January 28, 2006
Later Aligator, uh, I mean, fish
Funny and Rain are alive and well-- and back at Wal Mart. It turns out (after several trips to Pet Co.) that Abby thinks fish are stinky and not very exciting. I think she's right. That was a very quick, remarkably painless, first pet experience. We're not going to try pets again until Abby is older.
January 27, 2006
Warmness
This morning as Abby snuggled next to me (her usual routine after waking up in her room), she put her sweet little hands on my face and said quietly, "Momma, I love your warmness." She warms my heart more than she'll ever know.
Questions for the doc.
This morning as Abby got ready for school, she and I talked about how her daddy was going to his check-up at the doctor. She always wonders about getting shots, but I explained that daddy wouldn't be getting a shot; he would be having a little blood drawn for routine tests. The following conversation ensued:
A: Will they put the blood back?
G: No, daddy's body will make more.
A: How?
G: I don't know exactly how. I bet Dr. O would know. (Dr. O is her pediatric doc.)
A: When I get my four year old check-up, I'm gonna ask Dr. O how you make more blood. And how do my bones grow?
G: Those are great questions.
I walked down the hall and about 10 seconds later Abby calls out to me:
A: Momma, I'm gonna forget my questions. Will you tell me them when we get to Dr. O's? Tell me in the elevator when we're going up. DON'T tell me when we're already in the door.
I think Abby wants to make sure SHE asks the questions and that Dr. O KNOWS they are not her momma's questions.
A: Will they put the blood back?
G: No, daddy's body will make more.
A: How?
G: I don't know exactly how. I bet Dr. O would know. (Dr. O is her pediatric doc.)
A: When I get my four year old check-up, I'm gonna ask Dr. O how you make more blood. And how do my bones grow?
G: Those are great questions.
I walked down the hall and about 10 seconds later Abby calls out to me:
A: Momma, I'm gonna forget my questions. Will you tell me them when we get to Dr. O's? Tell me in the elevator when we're going up. DON'T tell me when we're already in the door.
I think Abby wants to make sure SHE asks the questions and that Dr. O KNOWS they are not her momma's questions.
January 26, 2006
Funny and Rain
Abby came home with two lovely goldfish last night-- her first pets! She named them Funny and Rain. She has decided that Funny (all orange) is a boy, and Rain (white with orange dots, including "lipstick" markings) is a girl. I'd include a picture, but I've exceeded my uploading limit for the month on Flickr. Abby wanted to bring a drawing of her fish to school today, so I drew a picture. It did not meet her approval:
A: Mom, those look like mad fish.
G: Look, they have smiles.
A: But they look like angry smiles. That fish is angry following the other one.
Seriously, I don't know what she was talking about. They seemed like happy looking fish, poorly drawn, yes, but happy. Matthew gave it a try and was successful. He is a fine artist-- even with discriminating, picky, (dare I say it) fickle judges.
A: Mom, those look like mad fish.
G: Look, they have smiles.
A: But they look like angry smiles. That fish is angry following the other one.
Seriously, I don't know what she was talking about. They seemed like happy looking fish, poorly drawn, yes, but happy. Matthew gave it a try and was successful. He is a fine artist-- even with discriminating, picky, (dare I say it) fickle judges.
January 22, 2006
Abby sailing!
Abby's first sailing adventure was eventful. The winds were up-- 25-35 mph-- and that made for some hefty waves. I felt fairly comfortable, but Matthew and Abby were turning green. Finally, Abby looked up at me and said: "Momma, I'm going to frow up." She meant it. I told her to hold it until we found her a bowl. Looking back, I see how ridiculous a request this was; holding it is not something most adults could have done in this situation. Well, my obedient girl held it until the precise moment we procured a bowl. Dad's cereal bowl. Sorry Pop.
Our second sailing trip was much more calm, and Abby had no seasickness at all.
Our second sailing trip was much more calm, and Abby had no seasickness at all.
