I'll think about that tomorrow ...

2003-06-25T13:31:00.000-06:00

Holy Cats!

I was so excited about getting cookies, that I completely forgot to mention the third anniversary to this wonderful man. We were married March 11, 2000.

A BIG smooch to you, sweetie! I love you!

New Digs!!

2003-06-11T20:09:00.000-06:00

Update your bookmarks! I'm now officially calling www.maxxthebird.com my home!

This is what happens ...

2003-06-11T13:30:00.000-06:00

This is what happens ...

when my spouse gets fed up with his dissertation.

Click

Moving...

2003-06-10T18:52:00.000-06:00

I'm moving over here, hopefully. In a few days, you should also be able to reach me here.

Update your bookmarks!

Update: HOLD OFF on updating bookmarks!!!!! I'll let you know when ...

2003-06-10T18:42:00.000-06:00

more things changing.

2003-06-10T18:31:00.000-06:00

things are changing. hold on tight.

2003-06-10T10:35:00.000-06:00

Special Kind of Stupid

2003-06-08T15:13:00.000-06:00

Garage Sale—End Game

Our total $402.00

We finished the garage sale yesterday. All of our big stuff is gone (our personal goal). A huge console TV (well-loved ~~scratched up~~ by kitties), an ancient treadmill, a TV monitor (selling that was a bitch, luckily a kid knew what to do with it), a 17” computer monitor, a single-sized futon frame, a coffee table, several VCRs and CD players all sold for a fraction of their purchase price.

We couldn’t be happier to be rid of all of it.

It’s funny, the clothes mostly went the second day. And, no, no one wanted to try them on in the house. They just tried them on over their clothes. But, most of the clothes will be picked up by a local charity and donated.

On a similar note ….

I saw an old friend of mine (we went to high school and college together). As he was looking around, I was staring at him trying to determine if it was who I thought it was. Finally …

Me: Russell?
Him – looks at me, smiles: Well, Shelley!

a great hug ensues as my mom looks on in disbelief
Me: We went to school together. Mom looks visibly relieved.

I took a few minutes and caught up with what he’s up to.

I was too tired to write yesterday and today is “recovery” day. Smiling and dealing for two days wears me out. At least with retail, you get breaks, and you don’t have people asking, “What’ll ya take for it?” To which you reply, “Make me an offer.

Yeah, I know …

How much of a pottymouth are you?

Fuckin’ A, bubba.

2003-06-06T20:13:00.000-06:00

Garage Sale -- Day 1

After cleaning and pricing we got through the first day. Mom and I both sold quite a bit (about $230.00 each).

One more day. (Thank God, it's only one more day ... I could never do this for a living.)

Oh, yeah. I keep calling Scott when stuff sells. He may never get those revisions done ...

heh.

2003-06-03T08:24:00.000-06:00

Whew!

I've never been so happy to hear that my spouse is unemployed.

Unemployed, hell. I'll put him to work!! There's packing, Ebay-ing, cleaning, talking me down (from over-stress), more Ebay-ing, more packing. We've got a busy few months, but all is well.

Update: Corrected a typo in the first sentence (I just couldn't stand it anymore).

2003-06-02T09:18:00.000-06:00

Stress

Things to do …

Write up a lit review for the résumé article (the research is ~~mostly~~ done; I just need to put into some logical form).

Sort out clothes for the garage sale (at mom’s this weekend).

Go through storage unit (more garage sale stuff).

Hopefully, (finally) hear about all of the particulars for the UT job. (My job is secure; it’s Scott’s we’re waiting to hear about.) I really want to get paperwork going.

Funny. When I write it up, it doesn’t look like much, but it certainly has me chasing my tail.

2003-06-01T11:36:00.000-06:00

Ugh

Headache. Day 3. All manner of over-the-counter and prescription remedies failing. I’ve read that magnesium and vitamin B-Complex could help.

After I drag my ass to the shower, I’m headed to WalGreens to test this theory.

Other remedies?

Update: As bad as they are for me, a Diet Coke is working wonders. My headache is better, but not gone.

2003-05-31T10:26:00.000-06:00

I'm a Lemming

You are... Shrek - "Well I have to save my
ass!"
You walk tough and talk tough, but inside you're
just a gooey ball of mush. Your friends are
important to you (whether you admit it or not)
and you'd do just about anything for them (but
you wouldn't like it). Trust is important to
you, and so is respet. Looks don't matter to
you; it's the gooey ball of mush inside that
really counts.

What movie quote are YOU?
brought to you by Quizilla

I blame Da Goddess and Kate (who happen to be next to each other on my list of links. Coincidence? I think not).

2003-05-30T20:13:00.000-06:00

Neil Simon

I love Neil Simon scripts. TCM is playing three of Simon’s films tonight. They just showed The Goodbye Girl. I am such a sap; I still tear up at the ending.

Up next is The Cheap Detective (This will be my first viewing.)
Lou, it's Georgia.
Hey, Georgia. I just had you on my mind.

Finally, they will show Murder by Death (One of the funniest movies ever.)
Ah. Room full of empty people.

Scott's off playing poker. I have the house to myself. WOOT!!

2003-05-29T05:18:00.000-06:00

I Hate Waiting …

I talked to the department chair at the U in Utah. Bureaucracy is so slow! Every indication I get is that Scott will have full-time work, but we have no firm commitment on this. So, we wait.

The chair was very apologetic about how long all of this is taking. He also asked me if I had any questions.

