Monday, November 10, 2008
blogging every day
I totally wouldn't post tonight if I weren't trying to post every day. So here it is. I had two good classes but just got 4 emails in a row telling me some sob story about why various students hadn't been in class for weeks. Argh. I don't want to hear it any more.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
books!
73. Three Nights in August by Buzz Bissinger
This book is a really in depth look at a three game series between the Cardinals and the Cubs. Along the way it is also a lot about Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa. I was really impressed with how honest the book was, and how much access LaRussa gave the author. There are things in there that do not necessarily reflect well on the characters involved. It was also really cool to read about all the strategy in baseball, and all the quick decisions the manager makes. If you are at all interested in baseball, you should read this book. Although maybe not if you are a Cubs fan. :)
74. The Burglar Who Thought He Was Bogart by Lawrence Block
My first Lawrence Block book. R's mom gave us a sack of these, as R enjoys them. I have not been making it too the library as much as usual so I've been picking these up when I need a fun read. I really liked this book. It is about a thief who owns a bookstore. He meets a mysterious woman, attends a Bogart film festival with her, and keeps involved in a mystery. Mom, you might like these! This is the only one of this series in our sack o' books, but I plan to get more from the library.
75. A Long Line of Dead Men by Lawrence Block
This is a different series, about Matt Scudder who was a police man, is a sober alcoholic (at the time of this book) and a private detective. This is not really a standard mystery, as there is no chance for the reader to figure it out. It is more a novel about crime with a really interesting main character. I liked this book as well, although not as much as The Burglar Who...
76. What the Best College Teachers Do by Ken Bain
A very good book about how to be a good college teacher. Bain did a multiyear study of college teachers that had a big impact on students, then dissects what made them special. Sometimes it was frustrating, because while I agreed with his points, it was hard to think how I would ever have the time to implement them. I plan to buy a copy of this book so I can study it more in depth. I recommend this book to anyone who is a teacher or interested in teaching and learning.
This book is a really in depth look at a three game series between the Cardinals and the Cubs. Along the way it is also a lot about Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa. I was really impressed with how honest the book was, and how much access LaRussa gave the author. There are things in there that do not necessarily reflect well on the characters involved. It was also really cool to read about all the strategy in baseball, and all the quick decisions the manager makes. If you are at all interested in baseball, you should read this book. Although maybe not if you are a Cubs fan. :)
74. The Burglar Who Thought He Was Bogart by Lawrence Block
My first Lawrence Block book. R's mom gave us a sack of these, as R enjoys them. I have not been making it too the library as much as usual so I've been picking these up when I need a fun read. I really liked this book. It is about a thief who owns a bookstore. He meets a mysterious woman, attends a Bogart film festival with her, and keeps involved in a mystery. Mom, you might like these! This is the only one of this series in our sack o' books, but I plan to get more from the library.
75. A Long Line of Dead Men by Lawrence Block
This is a different series, about Matt Scudder who was a police man, is a sober alcoholic (at the time of this book) and a private detective. This is not really a standard mystery, as there is no chance for the reader to figure it out. It is more a novel about crime with a really interesting main character. I liked this book as well, although not as much as The Burglar Who...
76. What the Best College Teachers Do by Ken Bain
A very good book about how to be a good college teacher. Bain did a multiyear study of college teachers that had a big impact on students, then dissects what made them special. Sometimes it was frustrating, because while I agreed with his points, it was hard to think how I would ever have the time to implement them. I plan to buy a copy of this book so I can study it more in depth. I recommend this book to anyone who is a teacher or interested in teaching and learning.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
From 52 to 48 with Love
OK, eventually those of us who supported Obama will have to stop celebrating, and all of us will have to figure out how to get along. One thing about politics lately that bothers me, is that so many people prefer to not talk about it, rather than disagree. Disagreement is fine, people! I disagree all over the place with people I love and respect. It is no big thing. Just stay civil and don't degenerate to name-calling. I feel like this idea that disagreement is bad is really harming my students. More and more my students are unwilling to debate, which I think impairs their intellectual development. They don't know how to choose sides of an issue and support arguments. That is no good!
So, in the spirit of coming together, I give you a link to From 52 to 48 With Love.
So, in the spirit of coming together, I give you a link to From 52 to 48 With Love.
