31 August 2024: Just emailed the first requested set of revisions and edits to my editor--two weeks early. In fact, still a month before the manuscript itself was originally due. I didn't have to spend a few hours today knocking them out (and yes--that's really all that it took!) and my tired-ass COVID brain wasn't loving the work, but it felt good (except physically--ha!) to just power through.
I keep telling myself that grading this semester is going to be intense, so I need to push stuff through as soon as I can.
Anyway, chair dancing time, but not too intense because...COVID? Sure! This classic ditty just came on the 80s (???) station on Pandora, so it works.
30 August 2024: Kind of a rough night, sleep-wise. Just restless and uncomfortable, though it's hard to describe why, but I kind of remember that from my first go-round with COVID.
Feeling better today, I think, and recognizing other echoes of that experience two years ago, when my feline nurse was Wesley. Jo is so distinct from Wesley--entirely her own little self--but she is a worthy successor to him when it comes to comfort.
29 August 2024: Was genuinely shocked when my COVID test turned positive last night. I didn't feel awful--just scratchy and figured I'd take a test for peace of mind.
Doing okay today. Tired. A bit congested. Headache. Some chills. But could be worse. And all things considered, this isn't the worst time to get it. With the holiday on Monday, I'll only miss one day of in-person teaching.
28 August 2024: Some of the people I love the most in this world had big days today--albeit in very different ways. One had a scary surgery that seems to have gone well and might have him on the road to feeling better. Someone else got a (well-earned/well-deserved) job offer.
It was a long day and I am tired, tired, tired. But when I got the news about those developments? I just sat there at my desk and smiled and smiled.
What a gift to have people to love and to celebrate their wins!
27 August 2024: Worked with two great teams of women in two very different settings. First, team-taught our first session of Intro to Gender and Women's Studies with two of my absolute role models: Stephanie and Sally. (And all 25 students were there!) Second, had a very productive meeting with the women in our HR office and another staff member to keep things moving forward on an important search that I am chairing.
Such a gift to be surrounded with such kind, smart, and capable women!
25 August 2024: What an strange (in an almost entirely good way) summer this has been! Finished the book draft so early that I just had time to...relax. Not the entire months of July and August, but enough of them to really feel it. And enjoy it. And that enjoyment? I am hoping it is transformative, especially when it comes to Operation Balance.
Back at it all again starting tomorrow. Feels fake, but I am ready as I'll ever be, I guess. And I know it will be wonderful to be around the students again.
24 August 2024: Had a great visit from Jane today. We did birthday gifts, walked through an antique mall in Boonsboro, got some lunch, and just talked and talked like we do. Remarkably, I only took a single picture of this huge jar that looks like a bizarro and terrifying Veronica. It was almost worth buying it (at $60) just to get a picture of her next to it. But alas, I resisted the urge.
23 August 2024: We were so thrilled to welcome a group of our new English, English Education, and Spanish majors to campus today. We were also excited to introduce them to some of our fantastic second, third, and fourth year students: Taylor, Hannah, and Kel (who, coincidentally, all showed up wearing black Chuck Taylors).
22 August 2024: On the surface, an entire day of mandatory professional development isn't most people's idea of fun. But the event we had today was pretty great. The best part? Just being around colleagues who I respect and love so much. Last year was so hard, but darn it: these people are a heck of a team.
21 August 2024: Had an absolute blast being on a panel with these two today! Couldn't ask for better partners. And such a pleasure to meet our outstanding L.E.A.D.S. students and answer their questions! (Our coordinated colors were--I promise--a delightful accident.)
20 August 2024: A long day on campus today--and I haven't done many of those these past couple of months. I don't think it's Jo's (or even Veronica's) favorite thing.
When I got home, I did something I do sometimes: came into the house, watched Jo come running right in, and sat down on the kitchen floor with her. Doing so immediately centers me, in a way. For just a few minutes, I hit pause on everything else and sit with this sweet girl, who is so happy to see me.
I snapped this picture of her, mostly because it reminded me of Wes and the way he would rest a single paw on me.
19 August 2024: The week before classes start is such a complicated liminal space. I need to be on campus every day this week, a clear indication that things are starting. But, you know: you can still wear shorts, not all of the students are back, and the pace is still different. A sure sign of that liminality? Rachel came over to watch a movie tonight and then we had to remind ourselves that it is, indeed, sort of a school night and not let it get too late.
18 August 2024: The Yankee game is in extra innings, which is always fun. But this game is extra charming because it's being played in Williamsport, PA, with a stadium full of Little League teams. They keep showing pics of the MLB players in their Little League uniforms. It's so cute.
Well, the Yankees just lost as I wrote this, but it was still a fun game.
17 August 2024: Spent most of today doing some search committee work (Zoom interviews). As I kept taking notes, I realized it was time to say good-bye to a favorite pencil.
Just one word, but it made me smile every time I used it.