Him Do you have any questions?
Me I have a bunch of questions. Things like what classes will I be teaching? When do I need to order books? What kind of paperwork will I need to complete? But, these questions should probably wait until we get everything finalized.
Him …
Me I just keep thinking that y’all are going to reconsider the offer. She’s just too much trouble.
Him No … We’re excited about having you here.
Me I’m very excited about this opportunity.

He allayed my fears; they’re not going to withdraw the offer. But, I hate waiting.

Oh, yeah. I forgot to mention I got up at 4:00AM.

2003-05-25T22:47:00.000-06:00

Kir Update

Kir called today. She’s been to the National Cancer Institute about her brain tumor. It apparently has not responded to chemo, so they are looking into other forms of treatment. From what I gather, they need to reduce the mass of the tumor in order for her for other treatments to work. The options the doctors and NCI discussed were do nothing (she would have six months or a year to live), try the Gamma Knife (I told her about the suggestion from Linky and it’s a possibility even though she’s been through an entire course of radiation), and harvesting her stem cells (treating them and reinserting them).

I’m really sketchy on the details about all of this (and apparently you have to know more than I do to find ANY information on WebMD), but it does not look good.

I’m planning a trip out there this summer. I do not want to believe that it will be the last time I see her, but I want to have that last time just in case. Believe me, I will treat every time I see her as the last time, but never giving up hope for a miracle. I also tell her I love her at the end of every phone call. At least she knows that.

I never told Kir I loved her until I found out about her illness. I’ll never make that mistake again. So, if this post does anything, I hope you contact YOUR best friend and tell them you love them (or at the very least let them know how special they are to you).

2003-05-22T15:01:00.000-06:00

You know what’s cool …?

A friend of mine from my former ~~Air Force wife~~ life lives in Utah. I contacted him and now we’re playing phone tag trying to catch up.

Who knows? Maybe he has a line on a pet-friendly landlord.

2003-05-21T14:40:00.000-06:00

Oh, yeah …

I got a call from the U in UT today. They moved on my salary (comparable to what I was making in OK). So, that’s good. We’re still waiting to hear about a position for Scott. Hopefully, they will see what a wonderful teacher he is and offer him full-time work.

Did I mention that I’m not very good at waiting?

2003-05-21T14:04:00.000-06:00

Um ...

You are the Oracle. Grandmotherly (you HAVE been
with the Resistance since the beginning, after
all), you tell people exactly what they need to
hear in order to get them to follow their
destinies.
Although not a combatant (as far as we know), your
knowledge is just as powerful as Neo's arsenal
of guns.

"What's really going to bake your noodle later
on is, would you still have broken it if I
hadn't said anything."

What Character From The Matrix Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

I blame Cynical Shelley

2003-05-19T09:13:00.000-06:00

The Wonderful World of Legos

My creations never looked like this.

He's made a tree frog, the Golden Gate Bridge, an amazing portrait, and a replica of his house (among other things).

You may also want to check out this harpsichord. And, yes, it works.

2003-05-18T21:05:00.000-06:00

May Sleuths

It must be something about the month of May that brings out the blogging sleuths. Kaycee Nicole was unveiled in May of 2001. Now, we have Zander revealed as a fraud and the site about him and his "diseases" is gone.

I just wonder what possesses people to create "people" who are "suffering"? A desperate need for sympathy? Misguided attempts at "reality fiction"? Sheer disregard for those who offer a helping hand? I don't get it.

2003-05-18T15:41:00.000-06:00

Scandal

If you want to read something that puts a soap opera to shame, start here, follow this link and that link, and witness just how desperate a person can be. BTW, Zander's site is no longer active.

2003-05-15T16:45:00.000-06:00

Don’t do it unless you have to …

Colonoscopy.

And, the test was negative. That's a good thing.

2003-05-13T11:24:00.000-06:00

I am waiting for Vizzini

Well, not really. But Scott and I are waiting to hear about approval for my salary request and for a position for Scott at the U in Utah.

My grading is almost complete. (Why didn’t you list that among out assets?)

2003-05-12T12:15:00.000-06:00

Monday, Monday

Here is a run down of my morning.

While cleaning out my mailbox at work, I find mail from the U. They “are pleased” to offer me a job for 2003-2004 (with a pay-cut of $9,000, an increased teaching load, removal of my administrative duties, and no office). How’s that for a great start?

While I’m freaking out about this, I get a call from UT. They offered me a JOB!!

I think the timing is perfect and all is balanced in the universe.

2003-05-10T21:49:00.000-06:00

Dammit, Chris

You are Storm!

You are very strong and very protective of those
you love. You are in tune with nature and are
very concerned with justice and humanity.
Unfortunately, certain apprehensions and fears
are very hard for you to overcome, and can
often inhibit you when most need to be strong.

Which X-Men character are you most like?
brought to you by Quizilla

2003-05-10T21:14:00.000-06:00

Yet Another Interview--posted on Saturday

It’s Friday (straight up 9:00 Mountain Time) and I’m sitting on a small commuter plane heading back to OK. (Mind you, I awoke this morning at 5:00, discovered that there was no hot water for a shower, and took an uncomfortable shuttle to the airport.) The UT interview went remarkably well. I’ll give you a run down and try to preserve the chronology.

I arrived on Wednesday. While I was on the plane, I realized that I left my portfolio, umbrella, and socks at home. (I use the portfolio as a briefcase for my presentation materials; I needed the umbrella because they forecasted rain for the entirety of my visit; and I required socks to wear with my dress boots. Not that you needed to know any of that.) When I land in UT, I am blessed with a large airport that has a Wilson’s leather shop. I buy a ~~pricey~~ nice leather portfolio, an umbrella, and they throw in a “free” checkbook cover. yay I spot another shop that sells socks. No, they can’t be plain, white or black socks, these socks have to have lions or butterflies or chickens on them. I settle for a black pair with a purple tree frog. They’re socks.