Friday, November 07, 2008
My election post
This is more serious and long than I usually get here, but the election has really affected me somehow. I saw so many people cheering and jumping around Tuesday night and I just didn't feel that. I do feel the historical moment, and I am hopeful yet cautious. But I also feel that I finally have someone in politics I can relate to a little bit. And I almost cried when I walked to the bus on Wednesday through my 38% black neighborhood and saw a very long line in front of the news stand of people wanting a paper for a souvenir. Somehow, that made it all seem real to me.
I was a Laurie come lately to the cult of Obama. I mean, he seemed cool, but I was leaning a little more towards Hillary during the primaries, I don't like the 2 party system at all, I am not registered in a party, and all mainstream politicians are too conservative for me. But somehow, as the election came closer, I got swept up in the excitement. I more and more did not want McCain, I more and more started to believe that Obama would be different. I started doing a little volunteering and I ended up calling 19 people in Missouri to remind them to vote. I still held back some, though, and I think I largely did not want to be disappointed. I was thinking about it the other day. For the first presidential election I could vote in, I voted for Clinton. In 2000 both Gore and Bush left me cold, and if I hadn't been in the jungle and unable to mail my absentee ballot back, I would have voted for Nader. My vast dislike of Bush lead me to support Kerry, and to knock on doors in Florida to get out the vote, even though Kerry did not inspire me at all. So really, for most of my adult life my options for president had not been exciting. There was no one I could get behind.
What is different about Obama? Maybe if he were running right after Clinton it wouldn't be such a big deal, but I am really happy we are going to have a president who thinks about things. Who understands the world in complex and nuanced. Who sees the US is not perfect, and wants to do something to make it better. The blustery patriotism of the last little while is not to my taste at all. I think it makes us forget how much we have to improve, how many people are left out of the "American Dream" and how stacked the cards are against many realizing that dream.
I have to admit, I never thought it was crazy that Michelle Obama said she hadn't been proud of the US in her life. Why should she, necessarily? Because we are big? Because we are a democracy? Because we are rich? In some ways we do have impressive ideals, but it seems to me we have squandered a lot of opportunities to live up to those ideals. This election, though, has made me proud of the USA. And I want to say thank you to it.
Thank you. Thank you for proving how awesome you can be on Tuesday. Thank you for realizing the badness of the last 8 years, for recognizing we have been going down the wrong path, and that we can be better. Thank you for not being as racist as I had feared. Thank you for letting more people into our political process. Voting rates of people of color and young people were up, voter registrations were up, and voter turnout was historic. Back when I took Latin American Studies I read about how a democracy cannot be successful without participation. How we need to think about who is participating, who is fully invested in their citizenship, and if people are not participating, why? If large parts of the population are not involved in the process, are we truly a democracy? What structures are shutting them out? Is it really their choice?
Before I was into Obama, I thought a lot of his rhetoric about change was too much. Unrealistic. But upon reflection, and from listening to more of what he says, it is not a big change we are looking for. I think the change of who voted, of who was at the rally in Grant Park, of all the diverse people in my neighborhood cheering and high fiving, of www.change.gov, of the Obama-Biden administration's anti-discrimination hiring policy (The Obama-Biden Transition Project does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by law. ), this change is a good first step. And I am excited to see where it takes us.
And finally, this part of Obama's acceptance speech spoke right to me, and where I was, and explains why I feel like I will finally have a president who understands me a little bit: "It's the answer that led those who've been told for so long by so many to be cynical and fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day." I was cynical. I thought there was little we could do to change, but I hope I have been proven a tiny bit wrong.
I was a Laurie come lately to the cult of Obama. I mean, he seemed cool, but I was leaning a little more towards Hillary during the primaries, I don't like the 2 party system at all, I am not registered in a party, and all mainstream politicians are too conservative for me. But somehow, as the election came closer, I got swept up in the excitement. I more and more did not want McCain, I more and more started to believe that Obama would be different. I started doing a little volunteering and I ended up calling 19 people in Missouri to remind them to vote. I still held back some, though, and I think I largely did not want to be disappointed. I was thinking about it the other day. For the first presidential election I could vote in, I voted for Clinton. In 2000 both Gore and Bush left me cold, and if I hadn't been in the jungle and unable to mail my absentee ballot back, I would have voted for Nader. My vast dislike of Bush lead me to support Kerry, and to knock on doors in Florida to get out the vote, even though Kerry did not inspire me at all. So really, for most of my adult life my options for president had not been exciting. There was no one I could get behind.
