Either my time management skills are way off or I am overcommitted. I can't seem to find that "happy place" very often where I am rested, relaxed and fully enjoying myself. Even on the weekends, I am doing schoolwork or housework in between trying to get some "down time." What I need is another day in the week.
I would spend that day doing all the fun activities I don't get to do. I would read (for fun) for at least an hour straight, maybe two. I would watch a couple shows I have on my DVR, and I would relax--not go anywhere except Starbucks or Barnes and Noble. (I know, I live on the edge!)
I would not do any grading or prep for classes. I wouldn't check WebCT or my work e-mail. I might look at Facebook, but not much more (there's too much work I end up doing on the computer).
Then I would make time for a short nap--30-45 min. is all I need. And my husband and I would prepare dinner (I do enjoy cooking if I am not rushed) and have a glass of wine with it. Then we could settle in for a relaxing evening (again no computer work).
It's nice to dream. But now I must return to reality.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The Nearly Empty Nest
Our two boys have been off at their colleges for over a month now. At first the house was just so quiet. No running up and down the stair. No constant opening the pantry and refrigerator doors, calling out "There's nothing to eat." No TV blaring when we were trying to sleep. No coming in late after work or out with friends.
Last year, our older son Andrew was away at SIUE and Eric was attending SWIC, living at home. We would see Andrew occasionally between breaks; he was only a half hour away. Now with Eric at Carbondale, we see them infrequently. If one comes home for a weekend or part of a weekend, the other may not.
Even though I miss seeing them day to day, I am glad they are becoming more independent and pursuing their education. Some of the positives with fewer people in the house: our food seems to last longer. I don't worry about meal components disappearing before I can use them. I buy very little junk food (or what the boys would call "essentials"). And we can cook whatever WE want for dinner, not worrying the picky eater won't like it or the other is not "in the mood" for chicken or fish. We can eat when it's convenient for us, not trying to work around class and work schedules for 4 people.
Their rooms are clean now. After they moved into their residence halls (don't call them dorms!), I gave their bedrooms and bathroom a heavy cleaning. When they come home "to visit," their beds are made and floors freshly vacuumed. It's nice not to have to close their doors to avoid looking at the mess they liked to live in.
Another perk is laundry. I have less to wash, dry and fold. When they come home, if they bring laundry, they do it themselves (or at least most of it--it's tough not to mother them a little). I enjoy seeing them; it's special to share time with them and catch up on their daily lives. I am so glad they are growing up--but when they leave the house for good (which they will), it will be strange. But we'll then be able to downsize and live wherever we want--no need to worry about school districts and family-friendly neighborhoods.
Every once in awhile we still here the pitter patter of feet on the stairs or in the hallway, but they belong to our feline boys, not the human ones. At least we still have them around to feed and spoil.
Last year, our older son Andrew was away at SIUE and Eric was attending SWIC, living at home. We would see Andrew occasionally between breaks; he was only a half hour away. Now with Eric at Carbondale, we see them infrequently. If one comes home for a weekend or part of a weekend, the other may not.
Even though I miss seeing them day to day, I am glad they are becoming more independent and pursuing their education. Some of the positives with fewer people in the house: our food seems to last longer. I don't worry about meal components disappearing before I can use them. I buy very little junk food (or what the boys would call "essentials"). And we can cook whatever WE want for dinner, not worrying the picky eater won't like it or the other is not "in the mood" for chicken or fish. We can eat when it's convenient for us, not trying to work around class and work schedules for 4 people.
Their rooms are clean now. After they moved into their residence halls (don't call them dorms!), I gave their bedrooms and bathroom a heavy cleaning. When they come home "to visit," their beds are made and floors freshly vacuumed. It's nice not to have to close their doors to avoid looking at the mess they liked to live in.
