, here's a Great Blue Heron.
And that was our trip on the river. At Lee's Ferry, we got off and got on our shuttles. Other folks, though, get on there, and take either five day or longer float trips. I'm told the five day trip folks have to hike up out of the canyon at the end, which seems like a LONG walk! We didn't, though. On the other hand, we also didn't get any rapids or white water. On the other hand, I was able to take my big lens along and out.
Next time: The North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
In case you're wondering, we went on a trip with the National Geographic organization, which was run through a company called Backroads. And I have to say, the guides and geologist were all fantastic. I went with my Mother, who's 81. When we signed up, the information we got said that we needed to be able to walk at least 3 miles. But I couldn't convince my Mom that walking a mile in a half hour on the treadmill at her retirement place was enough. So she wasn't able to keep up, and we ended up going on shorter walks, or slightly different, easier walks, rather than on some of the planned hikes. But in every case, the guides were super helpful in giving us some alternatives that worked for her without holding back the other guests. I totally recommend either the National Geographic tour thing or Backroads.
(My Mom was funny: she mentioned to me that she'd never realized people went hiking and biking to the extent that the guides and other guests do. Imagine, someone who goes out and does athletic stuff for fun. If only she'd known someone who does that?)
Friday, July 20, 2012
Visiting Canyons, Pt 1
I went for vacation on a trip to Bryce, The Grand Canyon, and Zion, and it was good, very, very good. Amazing, in fact.
First, the smell. OMG, the wonderful smell of western fir and ponderosa pine forests. Forests here just don't smell quite the same, but that western smell fills my heart.
Bryce is known for something called "hoodoos" which are these towery geologic formations that happen when water freezes and melts and refreezes a lot during winter, forcing tiny cracks apart with the amazing strength of that ice formation. At least, that's what we were told. They don't form (so I'm told) where the water is just frozen all winter, but only where there's freezing and melting again and again.
First, the smell. OMG, the wonderful smell of western fir and ponderosa pine forests. Forests here just don't smell quite the same, but that western smell fills my heart.
We started at the northern part of Zion, at Kolob Canyon, and took a walk along the path, and saw our first wildlife, a beautiful snake. I decided not to pet it. I like to respect wildlife like that.
You can see rain off in the distance at the right of the picture.
From there, we went to Bryce, which, did you know, isn't actually a canyon? That's what I learned.
Nonetheless, sunrise the next morning was spectacular!
I took some pictures into the sun, but it would be better to get the sun rising behind you, I think.
The views are just so stunning, aren't they?
That was our first and second days. We spent the nights in cabins at Bryce Lodge, and they were perfection. They're comfortable, have indoor plumbing, and are a great size for a couple people to share.
I'll post photos from the third day before long.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Back!
I'm back! I didn't fall off the edge of the earth (or even a cliff), but had a really good time, saw some beautiful sights, and didn't end up in jail. All of these are good.
Now I have some professional responsibilities which will keep me busy for a few days, but then, I'll sort through my pictures and start telling you all about my trip to Bryce, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, and Zion!
Now I have some professional responsibilities which will keep me busy for a few days, but then, I'll sort through my pictures and start telling you all about my trip to Bryce, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, and Zion!
Friday, July 06, 2012
I Should Be Packing
I'm going on a trip with my Mom, leaving tomorrow, meeting up in a southwestern city known more for excess and consumption than anything else, taking a shuttle to another city, and then in the morning, going on a bus tour of Bryce, Zion, and the Grand Canyon. It should be good. And I should be packing.
Instead, I'm futzing around, looking at my sunflower, playing with aperture sizes, and trying to figure out what to take.
The suggested packing list says to bring hiking boots. I have a pair that I got in the UK, but they're bulky. And I'm wondering how much I'm likely to need hiking boots on a trip with my 80+ year old mother.
If I don't take the hiking boots, then I take a pair of supportive sneakers and a pair of really light runners (for the day we're supposed to plan on being wet; they suggested closed toe sandals, but I'd have to go out and get those, and these I have). If I take hiking boots, do I leave behind the sneakers? Hiking boots are bulky, and I don't want to end up carrying them in my backpack a lot.
Then there's the base layer question. I love my long johns. But when I think of putting on long johns for a cool morning, and then ending up at 90+ degrees, I'm going to need to take them off. But they're always under all the other layers. At least they're light and not bulky!
Anyway, I'll be afk for a bit.
Meanwhile, does anyone know if sunflowers are self pollinating (or can be pollinated by bees or whatever from their own pollen)?
I planted some sunflowers from a mixed packet of heritage seeds, and I'm hoping I can collect some for next year to replant. (I've done that with regular sunflowers before, but since I wasn't here to harvest in the fall, I didn't have my own seeds to start this year, so had to buy some.) This is the only one flowering so far, so it either has to pollinate itself or the seeds won't be fertile. And I'm not sure all the others are the same species to pollinate one another. (Are there many species of sunflowers, or mostly different cultivars? So many questions! Much more fun to futz around with the sunflower than to get packed!)
And as a side note: I can't quite really believe that a year ago I was getting ready to go spend a month in London and more in the UK. My mind can't quite wrap around it somehow.
I've been watching the tour, and when they show pictures, say of Paris, I think, hey, I was there. And I was, but wow, was I really? Really?
I've been doing this a lot this spring, especially when I see pictures on TV of castles or cathedrals or whatever, and think, hey, I WAS there.
Tuesday, July 03, 2012
Class Status and Racism
I posted last week about the discussion group, and I felt like posting again this evening. As you may recall, we're discussion class issues, in conjunction with reading bell hooks' book Where We Stand: Class Matters. Tonight was an interesting discussion.
A person of color came this time, who hasn't been in the group before (I think she was out of town). It changed the dynamics a lot. (There's another person of color who's come the whole time, but most of us are white women.)
So, this first timer was talking about how she doesn't get proper class respect from some staff people on campus.
Now, as a white woman, I've learned that I don't experience racism as a person of color does, and I also know that as a middle class person, I'm probably missing a lot of what happens in terms of class disrespect towards other people, too. So when a person of color tells me s/he's experienced racism, I listen, and I don't respond by saying it didn't happen or that they didn't interpret what happened accurately. And I try to do the same with class disrespect, too.
But it struck me how very much she was arguing that staff folks should respect her for her class status, and how she talked about their interactions. She said, for example, that when she "orders" someone to do something, they should do it and not question it. I'm interested in how she used "orders," here, because it's not something I usually hear someone say. I don't "order" my students to do X or Y, nor do I "order" the handyman, the roofers, staff people or whatever. I tend to use "ask." And when I ask a staff person, I don't tend to be upset if s/he asks a question about it or makes a suggestion to do something a different way.
Another white woman was also talking about how irritated she was that someone didn't show her proper respect as a tenure track person and thought she was an adjunct.
I tried to ask something (carefully worded) about how we were being defensive about our class positions, and that the book really wanted us to question the ways we uphold status and privilege through class, but I didn't get it out right and/or it didn't get taken up.
Another white colleague was trying to ask something that was ignored, so I did the feminist strategy of looking intently at her and (when a pause came up) asking her to repeat her question because I hadn't quite understood what she was getting at. And then I understood, and it was a really good question, though I didn't have an answer, but then the first timer mis-recognized it (in the, is it Lacanian or Derridean sense, of meaningful mis-recognizing?) and went elsewhere with it.
It's so difficult, sometimes, to think about what was happening.
I'm guessing the first timer thinks I'm rude, racist, whatever for going back and asking the white colleague to repeat.
Maybe she thinks I'm rude, racist, whatever because I wasn't paying her proper attention?
I'd like to think I'm not racist, or even rude, but I breathe racism along with the rest of the culture, and I don't want to lie to myself about that.
I can't tease out how much of my response to the first timer has to do with me being racist or with me reacting to her personality.