To Hawaii and Back Again
I hardly know how to catch up on our adventures after three weeks or so. We went to Honolulu for 6 wonderful, WARM days! I presented my first conference paper, which went swimmingly. Actually, Abby did swim while I gave my talk, but the talk was well received and I had fun giving it. Matthew and my dad were there to cheer me on (along with a friend of mine, Tiffany, from Davis). While in Hawaii we visited Kailua Beach, Pearl Harbor (and the "Mighty MO", a.k.a. the U.S.S. Missouri), the North Shore, and the Polynesian Cultural Center. We went sailing twice, walked around downtown, saw lots of fish and other lovely creatures, and ate the most amazing food. Our tour guides/hosts, dad and Claudia, spoiled us rotten. We had mai tais at the Chart House, scallops, ahi, steak, shrimp, calamari, and more at several wonderful restaurants (and on board dad and Claudia's boat, "Maluhia"). Abby stayed the night on the boat one night and LOVED it; however, I'm afraid Claudia didn't get a wink of sleep. You see, Abby kicks and sleeps stretched out like a starfish.We flew home to California on Abby's 4th birthday (Jan 16th). We are buried in work again, but we have very fond memories and some delicious Kona coffee to keep us going in the dreary Davis rainy season.
January 7, 2006
a hallmark moment?
While visiting at my mom's house over Christmas, Abby got it into her head to lick me-- a fairly normal thing for a kid to do, I guess.
A: I licked mommy!
Mia (Gen's mom): Really, what does she taste like?
Abby looks at me, licks my arm to find out the answer and exclaims:
A: FUR!
A: I licked mommy!
Mia (Gen's mom): Really, what does she taste like?
Abby looks at me, licks my arm to find out the answer and exclaims:
A: FUR!
mental haze
It is Friday night, 11:07 to be exact. My eyes are so tired from reading for hours, but moreover, from trying to wade through and decode pages and pages of literary criticism. Abby is having a hard time sleeping tonight. She's singing cheerfully: "You better not cry, you better not pout...Santa Claus is watching..oh for goodness, goodness sake" (to the tune of S.Claus is coming to town). Now, you try hearing that over and over on a loop while attempting to absorb phrases like this one: "I suggest that tropological language clothes, and therefore makes physical, a body that does not signify outside the realm of rhetorical interpellation" (Madhavi Menon, from "Wanton Words: Rhetoric and Sexuality on English Renaissance Drama" p.23). Whatever happened to going to the movies on a Friday night? Why am I doing this grad school thing again? Catch me in the morning after 5 hours of sleep and some coffee, and I'll be able to answer that question for you. I think.
January 6, 2006
jobs
Great news: Matthew was offered a research assistantship for this Winter! He will be working for renowned economic historian, Peter Lindert. Funny enough, Matthew will be able to use some of his German language skills as some of the data is in German. I can report that he will be running regressions and analyzing data. Don't ask me how that is done; I have no idea. Anyway, the job offer is a welcome and encouraging one. I'm so proud! Meanwhile, I am teaching Expository Writing (again). I'll pretty much be teaching the same class for the rest of the year (and probably next year too). This quarter's bunch of students seems very enthusiastic.
January 4, 2006
A New Year
I can't say that I am sorry to see 2005 end. There were many wonderful joys, but this year also brought stunningly painful times. We said goodbye to Genna's Grandma Mildred (dad's mom) and Uncle Steve (dad's brother), and we prayed with our dear friends the Maynors as Brian fought cancer and finally went home to be with the Lord. I still lose my breath and cry when I read updates on the boys and Brian's wife, Susan. Within a small circle of close friends and family there have been weddings and divorces, births and miscarriages. After such a starkly ambivalent year, we are longing for peace, for tender quiet moments in which to wipe away tears and be reassured of our firm foundation.
Welcome, 2006. I know the numbers mean nothing, but it still feels nice to be reminded of renewal and fresh starts. I'm realizing more and more how strangely present the past feels, or perhaps, how we are such works in progress (as Rev. Scott Bridges reminded Matthew and I moments before prouncing us man and wife). I feel hopeful that no matter how "happy" this new year is (or isn't), we will learn, grow, change, and live each day knowing that we are loved and provided for.