Another perk is laundry. I have less to wash, dry and fold. When they come home, if they bring laundry, they do it themselves (or at least most of it--it's tough not to mother them a little). I enjoy seeing them; it's special to share time with them and catch up on their daily lives. I am so glad they are growing up--but when they leave the house for good (which they will), it will be strange. But we'll then be able to downsize and live wherever we want--no need to worry about school districts and family-friendly neighborhoods.
Every once in awhile we still here the pitter patter of feet on the stairs or in the hallway, but they belong to our feline boys, not the human ones. At least we still have them around to feed and spoil.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Quote Response
"You write in order to change the world, knowing perfectly well that you probably can't, but also knowing that literature is indispensable to the world. . . . The world changes according to the way people see it, and if you alter, even a millimeter, the way people look at reality, then you can change it." -- James Baldwin (24)
This quote makes sense to me. When we write, we write for a reason. Maybe we "have" to (it's assigned or a grade or a task at work). Maybe we want to share our day with friends on Facebook or in an email or text. Maybe we are inspired to write a song or a poem. With most writing, someone will read it, think about it, be affected by it. Will that change the reader? Will it change the writer?
In some small way, it usually does. It could be a temporary change (wow, nice wording. Cool. Interesting.) It could influence someone to visit the place you wrote about or avoid a restaurant with bad service.
I like that I could affect someone, my writing could change someone, even for the brief moment he or she is reading my work. It matters. My time and energy were not wasted. I have thoughts, feelings, and experiences others care to read about.
My writing does not have to be "literature" meant to be read for the next 50-100 or more years by academics. It will not be made into a movie or book. Those are not my expectations. And that's okay. Considering the number of poorly written books and scripts, I would not want my blogging especially to be turned into something like that.
What have you read lately that has changed you in some way?
Monday, August 31, 2009
Ready for Fall TV
Summer was busy with work and activities and favorite TV. I like that cable has new programming in the summer. I am not a TV addict, but I have a few favorite shows as well as trying out a new show or two.
My favorite summer shows were The Closer, Burn Notice, The Next Food Network Star, Warehouse 13, and Mental. We usually DVR some of the shows and watch at our convenience. That is one of the greatest inventions, isn't it? Warehouse 13 is a SyFy show, with a mix of comedy and drama, a little mystery. I thought it would be more like X-Files, but it's not really. I like the history element and the solve the problem nature of the show. They are still showing new episodes, so look for it (Tuesday nights).
Both Burn Notice (USA network) and The Closer (TNT) have mini-seasons in the summer and winter. I think that's interesting to break the season up like that. It frees up time between the new episodes. Both are good shows. I've been a fan of Burn Notice since it first aired a couple years ago. Filmed in Miami area, it has lots of action, a little comedy, and great storylines.
This fall I am looking forward to a number of shows returning. The Big Bang Theory is a favorite. The only problem with Monday night is there is so much competition. I also like House (and last year Chuck was on at the same time--now Chuck will start in March). I watch How I Met Your Mother and Rules of Engagement too. Give me a funny sitcom at the end of a busy day and I am happy. Last spring we tried out Parks & Recreation and found it good. When I want a crime drama, I'll watch Criminal Minds, any of the CSI shows, and Numbers. I have a Wed. night class, so I will have to DVR Glee. I watched the special premiere after Idol in May. It was funny.
I don't watch a lot of TV during the day, but if I am home I'll watch Rachael Ray's talk show or 30-minute Meals or a few other Food Network or HGTV shows. I can multi-task when they are on. What you won't see me intentionally watching is much sports, depressing news shows, nature shows (where animals get eaten by other animals), or stupid movies (won't go into my criteria at this point).
TV--not the vast wasteland some profess, but there is good and bad, junk and quality. I try to pick and choose, so I can get my work done, do things outside the house, but still have quiet time in front of the TV. We all deserve that.
My favorite summer shows were The Closer, Burn Notice, The Next Food Network Star, Warehouse 13, and Mental. We usually DVR some of the shows and watch at our convenience. That is one of the greatest inventions, isn't it? Warehouse 13 is a SyFy show, with a mix of comedy and drama, a little mystery. I thought it would be more like X-Files, but it's not really. I like the history element and the solve the problem nature of the show. They are still showing new episodes, so look for it (Tuesday nights).
