8/31: first time

In my Gender Studies class today we discussed Mark Twain's Diaries of Adam and Eve. It was my first time teaching the text, and--oh--what a pleasure. Twain's so smart. And hilarious.

8/30: good people, and good mail from good people

Not great news today: my biopsy from last week showed some troubles, and I need to go in for a surgical biopsy in 2 weeks. But--here's the good thing, I promise--some comfort came in the form of friends, far and wide. My best friend at work took a walk with me to the bookstore; she didn't have to (and she probably didn't have the time to), but she volunteered, and I was glad for company. Chris is, of course, wonderful and kind. And the mail brought treats and treasures: postcards from strangers, mail-art (and words of appreciation for my own work) from a mail-acquaintance, and music and candy from my brother. We split one of the candies for dessert, an almond Utah Truffles candy bar, and it was one of the best candy bars I have ever had--coming from me, that probably means something!

8/29: new (old) company

Today it's been threatening to rain, and that's a good thing (everything could really use it). It means, though, that kayaking isn't a great idea, so I went to the indoor track instead. Since I finished The Secret Garden while walking a few days ago, it was time to start listening to a new novel, and I chose Austen's Persuasion. I'm sticking with the idea of listening to books I've already read (it's too easy for me to lose details in the thread otherwise), and this is one of the Austens I don't know particularly well, so I thought I'd improve my acquaintance. Now I have a new voice to keep me occupied during walks in the upcoming days and weeks. The reader's voice is sharp, a nice reminder that Austen often has an edge.

8/28: 2 phds with paints

There was half an hour before our usual weekend lunch-time. Chris and I pulled out the paints and paper. Some color/craft therapy felt good.

8/27: the lake

Because there Things feel Possible again.

And to think that when we decided to buy this house, 3 years ago now, the lake and the dock did not weigh heavily in our decision!

8/26: break in/from the heat

Arkansas summers are hot, and it would be silly to complain about something that happens every year (and something that we're lucky enough to have air-conditioning to off-set). So for the past weeks we've just been dealing with it as a given. But this morning there was a coolness in the air, promising that fall is on its way. It felt like Pennsylvania (where I grew up), and it was a good thing.

8/25: in one piece

Today was a trying day. I knew that I had to go to Little Rock in the morning for 2 doctor appointments, and even factoring in a generous cushion of time, I figured I'd be home by noon or shortly thereafter. I also left the house almost absurdly early to be sure to get to my first appointment on time. And then the world happened: backed-up traffic on the freeway meant that a 30-minute drive took almost 2 hours. And then my first doctor appointment (including waiting time) took over 3 hours. And the second (again, with waiting time) also took over 3 hours. All told, the round-trip plus doctor appointments took 9 hours. Though at times I managed to be upbeat (or at least stoical) about these timing set-backs, at other times I was not. I'm a little disappointed in/at myself.

But here's the good thing. It's over, and I'm here. I saw the doctors, and I'm back. Other people today weren't so lucky: it turns out that the freeway was backed up because of a multi-car accident that included one fatality. It's good to get perspective.

8/24: beginning and ending

Classes started today, and I taught Ancient Greek and Gender Studies. In both classes we started right in. Instead of talking through the syllabus and other bureaucratic things I launched into lessons, activities, and discussions. It felt good to be doing.

At the track this evening and then on the drive home I finished listening to The Secret Garden. It was a pleasure to listen to--sometimes wise, sometimes beautiful, sometimes fun--even if, at the very end, it shifted to a focus on male characters, a shift which I hadn't remembered and found a little disappointing. Still, given my overall experiences with The Secret Garden and The Making of a Marchioness, I'm a fledgling Frances Hodgson Burnett fan, and I'm looking forward to trying other books she's written.