There are some days that just go well. And today was one of those days.
Besides getting into the area that I know best in the class I am teaching, I also watched a film for later this week that I absolutely adore. I don't watch it very often because it always makes me cry, but OMG is it good. I can't wait to see what my students make of it.
AND... I got a cool present from mah husband. I'm very happy. He is so sweet. :-)
Showing posts with label school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label school. Show all posts
16.10.07
30.8.07
Fantastic few months
School has begun - it's been going quite well. I'm actually very fond of the class I'm teaching, and so far I am pleased with the classes I am taking. Things are good.
What is also good? I've been having roast beef and brie sandwiches. Delicious.
And one of the best parts is that this is (hopefully!) the last start of the semester that I'll have to spend by myself. C'mon, immigration, you can do it! Move more quickly! I mean, we've had no word since the beginning of July - but I can't ask about it until October anyways, so there's no harm in being patient. Again.
Here's to a fantastic few months ahead.
What is also good? I've been having roast beef and brie sandwiches. Delicious.
And one of the best parts is that this is (hopefully!) the last start of the semester that I'll have to spend by myself. C'mon, immigration, you can do it! Move more quickly! I mean, we've had no word since the beginning of July - but I can't ask about it until October anyways, so there's no harm in being patient. Again.
Here's to a fantastic few months ahead.
15.8.07
paper paper everywhere
My sister complained to me earlier this summer about a course where the professor had them print out all of the readings rather than binding them up in a course pack, because the students would rather not have to buy a course pack.
My sister wanted the course pack. Because just printing that stuff gets expensive, too.
I feel for her. I just printed out about 1200 pages of reading for one of my semester classes. At least I could fiddle with the fonts and margins and stuff, or it would have been quite a bit more.
I'll pay for a bound course pack over that any day.
My sister wanted the course pack. Because just printing that stuff gets expensive, too.
I feel for her. I just printed out about 1200 pages of reading for one of my semester classes. At least I could fiddle with the fonts and margins and stuff, or it would have been quite a bit more.
I'll pay for a bound course pack over that any day.
9.7.07
good movie, bad construction
I watched The Queen yesterday. And it was quite excellent. You all should see it, if you haven't. Helen Mirren is awesome.
Also, I hate the construction near my department. They close of the stairs, but then don't do anything in the closed off area. Today they removed the post office box. That angered be a bit - since they removed a different one that wasn't even near the construction a bit ago. Where am I supposed to drop my mail, now?! Everywhere else is a 5-10 minute walk out of my way. Grrrrrrrr.
Also, I hate the construction near my department. They close of the stairs, but then don't do anything in the closed off area. Today they removed the post office box. That angered be a bit - since they removed a different one that wasn't even near the construction a bit ago. Where am I supposed to drop my mail, now?! Everywhere else is a 5-10 minute walk out of my way. Grrrrrrrr.
19.6.07
My current approach to literary criticism, that is, what I do
Every text I read, I read as an individual with a history, aesthetic likes and dislikes, and generic preferences. When I finish the text, I analyze my reactions. If I liked it, I note a few details that might explain why (for example, strong feminist themes and decent mechanics in writing), and usually don’t pursue it beyond that, unless larger themes develop, usually in tandem with another text that I liked. However, the texts I don’t like are almost more academically challenging or interesting, because I force myself to think WHY I don’t like them – it is a lot easier to enumerate the things I don’t like about a text that I have a tepid reaction to as opposed to a text that I adore. By this logic, I should study modern poetry. I have more to say about it. But I care about the things I like to read. And there is where I can connect themes. Random novels that share historical figures; views of a specific urban space in the last 15 years in fiction; the mechanics of narrative, between novel and short story; film adaptations, or stories that mirror films that the author has seen/acted in/directed/studied.
My father, while musing upon his own experience in graduate school in (a different foreign language), said something to the effect that success in literature in academia is more learning the crazy theory than actually ruminating on the texts at hand. I certainly felt that way in my lit classes when I studied abroad as an undergraduate. These students, who studied literature and nothing else (there is no equivalent for “area requirements” or a general liberal arts education there) had such a specialized jargon, and in my second language, that I felt intimidated at first. I read Theodor Adorno in translation – in my second language. But when it came time to leave the theory, after the first few weeks, and talk about the actual texts, my native speaker classmates were lost, and only parroted back theory that had no application to the text at hand. Now, I admit that I use Scarry’s Body in Pain, Foucault, etc. when it actually has an application to the theme that I am exploring. It is hard to talk about urban spaces in narrative as space and aesthetic without reading about urban planning theory. I can’t talk about Colonial or Viceregal anything without a historical background, both from contemporary texts to particular events and current scholarship. But to treat a text as if its only importance is the way we can apply Foucault or Butler or Derrida destroys the text as an entity in and of itself, in my opinion. A text is valuable for itself, just as as individuals we are worth a great deal. To limit the interpretation of a text, or contacts it might have with other texts or fields, to one narrow theoretical outlook does not only the text a disservice but also the theory upon which the criticism is based.
It’s like the New Yorker Cartoon with the punchline: “And just how do you expect to become a made man, son, without a solid liberal-arts education?” While specialization is important in my field, you have to keep the bigger picture in mind. And in my own studies, the texts themselves are infinitely more important that the theoretical approach I employ.