Both Burn Notice (USA network) and The Closer (TNT) have mini-seasons in the summer and winter. I think that's interesting to break the season up like that. It frees up time between the new episodes. Both are good shows. I've been a fan of Burn Notice since it first aired a couple years ago. Filmed in Miami area, it has lots of action, a little comedy, and great storylines.
This fall I am looking forward to a number of shows returning. The Big Bang Theory is a favorite. The only problem with Monday night is there is so much competition. I also like House (and last year Chuck was on at the same time--now Chuck will start in March). I watch How I Met Your Mother and Rules of Engagement too. Give me a funny sitcom at the end of a busy day and I am happy. Last spring we tried out Parks & Recreation and found it good. When I want a crime drama, I'll watch Criminal Minds, any of the CSI shows, and Numbers. I have a Wed. night class, so I will have to DVR Glee. I watched the special premiere after Idol in May. It was funny.
I don't watch a lot of TV during the day, but if I am home I'll watch Rachael Ray's talk show or 30-minute Meals or a few other Food Network or HGTV shows. I can multi-task when they are on. What you won't see me intentionally watching is much sports, depressing news shows, nature shows (where animals get eaten by other animals), or stupid movies (won't go into my criteria at this point).
TV--not the vast wasteland some profess, but there is good and bad, junk and quality. I try to pick and choose, so I can get my work done, do things outside the house, but still have quiet time in front of the TV. We all deserve that.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Fall Semester Has Started
The first day of classes is always exciting. The campus seems fresh, as if has awoken from a summer slumber. Teaching in the summer was fast-paced but the campus was sleepy. Now it is filled with fresh faces and energy.
The weather yesterday was perfect--not too warm, but sunny and breezy. It felt as if fall is just around the corner. My first class, Eng 101, was at 8 a..m. We had the usual couple students in the wrong place and a few arrived late. The main problem was repro did not make all the necessary copies of the syllabus. I needed 20 and only 10 were made. But we persevered.
My two Eng 102 classes met in the CAI rooms. For the first day, however, we did not have time to do anything on the computers. The classes had a writing assignment and needed to create a Blog and add the course for WebCT. I am impressed that already 3 students have sent me their Blog addresses and a few have submitted the writing assignment via e-mail. What a great start.
Tonight I have Eng 108--Modern Grammar. It's a great class, much more interesting than it sounds. Since it's a small class, we should be able to get a great deal accomplished. I am a self-professed grammar geek, but I try to show students grammar can be fun, and it's useful too.
Another full day of classes tomorrow, so I must finish prepping. It seems there's more to do than I have time for. Summer is officially over.
The weather yesterday was perfect--not too warm, but sunny and breezy. It felt as if fall is just around the corner. My first class, Eng 101, was at 8 a..m. We had the usual couple students in the wrong place and a few arrived late. The main problem was repro did not make all the necessary copies of the syllabus. I needed 20 and only 10 were made. But we persevered.
My two Eng 102 classes met in the CAI rooms. For the first day, however, we did not have time to do anything on the computers. The classes had a writing assignment and needed to create a Blog and add the course for WebCT. I am impressed that already 3 students have sent me their Blog addresses and a few have submitted the writing assignment via e-mail. What a great start.
Tonight I have Eng 108--Modern Grammar. It's a great class, much more interesting than it sounds. Since it's a small class, we should be able to get a great deal accomplished. I am a self-professed grammar geek, but I try to show students grammar can be fun, and it's useful too.
Another full day of classes tomorrow, so I must finish prepping. It seems there's more to do than I have time for. Summer is officially over.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
The Facebook Phenomenon
In July, I was encouraged by a few people to join Facebook. I had been twittering a couple months, but was not ready for the commitment to Facebook. I thought it would take a long time to set it up and make friends. What would I say?