Welcome, 2006. I know the numbers mean nothing, but it still feels nice to be reminded of renewal and fresh starts. I'm realizing more and more how strangely present the past feels, or perhaps, how we are such works in progress (as Rev. Scott Bridges reminded Matthew and I moments before prouncing us man and wife). I feel hopeful that no matter how "happy" this new year is (or isn't), we will learn, grow, change, and live each day knowing that we are loved and provided for.
November 26, 2005
coordinating conjunctions
A: Daddy, I heard someone say butt. It's not ok to say butt.
M: I said it, and there are different kinds of ways of saying but (butt).
A: Oh.
I don't think she gets it yet. BUT, that's ok; she's only 3.
M: I said it, and there are different kinds of ways of saying but (butt).
A: Oh.
I don't think she gets it yet. BUT, that's ok; she's only 3.
Dogs that Ruff
An exchange between father and daughter over a hot dog:
M: How's your dog, Abby?
A: It's not a dog.
M: Yes it is; it's a hot dog.
A: But it's not a real dog, a dog that ruffs.
M: How's your dog, Abby?
A: It's not a dog.
M: Yes it is; it's a hot dog.
A: But it's not a real dog, a dog that ruffs.
Show-undies
Abby standing on a step-stool, looking through my undie drawer, finds a pair of, well, fancier undies (the kind that do nothing for keeping the cheeks warm):
A: Mom, these undies are silly!
G: Yes, they are a little silly.
A: If you wear them, you can see everybody's butt.
(I think she was trying to say that everyone could see your bum, or maybe she thinks I'm Mrs. Incredible and have x-ray vision when I wear these)
A few minutes later (still sifting through my stuff) she says:
A: mama, I found anohter pair of those show-undies!
A: Mom, these undies are silly!
G: Yes, they are a little silly.
A: If you wear them, you can see everybody's butt.
(I think she was trying to say that everyone could see your bum, or maybe she thinks I'm Mrs. Incredible and have x-ray vision when I wear these)
A few minutes later (still sifting through my stuff) she says:
A: mama, I found anohter pair of those show-undies!
November 23, 2005
Update on the grown-ups
We're just weeks away from the end of this Fall quarter. M is busy working on some provocative research ideas. He has been meeting with his advisors in hopes of nailing down a research agenda so that he can start writing! If all goes well, M will take his Oral Qualifying Exam (and pass it) by the end of this school year. After that he qualifies as "All But Dissertation" (ABD), and can concentrate full-time on writing his dissertation, getting published, and job marketing.
We're particularly excited about two research avenues: M's St. Louis mentor wants to co-author a paper with him! (This is a very big deal; this guy is well-known and respected in the field). The other idea may lead to a joint project with M's good friend, Scott (studying Econ at Univ. of Georgia).
Matthew turns 29 on December 21st! We're looking forward to celebrating his last birthday in the 20s!
As for me, I'm wrapping up my first university writing course. My students have come a long way, and I am excited about tweaking the syllabus and gearing up for next quarter's class. It has been a lot of pressure to teach at the university while still trying to get through my own coursework. I'm currently working on two papers: spectacle in Chaucer's Clerk's Tale (from his Canterbury Tales), and second, an economic history paper on the shift from church/charity-based to more government-based social welfare (particularly for orphans and foundlings) over several centuries (medieval to modern).
My academic agenda at the moment looks like this: complete my course work by the end of this year, (receive my Masters in June!!), study over the summer and Fall 06 quarter for my Preliminary exam in early December next year. After that I "just" need to research and write my dissertation, defend it (Qualifying exam) and finish it.
One fun tid bit: All three of us will be traveling to Hawaii in January! I'm presenting a paper at an academic conference in Waikiki, and we figured it would be a great chance to take a mini-vacation! We will stay with my dad and his wife, Claudia, on thir boat (conveniently docked right across from the hotel I'm presenting at!). We have plans to go sailing, whale watching, sight seeing, etc. Oh yes, and this will be my first conference paper presentation, necessary for building a competitive resumé. We'll send pictures from the trip!
