So Many Ups

I'm not really sure what to start with tonight. Do I tell you all about my first day of teaching -- recount the singsongy way that I made a point and then made my classes laugh; the way I coaxed quiet, tired, 8am-students to open up and start talking to me about their summer; was told I was already someone's favorite; or had over a dozen college freshmen beam at me when I told them they were all brilliant and I was going to prove it? Should I start with a story about how my husband, on his way to buy me flowers for my first day of teaching, explained to my son how I was teaching college which lead to my son equating me to a Prefect? Or would you prefer to hear about how I begged my children for a calm night since I was exhausted from a very busy day, only to have them suggest I get myself an exhaust pipe, so I could let all my exhaust out?

I may not know where to begin, but I certainly know where to end...

Sweet Dreams

Are you pondering what I'm pondering?

I bought the coolest flash drive ever! It looks and feels just like an eraser. Actually, the pink side IS an eraser while the white side only feels like one.

Have you ever seen The Animaniacs? It was a very funny afternoon cartoon in the 90's. I'll show a clip if I can find one. If you never enjoyed the cartoon, this joke will be lost on you, and I'm not inclined to explain it. However, if you did enjoy The Animaniacs then you will understand my thought process.

There I was, with one half plugged in -- a device for remembering -- while it's other half lay waiting to help us forget. When my computer assigned the generic "no name" to it, I quickly renamed it "Pinky and the Brain," and together we will try to take over the world!

This is why:

At First I Was Afraid

I am a ball of nervous energy today. I just met with my direct supervisor for my teaching position. I really like her, or at least I WANT to like her, but when I talk to her I can't help but feel that there is this constant tug-o-war or battle for who can make better points about the subject matter. I give in because I am not stupid, and because she is certainly more experienced and educated than I. At the base of our discussion, I can tell that we both have the same motive and that makes it easier. I like to tell her that I appreciate her guidance but I think it comes across as me kissing her ass. There really is no winning in this situation and the truth is, I think I like it. I think I may finally be experiencing professionalism among a group of strong, intelligent women, and it inspires me to be true to myself and my work, to know where I am going, and to be prepared to hold myself up along the way.

Yesterday I began writing my very own syllabus. Today I had my syllabus approved while losing a pissing contest. On Tuesday I will begin teaching, but right now, I am motivated to succeed.

Back to work World!

Repurposed Glass Bricks

I found the COOLEST THING!! First of all, I would like to express my disappointment in the price of bookends these days. Buy a book for 20-30 dollars, but hold it upright on a shelf? That'll cost you between $70 and $100! So, I thought fuck that! I'll make a damn book end! All I needed was something heavy.

Well, wouldn't you know that Hubby and I were walking around the Habitat ReStore last Saturday, which we love to do when we are in the market for lamps or furniture. If you have a Habitat ReStore in your area, I suggest checking it out! We have saved more money than I can ReCount and they have great items for repurposing. Once I bought some bathroom tiles and created instant coasters by hot-glueing some cork to the bottom of them. However, if I were to do it again, I would just glue on felt. It's cheaper and serves the same purpose.

On this fateful Saturday, though I was in the market for a desk lamp, a waste basket, and something -- anything -- to use as bookends. I decided to walk over to the tile section, because if nothing else I could always glue a bunch of them together in a twisted tower or some other crazy design for holding books up. The glue gun, however, was not going to be needed this time!

This one's pretty, but not as pretty as my bubble ones!

As I walked toward the tiles I saw those big thick glass bricks that you normally find built into a column around a fluorescent light in front of an old business. You know the ones! Typically the glass is warped or marbled in some way, but these had a beautiful bubble design on them. They were pretty, heavy, and consequently SOLD! I bought two, and they look awesome! I'm buying more and covering the ugly middle sections with brightly colored felt strips. I'm super excited.

Really! Visit a ReStore, World!

Freshmen

Did I ever tell you, World, that I was successful in changing the grade that I challenged this spring? Yes. It happened. I overturned a grade and I can tell you that I feel pretty good about it. I hate accepting things that are undeserved, but this is not one of those things. I deserved the credit and consider my ability to successfully articulate my reasons to the instructor, a victory. I will say that I have never challenged a grade in the past, and will try everything not to do it again. Scary stuff, that is!

Also I picked up the key to my NEW OFFICE!!! I know you're excited for me. I will share the office with two other people, but so far I only know one of them, and we get along great! Yesterday I had the opportunity to talk with one of my mentors. I first sat in her class four years ago. It was an election year. I remember people pouring into her class with over-flowing emotion spiked with political agenda. She always seemed to welcome discussions, keep them civilized and tie them - somehow - in with the subject matter. I am extremely fortunate to have her advice and guidance while two fleets of freshman depend on me to get them through a semester of composition.