What is different about Obama? Maybe if he were running right after Clinton it wouldn't be such a big deal, but I am really happy we are going to have a president who thinks about things. Who understands the world in complex and nuanced. Who sees the US is not perfect, and wants to do something to make it better. The blustery patriotism of the last little while is not to my taste at all. I think it makes us forget how much we have to improve, how many people are left out of the "American Dream" and how stacked the cards are against many realizing that dream.
I have to admit, I never thought it was crazy that Michelle Obama said she hadn't been proud of the US in her life. Why should she, necessarily? Because we are big? Because we are a democracy? Because we are rich? In some ways we do have impressive ideals, but it seems to me we have squandered a lot of opportunities to live up to those ideals. This election, though, has made me proud of the USA. And I want to say thank you to it.
Thank you. Thank you for proving how awesome you can be on Tuesday. Thank you for realizing the badness of the last 8 years, for recognizing we have been going down the wrong path, and that we can be better. Thank you for not being as racist as I had feared. Thank you for letting more people into our political process. Voting rates of people of color and young people were up, voter registrations were up, and voter turnout was historic. Back when I took Latin American Studies I read about how a democracy cannot be successful without participation. How we need to think about who is participating, who is fully invested in their citizenship, and if people are not participating, why? If large parts of the population are not involved in the process, are we truly a democracy? What structures are shutting them out? Is it really their choice?
Before I was into Obama, I thought a lot of his rhetoric about change was too much. Unrealistic. But upon reflection, and from listening to more of what he says, it is not a big change we are looking for. I think the change of who voted, of who was at the rally in Grant Park, of all the diverse people in my neighborhood cheering and high fiving, of www.change.gov, of the Obama-Biden administration's anti-discrimination hiring policy (The Obama-Biden Transition Project does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by law. ), this change is a good first step. And I am excited to see where it takes us.
And finally, this part of Obama's acceptance speech spoke right to me, and where I was, and explains why I feel like I will finally have a president who understands me a little bit: "It's the answer that led those who've been told for so long by so many to be cynical and fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day." I was cynical. I thought there was little we could do to change, but I hope I have been proven a tiny bit wrong.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
obama cupcakes!
obama cupcakes!
Originally uploaded by mnkgrl
The famous Obama cupcakes I baked on Tuesday. They are devil's food with cream cheese frosting. Good, but I find devil's food just makes me wish for chocolate.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
so tired
Anyone who ever reads this blog can probably tell I am pleased with the presidential election results. It was awesome to be here in Chicago, and especially me and Obama's hood. R and I went to a friend's last night and as we walked home there will all kinds of people out just cheering and honking horns. It was super fun.
Obama's house does have a slightly increased security perimeter now, and I need to re-route my 2 mile run. Oh well. I will forgive him. :)
I want to post something more profound, but right now I am very tired. Hopefully I can remember it.
Obama's house does have a slightly increased security perimeter now, and I need to re-route my 2 mile run. Oh well. I will forgive him. :)
I want to post something more profound, but right now I am very tired. Hopefully I can remember it.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Vote!
Make sure and vote!
I just did. I am outraged, though, there are no "I voted" stickers here! That is half the fun.
I just did. I am outraged, though, there are no "I voted" stickers here! That is half the fun.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Crack smokin'
Did I say I would blog every day this month? Was I out of my mind? Yes to both. Anyway, here is your post. As I expected my days of not working bit me hard last night and this morning as I scrambled to prep my classes. But I did, and they were actually good classes. I feel like something has shifted since I gave midterms. Like we know it is all downhill from here, or they think I am less scary since they didn't all fail. Who knows.
I am excited to go vote tomorrow. I am contemplating making Obama cupcakes, inspired by the Yes We Cake website. We are going to a party at one of R's grad school friend's. It has been really fun living in Chicago for this election. I overhear SOOOOO many conversations about the election on the street and in between classes. R and walked by Obama's house tonight and there is a little extra security. We had a brief moment of excitement when we thought we might share a polling place with the Obamas, but a little research shows they are likely to vote elsewhere. Oh well.