My father, while musing upon his own experience in graduate school in (a different foreign language), said something to the effect that success in literature in academia is more learning the crazy theory than actually ruminating on the texts at hand. I certainly felt that way in my lit classes when I studied abroad as an undergraduate. These students, who studied literature and nothing else (there is no equivalent for “area requirements” or a general liberal arts education there) had such a specialized jargon, and in my second language, that I felt intimidated at first. I read Theodor Adorno in translation – in my second language. But when it came time to leave the theory, after the first few weeks, and talk about the actual texts, my native speaker classmates were lost, and only parroted back theory that had no application to the text at hand. Now, I admit that I use Scarry’s Body in Pain, Foucault, etc. when it actually has an application to the theme that I am exploring. It is hard to talk about urban spaces in narrative as space and aesthetic without reading about urban planning theory. I can’t talk about Colonial or Viceregal anything without a historical background, both from contemporary texts to particular events and current scholarship. But to treat a text as if its only importance is the way we can apply Foucault or Butler or Derrida destroys the text as an entity in and of itself, in my opinion. A text is valuable for itself, just as as individuals we are worth a great deal. To limit the interpretation of a text, or contacts it might have with other texts or fields, to one narrow theoretical outlook does not only the text a disservice but also the theory upon which the criticism is based.
It’s like the New Yorker Cartoon with the punchline: “And just how do you expect to become a made man, son, without a solid liberal-arts education?” While specialization is important in my field, you have to keep the bigger picture in mind. And in my own studies, the texts themselves are infinitely more important that the theoretical approach I employ.
6.5.07
Just do your own work, please
Since I left the house before Weekend Edition came on this morning (I know, it's shocking), I just was checking to see if there were any really interesting stories and I stumbled across one about cheating in graduate school. I admit that I find the idea of cheating repulsive and I don't understand why people don't just learn things the normal way rather than having to cut corners. Evidentally, that is a minority view.
Given that over the past three years I have had around 200 students, the chances that at least one of them have cheated are probably pretty high, be it in my own class or in another class they are taking. I couldn't find specific statistics but I thought that ETS's fact sheet was pretty interesting. Some tidbits that I think are worth highlighting are:
There have been moments that I have suspected misdeeds by students, but I never have had a situation where I was sure beyond a doubt, as has been the case with some instances my colleagues have shared with me. If I see someone cheating, I would turn them in - at the same time, the process at my university can be very tedious, especially for the teachers, and depending on the "severity" of the offense can get the student kicked out of school. To be honest, I'm not sure how I feel about that.
However, graduate students cheating is ridiculous, especially in the humanities. Most of the high profile cheating of late in the post-graduate area has been in engineering and business - I'd appreciate that the people designing that bridge actually earned their degrees, thank you very much. I guess it is just one of those situations that I see a moral black and white - do not represent another student's work as your own, period - that other people either do not see that way, or do not care about one way or the other. And that, in my mind, is profoundly disturbing.
Given that over the past three years I have had around 200 students, the chances that at least one of them have cheated are probably pretty high, be it in my own class or in another class they are taking. I couldn't find specific statistics but I thought that ETS's fact sheet was pretty interesting. Some tidbits that I think are worth highlighting are:
- Grades, rather than education, have become the major focus of many students.
- Research about cheating among college students has shown the following to be the primary reasons for cheating: Campus norm; No honor code; Penalties not severe; Faculty support of academic integrity policies is low; Little chance of being caught; Incidence is higher at larger, less selective institutions.
- Additional influencers include: Others doing it; Faculty member doesn't seem to care; Required course; No stated rules or rules are unclear; Heavy workload.
- Profile of college students more likely to cheat: Business or Engineering majors; Those whose future plans include business; Men self-report cheating more than woman; Fraternity and Sorority members; Younger students; Students with lower GPA's or those at the very top.
- Cheating is seen by many students as a means to a profitable end.
There have been moments that I have suspected misdeeds by students, but I never have had a situation where I was sure beyond a doubt, as has been the case with some instances my colleagues have shared with me. If I see someone cheating, I would turn them in - at the same time, the process at my university can be very tedious, especially for the teachers, and depending on the "severity" of the offense can get the student kicked out of school. To be honest, I'm not sure how I feel about that.
However, graduate students cheating is ridiculous, especially in the humanities. Most of the high profile cheating of late in the post-graduate area has been in engineering and business - I'd appreciate that the people designing that bridge actually earned their degrees, thank you very much. I guess it is just one of those situations that I see a moral black and white - do not represent another student's work as your own, period - that other people either do not see that way, or do not care about one way or the other. And that, in my mind, is profoundly disturbing.
23.4.07
Writer's Block, Spring Semester Edition
I can't believe it.
I have an outline. I have re-read the novel. I have indicated quotes that will support my arguments, combed through secondary materials and possible theoretical frameworks - and have useful quotes pulled out from those, too. Have I mentioned I have an outline!?
And I can't write a sentence that makes any sense.
