humidity

my hair is big. i'm hot and clammy. the office is roasting. the house smells like the cellar. it's been raining since last night. it's gray outside. i'm procrastinating.

went to dinner last night and met some more new people. while i was excited about another social event, i wish i would have stayed home, cooked out, drank beer, and enjoyed the evening with my girl. oh well, you win some and lose some. the food was good, the company was so-so. being the newbies has its ups and downs. other then the usual line of questioning: what's your specialization? area of research interest? we have been bombarded with questions regarding our decision to buy a home. for example, "wow, that's brave" or "what if you HATE this place" or my new personal favorite: "now this is a real grown-up house". i'm never sure what exactly people are trying to say when they launch into this subject. could it be our age that throws some people off? is renting really the better way to go? is there a specific timeline i'm supposed to follow when entering a new job? so, after suffering through more innane house talk, we had to endure some anti-southern (specifically appalachia), anti-rural, conversation. being from the sunshine state, i've always managed to avoid the anti-south ranting and raving, but since my life has been bound up in appalachia for the past eight years, i've become acutely aware of just how ill-informed the "educated" can be. can you tell our dinner was a fun-filled occasion?

but, to be fair, this dinner was but one glitch on an otherwise happy first week. we also went and picked up our bikes yesterday and decided that they run better than when we first bought them! so, while i'm still not happy with charlie, at least i scored a better-running bike. i also bought a helmet for the first time (wow, does that thing add about 10 inches to the top of my head!), so am all prepared to hit the road/trails while the weather holds out. my favorite season is right around the corner . . .

1st day jitters

once again, i feel invigorated to be doing what i love most: teaching! i am quite happy with life right now--plus, we get to pick-up our bikes from the shop later on, so that means a bike ride is right around the corner for me. anyway, it always amazes me how nervous and anxious i become with the beginning of another school year. you would think i was a student getting handed a long list of assignments/requirements. i find the first day to be one of the most exciting--you set the terms, meet the students, and hopefully create a positive atmosphere for the rest of the semester. i think everything went really well today.

other than the excitement of this new job (and as you can tell, i'm pretty damned excited), i've been thinking about new orleans and hurrican katrina. being raised in florida where the threat of a hurricane was ever-present for at least 4 months of the year--AND having experienced a hurricane first-hand (i think a category 2 or 3 was the highest level) i can only imagine what the people of louisiana, mississippi, etc are going through. all the poor people and homless had to go to the superdome last night--last i heard, the roof was coming off. god. most of the news coverage has focused on the oil prices and the impact that will have--not to mention the price gougers who will stoop to any level to make a massive profit off of this natural disaster. someone once wrote: "welcome to capitalism, where destruction pays."

anyways, my thoughts are with new orleans, one of the best cities i've ever had the privilege of visiting.

gotta run--we just got an invite for another social event! woo-hoo.

wednesday, wednesday or i'm fresh out of hip title ideas

i've been reading/researching blogs all day long. there's a group of us that have plans to begin our own blog, so i was trying to learn how to create a blog from the ground up. any suggestions would be most welcome. i did discover, however, that we can create a group blog right here--which might be easier for now. when we do this, i'll pass along the new info.

I received this article from a friend of mine--it's about the state of Georgia *finally* issuing a pardon to Lena Baker, 60 years after her execution!
Go to: www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/0805/16pardon.html

Quick facts: it took one day in 1945 for an all white, male jury to convict Baker of murdering a white man, she was the only woman the state executed in the 20th century, this is only the third pardon granted in the state of GA. Baker argued that she killed E.B. Knight in self-defense . . .most accounts that have been written about the case acknowledge Knight held Baker as a virtual "sex slave" . . . but that didn't seem to count for much, did it?