I'm also trying to think about how I expect my own class status to be respected. For example, the adjunct thing. Why should I be treated more respectfully than another person based on my job? based on my degree? Maybe respect isn't the word? I mean, on some level, we should all be treating everyone with respect. But if my job is to do X, and their job is to do Y, then asking for Y shouldn't be a sign of disrespect or a power play. And my doing X isn't a sign of disrespect.
And yet, I can't say there's no racism on this campus (I've heard stories from every person of color I know here), or that the first timer hasn't experienced racism and disrespect. But I also felt a sense of disrespect based on class coming from the first timer towards the staff people. I don't know that one disrespect trumps the other, or outweighs it.
Unfortunately, while I've enjoyed talking with the group about bell hooks' book, and I've enjoyed much of the reading, I don't have a sense the hooks has as many strategies for changing things as I'd like. I want strategies for change, still. But not too hard, because I also want to protect my privilege, of course. :|
A person of color came this time, who hasn't been in the group before (I think she was out of town). It changed the dynamics a lot. (There's another person of color who's come the whole time, but most of us are white women.)
So, this first timer was talking about how she doesn't get proper class respect from some staff people on campus.
Now, as a white woman, I've learned that I don't experience racism as a person of color does, and I also know that as a middle class person, I'm probably missing a lot of what happens in terms of class disrespect towards other people, too. So when a person of color tells me s/he's experienced racism, I listen, and I don't respond by saying it didn't happen or that they didn't interpret what happened accurately. And I try to do the same with class disrespect, too.
But it struck me how very much she was arguing that staff folks should respect her for her class status, and how she talked about their interactions. She said, for example, that when she "orders" someone to do something, they should do it and not question it. I'm interested in how she used "orders," here, because it's not something I usually hear someone say. I don't "order" my students to do X or Y, nor do I "order" the handyman, the roofers, staff people or whatever. I tend to use "ask." And when I ask a staff person, I don't tend to be upset if s/he asks a question about it or makes a suggestion to do something a different way.
Another white woman was also talking about how irritated she was that someone didn't show her proper respect as a tenure track person and thought she was an adjunct.
I tried to ask something (carefully worded) about how we were being defensive about our class positions, and that the book really wanted us to question the ways we uphold status and privilege through class, but I didn't get it out right and/or it didn't get taken up.
Another white colleague was trying to ask something that was ignored, so I did the feminist strategy of looking intently at her and (when a pause came up) asking her to repeat her question because I hadn't quite understood what she was getting at. And then I understood, and it was a really good question, though I didn't have an answer, but then the first timer mis-recognized it (in the, is it Lacanian or Derridean sense, of meaningful mis-recognizing?) and went elsewhere with it.
It's so difficult, sometimes, to think about what was happening.
I'm guessing the first timer thinks I'm rude, racist, whatever for going back and asking the white colleague to repeat.
Maybe she thinks I'm rude, racist, whatever because I wasn't paying her proper attention?
I'd like to think I'm not racist, or even rude, but I breathe racism along with the rest of the culture, and I don't want to lie to myself about that.
I can't tease out how much of my response to the first timer has to do with me being racist or with me reacting to her personality.
I'm also trying to think about how I expect my own class status to be respected. For example, the adjunct thing. Why should I be treated more respectfully than another person based on my job? based on my degree? Maybe respect isn't the word? I mean, on some level, we should all be treating everyone with respect. But if my job is to do X, and their job is to do Y, then asking for Y shouldn't be a sign of disrespect or a power play. And my doing X isn't a sign of disrespect.
And yet, I can't say there's no racism on this campus (I've heard stories from every person of color I know here), or that the first timer hasn't experienced racism and disrespect. But I also felt a sense of disrespect based on class coming from the first timer towards the staff people. I don't know that one disrespect trumps the other, or outweighs it.
Unfortunately, while I've enjoyed talking with the group about bell hooks' book, and I've enjoyed much of the reading, I don't have a sense the hooks has as many strategies for changing things as I'd like. I want strategies for change, still. But not too hard, because I also want to protect my privilege, of course. :|
Monday, July 02, 2012
Discomfort and Crankiness
I'm working with someone on a big project, but am not the primary author at all. Still, as we pass the project along to reviewers, I'm feeling a distinct lack of confidence. I've given the primary author feedback, but I'm really not happy with what's been forwarded to the reviewers.
It's an odd position, this, for me. I don't have the power to totally change the project, but I feel like our reviewers will lose respect for me based on what's being turned in. I have reasons for letting it go forward while less than satisfied, but I also have real doubts about my judgment about letting it go forward.
In reality, it doesn't have to be "perfect" (and it won't be), just "good enough." But it's on the edge of even "good enough" for me, and I'm uncomfortable about the whole thing.
And I'm cranky that I've put in so much time this summer on something I'm not satisfied with. I wish I could say "never again," but there are so many complicating factors that I really don't have any control over.
It's an odd position, this, for me. I don't have the power to totally change the project, but I feel like our reviewers will lose respect for me based on what's being turned in. I have reasons for letting it go forward while less than satisfied, but I also have real doubts about my judgment about letting it go forward.
In reality, it doesn't have to be "perfect" (and it won't be), just "good enough." But it's on the edge of even "good enough" for me, and I'm uncomfortable about the whole thing.
And I'm cranky that I've put in so much time this summer on something I'm not satisfied with. I wish I could say "never again," but there are so many complicating factors that I really don't have any control over.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Bump
I finished my 100 miles for the week today, for the fourth straight week.
As I was almost back, on the bike trail in town in a semi-narrow area, I passed a group of kids riding, let by an adult, and swept by another adult, coming my way. I was going fairly slowly, as were they, and kept an eye out, because though they were riding nicely on the right in a line, they were also riding like kids, a little quirkily.
I had just passed the last kid when at the same instant, I felt this big bump under my bike and saw something brown. When I looked back, I saw a rabbit moving into the brush at the side of the trail, dragging its back end (or at least one leg of its back end).
Ugh. I hit a rabbit.
I'm guessing it had been waiting for the group to pass, and hadn't realized I was coming from the opposite direction, and timed its dart across the path just wrong.
I didn't stop because I wouldn't have been able to do anything for the rabbit. (I couldn't have caught it, even, I suspect, and chasing it wouldn't have helped it at all. And even if I'd somehow caught up to it, grabbing a wild rabbit and carrying it on my bike, and then in my car or something? No.)
I sort of take comfort from the idea that any rabbit uncautious enough to be hit by a bike going 10-12 miles an hour on a heavily used part of a town path is a rabbit likely to be caught by a fox, dog, or something else.
Still, I'm sort of grossed out by having hit a rabbit. And surprised that I stayed up.
As I was almost back, on the bike trail in town in a semi-narrow area, I passed a group of kids riding, let by an adult, and swept by another adult, coming my way. I was going fairly slowly, as were they, and kept an eye out, because though they were riding nicely on the right in a line, they were also riding like kids, a little quirkily.
I had just passed the last kid when at the same instant, I felt this big bump under my bike and saw something brown. When I looked back, I saw a rabbit moving into the brush at the side of the trail, dragging its back end (or at least one leg of its back end).
Ugh. I hit a rabbit.
I'm guessing it had been waiting for the group to pass, and hadn't realized I was coming from the opposite direction, and timed its dart across the path just wrong.
I didn't stop because I wouldn't have been able to do anything for the rabbit. (I couldn't have caught it, even, I suspect, and chasing it wouldn't have helped it at all. And even if I'd somehow caught up to it, grabbing a wild rabbit and carrying it on my bike, and then in my car or something? No.)
I sort of take comfort from the idea that any rabbit uncautious enough to be hit by a bike going 10-12 miles an hour on a heavily used part of a town path is a rabbit likely to be caught by a fox, dog, or something else.
Still, I'm sort of grossed out by having hit a rabbit. And surprised that I stayed up.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Discomfort in the Discussion Group
A week or so ago, I posted about a discussion group I'm in for which we're reading bell hooks' Where We Stand: Class Matters. For this week's reading, we read chapters on African American community and race, and on religion. It seemed to me that hooks was nostalgic about her religious upbringing as a time when the church was central to the community and belonging, and also worked against greed and racism.