I have until next Monday. I need 4000 words, more or less. I have it all thought out in my head, it's all up there! I just can't articulate it. I have spent the greater part of today sitting in front of my computer, outline printout on the desk in front of me, and writing, re-writing, and deleting possible ways to begin writing.
I am hoping for a better writing day tomorrow, because today wasn't it. Though my most productive time is the late evening (9 PM and later) so maybe the day won't be a loss. Wait, someone wants me to publish something. That's good. But it's been overshadowed by my complete inability to write anything today.
I have an outline. I have re-read the novel. I have indicated quotes that will support my arguments, combed through secondary materials and possible theoretical frameworks - and have useful quotes pulled out from those, too. Have I mentioned I have an outline!?
And I can't write a sentence that makes any sense.
I have until next Monday. I need 4000 words, more or less. I have it all thought out in my head, it's all up there! I just can't articulate it. I have spent the greater part of today sitting in front of my computer, outline printout on the desk in front of me, and writing, re-writing, and deleting possible ways to begin writing.
I am hoping for a better writing day tomorrow, because today wasn't it. Though my most productive time is the late evening (9 PM and later) so maybe the day won't be a loss. Wait, someone wants me to publish something. That's good. But it's been overshadowed by my complete inability to write anything today.
17.4.07
identity musings
Given how much I love reading, it’s interesting that I don’t really like writing fiction very much, or lyric anything. I’ve been thinking of this because in a class today we were talking about artistic literary creation and the professor has really encouraged us to think of ourselves as writers as opposed to just students who write essays. When I was younger (meaning before college), I wrote stories, poems, and even though about writing several novels. Since I started college, I’ve left that behind. I like writing essays. Maybe one day I’ll write stories again. And I think I have a feeling as to why I prefer essays. It’s not that essays aren’t personal – even relatively dry academic ones say things about their authors – but I like them because they give me an illusion of anonymity. Yes, I write, and in writing I expose myself. But I feel as if non-fiction essays are much less exposing than novels, stories, poems, even though I love reading fiction as well. I’m terrified of the idea that someone might read something I wrote and think it is horrible. Even though I’m pretty straight-forward, I hate the idea of letting strangers read very personal things, because I feel like my imagination says more about me than the essay topics I choose to pursue. The one essay that I’ve written in the past few years that is incredibly personal is one that I wrote that deals with saying goodbye, and I wouldn’t be comfortable knowing that anyone but those closest to me had read it. Part of me wants to be known as a writer as well as an academic, but a larger part wants anonymity. I’m not a diva, nor am I a hero.
In unrelated musings, I find myself worrying about what happened at Tech. It’s kind of silly, because it’s very unlikely that I would have to deal with a similar situation. But every time I heard a door while I was teaching this morning, I worried. I teach on the third floor of a building. The classroom has one table that can move, which isn’t very sturdy. The desks are bolted to the ground and can’t be moved. I don’t know if you can survive a jump from the windows, because you would land in the concrete outside the basement windows, or maybe in the courtyard with grass and trees but you are still exposed to windows in the hallways. I heard about one professor (Liviu Librescu?) who stood in the door to protect his students. I suppose I am selfish, but I don’t think I would be able to do something similar. I care for my students, but I don’t want to die. Does that make me a bad teacher?
In unrelated musings, I find myself worrying about what happened at Tech. It’s kind of silly, because it’s very unlikely that I would have to deal with a similar situation. But every time I heard a door while I was teaching this morning, I worried. I teach on the third floor of a building. The classroom has one table that can move, which isn’t very sturdy. The desks are bolted to the ground and can’t be moved. I don’t know if you can survive a jump from the windows, because you would land in the concrete outside the basement windows, or maybe in the courtyard with grass and trees but you are still exposed to windows in the hallways. I heard about one professor (Liviu Librescu?) who stood in the door to protect his students. I suppose I am selfish, but I don’t think I would be able to do something similar. I care for my students, but I don’t want to die. Does that make me a bad teacher?
21.3.07
Good news!
So I passed my exams.
It was both worse and better than I expected, in terms of the experience.
In the end, I was just myself and that worked out just fine. And I looked gosh darn good in my suit.
I don't know what to do with myself! I can read something else! And now that the time has come, I'm almost afraid to leave the obsessive reviewing behind and do something else. Wow. I need to work on this.
It was both worse and better than I expected, in terms of the experience.
In the end, I was just myself and that worked out just fine. And I looked gosh darn good in my suit.
I don't know what to do with myself! I can read something else! And now that the time has come, I'm almost afraid to leave the obsessive reviewing behind and do something else. Wow. I need to work on this.
19.3.07
Hoy te busqué en la rima que duerme con todas las palabras
Ever since I finished my written exams last week I have had some concentration problems. Given that I have to teach and go to class tomorrow, I am finally studying about now. This isn't wise on my part, but my brain needed a break.
I went to a sorority event over the weekend that was quite nice. It was fun to get out my pin again, that I haven't worn since I graduated. Plus I met some more nice ladies.