After about 25 minutes, I finally meet up with the search committee chair BJ, she calls the driver (another person on the faculty), and we get on our way. As I am chatting with these two women (who call themselves the “cool” people of the department), I notice BJ knitting.

Me: Could you teach a left-hander how to knit?
Sal: You knit, too?
BJ: We can take you to our favorite yarn shop.
Me: I used to knit, but it’s been so long I don’t remember how to hold the needles.
Sal and BJ exchange a look

I talk with Sal about people still at the U that she might know. Somehow I mention my hometown.

Sal: I used to spend a lot of time there. My best friend in grad school is from there.
Me: What’s her name. I probably won’t know her, but …
Sal: Arrington.
Me: Allison Arrington?
Sal: Yeah.
Me: I went to high school with her. We were in drama together. She graduated a year behind me.
Sal: looks toward the backseat at BJ

Now, I knew beforehand that Sal graduated from the U where I currently teach, but I didn’t know I went to high school with her best friend.

After a beautiful drive from the airport, BJ and Sal drop me off at the hotel to get checked in and settled. They returned to pick me up for dinner about an hour later. While we’re having dinner, Sal starts feeding my possible questions that the committee might ask me. And an one point she says, Well, if it were up to me, I’d hire her right now.

Holy cow!

When I get to the U Thursday morning, I literally walk into the building and begin my presentation. No set-up time, no pre-game time—just walk in and teach. Fortunately, the students were awake and attentive. We had a really good discussion, the students were interested in the material, and the hour flew by. What was my presentation about, you ask?

Interviewing skills.

The rest of the day was a blur of meetings, then lunch, then another presentation. I was not happy with this one. I chose to discuss audience with the students because I figured it would round out the semester nicely. The students were not as engaged with the topic and it was like pulling teeth to get them to work with me. Sal tells me later that at the beginning of my presentation, the instructor leaned over and whispered, “We haven’t talked about this.” This is a composition class! How can you omit a discussion of audience? I take a moment to recover.

I put the hideously average presentation behind me and face another blur of meetings.

BJ and Sal really wanted me to see the yarn shop, so they let me change out of my suit (at the hotel) and took me to the Needle Joint (I think it’s called). This place truly does have a beautiful selection of yard (silk, wool, chenille, cotton). It’s amazing. It’s also a place you can bring your knitting and they will help you with problems or just get you started. It’s fun to hang out with the “cool kids.”

A good dinner (steak and beer), lively conversation, handshakes all around, and that’s it. Twelve hours of interviewing are finally over.

I was back at the hotel by 7:00, where I laid in bed and watched mindless TV. Oh, yes. And drank wine (a nice Riesling).

This is my fifth on-campus interview. They all have “gone well” (at least in my opinion). We’ll see if they call and offer me a job.

And, there’s still the MO job. I have not heard from them either.

When I do, you’ll be the first to know.

2003-05-05T16:32:00.000-06:00

Kir Update

After radiation and chemotherapy, the most recent MRI shows that Kir's brain tumor has grown. Her doctors are pursuing another line of treatment (something to do with stem cells). She will most likely have a lengthy hospital stay this summer.

Please keep her in your thoughts.

2003-05-05T12:33:00.000-06:00

Cinco de Mayo

Go learn somethin', will ya?

Enjoy!

2003-05-03T20:01:00.000-06:00

Today's Lesson

Eve demonstrates why it's good to be nice to customer service representatives. You go, Eve.

2003-05-03T19:36:00.000-06:00

Only if you wish hard enough

This headline from AP pretty much says it all:

Bush Says Weapons Will Be Found in Iraq

"Iraq's alleged possession of such weapons was Bush's main rationale for war, but none has been found since Saddam's government fell more than three weeks ago."

Um, yeah.

2003-05-01T07:10:00.000-06:00

First, let me say ...

EW!

I haven't even finished my morning caffeine, when I find this news story. How could something that is "no longer a living substance" feed off the host's blood supply?

via Metapop

2003-04-30T12:42:00.000-06:00

Just for Laughs

Go here for a preview of the 2004 presidential debates. No. Really. It’s funny.

Bush vs. Bush

I love Comedy Central.

2003-04-29T18:53:00.000-06:00

Well …

I am a very generous instructor. I have the electronic classroom open for students who want to come and work. Do I have to do this? No. It’s just that some students need access to software that they do not have at home.

So. I have 2 students from my document design class and 1 student from my intermediate technical writing class. Oh. Yeah. And Scott. He’s here so I won’t get creeped out by being in the building after dark.

I’m here until 9:00pm.

2003-04-29T05:09:00.000-06:00

You Know You Want To, too

You are an Extrovert!

What is your mental profile?
brought to you by Quizilla

heh

2003-04-27T14:01:00.000-06:00

Here’s the News

OK. U in MO is really small (about 6,000) students. The town, too, is small (about 16,000 people). All of the is nestled in the hills of the Ozarks (quite pretty, quite isolated).

The job involves building a program. During one of the many meetings I had on Friday (my interview day), one of the faculty members volunteered that they had their first bite from a prospective tech comm student. One prospective student. It boggles the mind.

The administration strongly supports the tech comm program and funding is really no issue (even in these economic times). The U even wants to establish a tech comm center (similar to a writing center, but only for tech comm).

It would be a very demanding job trying to build a program and get tenure (not to mention learning a new university culture). The university culture is another issue. Eighty-percent of the students at this university are engineers. Now, I have nothing against engineers per se, but they are a breed apart. In addition, two of the younger female faculty members are with child; that means that they will be busy being mothers and will not have much time for a new female faculty member.