In the discussion, pretty much every other woman talked about her church, or searching for the right church/religious community, or something similar.
Except me. I pretty much kept my mouth shut except when I said that I thought hooks was being nostalgic, and that my sense was that the African American church (as much as one could use "the" there) has been historically unwelcoming of gays and lesbians. I also added a response to someone's comment about how students go on missions to other countries to benefit the people there, more than to proselytize, by saying that I thought the students went for a number of reasons, including resume building and tourism.
Other than that, I didn't have much to say.
It strikes me that I'm really bad at discussing my atheism. I don't think these women would have been mean about it or anything, but I'm bad at it, uncomfortable, and tend to avoid it.
Partly, I'm uncomfortable because I don't have a sense of religious feeling or spirituality. I don't see evidence, and I'm pretty sure if there were a diety out there performing miracles, we'd see evidence. But I don't.
And in the absence of good evidence, I don't see a need or have a desire for a deity.
Partly, that has to do with the pain/evil thing. Why would a benevolent deity give a dog cancer? I mean, sure, if you really believe that pain and disease of humans are punishment for original sin, but dogs by definition can't commit sin, so why punish them with disease ? (That goes for all the animals out there that get horrible diseases. Cancer is not a circle of life thing.) A deity that would treat dogs (or other animals) horribly is not a deity I would want to worship even if I believed that deity existed. And if the deity were evil, again, I wouldn't want to worship it. (And just to say: the idea that a benevolent deity would hold a parents' behavior against a child is abhorrent.)
At the same time, I recognize that a lot of people really feel a need or desire for a deity and are comforted by believing. I'm not out to attack people for their needs and desires, but I also don't want them trying to attack me for my needs and desires. But it sometimes seems that even acknowledging that I'm an atheist is seen as an attack on someone else's religious belief.
Sometimes, my atheism seems to be seen as an elitist attack on their beliefs in a way that I'm looking down on them or condescending. And maybe I am in a way, because I just don't understand that particular sort of need/desire.
It was an interesting discussion, but uncomfortable, too.
In the discussion, pretty much every other woman talked about her church, or searching for the right church/religious community, or something similar.
Except me. I pretty much kept my mouth shut except when I said that I thought hooks was being nostalgic, and that my sense was that the African American church (as much as one could use "the" there) has been historically unwelcoming of gays and lesbians. I also added a response to someone's comment about how students go on missions to other countries to benefit the people there, more than to proselytize, by saying that I thought the students went for a number of reasons, including resume building and tourism.
Other than that, I didn't have much to say.
It strikes me that I'm really bad at discussing my atheism. I don't think these women would have been mean about it or anything, but I'm bad at it, uncomfortable, and tend to avoid it.
Partly, I'm uncomfortable because I don't have a sense of religious feeling or spirituality. I don't see evidence, and I'm pretty sure if there were a diety out there performing miracles, we'd see evidence. But I don't.
And in the absence of good evidence, I don't see a need or have a desire for a deity.
Partly, that has to do with the pain/evil thing. Why would a benevolent deity give a dog cancer? I mean, sure, if you really believe that pain and disease of humans are punishment for original sin, but dogs by definition can't commit sin, so why punish them with disease ? (That goes for all the animals out there that get horrible diseases. Cancer is not a circle of life thing.) A deity that would treat dogs (or other animals) horribly is not a deity I would want to worship even if I believed that deity existed. And if the deity were evil, again, I wouldn't want to worship it. (And just to say: the idea that a benevolent deity would hold a parents' behavior against a child is abhorrent.)
At the same time, I recognize that a lot of people really feel a need or desire for a deity and are comforted by believing. I'm not out to attack people for their needs and desires, but I also don't want them trying to attack me for my needs and desires. But it sometimes seems that even acknowledging that I'm an atheist is seen as an attack on someone else's religious belief.
Sometimes, my atheism seems to be seen as an elitist attack on their beliefs in a way that I'm looking down on them or condescending. And maybe I am in a way, because I just don't understand that particular sort of need/desire.
It was an interesting discussion, but uncomfortable, too.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Bike, Bardiac, Bike!
I went out for a ride on the trail today, and since I was feeling good, I went hard, and checked my time at 15 miles: 16.7 mph average.
That's the fastest I've gone in a long time. I kept riding fast, but then I saw some friends, and turned to ride more with them, chatting and relaxing. It was even more fun. (That probably says a lot about my biking attitude. I was happy to turn around and ride a bit with friends chatting rather than pushing to do a time thing.)
Here's some perspective: from May 2007, I rode just under 16 mph.
From October 2008, 17 mph.
And from July 2009, 17.4 mph.
For me, then, this was a really good ride. I think the bike fit helped. Certainly, it's even more fun to ride with feet that aren't numb.
I've done just under 400 miles this month (compared to about 450 all of last year), and almost 800 miles so far this year (my goal is 2000). I'm on a good track to finish my fourth week of 100 miles/week, and I'm really happy about that.
That's the fastest I've gone in a long time. I kept riding fast, but then I saw some friends, and turned to ride more with them, chatting and relaxing. It was even more fun. (That probably says a lot about my biking attitude. I was happy to turn around and ride a bit with friends chatting rather than pushing to do a time thing.)
Here's some perspective: from May 2007, I rode just under 16 mph.
From October 2008, 17 mph.
And from July 2009, 17.4 mph.
For me, then, this was a really good ride. I think the bike fit helped. Certainly, it's even more fun to ride with feet that aren't numb.
I've done just under 400 miles this month (compared to about 450 all of last year), and almost 800 miles so far this year (my goal is 2000). I'm on a good track to finish my fourth week of 100 miles/week, and I'm really happy about that.
Overwhelmed
How is it that I'm overwhelmed by work and yet it's summer?
And weeds are overwhelming the yard.
I have to read stuff now, and respond.
And then I have to read stuff and learn.
And then I have to read other stuff and learn, and write a thing for the student engagement project.
And then I have to read some other stuff and write a paper.
And then I have classes to prep, and a paper to revise, and SAA stuffs to sign up for.
I need to get up earlier to get a ride in, or weed, or mow before it's too hot, and then work inside when it's hot. Happily, today isn't too hot. Nor is the area on fire, and I think this is a good thing.
Am I procrastinating because this thing I need to read and respond to isn't "mine"? Or would I procrastinate just as badly if it were mine? (The second, probably.)
And weeds are overwhelming the yard.
I have to read stuff now, and respond.
And then I have to read stuff and learn.
And then I have to read other stuff and learn, and write a thing for the student engagement project.
And then I have to read some other stuff and write a paper.
And then I have classes to prep, and a paper to revise, and SAA stuffs to sign up for.
I need to get up earlier to get a ride in, or weed, or mow before it's too hot, and then work inside when it's hot. Happily, today isn't too hot. Nor is the area on fire, and I think this is a good thing.
Am I procrastinating because this thing I need to read and respond to isn't "mine"? Or would I procrastinate just as badly if it were mine? (The second, probably.)
Friday, June 22, 2012
Revelation
I just got back from a 35+ mile ride. It was GREAT. How great, you ask? Very!
I usually go out to ride with a rough plan. I'll choose a route based on wind direction, how I feel, how much time I have, how hot it is, and so on. Today, my plan was to go out QQ for 15-25 miles; depending on how I felt, I'd turn back at whatever point.
I turned back at about 13 miles (which is where the quieter road hits the busier road, and so it's a good place to turn back and stay on the quieter road). My feet weren't numb AT ALL, though in the past, they've started going numb at 8-10 miles. In addition to adjusting a cleat to be straighter and my seat, the bike fitter had given me a few stretching sorts of things to try on the bike, and they seemed to help a lot, but not as much as the cleat adjustment did.