Near the end of last week I made an order on Amazon for the MLA Handbook (and I am dorkily excited about it) because I am sick of having to go places to consult it. So now I have my own! And of course I had to get up to the free shipping limit, so I ordered some CD's, too. Guess who? Gustavo Cerati! He is supposed to be in Santiago while I'm down there and I'm super excited! I only had Soda Stereo CDs but from what I heard of his solo stuff at Viña del Mar, I was intrigued and interested. So 2 new CDs for me! Though I usually find his lyrics interesting but impossible to figure out, here is one that I actually enjoy quite a bit and maybe even understand. At least it's not talking about being a plant. The lyrics are from the Bocanada CD, and the translation is my own.
I went to a sorority event over the weekend that was quite nice. It was fun to get out my pin again, that I haven't worn since I graduated. Plus I met some more nice ladies.
Near the end of last week I made an order on Amazon for the MLA Handbook (and I am dorkily excited about it) because I am sick of having to go places to consult it. So now I have my own! And of course I had to get up to the free shipping limit, so I ordered some CD's, too. Guess who? Gustavo Cerati! He is supposed to be in Santiago while I'm down there and I'm super excited! I only had Soda Stereo CDs but from what I heard of his solo stuff at Viña del Mar, I was intrigued and interested. So 2 new CDs for me! Though I usually find his lyrics interesting but impossible to figure out, here is one that I actually enjoy quite a bit and maybe even understand. At least it's not talking about being a plant. The lyrics are from the Bocanada CD, and the translation is my own.
PUENTE
Hoy te busqué en la rima que duerme
con todas las palabras
si algo callé es porque entendí todo
menos la distancia
desordené átomos tuyos
para hacerte aparecer
(un día más, un día más…)
arriba el sol abajo el reflejo
de cómo estalla mi alma
ya estás aquí y el paso que dimos
es causa y es efecto
cruza el amor yo cruzaré los dedos
y gracias por venir gracias por venir
adorable puente
se ha creado entre los dos.
cruza el amor
yo cruzaré los dedos y
gracias por venir
gracias porvenir
adorable puente…
cruza el amor
cruza el amor por el puente
usa el amor, usa el amor como un puente
BRIDGE
Today I looked for you in the rhyme that sleeps
with all the words
if I kept something quiet it is because I understood everything
but the distance
I disordered your atoms
to make you appear
(one more day, one more day…)
above the sun, below the reflection
of how my soul explodes
now you are here and the step we took
is cause and effect
love crosses I will cross my fingers
thank you for coming thank you for coming
adorable bridge
has been created between us.
love crosses
I will cross my fingers and
thank you for coming
thank you future
adorable bridge
love crosses
love crosses the bridge
use love, use love as a bridge
16.3.07
Done!
I'm done!
With the written portion of it all.
I'm not going to study tonight. I'll look over things tomorrow.
I feel good about almost all of it. There are 2 questions (out of, um, 24 essays that I wrote this week) I don't feel excellent about - one because it was hard, and one because even though it's in my area of specialization and I wrote an excellent answer to it, it is a somewhat provocative question and I'm not sure everyone on my panel will agree with my response. I'm not too worried about the one in my specialization area, because I have enough background to really be able to back it up, and none of the specialists there are on my oral panel. However, the other one... there are some articles I will be reading this weekend.
However, it wasn't too bad, all in all. Part of me enjoyed having the week to spend in concentrated work by myself. Is that sick?
I am also thrilled because yesterday I got a package from South America from my husband. One of the various things in the package was... wait for it... a DVD with episodes of Casado con hijos. I am so thrilled. I am now going to watch it and relax for the afternoon and evening. I feel like I deserve it... but I don't want to relax too much.
With the written portion of it all.
I'm not going to study tonight. I'll look over things tomorrow.
I feel good about almost all of it. There are 2 questions (out of, um, 24 essays that I wrote this week) I don't feel excellent about - one because it was hard, and one because even though it's in my area of specialization and I wrote an excellent answer to it, it is a somewhat provocative question and I'm not sure everyone on my panel will agree with my response. I'm not too worried about the one in my specialization area, because I have enough background to really be able to back it up, and none of the specialists there are on my oral panel. However, the other one... there are some articles I will be reading this weekend.
However, it wasn't too bad, all in all. Part of me enjoyed having the week to spend in concentrated work by myself. Is that sick?
I am also thrilled because yesterday I got a package from South America from my husband. One of the various things in the package was... wait for it... a DVD with episodes of Casado con hijos. I am so thrilled. I am now going to watch it and relax for the afternoon and evening. I feel like I deserve it... but I don't want to relax too much.
13.3.07
I dream of... sleeping
I'm halfway through the written portion of this... um... experience. I'll be honest, I built it up a lot more in my mind and it hasn't been as difficult as I expected. But, the part I'm most worried about is Thursday morning, so I'll probably keep worrying until the evening of the 21st when they tell me if I pass or not. So keep those positive vibrations coming!
I'm looking forward to sleeping well again.
Speaking of sleeping, I had a very very odd dream last night. I was in my oral exam, sitting at the table and everything but everyone was there but the people who are supposed to be on my panel. Then everyone was asking me about things that I didn't write about but that I still knew the answers too, and then they told me I would have to wait a week to find out how I did. And then I woke up. It was odd. But not a bad dream, just odd.
I'm looking forward to sleeping well again.