The pay is good; the benefits are good. They pay moving expenses; they provide start-up money. The university supports the program; the faculty supports the program. If I get offered the job, I have no idea what I will say.

2003-04-27T12:24:00.000-06:00

OK

I’m back.

The interview went really well. I’m a little scared. I’ll write more about it later (when I sort it all out).

2003-04-22T19:55:00.000-06:00

Just in case you're interested

I scored
65%
on the classic 400 Point Purity Test!

Take the test here!

heh

2003-04-21T12:41:00.000-06:00

Tacky

Come on MSNBC! How tacky is it to have a freaking Mother’s Day advertisement in the middle of a story about Scott Peterson facing charges for killing his wife and unborn son?

Pay a-f*ucking-ttention!

2003-04-19T08:50:00.000-06:00

Dying from the Cute

Oliver (big) and Hugo (aka Huey, small). Perhaps the "Daily Oliver" needs a name change. It's just a suggestion.

2003-04-17T08:22:00.000-06:00

Um …

I feel like a girl with a bad reputation. I keep accepting “dates” from anyone who calls.

I just got off the phone with a school in WI; they want to conduct a phone interview. The first date they suggested conflicts with the MO on-campus interview next week.

I have to be evasive and not let the other “beaus” know that I have “dates” with other schools. It’s just not done.

2003-04-17T06:51:00.000-06:00

A New Wrinkle

OK. The phone interview with the school in UT went really well. They are looking for someone with energy and drive to help them move their technical writing program forward. I apparently answered their questions to their satisfaction because before the end of the conversation they were actually talking about bringing me in for a campus interview! I gave them my schedule and my cell phone number (so when they picked a date, they could reach me).

Less than half an hour after the interview my cell phone rings. They want me for an on-campus interview. It looks like it will be the first part of May.

MO next week.

UT two weeks later.

I just hope one of these pans out. I’m tired of being rejected.

2003-04-15T13:08:00.000-06:00

More

A little more love has come my way. I have a phone interview tomorrow at 3:00. I hate phone interviews; there’s no way to read body language and facial expressions.

So far, MO and UT love me a little.

2003-04-15T05:11:00.000-06:00

A Job Well Done

Go congratulate Scott. His defense was yesterday; he endured two hours of very difficult questions. He passed with flying colors! You may now call him Dr.

Let the revisions begin!

2003-04-14T13:32:00.000-06:00

A little bit of love

I have been asked to go on another on-campus interview (my fourth this semester). It’s not until next week, so I have some time to prepare.

Keep your fingers crossed.

2003-04-12T20:24:00.000-06:00

Notes from the Bar

Scott and I oftentimes like to go to our local pub in the afternoon to play Golden Tee. It’s an addictive golf game that can be quite fun. But that’s not why I’m posting.

When we walked into the bar, we ordered drinks and $6.00 for the game (they allow us to put cash on our tab). As I was about to order, the guy sitting next to us says “Merry Christmas.” At that point, Scott stood behind me with his hands on my back while we waited on our order.

Now, you must understand that Scott is not the PDA-holding-hands-touching-in-public kind of guy.

Scott says, “It’s not Christmas.” Scummy guy says, “What, can’t it be a holiday? Every day’s Christmas.” Scott steps between me and Scummy guy.

OK. It’s 4:15 and the guy's obviously drunk. The smart move with obnoxious drunks is to ignore them.

Then I hear, “Can I have a hug?” Scummy guy has now turned into Fucktard.

Me: rather indignant No.
Fucktard: Well, why not?
gee, let me list the reasons
Me: Because I don’t know you.
Fucktard: Do you have to know me?
Me: rather pissy at this point Well, yes.
Fucktard: to the others sitting at the bar I didn’t know she had to know me. It’s just a hug.
Continues muttering

Scott and I get our drinks and our $6.00 and walk over to the game.

Scott: That’s the first time in a long time that I almost hit someone.
Me: I feel like I need a shower.

2003-04-12T17:27:00.000-06:00

Um ...

I'm playing fetch with my cat. She brings me a toy; I throw it; she brings it back. Repeat.

2003-04-11T20:15:00.000-06:00

Happiness is ...

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (HP2 as it's known in our house). It arrived today from Amazon (I love Amazon).

We're in the first viewing right now. I suspect there will be many more.

2003-04-11T04:21:00.000-06:00

Fun Things

We have four cats. They all like the Littermaid catbox we have set up for them. Since about 4:30AM, I have been hearing that thing scoop the catbox every ten minutes (I’ve even had to re-set it a couple of times). This is not what I want to do when I can’t sleep.

For a bit of entertainment, you may want to go here. I’m still playing around with it and seeing who’s on my street. The BlogStreet FAQ is very helpful. link via batty

2003-04-09T11:20:00.000-06:00

Thanks

My Dad is home and being a pill. I called Monday to check on him and found out that he’s made a few requests of my Mom.

It seems that in the particular hospital where Dad was, they give you a menu in the morning for the next day’s meals. The patient fills out the menu slip and that’s what they receive the next day.

Dad wants to institute this as home. Needless to say, Mom said no.

I can always tell when he’s feeling better; he becomes very ornery. Now you know where I get it.

2003-04-08T12:57:00.000-06:00

Yup, It’s Spring

Scott just told me it’s snowing. Mind you the flakes are tiny and melt when they hit the ground, but it’s snowing.

I think it’s funny.

It’ll be 80 by the end of the week.