I rode back most of the way, to the point where I cross a bike path, and then because I was feeling so good, and my feet weren't numb, I turned onto the bike path and rode a while more. When I turned back, I turned more because I was hungry (I stopped on the way back to get a sandwich because I hadn't taken one since I hadn't planned to ride so far) and tiring, and didn't want to get too far out and face a headwind coming home.
It's so much better to ride without numb feet! I can't believe I didn't get a bike fitting sooner!
Now I'm tired, but not sore or anything.
I loved my bike a lot before, but now it's even better!
I usually go out to ride with a rough plan. I'll choose a route based on wind direction, how I feel, how much time I have, how hot it is, and so on. Today, my plan was to go out QQ for 15-25 miles; depending on how I felt, I'd turn back at whatever point.
I turned back at about 13 miles (which is where the quieter road hits the busier road, and so it's a good place to turn back and stay on the quieter road). My feet weren't numb AT ALL, though in the past, they've started going numb at 8-10 miles. In addition to adjusting a cleat to be straighter and my seat, the bike fitter had given me a few stretching sorts of things to try on the bike, and they seemed to help a lot, but not as much as the cleat adjustment did.
I rode back most of the way, to the point where I cross a bike path, and then because I was feeling so good, and my feet weren't numb, I turned onto the bike path and rode a while more. When I turned back, I turned more because I was hungry (I stopped on the way back to get a sandwich because I hadn't taken one since I hadn't planned to ride so far) and tiring, and didn't want to get too far out and face a headwind coming home.
It's so much better to ride without numb feet! I can't believe I didn't get a bike fitting sooner!
Now I'm tired, but not sore or anything.
I loved my bike a lot before, but now it's even better!
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Retrospective
I went off and talked to some folks in different stages of their academic careers recently, and it struck me how much I changed in the first couple years teaching (after my phud) and what a difference that made for me in getting a second job.
One of the folks, let's call her Betty, was talking about her work. She was excited, and the work sounds interesting, but there was something that I can't quite put my finger on that stood out to me as telling: she's still in grad school mode. (She finished a couple years ago.)
I don't know what exactly it was, though. And I know for me, teaching as a lecturer helped me learn to talk about my teaching AND my research in much more effective ways. And during my first tt job, I somehow learned to have totally different conversations about my work and other peoples' work. The thing is, I wouldn't have believed when I was a grad student, how very much I didn't sound ready. I couldn't have recognized it until I hit it myself, though retrospectively, I'm pretty sure a couple of my friends were already there in grad school. (So it's not just a grad school or not thing, or an age thing, but there's some change that happens to most people, and they're in a different mode and it shows.)
I was talking with another old hand later, and separately, and we talked about Betty a bit, and the other old hand had the same impression.
The sad thing is that in a super competitive market, Betty doesn't stand much chance against the people who have made it to the different mode already. But I wouldn't know how to help Betty change modes, or even how to explain to Betty about the modes.
Have you noticed this phenomenon? Can you explain it better?
One of the folks, let's call her Betty, was talking about her work. She was excited, and the work sounds interesting, but there was something that I can't quite put my finger on that stood out to me as telling: she's still in grad school mode. (She finished a couple years ago.)
I don't know what exactly it was, though. And I know for me, teaching as a lecturer helped me learn to talk about my teaching AND my research in much more effective ways. And during my first tt job, I somehow learned to have totally different conversations about my work and other peoples' work. The thing is, I wouldn't have believed when I was a grad student, how very much I didn't sound ready. I couldn't have recognized it until I hit it myself, though retrospectively, I'm pretty sure a couple of my friends were already there in grad school. (So it's not just a grad school or not thing, or an age thing, but there's some change that happens to most people, and they're in a different mode and it shows.)
I was talking with another old hand later, and separately, and we talked about Betty a bit, and the other old hand had the same impression.
The sad thing is that in a super competitive market, Betty doesn't stand much chance against the people who have made it to the different mode already. But I wouldn't know how to help Betty change modes, or even how to explain to Betty about the modes.
Have you noticed this phenomenon? Can you explain it better?
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Fresh Start
I had my teeth cleaned today. It always feels like I get to start anew, in a way, when they've been cleaned and polished. No problems, just needed a cleaning.
I also went to a bike shop and got a bike fit. It was helpful, and really interesting. I wonder at myself at having numb feet after 12 or so miles pretty much every ride, and not getting a fit sooner. He adjusted a cleat to straighten it (I moved them up earlier in the week), moved the seat a tad up and then down, and then about a half a centimeter back.
I finished my hundred miles for the week inside this evening (since it was raining outside), and the new fit seems to help!
I also went to a bike shop and got a bike fit. It was helpful, and really interesting. I wonder at myself at having numb feet after 12 or so miles pretty much every ride, and not getting a fit sooner. He adjusted a cleat to straighten it (I moved them up earlier in the week), moved the seat a tad up and then down, and then about a half a centimeter back.
I finished my hundred miles for the week inside this evening (since it was raining outside), and the new fit seems to help!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Bourgeois
That's me.
The women's studies folks on campus put together a summer reading group to read and chat about bell hooks' Where We Stand: Class Matters. We're reading a couple chapters at a time, and then getting together mostly once a week to chat.
The argument in the first bit is that we (US dominant culture) don't talk enough about social class and its effects on people's experience. I think we talk more about social class than hooks thinks we do, but I see that we don't talk enough about it. hooks talks about her family background and her estrangement, and asks how much one can hold onto and how much one gives up in moving from growing up poor to getting to the middle class. That seems like a really good question. (She makes the point, since maybe you're wondering, that she's already written books with start their analysis from feminist and race-centered positions. She doesn't ignore either, here, but starts with social class.)
She talks a fair bit about not fitting in at college where she first went, and eventually at Stanford, where she went also.
I found the book a bit repetitive in its argument, but hooks is readable, and interesting, so it was okay. But I didn't find it especially compelling as far as we'd read.
When folks started talking, though, it made me really think about how bourgeois my reaction was. Several of the people talked about growing up very poor on this or that farm in the upper midwest, mostly.
I grew up pretty solidly middle class, and very bourgeois, since my family (grandfather, father, uncle) owned a business, and thus owned the means of production.
So mostly I kept my mouth shut.
The best question of the evening was when someone asked how we define "class." Me, I tend to think in terms of a fairly Marxist definition. Others not so much. A few thought more metaphorically, where "class" became about acting in certain ways, or having self-respect.
We're meeting again tonight, and I've been thinking about the new chapters and about last week's discussion.
I wonder if the folks that talked about growing up on farms grew up on farms that their families owned (or that their families owned with the bank or credit union)?
How would that play into the Marxist definition? Does it mean the same thing if you own the means of production and work with that capital to produce whatever it is? Is there a difference between owning a farm that way and owning another sort of business?
One of the things that struck another person and came up in conversation later was how many of the people in the conversation had grown up and stayed very much in the same area. In this conversation, at least, geographical movement was tied fairly strongly to having a phd and being on the tenure line (though not completely). (The sample size is pretty small, too.)
It feels like there's something untold in hooks' narrative about college. I think she grew up in Ohio, and I have no idea about how public universities in Ohio were in the 70s about African American students. I know African American students in my home state went to college at lower rates, and had far fewer opportunities. But I wondered why she'd chosen to go to a private school rather than a state school?
I guess my wondering comes from growing up in a state with (then, at least) excellent public secondary education, to the extent that very few of the kids I graduated high school with went to private schools. (I can name two that I know of. Everyone else I can think of who went on went to public schools.)
I think private schools are more prevalent in some parts of the country rather than others, and maybe offered scholarships more than public schools?
The women's studies folks on campus put together a summer reading group to read and chat about bell hooks' Where We Stand: Class Matters. We're reading a couple chapters at a time, and then getting together mostly once a week to chat.