Speaking of sleeping, I had a very very odd dream last night. I was in my oral exam, sitting at the table and everything but everyone was there but the people who are supposed to be on my panel. Then everyone was asking me about things that I didn't write about but that I still knew the answers too, and then they told me I would have to wait a week to find out how I did. And then I woke up. It was odd. But not a bad dream, just odd.
12.3.07
And so it begins
So today I had the first set of exams. I'll be honest, they weren't as terrible as I expected. I am even rather optimistic about them. Now, however, I am worrying about the time periods that are coming up. What if there are questions I don't know how to answer? These are the sorts of things I am worrying about.
However, I am putting a moratorium on studying after 730 tonight, and if I can manage to force myself to do it, every night this week. I slept horribly last night and I want to try to rest more. So, I will be efficient with my time before 730, and then relax for the evening. I hope. As much as relaxing is possible at this point.
Thanks for all the support, peoples :-)
However, I am putting a moratorium on studying after 730 tonight, and if I can manage to force myself to do it, every night this week. I slept horribly last night and I want to try to rest more. So, I will be efficient with my time before 730, and then relax for the evening. I hope. As much as relaxing is possible at this point.
Thanks for all the support, peoples :-)
11.3.07
Terrified
Tomorrow the start of the end of it all... I'm terrified. Petrified. Not happy. Poor S has been trying to help me feel better about it, and sometimes does better at that than others. Church this morning was nice - it was Confirmation - but as soon as I left I started worrying again. My tummy's not happy. Just please, God, let me pass these exams. I feel like everything about our future depends on them. Perhaps I am self-aggrandizing a bit there, but I do feel that way. So just pray and hope for the best... because there's nothing else really to do about it at this point.
And I've borrowed this from Cecily in the hopes of distracting myself and laughing at the list of books because I find them to be, um, interesting, but limited.
In the list of books below, bold the ones you’ve read, italicize the ones you want to read, cross out the ones you won’t touch with a ten-foot pole (I'll just but a big X by those), put a cross (+) in front of the ones on your book shelf, and asterisk (*) the ones you’ve never heard of.
1. X The Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown)
2. +Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)
3. To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
4. X Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell)
5. The Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien)
6. The Two Towers (Tolkein)
7. The Return of the King (Tolkein)
8. Anne of Green Gables (L. M. Montgomery)
9. *Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)
10. *A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry)
11. +Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Rowling)
12. X Angels and Demons (Dan Brown)
13. +Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling)
14. A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving)
15. Memoirs of a Geisha
16. +Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Rowling)
17. *Fall on Your Knees (Ann-Marie MacDonald)
18. XThe Stand (Stephen King)
19. +Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban(Rowling)
20. +Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)
21. The Hobbit (Tolkein)
22.The Catcher in the Rye (J. D. Salinger)
23. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
24. *The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)
25. Life of Pi (Yann Martel)
26. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)
27. +Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte)
28. The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis)
29. East of Eden (John Steinbeck)
30. X Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom)
31. +Dune (Frank Herbert)
32. *The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks)
33. X Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand)
34. +1984 (Orwell)
35. +The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley)
36. *The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett)
37. *The Power of One (Bryce Courtenay)
38. *I Know This Much is True (Wally Lamb)
39. *The Red Tent (Anita Diamant)
40. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
41. *The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel)
42. The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini)
43. X Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)
44. X The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom)
45. +Bible
46. Anna Karenina (Tolstoy)
47. The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas)
48. The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck)
WHAT HAPPEN TO 49???? Missing in action, I guess
50. *She’s Come Undone (Wally Lamb)
51. The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver)
52. A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens)
53. +Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card)
54. Great Expectations (Dickens)
55. The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald)
56. *The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)
57. +Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling)
58. *The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough)
59. The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood)
60. *The Time Traveler’s Wife (Audrey Niffenegger)
61. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky)
62. X The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)
63. War and Peace (Tolstoy)
64. X Interview with the Vampire (Anne Rice)
65. *Fifth Business (Robertson Davies)
66. +One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
67. X The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (Ann Brashares)
68. Catch-22 (Joseph Heller)
69. Les Miserables (Hugo)
70. +The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)
71. X Bridget Jones’ Diary (Fielding)
72. Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez)
73. XShogun (James Clavell)
74. The English Patient (Michael Ondaatje)
75. +The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett)
76. +The Summer Tree (Guy Gavriel Kay)
77. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)
78. *The World According To Garp (John Irving)
79. *The Diviners (Margaret Laurence)
80. +Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White)
81. *Not Wanted On the Voyage (Timothy Findley)
82. Of Mice And Men (Steinbeck)
83. *Rebecca (Daphe DuMaurier)
84. *Wizard’s First Rule (Terry Goodkind)
85. +Emma (Jane Austen)
87. *Watership Down (Richard Adams)
87. +Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)
88. *The Stone Diaries (Carol Shields)
89. Blindness (Jose Saramago)
90.*Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer)
91. *In The Skin Of A Lion (Ondaatje)
92. +Lord of the Flies (William Golding)
93. *The Good Earth (Pearl S. Buck)
94. *The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)
95. *The Bourne Identity (Robert Ludlum)
96. The Outsiders (S. E. Hinton)
97. *White Oleander (Janet Fitch)
98. *A Woman of Substance (Barbara Taylor Bradford)
99. *The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)
100. +Ulysses (James Joyce)
And I've borrowed this from Cecily in the hopes of distracting myself and laughing at the list of books because I find them to be, um, interesting, but limited.