Nothing much is happening right now. I’m trying to catch up from last week (grading, cleaning, reading, meeting). Enjoy your Tuesday.

sheesh ... you get up to answer the phone and a cat sits on your closed laptop

BTW, I jumped on the Blogshares bandwagon and now I've jumped off. I can't be bothered.

2003-04-06T14:01:00.000-06:00

Silence

Hi all. I’m back.

I’ve been away all week. After teaching Monday night, I received a call from my Mom and she told me that my Dad was in the hospital. He was recently diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis and Monday he could hardly breathe. After pacing the floor and crying quite a bit, I decided to go to my hometown and help out as best I could.

After I taught my class Tuesday morning, I packed some clothes and my computer and drove the 66 miles to the hospital.

When I got to my Dad’s room, I found him hooked up to every type of machine imaginable. The only thing missing was a tube down his throat. He was sitting up trying to eat, his hands shaking, and he was fighting for every breath.

So, I went into teacher-Shelley mode. What could I do? I made lists for Mom, I took care of the dogs, I did laundry, and I tried as best I could to help Mom and Dad get through this.

Luckily, the doctors determined that Dad had pneumonia and they put him on serious antibiotics. They got him up and walking late Wednesday, but after a bit of exertion his blood oxygen gets really low. So, they don’t want to release him until his blood oxygen levels are stable (even after mild exertion) at 90%.

Hopefully he will be released Monday or Tuesday. I had no idea how much this took out of me until I slept all day Saturday.

Enjoy the time change and have a good week. I’ll write when I can …

UPDATE: Dad will be released tomorrow (Monday); he'll still be on oxygen, but at least he'll be out of the hospital.

2003-03-30T13:58:00.000-07:00

Grr

Now, why is there even any debate over this??

Olivia and Paul are waiting. Damn bureaucracy!

2003-03-29T14:39:00.000-07:00

Notes from the Bar

As is our custom, Scott and I went to the bar for happy hour last night. I attended a meeting all day and most of the people in that meeting also came to unwind.

The war was playing in tha background on CNN. After a few beers, I found myself talking about the night I received the visit from four military men (a doctor, a chaplain, some sort of colonel, and someone else I can’t remember). They told me that my husband’s plane was down, and that they had no more information. What I remember most about the several minutes until the squadron commander’s wife arrived was one man asking me if I needed anything.

WTF? What I needed was information about my husband.

What they meant was pharmaceuticals. After asking me this question several times, someone handed me two pills. I took them. To this day, I have no idea what they were.

Probably valium (to calm down the hysterical wife) because I felt really light headed after that, but I was far from calm.

2003-03-26T13:30:00.000-07:00

Comic Truth

Leave it to Nonsequitur to reflect my position.

2003-03-25T06:35:00.000-07:00

What Sleep?

Last night I crawled into bed at about 9:30 (early, I know). But, I like to read before I go to sleep and this way I get an hour or two of reading in each night. Plus, Maxx (the bird) would not settle down and be quiet; she had been covered for about 2 hours and she continued to cry and screech. Usually, if I go to bed, she will settle down.

Not last night.

I am at the end of White Oleander and wanted to finish the book. As I’m getting to the “confessional,” I remember that I have not sent out an email to my Document Design students. It’s now 11:30 (the bird is still awake and crying) and I’m sending out instructions for a Progress Report.

I get back in bed and finish the book. It's rather sad, but extremely well written. (I want to see what they’ve done to it in the movie version.) So, about 12:30, I turn off the light and go to sleep (Maxx is finally quiet).

Scott comes to bed about 3:30. He hears something (I think he said it was a cat) and gets back up to check it out.

About 4:00, the cats decide it’s time to play their kitty games; so I get up and shut the door.

4:35: ‘Lissa climbs down off of her sleeping place. I get up to let her out.

5:12: ‘Lissa can’t find me and scratches madly to be let back in. I get up to let her in. I leave the door open.

5:37: Calvin plays with the light cord just to annoy me. I run him off with a pillow.

6:07: Calvin plays with the books I keep by my bed. The alarm is set for 6:10. I get up.

Oh yeah, I can so get by on three hours of sleep.

Ugh.

2003-03-23T17:21:00.000-07:00

Spring Break

Scott and I just got back from a conference at which he presented this week.

I graded, shopped, cried.

I will probably not blog much for a while. The world situation is just too tragic for words right now.

2003-03-17T12:52:00.000-07:00

January 16, 1991

I came home from school (working on my Ph.D. at the University of South Carolina); we'd been waiting for the new moon. We knew that's when "it" would start.

I was a pilot's wife. The squadron had been deployed since August 7, 1990.

I turned on the TV to watch whatever was on, when Peter Jennings appeared and informed me that the air strikes had begun. Now that we live in the wonderful world of the ever-present press; we got to watch the bombings. I don't remember whether I called another wife in the squadron or whether she called me, but we all congregated together to watch every minute.

All the time wondering if "they'd come back."

Advance to 2003.

Tonight, under a full moon, "it" will probably start again. And, all of us "get" to re-live it.

In memory of Capt. Dale T. Cormier (KIA, 15 FEB 1991).

How many more will have to endure this?

2003-03-16T15:08:00.000-07:00

Notes from My Inbox

Notice to people who visit my home.

1. The dog lives here. You don't.

2. If you don't want dog hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture.

3. Yes, they have some disgusting habits. So do I and so do you. What's your point?

4. OF COURSE they smell like a dog.

5. It's their nature to try to sniff your crotch. Please feel free to sniff theirs.

6. I like them a lot better than I like most people.

7. To you they are dogs. To me they are adopted daughters or sons who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak clearly. I have no problem with any of these things.