The argument in the first bit is that we (US dominant culture) don't talk enough about social class and its effects on people's experience. I think we talk more about social class than hooks thinks we do, but I see that we don't talk enough about it. hooks talks about her family background and her estrangement, and asks how much one can hold onto and how much one gives up in moving from growing up poor to getting to the middle class. That seems like a really good question. (She makes the point, since maybe you're wondering, that she's already written books with start their analysis from feminist and race-centered positions. She doesn't ignore either, here, but starts with social class.)
She talks a fair bit about not fitting in at college where she first went, and eventually at Stanford, where she went also.
I found the book a bit repetitive in its argument, but hooks is readable, and interesting, so it was okay. But I didn't find it especially compelling as far as we'd read.
When folks started talking, though, it made me really think about how bourgeois my reaction was. Several of the people talked about growing up very poor on this or that farm in the upper midwest, mostly.
I grew up pretty solidly middle class, and very bourgeois, since my family (grandfather, father, uncle) owned a business, and thus owned the means of production.
So mostly I kept my mouth shut.
The best question of the evening was when someone asked how we define "class." Me, I tend to think in terms of a fairly Marxist definition. Others not so much. A few thought more metaphorically, where "class" became about acting in certain ways, or having self-respect.
We're meeting again tonight, and I've been thinking about the new chapters and about last week's discussion.
I wonder if the folks that talked about growing up on farms grew up on farms that their families owned (or that their families owned with the bank or credit union)?
How would that play into the Marxist definition? Does it mean the same thing if you own the means of production and work with that capital to produce whatever it is? Is there a difference between owning a farm that way and owning another sort of business?
One of the things that struck another person and came up in conversation later was how many of the people in the conversation had grown up and stayed very much in the same area. In this conversation, at least, geographical movement was tied fairly strongly to having a phd and being on the tenure line (though not completely). (The sample size is pretty small, too.)
It feels like there's something untold in hooks' narrative about college. I think she grew up in Ohio, and I have no idea about how public universities in Ohio were in the 70s about African American students. I know African American students in my home state went to college at lower rates, and had far fewer opportunities. But I wondered why she'd chosen to go to a private school rather than a state school?
I guess my wondering comes from growing up in a state with (then, at least) excellent public secondary education, to the extent that very few of the kids I graduated high school with went to private schools. (I can name two that I know of. Everyone else I can think of who went on went to public schools.)
I think private schools are more prevalent in some parts of the country rather than others, and maybe offered scholarships more than public schools?
Friday, June 15, 2012
Pain and Doubt
I was reading a longish written piece today, and it was really hard, mostly because it wasn't well written. In some ways, it was painfully badly written, with sentence, paragraph, and organizational problems.
I procrastinated about reading it (not horribly, but enough to mess up most of the day), and kept getting frustrated as I was reading it. But I finished and responded. I hope my response was helpful.
It's so much harder to respond to a longish piece that's poorly written. Usually, say, in a writing class, you start students with fairly short papers, and while they are sometimes painfully badly written, it's three or four pages of pain. This was considerably longer.
And those three or four pages, as you're reading them, you think about the most important things to repond to, and the things you'll be teaching the class as a whole, and you try to focus on a couple things, starting with big picture stuff. But this piece needs to be right, and it's rushed, and it way harder to know what to respond to.
That's where my doubts come in. I've read papers before where I felt that maybe I just wasn't smart enough to understand, and wasn't sure that wasn't the problem more than bad writing. This paper wasn't like that. Instead, my doubts come in about whether I can help this writer to do a better job writing this argument. I have such doubts about how good I am at this part of life.
I did my best, focusing first on the bigger organizational stuff, and then including the lesser stuff to the extent that it absolutely has to be at least competent.
Now it's late enough that I'm going to put my bike on the indoor trainer, put food in my face, and then spin myself tired. (The new week starts today, so I need to do 20-25 miles to feel good about my chances for another 100 mile week. That also has to do with rain potential, and not just whether I can ride 100 miles.)
I procrastinated about reading it (not horribly, but enough to mess up most of the day), and kept getting frustrated as I was reading it. But I finished and responded. I hope my response was helpful.
It's so much harder to respond to a longish piece that's poorly written. Usually, say, in a writing class, you start students with fairly short papers, and while they are sometimes painfully badly written, it's three or four pages of pain. This was considerably longer.
And those three or four pages, as you're reading them, you think about the most important things to repond to, and the things you'll be teaching the class as a whole, and you try to focus on a couple things, starting with big picture stuff. But this piece needs to be right, and it's rushed, and it way harder to know what to respond to.
That's where my doubts come in. I've read papers before where I felt that maybe I just wasn't smart enough to understand, and wasn't sure that wasn't the problem more than bad writing. This paper wasn't like that. Instead, my doubts come in about whether I can help this writer to do a better job writing this argument. I have such doubts about how good I am at this part of life.
I did my best, focusing first on the bigger organizational stuff, and then including the lesser stuff to the extent that it absolutely has to be at least competent.
Now it's late enough that I'm going to put my bike on the indoor trainer, put food in my face, and then spin myself tired. (The new week starts today, so I need to do 20-25 miles to feel good about my chances for another 100 mile week. That also has to do with rain potential, and not just whether I can ride 100 miles.)
Reassurance
What with the news lately, I thought I should take time to reassure you that I ride clean. Well, not really clean, because I get chain tatoos (or "noob marks") just looking at my bike. How does that even happen?
What I can claim, is that I don't blood dope. That's assuming that hormonal birth control doesn't count as blood doping. I don't think a little regular hormones counts, right?
I do drink a fair bit of coffee. Please dog that never gets outlawed!
And while my blood has never actually been tested for doping stuff that I know of, the Red Cross tests it regularly (when I donate) for whatever it is they look for, and I either have it (red blood cells, yay) or don't (a variety of testable diseases, boo!), and they keep calling me every eight weeks for more.
Further, my performance on the bike (and elsewhere) demonstrates that I haven't suddenly become a super biker with great endurance or incredible acceleration on hills to drop whomever I'm riding with. I can't accelerate convincingly away from mailboxes.
I've also never won a race. I think it's obvious that I haven't won because I've never actually entered a race, but there may be other factors in play. The closest I get to "pro" on a bike is putting my sunglass earpieces on the outside of my helmet straps. (I still have my lawyer tabs and dork discs in place, though I did lose one of the wheel reflectors a while back.)
So for those of you who follow my biking, you can be reassured! You will have to ride slowly, or you won't be following for long, though.
This message brought to you by the letters E, P, and O, and the dollar sign.
What I can claim, is that I don't blood dope. That's assuming that hormonal birth control doesn't count as blood doping. I don't think a little regular hormones counts, right?
I do drink a fair bit of coffee. Please dog that never gets outlawed!
And while my blood has never actually been tested for doping stuff that I know of, the Red Cross tests it regularly (when I donate) for whatever it is they look for, and I either have it (red blood cells, yay) or don't (a variety of testable diseases, boo!), and they keep calling me every eight weeks for more.
Further, my performance on the bike (and elsewhere) demonstrates that I haven't suddenly become a super biker with great endurance or incredible acceleration on hills to drop whomever I'm riding with. I can't accelerate convincingly away from mailboxes.
I've also never won a race. I think it's obvious that I haven't won because I've never actually entered a race, but there may be other factors in play. The closest I get to "pro" on a bike is putting my sunglass earpieces on the outside of my helmet straps. (I still have my lawyer tabs and dork discs in place, though I did lose one of the wheel reflectors a while back.)
So for those of you who follow my biking, you can be reassured! You will have to ride slowly, or you won't be following for long, though.
This message brought to you by the letters E, P, and O, and the dollar sign.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Second Lunch
Do you remember the part in the LotR films (the first one, maybe?) where the halflings are with Aragorn out in the wilderness, and he's trying to get them moving, but they want to stop to eat breakfast. Aragorn says they've already eaten, and one of them asks what about second breakfast, and then has names for three extra meals?
Today, I had breakfast, then went for a bike ride with a friend. She invited me to stay for lunch, and fixed this incredible lunch, a really full plate full, and I ate every bit, and it was really, really good. We chatted a bit, and I went home. And within an hour, I was hungry for second lunch. So I had a peanut butter sandwich. And that was good, too!