One weekend, I needed a break from grading papers, so I called by older son Andrew downstairs to help me. He showed me the ropes, setting up my privacy settings and requesting a few friends, such as himself. It seemed easy. It was fun. There were many ways to "dress up" my wall and my profile, but I kept it simple at first. I didn't even post a picture of myself right away.
I suppose it's been about a month. I now have more than 30 friends (most are not even related to me). I have made contact w/ HS and college friends, even those I have not seen since HS graduation. It's exciting to re-connect. I am happy that these people remember me. I have not gone to a HS reunion since the first one. Getting older is tough at times, especially when we are far away from our families and schools. I can see through others' photos they are aging well (some still look so young!). Most of us have kids; some of our kids are in college or married now.
Now I know what the attraction is. It's easier than calling; it's even easier than e-mailing or texting. And I am out there, sharing with others my everyday activities and thoughts as well as special events and photos. I finally put a photo up so people know it's really me. The same old Denise.
I will be getting busier as the fall semester starts, but I am glad to have joined the millions on Facebook. I am a part of something exciting. Thanks to all of my friends. It's great to "talk" with you.
One weekend, I needed a break from grading papers, so I called by older son Andrew downstairs to help me. He showed me the ropes, setting up my privacy settings and requesting a few friends, such as himself. It seemed easy. It was fun. There were many ways to "dress up" my wall and my profile, but I kept it simple at first. I didn't even post a picture of myself right away.
I suppose it's been about a month. I now have more than 30 friends (most are not even related to me). I have made contact w/ HS and college friends, even those I have not seen since HS graduation. It's exciting to re-connect. I am happy that these people remember me. I have not gone to a HS reunion since the first one. Getting older is tough at times, especially when we are far away from our families and schools. I can see through others' photos they are aging well (some still look so young!). Most of us have kids; some of our kids are in college or married now.
Now I know what the attraction is. It's easier than calling; it's even easier than e-mailing or texting. And I am out there, sharing with others my everyday activities and thoughts as well as special events and photos. I finally put a photo up so people know it's really me. The same old Denise.
I will be getting busier as the fall semester starts, but I am glad to have joined the millions on Facebook. I am a part of something exciting. Thanks to all of my friends. It's great to "talk" with you.
Friday, August 7, 2009
L. A. Review
Since early May, Eric and I had been planning our end-of-summer school trip to Los Angeles. We each decided a few places we wanted to see and things we wanted to do. Then, we had to decide on the dates and where to stay.
Eric found the Ramada West Hollywood and thought it looked good. It was a very nice hotel, in a fine area of town. The room was great and close to both Starbucks and Trader Joe's, two of my favorite places. The only downside was it was not that close to many of the places we visited. I did not want to drive (I dislike driving in big cities, especially ones I am unfamiliar with). On Day 1, we wore ourselves out walking to Hollywood Blvd to see the sidewalk of stars. But the sights were worth it. My legs and feet would recover. That night we ate at Primo Bistro, next door to the hotel. Eric and I agreed the bruschetta was delicious.
Day 2 we took the Starline Grand Tour and Stars Homes Tour. We were picked up at the hotel by the shuttle and taken to the Starline Office, where we boarded a double-decker bus for a tour of the area. I had never seen L.A. except for the airport before, so this experience was well worth the time and money. Places we visited included the Kodak Theatre, Grauman's Chinese Theater, Hollywood Bowl, Farmer's Market, La Brea Tar Pits, Rodeo Drive, Chinatown, Melrose Drive. The highlight was when we switched to the roofless van for the driving tour of stars homes. We cruised up and down Mulholland Drive, seeing fabulous views of the city as well as gorgeous homes. After that, we picked up sushi and drinks at Trader Joe's for our in-room dinner.