During my blog searches I ran across www.blackfeminism.org where they had a story about a missing young woman, Tamika Huston, who disappeared last year--but received virtually NO coverage in the mainstream media. I had never heard of the case until today (apparently there has finally been an arrest, but they still have not found the body)--but I can't turn on the news or read one of my many trashy gossip mags without an update from Aruba, more news on Peterson in jail, Hocking, etc etc I guess my point is this: I'm obsessed with blogging now because I'm finding a brand new world of news/info/stories/communities that are really refreshing in pretty unrefreshing times.

cool blogs, dirty movies, and local vandals

How could I forget to include *The Aristocrats*? Thanks Jeff, for reminding me about this film. I've been curious about it seeing it since reading a review in Entertainment Weekly last week. In the article, Bob Saget said he was indeed a "dirty f--ker" and after shooting his segment he was concerned about his family, children, parents seeing it! I have to wait until we go to Albany to see it--alas, only the Dukes of Hazard are ruling the screen around here.

Speaking of Albany, we went and visited Catrin and Amy a couple of weeks ago and they introduced us to the world of Edward Gorey. If interested in some dark, amazingly illustrated "children's" stories, I'd recommend *The Gashleycrumb Tinies*. Wow, wow, wow. Ok, I feel I might be a little late to Gorey, so if you already are a fan, indulge me for a minute. I must have my own copy of this book! Other books we discovered while hanging with C&A are: Suze Orman: *The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous, and Broke* and *Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs* by Klosterman. Useful financial advice coupled with a good pop culture read!

Last night on The Daily Show, I watched several clips (all from FOX) of journalists (most of Michelle Malkin (ugh, ugh, ugh) calling Sheehan a "crackpot" or some other version of the hysterical woman/mother story we know so well. In one segment, Malkin said Sheehan had "connections" to the left-wing because she was "working with" Common Dreams, Moveon.org, and other extreme left wing groups. OOOOOOHHHHHHHHH. God. Does anyone realize how stupid all of this shit sounds? Ok, Stewart decided to show a clip of this one commentator (sorry, forgot the name) who implied Sheehan was simply a "nut" for her protest--and compared it to another (broadcast a few months ago) where the same commentator said the Schiavo family had a "moral" obligation to protest the removal of the feeding tube. Sometimes I want to scream because all of this seems so obvious. Bush lied to get us in this war. His lies have been in the press and now he has acknowledged that many of the "aims" he wanted to achieve in Iraq will probably not be met. And, still, people support this unjust, immoral occupation and demonize others who express dissent. For example, just last night a "local vandal" crushed many of the crosses Sheehan had erected in her make-shift Arlington Cemetery memorial. To see this go to: www.truthout.org/cindy.shtml and click on the video.

I am still trying to figure out my blog space, but in the meantime, I want to give some props to some very cool blogs that are floating around. I like www.feministing.com because they provide a range of interesting articles (and one of the bloggers use to be a student of mine!) and www.culturekitchen.com where my friend Jeff blogs. If I can figure out how to put these under "Links" I will do so . . .in the meantime, check 'em out.

Happy Tuesday!

monday, monday.

another day of painting is done. things are looking pretty good, with one week left before i start orientation. blah. i'm never very keen on orientations . . . but i'm gonna go ahead and attend in hopes of meeting new people and making some new friends. if not painting or doing another home improvement project, i've been excited about some upcoming movies i want to see: broken flowers (was a big murray fan in lost in translation), brokeback mountain (ang lee rocks, plus what can beat a story about gay cowboys?), junebug (cause i miss and love the south), hustle and flow (this is one movie i actually thought was showing around where we live--but no), and my summer of love. we have to go to albany to see any of these films, but it gives us an excuse to get out of here and see some old friends.

this afternoon i've continued to be fixated by the coverage of cindy sheehan. for a good article about this situation go to: www.truthout.org/docs_2005/081505Z.shtml or www.truthout.org and click on "Cindy's Victory" by William Rivers Pitt. I'm excited and hopeful that the coverage she is receiving will continue to put pressure on Bush. If anything, it's good to see people and the anti-war movement energized once again. I also didn't realize that Gold Star Families for Peace have paid/sponsored an ad featuring Sheehan discussing the war and demanding some answers from "George." I'm sure no mainstream network will air it, but we can dream.