I did finish my 100 miles for the week, though, and I still have an extra day to ride tomorrow. I also went on a short walk/run with another friend in the late afternoon. (She's trying to get into a habit of exercising, and I'm trying to be an encouraging friend, and also getting some exercise.)
Today, I had breakfast, then went for a bike ride with a friend. She invited me to stay for lunch, and fixed this incredible lunch, a really full plate full, and I ate every bit, and it was really, really good. We chatted a bit, and I went home. And within an hour, I was hungry for second lunch. So I had a peanut butter sandwich. And that was good, too!
I did finish my 100 miles for the week, though, and I still have an extra day to ride tomorrow. I also went on a short walk/run with another friend in the late afternoon. (She's trying to get into a habit of exercising, and I'm trying to be an encouraging friend, and also getting some exercise.)
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Click!
A couple of days ago, I went to the big city with a friend, and we stopped at a big sporting goods store. I got a new daypack, to replace the one that's been repaired twice and went to Japan and the UK with me. I also looked at new biking shoes because since I've been biking as an adult, I get numb feet after a while and it makes biking longer less and less fun. (I currently have mountain bike sort of shoes that make it possible to walk because the cleat's recessed a bit, but supposedly, they aren't quite as stiff as road shoes.) It's a pretty common thing, and I've read that having really stiff soles helps. They didn't sell me new biking shoes, but suggested some inserts, so I got those and changed out the inserts in my shoes.
Then I was looking at web stuff, and noticed that in addition to the changing shoe advice, some advice said to move the cleats back.
So I figured out how to move the cleats back (there are three possible positions on my shoes to screw the cleats in), and moved the cleat on my right foot back. Then I put the bike on the trainer, and got on and rode a bit.
Typically, my foot goes numb somewhere between mile 8 and mile 12 if I'm just riding. On a trainer, I tend not to ride for a long while, but ride in 5 mile chunks because, well, because. (If you've ridden a trainer, you understand, I bet, even if you have more self discipline about it.) But sure enough, my left foot started going numb. And neither of my feet was particularly happy about the inserts.
So then after about mile 10, I moved the cleat on the left foot. The foot was already sort of numbing, so it never did feel quite right, but the right foot didn't get numb!
And yesterday I rode outside, did 22 miles, and my right foot didn't get numb at all. My left foot started to a bit, but not nearly as bad as usual. I think riding may get even more fun now!
(I love the way bikers talk about "clipping in" to "clipless pedals." It's a weird holdover, I gather, from when bikers used toe clips and used to have to reach down and either engage or disengage them to hold or let loose the foot/shoe.)
Then I was looking at web stuff, and noticed that in addition to the changing shoe advice, some advice said to move the cleats back.
So I figured out how to move the cleats back (there are three possible positions on my shoes to screw the cleats in), and moved the cleat on my right foot back. Then I put the bike on the trainer, and got on and rode a bit.
Typically, my foot goes numb somewhere between mile 8 and mile 12 if I'm just riding. On a trainer, I tend not to ride for a long while, but ride in 5 mile chunks because, well, because. (If you've ridden a trainer, you understand, I bet, even if you have more self discipline about it.) But sure enough, my left foot started going numb. And neither of my feet was particularly happy about the inserts.
So then after about mile 10, I moved the cleat on the left foot. The foot was already sort of numbing, so it never did feel quite right, but the right foot didn't get numb!
And yesterday I rode outside, did 22 miles, and my right foot didn't get numb at all. My left foot started to a bit, but not nearly as bad as usual. I think riding may get even more fun now!
(I love the way bikers talk about "clipping in" to "clipless pedals." It's a weird holdover, I gather, from when bikers used toe clips and used to have to reach down and either engage or disengage them to hold or let loose the foot/shoe.)
Monday, June 11, 2012
Indignity
I was riding along today and there was a sort of minimally painful scratchiness near my nipple. I itched at it, but I'm not the best rider, so my itching wasn't very effective. I tried to see down my shirt to see if there was a bug, but I couldn't find one. I itched again and again.
Finally, I felt a hard pea-sized thing. But by this time, I was near traffic. So I gave it a good squeeze through the jersey and bra. Ewww.
The poor little bug paid the ultimate price for ending up in my bra somehow. I have no idea how he got in there, but the scratchiness stopped as soon as he did.
What I do for fun!
Finally, I felt a hard pea-sized thing. But by this time, I was near traffic. So I gave it a good squeeze through the jersey and bra. Ewww.
The poor little bug paid the ultimate price for ending up in my bra somehow. I have no idea how he got in there, but the scratchiness stopped as soon as he did.
What I do for fun!
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Marmalade
After or during a bike ride, I love a peanut butter sandwich. One of my friends was teasing me gently about my love on fb the other day. It's not the most sophisticated food, but darn, with good bread, it's great.
I have friends who cook. One of them gave me some homemade marmalade, so I had that on my sandwich, and it was very, very good.
Weirdly, perhaps, I didn't grow up eating marmalade. My Mom made wickedly good boysenberry jam from our bushes, and we ate that a lot. But not marmalade.
But eating the marmalade got me thinking: why do we have a separate word for a fruit preserve made from oranges? The others are all jams and jellies (until I thought of apple butter, but maybe that's different?). But orange, and it's marmalade.
Being a curious type with access to the OED, I started looking stuff up and learned that "marmalade" is first used in the early 16th century in England, a borrowing from Portuguese. But it wasn't originally used for orange preserves, but for quince. I didn't even know what a quince was, really (except for Peter), so I had to look that up.
Originally, marmalade didn't refer to what we call marmalade, a citrus (I learned that there are other citrus marmalades) fruit preserve, but that it was boiled (to get at the pectins in the fruit) and served as block of gel with rosewater. That doesn't sound nearly as good as our marmalade.
The thing that surprised me, but shouldn't have, was that fruit preserves in general come in to use pretty late, like in the 18th century, mostly. I think of jam as a sort of old fashioned food, but not so much. The thing is, you need sugar and a way of sealing up a container to do fruit preserves, and neither was really much available earlier. If you don't seal up the container, then you have to use it more quickly, I guess.
I would also like to note that "marmalade" has good mouth feel as a word; it's fun to say. It tastes great with peanut butter, too!
I have friends who cook. One of them gave me some homemade marmalade, so I had that on my sandwich, and it was very, very good.
Weirdly, perhaps, I didn't grow up eating marmalade. My Mom made wickedly good boysenberry jam from our bushes, and we ate that a lot. But not marmalade.
But eating the marmalade got me thinking: why do we have a separate word for a fruit preserve made from oranges? The others are all jams and jellies (until I thought of apple butter, but maybe that's different?). But orange, and it's marmalade.
Being a curious type with access to the OED, I started looking stuff up and learned that "marmalade" is first used in the early 16th century in England, a borrowing from Portuguese. But it wasn't originally used for orange preserves, but for quince. I didn't even know what a quince was, really (except for Peter), so I had to look that up.
Originally, marmalade didn't refer to what we call marmalade, a citrus (I learned that there are other citrus marmalades) fruit preserve, but that it was boiled (to get at the pectins in the fruit) and served as block of gel with rosewater. That doesn't sound nearly as good as our marmalade.
The thing that surprised me, but shouldn't have, was that fruit preserves in general come in to use pretty late, like in the 18th century, mostly. I think of jam as a sort of old fashioned food, but not so much. The thing is, you need sugar and a way of sealing up a container to do fruit preserves, and neither was really much available earlier. If you don't seal up the container, then you have to use it more quickly, I guess.
I would also like to note that "marmalade" has good mouth feel as a word; it's fun to say. It tastes great with peanut butter, too!
Friday, June 08, 2012
Another Weekend in June, Another Dairy Breakfast!
Dairy breakfast this morning! They started at 5am, but we didn't get there until 6:30 after a bit of a drive. Still, I got one of the free mugs for early folks.