In the list of books below, bold the ones you’ve read, italicize the ones you want to read, cross out the ones you won’t touch with a ten-foot pole (I'll just but a big X by those), put a cross (+) in front of the ones on your book shelf, and asterisk (*) the ones you’ve never heard of.
1. X The Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown)
2. +Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)
3. To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
4. X Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell)
5. The Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien)
6. The Two Towers (Tolkein)
7. The Return of the King (Tolkein)
8. Anne of Green Gables (L. M. Montgomery)
9. *Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)
10. *A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry)
11. +Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Rowling)
12. X Angels and Demons (Dan Brown)
13. +Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling)
14. A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving)
15. Memoirs of a Geisha
16. +Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Rowling)
17. *Fall on Your Knees (Ann-Marie MacDonald)
18. XThe Stand (Stephen King)
19. +Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban(Rowling)
20. +Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)
21. The Hobbit (Tolkein)
22.The Catcher in the Rye (J. D. Salinger)
23. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
24. *The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)
25. Life of Pi (Yann Martel)
26. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)
27. +Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte)
28. The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis)
29. East of Eden (John Steinbeck)
30. X Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom)
31. +Dune (Frank Herbert)
32. *The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks)
33. X Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand)
34. +1984 (Orwell)
35. +The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley)
36. *The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett)
37. *The Power of One (Bryce Courtenay)
38. *I Know This Much is True (Wally Lamb)
39. *The Red Tent (Anita Diamant)
40. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
41. *The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel)
42. The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini)
43. X Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)
44. X The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom)
45. +Bible
46. Anna Karenina (Tolstoy)
47. The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas)
48. The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck)
WHAT HAPPEN TO 49???? Missing in action, I guess
50. *She’s Come Undone (Wally Lamb)
51. The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver)
52. A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens)
53. +Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card)
54. Great Expectations (Dickens)
55. The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald)
56. *The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)
57. +Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling)
58. *The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough)
59. The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood)
60. *The Time Traveler’s Wife (Audrey Niffenegger)
61. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky)
62. X The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)
63. War and Peace (Tolstoy)
64. X Interview with the Vampire (Anne Rice)
65. *Fifth Business (Robertson Davies)
66. +One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
67. X The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (Ann Brashares)
68. Catch-22 (Joseph Heller)
69. Les Miserables (Hugo)
70. +The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)
71. X Bridget Jones’ Diary (Fielding)
72. Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez)
73. XShogun (James Clavell)
74. The English Patient (Michael Ondaatje)
75. +The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett)
76. +The Summer Tree (Guy Gavriel Kay)
77. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)
78. *The World According To Garp (John Irving)
79. *The Diviners (Margaret Laurence)
80. +Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White)
81. *Not Wanted On the Voyage (Timothy Findley)
82. Of Mice And Men (Steinbeck)
83. *Rebecca (Daphe DuMaurier)
84. *Wizard’s First Rule (Terry Goodkind)
85. +Emma (Jane Austen)
87. *Watership Down (Richard Adams)
87. +Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)
88. *The Stone Diaries (Carol Shields)
89. Blindness (Jose Saramago)
90.*Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer)
91. *In The Skin Of A Lion (Ondaatje)
92. +Lord of the Flies (William Golding)
93. *The Good Earth (Pearl S. Buck)
94. *The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)
95. *The Bourne Identity (Robert Ludlum)
96. The Outsiders (S. E. Hinton)
97. *White Oleander (Janet Fitch)
98. *A Woman of Substance (Barbara Taylor Bradford)
99. *The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)
100. +Ulysses (James Joyce)
9.3.07
An academic's husband
Let's just say S said: "I think you are having fun with your books and your wine."
I love him to pieces.
I love him to pieces.
8.3.07
Happy International Women's Day
What it says in the title.
I'm still studying.
Yesterday we got the dates and panels for the oral portion of our comprehensive exams. I get to go on the first day, which is nice. I admit I was kind of not happy about it all yesterday - but in retrospect a lot of my reaction was the shock of opening an email and seeing my panel and when I have to do everything. I just want to write wonderful essays and be done with it. I'm definitely ready to move on to reading new books rather than rehashing the books I've been obsessing over for the past two years. I suppose that is just how it is. I am bad at waiting.
I'm still studying.
Yesterday we got the dates and panels for the oral portion of our comprehensive exams. I get to go on the first day, which is nice. I admit I was kind of not happy about it all yesterday - but in retrospect a lot of my reaction was the shock of opening an email and seeing my panel and when I have to do everything. I just want to write wonderful essays and be done with it. I'm definitely ready to move on to reading new books rather than rehashing the books I've been obsessing over for the past two years. I suppose that is just how it is. I am bad at waiting.
3.3.07
At least I'm not dreaming about it
Oddly enough, and despite my minor freak-out last night, I was really productive today. And I haven't freaked out at all.