We're particularly excited about two research avenues: M's St. Louis mentor wants to co-author a paper with him! (This is a very big deal; this guy is well-known and respected in the field). The other idea may lead to a joint project with M's good friend, Scott (studying Econ at Univ. of Georgia).
Matthew turns 29 on December 21st! We're looking forward to celebrating his last birthday in the 20s!
As for me, I'm wrapping up my first university writing course. My students have come a long way, and I am excited about tweaking the syllabus and gearing up for next quarter's class. It has been a lot of pressure to teach at the university while still trying to get through my own coursework. I'm currently working on two papers: spectacle in Chaucer's Clerk's Tale (from his Canterbury Tales), and second, an economic history paper on the shift from church/charity-based to more government-based social welfare (particularly for orphans and foundlings) over several centuries (medieval to modern).
My academic agenda at the moment looks like this: complete my course work by the end of this year, (receive my Masters in June!!), study over the summer and Fall 06 quarter for my Preliminary exam in early December next year. After that I "just" need to research and write my dissertation, defend it (Qualifying exam) and finish it.
One fun tid bit: All three of us will be traveling to Hawaii in January! I'm presenting a paper at an academic conference in Waikiki, and we figured it would be a great chance to take a mini-vacation! We will stay with my dad and his wife, Claudia, on thir boat (conveniently docked right across from the hotel I'm presenting at!). We have plans to go sailing, whale watching, sight seeing, etc. Oh yes, and this will be my first conference paper presentation, necessary for building a competitive resumé. We'll send pictures from the trip!
what teachers say
Matthew, Abby and I were piled on our love seat yesterday...
G: What does a turkey say?
A: Gobble gobble.
M: What does a monkey say?
A: Ooh ooh ah ah
(this animal sound game went on for a while)
G: What does teacher Judy say? (Abby's preschool teacher)
A: Shhhh
M:What else does she say?
A: Hush!
G: What else does she say?
A: Zip your lip!
M and I had a great laugh over this! Judy is a nice lady; seriously, I couldn't do her job!
G: What does a turkey say?
A: Gobble gobble.
M: What does a monkey say?
A: Ooh ooh ah ah
(this animal sound game went on for a while)
G: What does teacher Judy say? (Abby's preschool teacher)
A: Shhhh
M:What else does she say?
A: Hush!
G: What else does she say?
A: Zip your lip!
M and I had a great laugh over this! Judy is a nice lady; seriously, I couldn't do her job!
November 1, 2005
Good Witch
Abby received this cute little costume from her Grandmama (Matthew's Dad's Mom, Carmen Pearson). She had lots of fun going trick-or-treating with her friend Abbey O'Brien.
cookies for grown-ups
Sunday at church, just before we walk to the front to receive communion:
G: Abby, put your shoes back on, we're about to walk to the front together.
A: Are you gonna get the cookies that are only for grown-ups?
G: (grin) yes, Abby.
During communion, just after receiving communion:
A: (louder this time) Mama, why are those little cookies only for grown-ups? I want some.
G: Abby, put your shoes back on, we're about to walk to the front together.
A: Are you gonna get the cookies that are only for grown-ups?
G: (grin) yes, Abby.
During communion, just after receiving communion:
A: (louder this time) Mama, why are those little cookies only for grown-ups? I want some.
October 8, 2005
wish list
Saturday mornings at our house almost always include watching Nick Jr. on CBS before we head out to the farmer's market. This morning I have noticed that 'tis the season to get little kids longing for the newest toys (available for Christmas). Parents across the country are, no doubt, saying: "Yes, honey, I know you want the My Little Pony Butterfly Island. We'll see." What does that mean: "We'll see"? For parents it is THE stalling tactic (i.e. If I wait long enough she will forget about it); for the child it is a dream deferred and an opportunity to hone one's memory skills (i.e. she thinks I'll forget about this, but I wont).