8. Dogs are better than kids. They eat less, don't ask for money all the time, are easier to train, usually come when called, never drive your car, don't hang out with drug-using friends, don't smoke or drink, don't worry about whether they have the latest fashions in brand names, don't wear your clothes, don't need a gazillion dollars for college, and if you spay them they can't come home pregnant.

9. The same applies for the cats, except they will ignore you... until you're asleep.

2003-03-15T21:37:00.000-07:00

Beware

The Ides of March.

2003-03-11T13:41:00.000-07:00

What's that on my Porch??

It's cooooooookkkkiiiiieeeeessss from Kate!

mmmmmmmmmmmm ... cookies .......

2003-03-10T12:11:00.000-07:00

Notes

A few quotes from the Washington Post

"While Iraq weighs on him heavily, they say, a president who sees the world as a biblical struggle of good versus evil has never expressed any misgivings, or personal vulnerabilities, about going to war against Saddam Hussein."

"In the coming weeks, all signs indicate, President Bush will launch the first war without direct provocation in the nation's history.”

“The United States is teetering on the brink of war with Iraq. Edgy citizens brace for terrorist retaliation. The United Nations is consumed by the looming conflict. The Turkish and British parliaments are riven over U.S. war plans."

"But back in 'the world's greatest deliberative body,' the U.S. Senate spent most of last week mired in a partisan brawl over a single federal judge. The House, meanwhile, squabbled over a tax bill laden with special-interest goodies and passed a resolution mourning the death of Mister Rogers.

I don’t feel very well.

2003-03-08T12:10:00.000-07:00

Crapola

GGGrrrrrr ... my PC has gone all floopy. I cannot locate the recovery disks. Scott is harping on me to get a Mac (don't get me or him started about *that* argument). I'm just glad I have my laptop as a backup (and the computer in my office).

I'm trying to recover it myself with Norton (and I just ordered the "official" recovery disks from HP).

GGGrrrrr. I tell you, gggrrrrrrr.

And, ARRRRGGGG!

The bright spot in all of this? ... Kate is sending my cooooooookkkkiiiieeeeeeeeesssss. MMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmm ::drool::

2003-03-06T07:22:00.000-07:00

Too Funny

You must stop by Textism for today's daily Oliver. Make sure you click on the pic to see the whole image.

If it doesn't make you smile, then heaven help you.

UPDATE: While I check the Daily Oliver daily, the picture to which I referred on Thursday was for Thursday only. Thanks, Dean, for letting us enjoy Oliver's face (daily).

2003-03-05T20:12:00.000-07:00

Hi

I have not been keeping up with my blog as I would like.

The campus interviews, which so far have gone nowhere, wore me out. I'm starting to send out more job packets this week.

My classes are going OK, but I'm sure I could do better.

People yelled at me for this (both on blog and off). People in pain will say just about anything.

We're having company this weekend. There's still cleaning to do.

Scott turned in his dissertation to his director (thank God). We get to take a bit of time off.

That's about it.

2003-03-03T07:57:00.000-07:00

Removed from Google hell

Google is FAST! I no am no longer the first hit for this. I removed a link and some last names (because I didn't want to be stalked) late last night, and this morning, I've disappeared. WooHoo!

UPDATE: OK. I'm still there. The first hit. Ah well.

2003-03-02T20:25:00.000-07:00

Oh Dear Lord

I just received an email from the person who helped coordinate our 20-year high school class reunion; she also runs a town web site that keeps us all posted on the happenings of local graduates. It seems I have offended people by this post.

The people who are upset obviously did not know me then, nor do they know me now.

Also, one commenter thinks I have not experienced pain in my life. Perhaps he should read this.

It seems I'm in Google hell.

2003-03-01T13:57:00.000-07:00

TeeHee

Weapons of Mouse Destruction.

2003-02-27T06:07:00.000-07:00

No Longer in the Neighborhood ...

RIP Fred Rogers.

2003-02-25T06:13:00.000-07:00

Yep

Teachable moment.

2003-02-24T13:19:00.000-07:00

Here's a good reason to hate yardwork

Be careful when you shape those hedges.

2003-02-24T10:09:00.000-07:00

Lunch

Tuna, mayo, pickle relish, season salt with fat-free crackers.

2003-02-21T12:10:00.000-07:00

?

Ever have one of those days?

2003-02-20T09:48:00.000-07:00

Weirdness

OK.

I found out yesterday that I guy I went to high school with (and later dated) beat up his estranged wife, and shot a man several times. He ran a red light and the cops started chasing him; he shot himself in the head and subsequently wrecked his car. The woman is alive; the man who was shot is alive. Chris is dead.

Here’s the story from the Arizona Register …

Suspected attacker dies after shooting himself

TEMPE - A man suspected of beating his estranged wife and shooting a man died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, not a traffic accident as originally believed, Tempe police said Tuesday.

Chris, 39, of Phoenix, shot himself in the head while driving a car, which then crashed into a light pole, fire hydrant, trees and a power transformer box near Elliot and Kyrene roads in Tempe. An autopsy determined the gunshot wound was fatal.

Phoenix police said Chris had gone to the home of his estranged wife in the 4000 block of East Tonto Street in Ahwatukee Foothills on Sunday. Janine, 40, was punched several times and Russell Griffith, 50, was shot several times.

After running a red light late Sunday, Chris failed to pull over for a Tempe patrol officer. As the officer's vehicle came within 100 feet of Chris's car, he sped up and crashed. Chris died at the scene. Griffith was in serious condition at Maricopa Medical Center.

I'm still shocked by this. Shooting yourself in the head while driving is not sanctioned by any association I can name.