Last night, when S and I got off the phone I wasn't sleepy, so I was doing some more reading in giant Cambridge History of X Literature, when I found myself distracted at the thought of how my oral exams are going to be. Now, I definitely have professors that I would really like to have on my panel, and some that I would rather not have. I have no say in the matter - it is entirely up to scheduling coincidence. So instead of imagining how people might be on my committee, I was thinking about who would come to watch my oral defense - I know a few of my friends want to come to support me, which is so sweet of them. But then I was thinking of the whole process - once you finish, you and the observers leave and wait outside while the professors inside confer, and then they call the test taker back in to tell you your results. I was imagining how I might react if I don't pass everything. I mean, I should, but still. I don't want to cry in front of people! But I am horrible at not crying when I want to cry. So I had a minor freak out and I admit, tears were shed. At that point I decided that reading about poetic movements of the 20th century wasn't doing it for me and turned off the light to listen to the BBC. To my knowledge, I didn't have any dreams about the exams... at least, not any that I remember.
So this morning, I dragged myself out of bed (Aside: why, o why, does the NPR station I have on my bedroom radio have such a weird Saturday morning schedule? The station I have the radio tuned to in the living room has Weekend Edition, Car Talk, Whaddya Know, and Classical Music. The one in my room has Weekend Edition really early in the morning, that is, before I wake up, then a rebroadcast of the Diane Rehm (Sp?) show, which I can't stand, followed by This American Life, which I also tend not to like. Ugh. But they have the BBC at night! Their saving grace... maybe I should just get up earlier on the weekends.) and did work. I made it all the way though the Cambridge History, I cleaned the apartment (tile floors included, as well as breaking out the pink spring tablecloth!), and I now feel 1000% better about the time period I am most worried about. It's amazing what one day's concerted studying can do.
I'm hoping for big things tomorrow, as well. I'm off to church in the morning - I hope - even though bad weather has kept me home the last few weeks. I've also decided that, even though I can't properly do anything Lenten until this horrible horrible experience of exams is over, I am going to try to go to the Wednesday noon organ recitals and evening service with meal, as a way to clear my mind and focus my energy. We will see if I follow through on that... I find myself WANTING to do things at church, but the timing is off, or I have to walk a bit too far (it is a good 25-30 minute walk from my house). But I need something to get me out of the house and away from worrying or obsessively reviewing, useful though those other activities can be. That is what all of the other days of the week are for.
Last night, when S and I got off the phone I wasn't sleepy, so I was doing some more reading in giant Cambridge History of X Literature, when I found myself distracted at the thought of how my oral exams are going to be. Now, I definitely have professors that I would really like to have on my panel, and some that I would rather not have. I have no say in the matter - it is entirely up to scheduling coincidence. So instead of imagining how people might be on my committee, I was thinking about who would come to watch my oral defense - I know a few of my friends want to come to support me, which is so sweet of them. But then I was thinking of the whole process - once you finish, you and the observers leave and wait outside while the professors inside confer, and then they call the test taker back in to tell you your results. I was imagining how I might react if I don't pass everything. I mean, I should, but still. I don't want to cry in front of people! But I am horrible at not crying when I want to cry. So I had a minor freak out and I admit, tears were shed. At that point I decided that reading about poetic movements of the 20th century wasn't doing it for me and turned off the light to listen to the BBC. To my knowledge, I didn't have any dreams about the exams... at least, not any that I remember.
So this morning, I dragged myself out of bed (Aside: why, o why, does the NPR station I have on my bedroom radio have such a weird Saturday morning schedule? The station I have the radio tuned to in the living room has Weekend Edition, Car Talk, Whaddya Know, and Classical Music. The one in my room has Weekend Edition really early in the morning, that is, before I wake up, then a rebroadcast of the Diane Rehm (Sp?) show, which I can't stand, followed by This American Life, which I also tend not to like. Ugh. But they have the BBC at night! Their saving grace... maybe I should just get up earlier on the weekends.) and did work. I made it all the way though the Cambridge History, I cleaned the apartment (tile floors included, as well as breaking out the pink spring tablecloth!), and I now feel 1000% better about the time period I am most worried about. It's amazing what one day's concerted studying can do.
I'm hoping for big things tomorrow, as well. I'm off to church in the morning - I hope - even though bad weather has kept me home the last few weeks. I've also decided that, even though I can't properly do anything Lenten until this horrible horrible experience of exams is over, I am going to try to go to the Wednesday noon organ recitals and evening service with meal, as a way to clear my mind and focus my energy. We will see if I follow through on that... I find myself WANTING to do things at church, but the timing is off, or I have to walk a bit too far (it is a good 25-30 minute walk from my house). But I need something to get me out of the house and away from worrying or obsessively reviewing, useful though those other activities can be. That is what all of the other days of the week are for.
1.3.07
mammoth
Wow that was a long review session. Useful, but mammoth in ... ok I don't know how long a mammoth was, but I imagine they were long as well as large. Right?
Crunch time is on. Exams in 10 days. I can do it, right?
In happier news, I bought my ticket to go to Chile in May today. It was the least expensive ticket to Santiago that I have ever purchased. That was actually quite pleasant. I am so excited to go - I get to see my husband in a little over 2 months! That's really not that long, is it?