coloring outside the lines and other thoughts on the president's vacation

Ok, I've been a bit absent from the blog these past few days. I will spare you the details, but we've basically been painting since last Thursday. Entry way and hallway down--two rooms to go! I've learned a little bit about myself over the past week . . . some a bit troubling. For example, I'm clearly not the friend to call when you want to have a paint party! I've had these horrible flashbacks to my childhood when I would literally throw away my coloring book if I "went outside the lines". Tape removal is a lot like coloring outside the lines. Each time we have gone to remove tape, I have felt my heart sink when I would spot a tiny bit of left-over teal or pink from the previous paint job. Gees. Uptight anyone? On to another subject that has me worked up . . .

Did you know the current five week vacation in Crawford is the longest one a president has taken in 36 years? I just finished reading this cool article by Tom Englehardt concerning the President's summer season. Apparently, this is his 49th trip to the ranch and 319th vacation day.

While he continues to drone on about the "noble cause" soldiers are dying for in this ludicrous war, Cindy Sheehan is camped outside. I've been following her for a while now, and am pretty excited by how women/moms are using their status (once again) to demand some kind of accountability for this mess we're in. Ok, I realize he has refused to see her (mistake on his part) and that many (predictably) are calling her a traitor to military families, but I'm just happy to see some life breathed in to the anti-war movement.

GWOT or G-Save? In other war news, I also learned from the Englehardt piece that many of Bush's handlers have been arguing over changing the language frm GWOT (global war on terror) to G-Save (global struggle against violent terrorism). After all this time, they've decided they don't like the term "war" on terror because it conjures up military images and makes people think men and women in uniform are the only answer--apparently Bush doesn't agree--and has continued to go the GWOT path. Go figure.

Other news items that have caught my interest: the leader of the Zapatistas, Subcomandante Marcos, emerged after 4 years in hiding, apparently energized to get the Zapatistas working towards alternative politics once again. And, on August 6th, Hiroshima commemorated the 60th anniversary of the world's first atomic attack. While reading about this, I forgot that the US bombed Nagasaki just three days later on August 9th.

Hmmm . . .painting, record-breaking vacations, war, and atomic bombs. No wonder I'm not sleeping well these days. Oh wait! I forgot to mention another contributing factor to my insomnia: *Born Rich*. Ever seen it? It's a documentary (2003 0r 2004) directed by Jamie Johnson (heir to Johnson and Johnson) about rich kids and the troubles/anxiety/happiness/etc they endure as a result of being wealthy. As a film/documentary it fails to be very good--but still I was fascinated (nauseated?) by some of their stories . . . I'll definitely show it in one of my classes.

Off to the grocery. Painting works up an appetite.

Mushy's Haiku

this is from my friend, michelle aka mushy, who just moved to london.

Haiku about London

East Finchley by day
Old ladies walk with purpose
Slow, to the bus stop

Islington at night
All the hipster kids are out
Watch out! They judge you

On the bus at night
Never ever get on the
Top deck, to stay sane

Tinkle tinkle goes
The glass thrown upon the street
By those hooligans

Oh it’s stopped raining
Are those slugs or snails under
My feet? No, dog shit.

It's a hot one!