2003-02-18T13:26:00.001-07:00

No Whining Zone

At least for today I am declaring my blog a no whining zone. I shan’t whine about jobs, the economy, students, teaching, and the state of global affairs.

I have the opportunity to work with people in the engineering department to evaluate our program’s technical writing course for non-technical writing majors and to see if the student’s actually apply what we teach. It should be an interesting experience.

To all in the Northeast, take care. Stay warm. Make a snow angel for me. (Highs will be in the 50s all week; so no chance for snow angels here.)

Smooches all around.

2003-02-16T20:56:00.000-07:00

A Few Things

Friday, my sweetie husband gave me a wonderful Valentine’s/Birthday Day--a send off for my 30s.

Saturday was the twelfth anniversary of my first husband’s death (Capt. D. T. Cormier was killed in the first Gulf War) and with all that’s been going on over there and the peace rallies over here, it’s been thrown in my face. And, no. I do not support an Iraq invasion. Too many have lost their lives already.

Sunday --
I have not heard about the OH job I want; the PA job turned me down. I am not good at waiting for things.

Scott and I are thinking about applying for jobs as a team of technical writers. Who knows, we might be a hit.

I’ve done dishes, laundry, and cleaned cat boxes to keep my mind off of things. Desperation, that is.

blech.

2003-02-16T15:45:00.000-07:00

SUCK!

Blogger ate my post.

Let's just say it's been a sucky day.

2003-02-14T06:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Valentine’s Day

Smooch the one you love.

2003-02-08T10:59:00.000-07:00

Schminterviews

In case you’ve been paying attention, I’ve been going on job interviews. These are not the meet-with-someone-from-personnel-then-interview-with-a-manager-type interviews. These interviews require me to present my research (a formal-type dog and pony show in which I try not to embarrass myself by sounding like an idiot) and a teaching presentation (a tap-dancing maneuver in which I over prepare a topic I’ve taught for years). In between these two performances, I smile, shake hands, meet everybody at the university (and must remember names), and make small talk. The interview this week starts Tuesday night when I am picked up at the airport in CT (because the person who picks me up will informally chat about the school and the job), then Wednesday morning I present my research, meet all of the people, teach in the afternoon, meet more people, and finally get dropped off at the airport. I’m glad they serve wine on the plane.

While I’m preparing for all of this, my back has decided it does not like the way I handle stress and has decided to twist itself into an unnatural position causing me much pain and headaches. On the upside, the doctor gave me great drugs (after the torture of “manipulating” my back and bringing me to tears).

I wonder if the search committee will be able to tell that I prepared my presentations “under the influence” (as it were)?

I am accepting good thoughts and sympathy if you have any to spare.

2003-02-05T22:39:00.000-07:00

No wonder this state can't afford to educate its children

Cloth napkins.

I can't make this stuff up.

2003-02-04T09:24:00.000-07:00

The sound of ~~Desperation~~ the New Economy

OK, OK ... I found some sentences from application letters. These kids sound a bit desperate.

I really enjoyed the job description that I read and hoped that I could be considered for the opening in your Sales Department.

I have always been impressed with the success of your company and the quality that they produce. It has always been my wish to become a part of such a prestigious manufacturing company such as yours.

Perhaps more to follow.

2003-02-04T06:05:00.000-07:00

If only it were just his nose ...

Go to Mike's place. Follow the links regarding Wacko Jacko. Truly scary (and not just his nose).

On another note ...

I know I promised snippets from cover letters and resumes, but they were all so poorly written; it just wouldn't be right. Sigh.

2003-02-03T12:33:00.000-07:00

Time to pay the Piper (as it were)

I’m not familiar with Phil Spector, but he “produced such music greats as Tina Turner and the Ramones, and records for the Beatles, the Righteous Brothers and the Crystals."

When will people learn not to shoot other people?

2003-02-01T12:05:00.000-07:00

Explain this to me ...

It's 70 f*cking degrees and it's FEBRUARY!

I'm grading today.

I talked w/ Kir last night. She sounds really depressed. The chemo is really running her down. She had 2 units of blood about a month ago, and the "new" blood made her feel like a new person. She just had another round this week, and she sounded very tired (almost like she's giving up). I don't know what to do. I don't want her to think I don't care, because I do very much. I need to go see her, but money and time make it very difficult. Any spare thoughts you can send her way are needed and appreciated.

I have not had any job offers from the universities I visited. I'm not very good at waiting and tend to become depressed.

The space shuttle "Columbia" disintegrated on re-entry.

I have no control over Kir's health or the job process. And, I *hate* that.

2003-01-30T07:27:00.000-07:00

R Day

What is “R” day, you ask? “R” day is the day my students submit their résumés and job letters for a grade.

What does this mean for you? It means that I will be posting the best lines from letters and résumés (and we all know how entertaining/painful those can be).

I serve my public. ::evil grin::

2003-01-28T05:08:00.000-07:00

State of the Union

Who will W. deem the axis of evil tonight? (I find it ironic that the State of the Union address falls on the same night as Buffy.) I wonder if we'll get to hear about the evil-doers who hate freedom?

The rhetoric of the President of the United States scares me. A lot.

2003-01-25T15:28:00.000-07:00

My weird cell phone.

An actual conversation:

Her: Hi. This is Megan.
Me: Hello, Megan.
Her: Is Darrell there?
Me: You have the wrong number, Megan.
Her: Oh.

2003-01-25T03:42:00.000-07:00

Yep.

Did I mention that I can't sleep when I'm stressed? And a very early good (?) morning to you, too.