Crunch time is on. Exams in 10 days. I can do it, right?
In happier news, I bought my ticket to go to Chile in May today. It was the least expensive ticket to Santiago that I have ever purchased. That was actually quite pleasant. I am so excited to go - I get to see my husband in a little over 2 months! That's really not that long, is it?
27.2.07
yay for interactive discussions
Yet again, I must just say, wow. I'm exhausted, but I'm very happy.
I've been spending every moment that I haven't been sleeping, showering, or teaching since Sunday working on a presentation that I gave today with a classmate. We were very, very nervous. But it went wonderfully, and I am really pleased with the interaction we had with the rest of the class, and the professor's response. It is sort of amusing, because I feel like I transferred all the stress I have been feeling about my exams to this presentation. I was even up late last night putting the finishing touches on my outline! We were supposed to present for an hour between the two of us, yet we managed to keep going through themes and discussing things for the entire 2.5 hour class, and we still have a lot of themes to talk about next class, which, unfortunately, I'll miss because I will be... wait for it... taking one of my exams. I'd much rather be present for the discussion of this particular novel, which is so very, very interesting.
S told me that I shouldn't do any more studying tonight. I sort of want to, which makes me a big dork. But I also have the pile of compositions that have been sitting on my floor since they were turned in... 2 weeks ago. I need to hand them back before Spring Break. Really. So I'd better get to it.
I've been spending every moment that I haven't been sleeping, showering, or teaching since Sunday working on a presentation that I gave today with a classmate. We were very, very nervous. But it went wonderfully, and I am really pleased with the interaction we had with the rest of the class, and the professor's response. It is sort of amusing, because I feel like I transferred all the stress I have been feeling about my exams to this presentation. I was even up late last night putting the finishing touches on my outline! We were supposed to present for an hour between the two of us, yet we managed to keep going through themes and discussing things for the entire 2.5 hour class, and we still have a lot of themes to talk about next class, which, unfortunately, I'll miss because I will be... wait for it... taking one of my exams. I'd much rather be present for the discussion of this particular novel, which is so very, very interesting.
S told me that I shouldn't do any more studying tonight. I sort of want to, which makes me a big dork. But I also have the pile of compositions that have been sitting on my floor since they were turned in... 2 weeks ago. I need to hand them back before Spring Break. Really. So I'd better get to it.
23.2.07
I fear no more. I wish...
S appears to have broken his toe. One of his little toes, to be precise. He appears to have kicked the door frame. I'll admit I'm not quite sure how that happened, but I think he was imitating a comedian from TV. He hurts. That's not fun. But the good news is that this morning, it didn't hurt as much as last night. That is very good news.
A friend and I tried the polenta recipe that was in the Times last week (or was it the week before?) There were moments of doubt as to the success of our meal as the polenta was cooking, but in the end it turned out quite nicely. Very enjoyable. Though it's very heavy. But it was delicious, yes it was.
At our review session yesterday, the professor made a joke about the person in sackcloth and wearing ashes would have been more appropriate to the Wednesday. I chuckled. I'm suck a dork. But in that Lenten spirit, here's a poem (that is also a hymn text) by one of my favorite poets in the English language, John Donne.
A Hymn to God the Father
Wilt Thou forgive that sin where I begun,
Which was my sin, though it were done before?
Wilt Thou forgive that sin through which I run,
And do run still, though still I do deplore?
When Thou hast done, Thou hast not done;
For I have more.
Wilt Thou forgive that sin which I have won
Others to sin, and made my sins their door?
Wilt Thou forgive that sin which I did shun
A year or two, but wallow'd in a score?
When Thou hast done, Thou hast not done;
For I have more.
I have a sin of fear, that when I've spun
My last thread, I shall perish on the shore;
But swear by Thyself that at my death Thy Son
Shall shine as He shines now and heretofore:
And having done that, Thou hast done;
I fear no more.
A friend and I tried the polenta recipe that was in the Times last week (or was it the week before?) There were moments of doubt as to the success of our meal as the polenta was cooking, but in the end it turned out quite nicely. Very enjoyable. Though it's very heavy. But it was delicious, yes it was.
At our review session yesterday, the professor made a joke about the person in sackcloth and wearing ashes would have been more appropriate to the Wednesday. I chuckled. I'm suck a dork. But in that Lenten spirit, here's a poem (that is also a hymn text) by one of my favorite poets in the English language, John Donne.
A Hymn to God the Father
Wilt Thou forgive that sin where I begun,
Which was my sin, though it were done before?
Wilt Thou forgive that sin through which I run,
And do run still, though still I do deplore?
When Thou hast done, Thou hast not done;
For I have more.
Wilt Thou forgive that sin which I have won
Others to sin, and made my sins their door?
Wilt Thou forgive that sin which I did shun
A year or two, but wallow'd in a score?
When Thou hast done, Thou hast not done;
For I have more.
I have a sin of fear, that when I've spun
My last thread, I shall perish on the shore;
But swear by Thyself that at my death Thy Son
Shall shine as He shines now and heretofore:
And having done that, Thou hast done;
I fear no more.
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