There had to have been several thousand people there when we got there, and way more in line when we left.
This breakfast had scrambled eggs made in huge skillets (with three or four people stirring each from a different side), curds, milk, juice, muffins, and frozen custard over corn flakes with strawberries. That may not sound good, but it's pretty darned incredible.
I had my picture taken with a dairy princess and everything. We saw a cow getting really irritated with inexperienced people trying to milk her from both sides at once.
All in all, good food (though not waffles) and a fun mug!
Thursday, June 07, 2012
Wednesday, June 06, 2012
Goals
I had a goal of riding 100 miles in the first week of June, and in each week thereafter. So far, so good. I've ridden about 110 miles this week, and there's still another day. (I may or may not ride; we'll see.) I also didn't ride every day, since I had the neighbors' dog visiting with me last weekend.
The next goal is for next week.
For the year, my goal is 2000 miles. I biked 450 miles last year, so that would be up a LOT. Then again, I was gone part of the biking season walking around London and such.
I've biked just over 500 miles so far, so it's potentially do-able. But I will be away for just over a week next month. And then I have commitments to other stuff in August. So it will depend on a long fall.
My heel is doing much better. Yesterday, I was walking on one leg tiptoe and the other semi-tiptoe, and then iced them in the afternoon. Today I'm walking as normally as I usually do. I think I'll give it another day before I try a short run again.
There's also an article to write, books to read, classes to prepare. I love summer!
The next goal is for next week.
For the year, my goal is 2000 miles. I biked 450 miles last year, so that would be up a LOT. Then again, I was gone part of the biking season walking around London and such.
I've biked just over 500 miles so far, so it's potentially do-able. But I will be away for just over a week next month. And then I have commitments to other stuff in August. So it will depend on a long fall.
My heel is doing much better. Yesterday, I was walking on one leg tiptoe and the other semi-tiptoe, and then iced them in the afternoon. Today I'm walking as normally as I usually do. I think I'll give it another day before I try a short run again.
There's also an article to write, books to read, classes to prepare. I love summer!
Monday, June 04, 2012
Ouchies
I have twin boo boos. The other one isn't nearly as impressive, though. I think I did the initial ouchie yesterday, when I went out to play outside with a friend. And then we went again today, and I made it worse, probably. But I may be wrong. It seemed to hurt right when I started today, but then, it didn't hurt when I rode my bike this morning. Ice helps. (That's the bottom of my heel, by the way, just so you're not confused. And let me say, if you're not very flexible, taking a picture of the bottom of your heel isn't easy.)
MA Misery
We have a small MA program here at NWU. It serves mostly people who feel geographically located and don't want to move elsewhere along with the occasional person who did a BA here and thinks this school is the be all.
Our program isn't great, alas. Part of it has to do with resources, and part with our students. It's not that some of them aren't capable. But even the most capable students tend to think of getting an MA here as a part-time thing, so they put it on the back burner, especially after their first year. That means that they take a partial or full load of classes their first year, and the structure means that they usually get the work done. And then they're basically told to find someone to write a thesis with. Sometimes, they have a good idea, find someone, and get right to work, finishing in a year.
But sometimes, not. Other things get in the way. And then a couple years go by, and they think, oh, I need to finish that. Or they get a letter telling them that they need to finish by the next semester. So they think of something to write on, and do a desperate search for a thesis director. Then they apply for extra time.
I'm working with three thesis students now. Two of them are on their final extensions. Both had extensions before they even asked me to be their director. And both are desperate to finish.
The thing is, with both of these two students, they tend to contact someone (me, in these cases) and they want to finish. And they have an idea, so I give them feedback. And then six months later, they come back with a half-assed draft of a prospectus or something, and want to get things hopping. It's not that I'm unsympathetic, and I try to read quickly, but when I hear from someone only after six months, and suddenly they expect me to tell them they're geniuses and doing great stuff when they aren't, I get frustrated.
I think the problem is that my expectations are that graduate work should be a fairly high priority, at least as high for the student as it is for me. And they have way higher priorities, but still expect me to read and respond to their work quickly, even during the summer (when I'm not on contract, but I am trying not to be a jerk about it). Further, it's all done longish distance, because they're closer to here than anywhere else, but don't want to arrange to drive 50+ miles to talk about a chapter.
Now back to reading. I don't know what to say to this student about this chapter.
I've told the third student that I don't want to hear every six months, but expect more regular contact. And I actually have high hopes, since this student hasn't gotten anywhere near the point of needing an extension, has done a draft of a chapter, and has a really solid idea.
Our program isn't great, alas. Part of it has to do with resources, and part with our students. It's not that some of them aren't capable. But even the most capable students tend to think of getting an MA here as a part-time thing, so they put it on the back burner, especially after their first year. That means that they take a partial or full load of classes their first year, and the structure means that they usually get the work done. And then they're basically told to find someone to write a thesis with. Sometimes, they have a good idea, find someone, and get right to work, finishing in a year.
But sometimes, not. Other things get in the way. And then a couple years go by, and they think, oh, I need to finish that. Or they get a letter telling them that they need to finish by the next semester. So they think of something to write on, and do a desperate search for a thesis director. Then they apply for extra time.
I'm working with three thesis students now. Two of them are on their final extensions. Both had extensions before they even asked me to be their director. And both are desperate to finish.
The thing is, with both of these two students, they tend to contact someone (me, in these cases) and they want to finish. And they have an idea, so I give them feedback. And then six months later, they come back with a half-assed draft of a prospectus or something, and want to get things hopping. It's not that I'm unsympathetic, and I try to read quickly, but when I hear from someone only after six months, and suddenly they expect me to tell them they're geniuses and doing great stuff when they aren't, I get frustrated.
I think the problem is that my expectations are that graduate work should be a fairly high priority, at least as high for the student as it is for me. And they have way higher priorities, but still expect me to read and respond to their work quickly, even during the summer (when I'm not on contract, but I am trying not to be a jerk about it). Further, it's all done longish distance, because they're closer to here than anywhere else, but don't want to arrange to drive 50+ miles to talk about a chapter.
Now back to reading. I don't know what to say to this student about this chapter.
I've told the third student that I don't want to hear every six months, but expect more regular contact. And I actually have high hopes, since this student hasn't gotten anywhere near the point of needing an extension, has done a draft of a chapter, and has a really solid idea.
Academic Cog's Summer Meme
This seems like a fun idea from Sisyphus at Academic Cog! And where did all the memes go?
1. What is your favorite part of summer?
Warmth. Wearing shorts and still being plenty warm.
2. What's your favorite quintessentially summer food? Least favorite?
Ice Cream! Maybe a root beer float. And Dairy Breakfast!
3. Best beverage to beat the summer heat:
Water from a hose. I don't know what it is about water from a hose, but it's so good!
4. Least favorite/most annoying thing related to summer?
Knowing that fall is around the corner? Rain. Who the heck thought it would be a good idea to have rain in the summer? (So says a person who grew up in a near desert.)
5. Pick one: the lake /the beach. Why?
Beach. Because it means there's a coast. And there's fresh air and sea smell. And maybe a summer fog rolling in to burn off as the morning warms up. (Not that lakes are bad, but beach!) Beaches are best when dogs are playing in the surf.
6. Most amusing summer vacation trip you've ever taken?
Amusing? I'm not sure. I think I've only ever been on one summer vacation trip that wasn't pretty darned wonderful, and that was a family trip across I-80 from the Bay Area to Salt Lake City in a car with no air conditioning towing a rented rv thingy.
Among the best: during my teen years, my folks would pack a bunch of my cousins, maybe an aunt or two, and we'd go car camp at a lake and waterski. Good times. My bike trip in Yellowstone was also a highlight. And London last year, totally a great trip.
7. Most ridiculous/cringe-inducing/blush-provoking summer outfit you have seen? (Bonus points if you yourself were wearing it!)