2003-01-24T10:18:00.000-07:00

Travel Update

I'm home. I taught my class yesterday and slept with a kitty after I was done at school.

Delta has a cool new thing. If it's worth it to you, you can upgrade to first class for $50. So, you know what I did in Atlanta. Upgraded, of course.

Have a great weekend. I have to grade and grade.

2003-01-21T07:51:00.000-07:00

Travel

I leave today for another on-campus interview. This one’s in OH. What sucks is I have an office hour at 8:00, teach at 9:00, pack and double check everything, then leave for the airport around 1:30. I don’t land until 10:25pm. My day starts tomorrow at 6:30am, the Chair of the Search Committee picks me up at 7:50, and I teach a class at 9:30. Then, there are meetings, lunches, social things, and interview-type questions interspersed throughout the day. I leave OH for OK around 6:00pm and land in OK around 11:00pm.

SUCK!

I won’t get home until midnight-thirty AND I have to teach my Thursday class at 9:00am.

You know what’s getting me through all of this? Knowing that I can nap the rest of Thursday (after 10:15am) and have nothing to think about until Monday.

This is the endurance-testing portion of academic job hunting.

2003-01-19T13:27:00.000-07:00

I'm Baaack

Well, I'm back from my first interview. It went well, I think. Not very stressful, very pleasant people, beautiful location. I won't hear anything from them for a few weeks.

I am preparing for another interview this Wednesday. This one will be a bit more stressful than the first because the school is more prestigious and more is expected of me.

Oh, yeah. I just heard from a school where I interviewed at the Big Conference in December. They want me in for a campus interview in February. It's going to be a very busy semester for me.

2003-01-14T12:13:00.000-07:00

Things that make you go hhhmmmmm …

I never know how to take it when a student immediately drops my class after only one session. A student in my document design class dropped between 6:30 last night and 7:30 this morning (all drops and adds are online these days). Was he in over his head or am I the Nazi Hun my students initially think I am?

I think he was in over his head. :)

2003-01-13T19:01:00.000-07:00

Bad Blogger

I've been a bad blogger. I've been sick and busy and busy being sick. I'll catch y'all up on my travels when I get back.

2003-01-08T19:37:00.000-07:00

When it rains ...

For one thing ... I've posted three times today.

For another, I have 2 (count 'em ... two) campus interviews scheduled. One in PA and one in OH.

Color me happy, busy, excited, and happy!

2003-01-08T09:37:00.000-07:00

Mkay

Claudia Schiffer is an interesting obsession.

2003-01-08T09:34:00.000-07:00

Ya Think?

We returned home Saturday; only one of us had a reserved seat on the flight home (thank you, Northwest). We waited until the last minute and found out that Scott could also have a seat.

All the kitties are fine; the birdie is fine too.

I had one day to clean and unpack, then I get sick. cough cough cough … Nyquil is my new friend.

You don’t think it’s stress, do you? Didn’t think so …

2003-01-02T07:47:00.000-07:00

Not Quite Home Yet

I’ve been going through blog withdrawal. I have so much to catch up on, but I’ll just list the highlights here.

12/26 Missed our flight to NYC for the Big Conference.
12/27 2:00 AM Checked into the Big Conference Hotel (roughly 19 hours on the road), slept quite a bit.
12/28 Had an interview for a smallish, Mid-Western University (seemed to go well), unable to meet Kate ... *sniff* ... (I may be back in NYC in March)
12/29 Interviewed with a smallish, West Coast University (one interviewer had a great sense of humor), interviewed with a small, private school in Ohio (I’ll not be pursuing this avenue), interviewed with a rather prestigious, private school on the East Coast (This position is my first choice for a job).
12/29 After the interviews, I was hungry. So, I found a vendor on the street and bought a “famous NY hotdog.” Big mistake. I “gave it back” 20 minutes later. My last night in NYC was spent in bed eating chicken soup and crackers.
12/30 Headed for the in-laws; arrived 2 hours later than we were scheduled (Right now, I have some issues with Northwest Airlines).
12/31 Had a wonderful rib dinner prepared by Scott's uncle (yummy) and then a belated Christmas with Scott’s mom.
1/1 Had a New Year’s lunch (black-eyed peas included, of course) and spent the evening with Scott’s dad.
1/2 Going to see Two Towers (again and I can’t wait).

Quite a bit of time spent in my pajamas since we left NYC. You gotta love that!

I’ll provide details of these adventures later, but I wanted to let y’all know that I’m still alive.

2002-12-24T04:46:00.000-07:00

Very Early

It's before 6:00 am on Christmas Eve and I am awake. We have about 8 inches of snow; this is only the third white Christmas I've ever seen.

We're (hopefully) leaving for my parents house today; the one snow plow should have everything clear after noon.

Y'all have a Merry Christmas.

2002-12-19T09:21:00.000-07:00

A Question

Has the Internet Jumped the Shark? Go here for more about shark jumping.

Discuss.

2002-12-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

Some things are too good not to share …

Final reports are in and here is my recap of the most incomprehensible sentences taken out of context (mit commentary).

This section’s focus provides a discussion of the problematic situation and an in-depth analysis of the various causes of the current dilemma. How about … This section discusses the problem and its causes.

If successful, the bus system would cause, at worst, a trivial decrease of these alcohol induced negative situations and occurrences, along with, facilitating a safer environment for the city. I can’t even translate this.

These five solutions will be assigned letters of the alphabet so they are easily separated from the five different problems previously described in this document. I know that I would want to pair letters and numbers to try to figure out what this person is trying to say.

By charging the students what they don’t use is unconstitutional. What??

Those are the highlights. Sigh.