I am excited to go vote tomorrow. I am contemplating making Obama cupcakes, inspired by the Yes We Cake website. We are going to a party at one of R's grad school friend's. It has been really fun living in Chicago for this election. I overhear SOOOOO many conversations about the election on the street and in between classes. R and walked by Obama's house tonight and there is a little extra security. We had a brief moment of excitement when we thought we might share a polling place with the Obamas, but a little research shows they are likely to vote elsewhere. Oh well.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Lofty Goal
So, I already missed a day, but I am going to try and post every day in November. I feel bad I neglect the blog so much. I often do not feel my life is exciting, but I think that is a negative way of looking at it, and perhaps through blogging more I will appreciate the unseen awesomeness in my life.
I have been a little sick the last few days -- it has mostly been just a never ending headache and a lot of tiredness. It did make me miss a Halloween Party, which I had been looking forward to and was going to dress like a witch for. BUT it has also made me just take the last two days to sit around, watch Persepolis, watch the old school BBC Chronicles of Narnia and relax. I feel way better today and more energized, so although I have 65 midterms to grade, classes to prep and that pesky dissertation to write, I think it was good I relaxed for awhile.
Now I am off to get some work done, as Monday will come no matter what and I really need to grade and figure out what to teach.
I have been a little sick the last few days -- it has mostly been just a never ending headache and a lot of tiredness. It did make me miss a Halloween Party, which I had been looking forward to and was going to dress like a witch for. BUT it has also made me just take the last two days to sit around, watch Persepolis, watch the old school BBC Chronicles of Narnia and relax. I feel way better today and more energized, so although I have 65 midterms to grade, classes to prep and that pesky dissertation to write, I think it was good I relaxed for awhile.
Now I am off to get some work done, as Monday will come no matter what and I really need to grade and figure out what to teach.
Friday, October 31, 2008
No on Prop 8
Hey blog people!
I don't know if many of you are following what is going on in California, with proposition 8 on the ballot. Proposition 8 amends the state constitution in order to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry. This is just wrong. Rights taken from any of us deplete us all. I can't afford to donate any more money, but maybe some of you have $5 or $10 to share.
No on Prop 8!
I don't know if many of you are following what is going on in California, with proposition 8 on the ballot. Proposition 8 amends the state constitution in order to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry. This is just wrong. Rights taken from any of us deplete us all. I can't afford to donate any more money, but maybe some of you have $5 or $10 to share.
No on Prop 8!
InaDWriMo 2008
This is my official notice that I am participating in International Academic Writing Month. This is just happens to be occurring at the time when I really need to get in gear and get my last two data chapters done. SO my goal is to write 10,000 words here in November, which should equal chapters 4 and 5. Right on. There's a new status meter over in the sidebar so you can keep track. I will start November 1 and report back weekly. I expect your ridicule when I do not proceed as planned. I have been hoping, but it really appears that the dissertation refuses to write itself.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
I AM a champion (plus cute baby animals)
Hey! I survived the 5k! I did have to walk for a tiny little bit, but I think I finished in about 45 minutes. I forgot a watch so I tried to pay attention to the race clock, but addition, remembering numbers, and paying attention are not really any of my main talents. Anyway, my chip time (they give you this little chip to put on your shoe that records the official time) was 38:54, but that is pretty not possible. I did run the first mile in about 12:30, which is super fast for me, so I slowed down after that. My youngest brother and his wife ran the race too, and I was happy there were more experienced runners there with me, although they left me in the dust pretty quickly.
It was a Halloween themed race so there were costumes, and the highlight for me was that I beat two clowns. Ha! Take that, clowns. I also pulled ahead of a camel at the last minute. I was impressed by the camel, though, as it was two people under a sheet and I don't know how they stayed together AND how the back hump didn't fall and die, since I am pretty sure she could only see the ground and nothing in front of her. It was fun, and I am probably going to register for an 8k in March to keep me running through the winter.
Cute baby animals:
If you enjoy cute baby animals, you will enjoy this blog.
I was pointed to it due to these tiny baby gorillas!
OK, I'm off to either clean my desk or make up some activities to teach my students about the endocrine system and blood.
It was a Halloween themed race so there were costumes, and the highlight for me was that I beat two clowns. Ha! Take that, clowns. I also pulled ahead of a camel at the last minute. I was impressed by the camel, though, as it was two people under a sheet and I don't know how they stayed together AND how the back hump didn't fall and die, since I am pretty sure she could only see the ground and nothing in front of her. It was fun, and I am probably going to register for an 8k in March to keep me running through the winter.