Me in biking lycra. My not so secret super power is that people laugh.
8. Your absolute dream summer afternoon would be:
Not too hot, bike ride among redwood trees, or even a walk among redwood trees. Just thinking of the smell fills my heart. Pine tree smell is also good. And if I'm dreaming, then there are hills and I absolutely fly up them.
That was fun! Thanks, Sisyphus!
1. What is your favorite part of summer?
Warmth. Wearing shorts and still being plenty warm.
2. What's your favorite quintessentially summer food? Least favorite?
Ice Cream! Maybe a root beer float. And Dairy Breakfast!
3. Best beverage to beat the summer heat:
Water from a hose. I don't know what it is about water from a hose, but it's so good!
4. Least favorite/most annoying thing related to summer?
Knowing that fall is around the corner? Rain. Who the heck thought it would be a good idea to have rain in the summer? (So says a person who grew up in a near desert.)
5. Pick one: the lake /the beach. Why?
Beach. Because it means there's a coast. And there's fresh air and sea smell. And maybe a summer fog rolling in to burn off as the morning warms up. (Not that lakes are bad, but beach!) Beaches are best when dogs are playing in the surf.
6. Most amusing summer vacation trip you've ever taken?
Amusing? I'm not sure. I think I've only ever been on one summer vacation trip that wasn't pretty darned wonderful, and that was a family trip across I-80 from the Bay Area to Salt Lake City in a car with no air conditioning towing a rented rv thingy.
Among the best: during my teen years, my folks would pack a bunch of my cousins, maybe an aunt or two, and we'd go car camp at a lake and waterski. Good times. My bike trip in Yellowstone was also a highlight. And London last year, totally a great trip.
7. Most ridiculous/cringe-inducing/blush-provoking summer outfit you have seen? (Bonus points if you yourself were wearing it!)
Me in biking lycra. My not so secret super power is that people laugh.
8. Your absolute dream summer afternoon would be:
Not too hot, bike ride among redwood trees, or even a walk among redwood trees. Just thinking of the smell fills my heart. Pine tree smell is also good. And if I'm dreaming, then there are hills and I absolutely fly up them.
That was fun! Thanks, Sisyphus!
Sunday, June 03, 2012
Political Mail
I got a piece of weird political mail the other day.
It lists my name, along with the names of about 10 people in my neighborhood, some on my street, some on streets near, and then in two adjacent columns, headed by recent election dates, either a blank or a "voted" next to each name.
In the other part of the piece it talks about doing one's civic duty and voting in the upcoming election.
I'm guessing this is something my party put together trying to personalize the voting process and make us think about each others' voting record? It seems so weird, though. They wouldn't want to do the "get out the vote" thing for members of another party, and I'm registered with a party through my voter registration.
While the local county clerks obviously keep track of who's voted, I wouldn't have thought that those records would be available to just anyone who walked in.
I'm sort of creeped out by the mail. I think there are two reasons. First, it identifies me to other folks as a registered member of the party, just as it identifies those other folks to me as a registered member of the party. Second, I live on a street with 9 houses, near other streets with lots more houses, and there is only a small number of names on the list. Does that mean that only a few of us are members of this party? Or did they just put in a few on each mailing list? Are there really so few of us?
A few years ago, I was at a family party and a cousin's wife asked me something about if it was horrible to live in an area that was so not where we're from. (Yes, people where I'm from are as parochial sometimes as people from anywhere.) And I said, no, there were great people here, and jerks, just as there were great people and jerks where we're from. There are really fine people whose politics I disagree with, and there are jerks whose politics are right in line with mine.
And I believe that. But the attacks on teachers and public employees here have been so viscious and so sustained that I also feel a bit that voting for/with the attackers is personal. And I'm tired of feeling attacked.
I'm also tired of the emails and mailings I get from my party re-emphasizing the nastiness.
I have friends who've been working dedicatedly on election stuff, and if we lose, I'm sure I'll feel bad that I didn't do more to contribute, but I'm so sick of all this. And to think that it's going to go on at probably this level and more into November makes me want to wretch.
I'm going to dig up some irises today to make room for some strawberries. And I'm going to give the irises to some other folks, one a neighbor who isn't on the list, and one a colleague whose politics I'm unsure of. And I sure as heck hope they enjoy the flowers.
It lists my name, along with the names of about 10 people in my neighborhood, some on my street, some on streets near, and then in two adjacent columns, headed by recent election dates, either a blank or a "voted" next to each name.
In the other part of the piece it talks about doing one's civic duty and voting in the upcoming election.
I'm guessing this is something my party put together trying to personalize the voting process and make us think about each others' voting record? It seems so weird, though. They wouldn't want to do the "get out the vote" thing for members of another party, and I'm registered with a party through my voter registration.
While the local county clerks obviously keep track of who's voted, I wouldn't have thought that those records would be available to just anyone who walked in.
I'm sort of creeped out by the mail. I think there are two reasons. First, it identifies me to other folks as a registered member of the party, just as it identifies those other folks to me as a registered member of the party. Second, I live on a street with 9 houses, near other streets with lots more houses, and there is only a small number of names on the list. Does that mean that only a few of us are members of this party? Or did they just put in a few on each mailing list? Are there really so few of us?
A few years ago, I was at a family party and a cousin's wife asked me something about if it was horrible to live in an area that was so not where we're from. (Yes, people where I'm from are as parochial sometimes as people from anywhere.) And I said, no, there were great people here, and jerks, just as there were great people and jerks where we're from. There are really fine people whose politics I disagree with, and there are jerks whose politics are right in line with mine.
And I believe that. But the attacks on teachers and public employees here have been so viscious and so sustained that I also feel a bit that voting for/with the attackers is personal. And I'm tired of feeling attacked.
I'm also tired of the emails and mailings I get from my party re-emphasizing the nastiness.
I have friends who've been working dedicatedly on election stuff, and if we lose, I'm sure I'll feel bad that I didn't do more to contribute, but I'm so sick of all this. And to think that it's going to go on at probably this level and more into November makes me want to wretch.
I'm going to dig up some irises today to make room for some strawberries. And I'm going to give the irises to some other folks, one a neighbor who isn't on the list, and one a colleague whose politics I'm unsure of. And I sure as heck hope they enjoy the flowers.
Saturday, June 02, 2012
Another June, Another Dairy Breakfast!
It's Dairy Month, and Dairy Month means Dairy Breakfast! Belgian waffles, butter, whipped cream, and maple syrup. Life only gets better when there's ice cream for desert.
Here's a curious calf. I have a feeling this is going to be veal fairly soon, but I'm not sure. But s/he sure was curious about my ipod trying to take pictures.
In other news, I'm so sick of politics I could spit. It's not like all the ads are going to change my mind. Nor, I think, are most people going to change their minds.
'Nuf said.
I'm frustrated by our administrative folks. I got an email (on a department list) asking for folks who were interested to say so. I did. The list sender forwarded my interest. And then I heard nothing. So last week, I asked, and found out that I was supposed to have known to send a statement of interest and that the person who sent out the original call didn't bother to contact me or the list sender to say anything. EFF that.
Then I found out that something I signed up for in part because the call for interest said we would be paid isn't going to actually PAY us, but is going to let us purchase books, technology, or travel. It may be worth doing still, but I'm not happy that they mislead us.
We had a meeting last week, and had an assignment to do before the meeting. We were supposed to read some stuff, and write some discussion questions, and then bring in a syllabus for the class we planned to work on. I spent the morning of the meeting working on the syllabus, basically writing the whole thing, revising a couple assignments, and so on. And we didn't need any of the stuff after all. To cap it off, the person facilitating the meeting condescendingly kept saying about how s/he was modeling this or that thing that we should do when we teach.
I wanted to raise my hand and ask if s/he were modeling how to teach students not to bother to do assigned work. But I didn't. And I've changed my mind about which class I want to work on for this thing. And now one of my classes is pretty much prepped for fall. Bonus for me!
Time to do some reading.
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