Ok, once again, I've been unable to do much of anything today besides pace the house, look busy without really doing anything, and resume pacing. I awoke at 4 AM frantic about selecting books I'm going to use for my "feminist theories of class" course I'm teaching this fall. I need to get book orders in pronto as classes start at the end of the month! I want to do something different, and make the class fun and accessible, while also being theoretical and challenging. That said, my first go at the course turned up to be rather dull and uninspiring--funny that there aren't that many books in feminist studies dedicated to seriously looking at social class--class as lifestyle/consumption, yes, but class as exploitation/production, no. Anywho, I sent out an email to my good friend Cheryl back in Mankato and she saved the day with some very cool film ideas (I want to show a wide representation of "class", so pop culture here we come!) People Like Us, Born Rich (should be arriving this week via Netflix (which rocks by the way), Spurlock's 30 Days series, and maybe some TV shows that look at elites or class in a particular way. God help me, I think I might start watching the Simple Life, just to see what it's all about--I won't hold my breath though . . .I recall Hilton thinking Wal-Mart was a place where they sold "walls". So, for any other of my friends who might know of a good film/novel/tv show that deal with social class, please pass along. I'm always open to suggestions.

I began reading Carlos Bulosan's autobiography *America's In the Heart* and I think this was another reason for my insomnia. It's a powerful story of the Filipino immigrant's experience in the US during the early past of the 20th century. Published in 1946, I think it is as important today as it was back then.

Oh yeah, today I received an interesting book title I'm anxious to check out: Nostalgic for Clinton?: Rediscover the 1990s. Apparently, it's intended to make those that think Clinton was much better than Bush re-think their position by exploring a range of policies that saw the destruction of many social programs under C's leadership. Sounds pretty damned good.

I'm excited about books and writing again!! For three years, while I lived and worked in Minnesota, I felt so burdened by the service and teaching requirements of the university, I didn't want to pick up a text by the time I got home. I hope this blog will inspire me too . . .

And, get this, I feel money falling through our hands today. The plumber (3 generations have been at the house so far, no shit) has been here since 10:30. Tick-Tock, Tick-Tock . . .damn. But, I'm happy to have hot water, a kitchen sink that works, and a dishwasher that doesn't smell like rotten eggs every time you try to cook.

Ok, it's hot as hell in this red room! I want a beer! Laters . . .

AEL!

to avoid doing anymore unpacking, i've been fiddling with the computer ALL day long. what better way to waste an entire day than to start your own blog!

it's been almost 2 weeks since arriving to our new digs in upstate ny. we are still surrounded by cardboard boxes, scraps of packing tape, newspapers, and other items that have come to define our existence since we began our relocation from minnesota to here. i can honestly say i hate moving. i've moved so much over the past ten years, you'd think i'd get used to it. just yesterday, i seriously considered hauling several boxes out to our backyard and setting a match to everything! it's so maddening the things we collect . . .

other than unpacking, i've spent the greater part of my time on the phone trying to track down a plumber. we live in a town of 4,000, and everyone uses the same plumbers, electricians, etc. this is all fine and well, but i've discovered that the only way you can coax them to your house is with some kind of earth shattering home emergency. a plugged up kitchen sink, decrepit/smelly dishwasher--apparently don't apply. but alas, when everything was looking grim on the plumbing front, our hot water heater has decided to quit today! for those that know me, handling stress has never been a strong point of mine. i get this from my mom . . . so after a while of fussing and fuming, i realize the positive side to this: it must qualify as a bona fide home emergency! woo-hoo. maybe, just maybe, one generation (of the four that work here) of plumbers will grace us with their presence and fix these damn problems. i called earlier and he sounded stressed--he said he would try and stop by later--but he's working on a well without water! i felt kinda foolish for all of my complaints about taking cold showers.

why all the detail on the home repair? i think i'm having a hard time adjusting to rural life and living. don't get me wrong, it's truly beautiful here: we are in the foothills of the adirondacks, so there are many roads waiting to take us on country drives with incredible views. the people are friendly and nice--but i just have to get used to the pace of things here. maybe i'm getting paid back for all of my snarky comments about small town livin in 'kato.

i also miss my friends . . . a lot. so, after i finish this up, i'm sending an email to all of my peeps in hopes that some of you will read this and post comments!

alright . . .i gotta run for now . . .