Cute baby animals:
If you enjoy cute baby animals, you will enjoy this blog.
I was pointed to it due to these tiny baby gorillas!
OK, I'm off to either clean my desk or make up some activities to teach my students about the endocrine system and blood.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
I am a champion
Well, that remains to be seen, but at 4:00 this afternoon I am running my first 5k! My goal is to run the whole thing, no walking.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
McCain and Healthcare
If you are at all concerned about the state of healthcare in this country, read this awesome post by Sarahlynn.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
books!
70. Lake of Sorrows by Erin Hart
I picked up this books from R's parents' house because it is about archaeologists and a forensic pathologist. Awesome. Basically, the main character is in Ireland investigating bog bodies when she comes across a more recent murder victim. There is all kinds of intrigue and mystery and I really enjoyed this book. It is the 2nd in a series and I plan to go back and read the first.
71. Daddy-Long Legs by Jean Webster
This is one of those books I read over and over again. Judy is an orphan, who has lived all her life in an orphanage, until she is chosen by a mysterious trustee to go to college. The book is her letters to her benefactor, whom she calls "Daddy-Long Legs". This is just a very pleasant book, and I love Judy's character. I have read it about a zillion times and will probably read it a zillion more. It is like my book comfort food.
72. Misfortune by Wesley Stace
This is an awesome book. A baby is found on a trash heap and taken to be the adopted daughter of a wealthy family. Only, alas, the baby is a boy. This is the story of Rose as she grows up and realizes who and what she is. I have a hard time describing why I liked this book so much, but it is just a great story with really well-written characters. I highly recommend this book.
I picked up this books from R's parents' house because it is about archaeologists and a forensic pathologist. Awesome. Basically, the main character is in Ireland investigating bog bodies when she comes across a more recent murder victim. There is all kinds of intrigue and mystery and I really enjoyed this book. It is the 2nd in a series and I plan to go back and read the first.
71. Daddy-Long Legs by Jean Webster
This is one of those books I read over and over again. Judy is an orphan, who has lived all her life in an orphanage, until she is chosen by a mysterious trustee to go to college. The book is her letters to her benefactor, whom she calls "Daddy-Long Legs". This is just a very pleasant book, and I love Judy's character. I have read it about a zillion times and will probably read it a zillion more. It is like my book comfort food.
72. Misfortune by Wesley Stace
This is an awesome book. A baby is found on a trash heap and taken to be the adopted daughter of a wealthy family. Only, alas, the baby is a boy. This is the story of Rose as she grows up and realizes who and what she is. I have a hard time describing why I liked this book so much, but it is just a great story with really well-written characters. I highly recommend this book.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
What comes next?
So, way back when I became a comment-whore by asking for suggestions on what to write about, Emily asked about my post-dissertation plans. Here is that promised post.
How will I celebrate? I definitely am traveling to grad school town to participate in the whole graduation shebang. I want the pomp and circumstance and fancy robes. R will come with me, and I think my fam and R's parents are planning on coming too. In my fantasy world, we rent out the back room of my favorite pizza place and all go there for dinner. I will probably break down into sobs at some point from the relief.
I don't really have any plans career-wise yet. I am scared of getting too specific about what I want, as I could be happy in a lot of situations. I definitely want to teach, and I would love to be able to keep doing a little research. But for the first year or two I am also open to non-teaching postdocs. I figure I can put that time into publishing my dissertation which will help me be more attractive to more schools. I'm thinking a little about finding a new field site and plotting different projects I can do over summers off from teaching. My secret master plan is that one of my adjunct schools will give me a year long position next year, then love me so much that they give me a tenure track position after that, then love me so so much that they give me tenure AND hire R when he graduates. Whew. :)
There are a lot of things I have kind of been putting off until after I finish, but no major goals (except for becoming employed). I mostly want to get a somewhat normal life back. And for me a normal life means a little time to see friends, to get back into crocheting, and money to go out once and awhile. That is it. My needs and desires are few. I also want to get back into traveling more. R and I love to travel and do it well together and it has been far too long since we went on an awesome trip.
How will I celebrate? I definitely am traveling to grad school town to participate in the whole graduation shebang. I want the pomp and circumstance and fancy robes. R will come with me, and I think my fam and R's parents are planning on coming too. In my fantasy world, we rent out the back room of my favorite pizza place and all go there for dinner. I will probably break down into sobs at some point from the relief.