This got me to reminiscing about my own childhood. In my day (with no cable TV to teach me about what I HAD to have), there came a day each year when mom would bring home the bible of all catalogs...the SEARS catalog! I think she finally started bringing home two of them, but at first it was just one copy to share between my sister and I. We got to pour over the pages, (skipping the boy pages and grown-up stuff) and pepper them with circles, initials (indicating if this was a "G" wish for Genna, or an "A" wish for Andi), and our kid-versions of emphases: hearts, exclamation points, dog-eared pages, arrows, PLEEEEEEEEASEs, and a number of other creative indicators of our deepest desires.
This yearly ritual was almost as satisfying as actually getting all of those toys, which we never had the money for. We did get showered with gifts, but the exhilaration of shopping and dreaming was unforgettable! Matthew had a similar experience; he and Adam would shop to their hearts' content (but in the boy section). Matthew thought he would go nuts if he didn't get the 7-foot G.I. Joe battleship. Seriously, he still talks about it as if he would actually WANT this thing! If we have a son someday, we may need a very large garage.
So I am tempted to go to Sears and pick one of these things up. Shopping on Amazon just isn't the same. Seriously, it is like trying to read Shakespeare on a computer screen...some things you just have to hold in your hands to dream about.
This got me to reminiscing about my own childhood. In my day (with no cable TV to teach me about what I HAD to have), there came a day each year when mom would bring home the bible of all catalogs...the SEARS catalog! I think she finally started bringing home two of them, but at first it was just one copy to share between my sister and I. We got to pour over the pages, (skipping the boy pages and grown-up stuff) and pepper them with circles, initials (indicating if this was a "G" wish for Genna, or an "A" wish for Andi), and our kid-versions of emphases: hearts, exclamation points, dog-eared pages, arrows, PLEEEEEEEEASEs, and a number of other creative indicators of our deepest desires.
This yearly ritual was almost as satisfying as actually getting all of those toys, which we never had the money for. We did get showered with gifts, but the exhilaration of shopping and dreaming was unforgettable! Matthew had a similar experience; he and Adam would shop to their hearts' content (but in the boy section). Matthew thought he would go nuts if he didn't get the 7-foot G.I. Joe battleship. Seriously, he still talks about it as if he would actually WANT this thing! If we have a son someday, we may need a very large garage.
So I am tempted to go to Sears and pick one of these things up. Shopping on Amazon just isn't the same. Seriously, it is like trying to read Shakespeare on a computer screen...some things you just have to hold in your hands to dream about.
October 4, 2005
O Captain! My Captain!
It is strange how every class you teach has its own personality (classinality?). I think this class will be a good one in spite of the 8 a.m. meeting time. Things went very well yesterday morning and the students actually got involved! It was a little Oprah like when they introduced themselves and why they are taking this class. In general, they all want to learn how to write more clearly and "do grammar." :)
They got fired up over a Washington Times article on prices after Katrina. They fell right in to my trap; it was great! The class had an overwhelmingly emotional reaction to the article, then slowly began to realize that the article didn't make emotional claims. It was a perfect example of reading closely and analyzing your own reaction to a text.
I did not make anyone yawp while standing on my desk, (a shout out here to all "Dead Poets Society" fans), and no, they didn't stand together on desks and call out "O Captain! My Captain!" It was just the first day. There is time.
They got fired up over a Washington Times article on prices after Katrina. They fell right in to my trap; it was great! The class had an overwhelmingly emotional reaction to the article, then slowly began to realize that the article didn't make emotional claims. It was a perfect example of reading closely and analyzing your own reaction to a text.
I did not make anyone yawp while standing on my desk, (a shout out here to all "Dead Poets Society" fans), and no, they didn't stand together on desks and call out "O Captain! My Captain!" It was just the first day. There is time.
October 3, 2005
fingers crossed...
I will teach my first University course in the morning. I've been a teaching assistant before, but this will be my very own class of students, my syllabus, my reading choices, my TRUCK-LOAD of grading and exam writing, etc. So, fingers are crossed and I'm praying that the alarm goes off and I wake up ON TIME. I'll let y'all know how it goes.
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