I don't really have any plans career-wise yet. I am scared of getting too specific about what I want, as I could be happy in a lot of situations. I definitely want to teach, and I would love to be able to keep doing a little research. But for the first year or two I am also open to non-teaching postdocs. I figure I can put that time into publishing my dissertation which will help me be more attractive to more schools. I'm thinking a little about finding a new field site and plotting different projects I can do over summers off from teaching. My secret master plan is that one of my adjunct schools will give me a year long position next year, then love me so much that they give me a tenure track position after that, then love me so so much that they give me tenure AND hire R when he graduates. Whew. :)
There are a lot of things I have kind of been putting off until after I finish, but no major goals (except for becoming employed). I mostly want to get a somewhat normal life back. And for me a normal life means a little time to see friends, to get back into crocheting, and money to go out once and awhile. That is it. My needs and desires are few. I also want to get back into traveling more. R and I love to travel and do it well together and it has been far too long since we went on an awesome trip.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
books!
68. Memo to the President Elect by Madeleine Albright
Have I told you how much I love Madeleine Albright? I looooove Madeleine Albright. This book is her advice to the next president on all sorts of foreign policy issues. It was very interesting, and made me think about the president's job differently. For example, she makes a point of talking about how we assume the president has all this power, but he or she cannot get stuff done without the help of others, including many people who are not elected and have been in their jobs for years and years. I hope both Obama and McCain have read this book.
69. Mystic River by Dennis LeHane
I really liked this movie and recently heard that the book was good as well. It is true. It is hard to describe, the book is kind of quiet and meandering, but really engrossing. I think because the characters were so well-drawn. Very good book.
Have I told you how much I love Madeleine Albright? I looooove Madeleine Albright. This book is her advice to the next president on all sorts of foreign policy issues. It was very interesting, and made me think about the president's job differently. For example, she makes a point of talking about how we assume the president has all this power, but he or she cannot get stuff done without the help of others, including many people who are not elected and have been in their jobs for years and years. I hope both Obama and McCain have read this book.
69. Mystic River by Dennis LeHane
I really liked this movie and recently heard that the book was good as well. It is true. It is hard to describe, the book is kind of quiet and meandering, but really engrossing. I think because the characters were so well-drawn. Very good book.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
From a distance....
You know you all know the words.
I apologize for neglecting you, my valiant blog readers. I have been very busy. I teach, I dissertate, and that is about it. The semester has been kicking my butt. I have wondered why, and then realized it is the first time I have taught two new preps AND tried to write/research/etc. But it is good I am figuring out how to balance the teaching a research, since that will be the story of the rest of my life.
Anyway, that prologue is to say I am totally going to stick to my promise and write about your requested topics. Today I am going to write about finishing my dissertation while being away from the school where I am enrolled.
I can some the situation up in two words: IT ROCKS! But it may not work for all. For me, I was not crazy about GradSchoolTown so I am happier away and being happier otherwise makes me a more productive worker. Also, R is happier pursuing his own grad school business, and that also makes me happier. Finally, I work better with my advisor with some distance AND she is the sort who loves side projects, which I avoid by not being there. I have suffered some from a lack of face time, but overall any problems have been worth the benefits, for me. I've also gotten some great teaching opportunities that I am hopeful will help me on the job search in the future. I think for some people the situation would not work out, but it has been great for me.
I apologize for neglecting you, my valiant blog readers. I have been very busy. I teach, I dissertate, and that is about it. The semester has been kicking my butt. I have wondered why, and then realized it is the first time I have taught two new preps AND tried to write/research/etc. But it is good I am figuring out how to balance the teaching a research, since that will be the story of the rest of my life.
Anyway, that prologue is to say I am totally going to stick to my promise and write about your requested topics. Today I am going to write about finishing my dissertation while being away from the school where I am enrolled.
I can some the situation up in two words: IT ROCKS! But it may not work for all. For me, I was not crazy about GradSchoolTown so I am happier away and being happier otherwise makes me a more productive worker. Also, R is happier pursuing his own grad school business, and that also makes me happier. Finally, I work better with my advisor with some distance AND she is the sort who loves side projects, which I avoid by not being there. I have suffered some from a lack of face time, but overall any problems have been worth the benefits, for me. I've also gotten some great teaching opportunities that I am hopeful will help me on the job search in the future. I think for some people the situation would not work out, but it has been great for me.
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