Day 3 we toured Warner Brothers studios in the morning. What a great place. I got to see the set of one of my favorite shows, Chuck. We also visited the Friends Central Perk set, still preserved and open to the tour. The WB museum was interesting (smaller than I thought it would be). I enjoyed learning some of the "secrets" to making movies and TV shows. But I was hoping to see real actors and see filming. Unfortunately, Monday morning was not the most active time. We did see some people scouting for locations for the upcoming movie Priest.
After lunch at Koo Koo Roo Chicken Bistro (yummy salads), we went to the Family Feud taping. We spent nearly 3 hours there, learning how to be a good audience member (clap, clap, and clap loudly. "Awww" and clap). It was fun and educational. We watched 3 shows. John O' Hurley looks the same in person. Family Feud is taped in the same place as Judge Judy and Judge Joe Brown (we got a peek at their sets). Initially, we were going to see The Price is Right, but we decided we wanted to sleep in, not get up at 4 a.m. to stand in line for hours on end. Family Feud was one of the few shows taped during the time we were there. Eric and I really wanted to see a sitcom taped, but no such luck.
Tuesday, our last full day there, was low key in the morning. Eric slept in. I was up before 7 a.m. (never did adjust to the time zone) and went to Starbucks for my morning mocha. I sat in a comfy chair, reading Julie & Julia and watched people. Later that morning, we walked to the Beverly Center, a fabulous multi-storied mall. Both impressive and intimidating. Then we went to Robertson Ave. (a shopping/dining street) and found a wonderful little Italian cafe for lunch. Following that we walked some more, then went back to the hotel for a restful, cool afternoon. L.A. was definitely warmer than I thought it would be.
Our big finale was a Dodger's game that night. We took a taxi to the stadium (don't ask how much it cost). The trip took us through some very unusual parts of the city during rush hour (so, of course, the driver avoided the "parking lot" of the interstates). Eric got us great seats, field level, behind home plate. What a fabulous stadium, and I am not the biggest baseball fan. I did enjoy the game, Manny's home run, the guy who ran out on the field and was tackled by security, etc.
On Wed. morning, we took the Super Shuttle van to the airport (we also stopped many times to pick up other riders--again seeing lots of the city). I can tell you I am not a fan of LAX. It's crowded, crazy, and confusing. When we checked our bags, the airline "guy" gave Eric the wrong boarding pass. We had to get that fixed. I forgot I had a water bottle in my purse. Luckily, no big deal. It got pitched. Then a security alarm went off, locking the door to the concourse, so we had to wait in a warm hallway till that was fixed. At least the flight was uneventful. We got home safely.
There's more to share, but that's the highlights.
We want to go back and see more studios and show tapings. We want to stay in Burbank, not West Hollywood, so we are closer to the "action." But I still do NOT want to drive in L.A. If anyone wants to volunteer for that duty, we'll take you with us.
Eric found the Ramada West Hollywood and thought it looked good. It was a very nice hotel, in a fine area of town. The room was great and close to both Starbucks and Trader Joe's, two of my favorite places. The only downside was it was not that close to many of the places we visited. I did not want to drive (I dislike driving in big cities, especially ones I am unfamiliar with). On Day 1, we wore ourselves out walking to Hollywood Blvd to see the sidewalk of stars. But the sights were worth it. My legs and feet would recover. That night we ate at Primo Bistro, next door to the hotel. Eric and I agreed the bruschetta was delicious.
Day 2 we took the Starline Grand Tour and Stars Homes Tour. We were picked up at the hotel by the shuttle and taken to the Starline Office, where we boarded a double-decker bus for a tour of the area. I had never seen L.A. except for the airport before, so this experience was well worth the time and money. Places we visited included the Kodak Theatre, Grauman's Chinese Theater, Hollywood Bowl, Farmer's Market, La Brea Tar Pits, Rodeo Drive, Chinatown, Melrose Drive. The highlight was when we switched to the roofless van for the driving tour of stars homes. We cruised up and down Mulholland Drive, seeing fabulous views of the city as well as gorgeous homes. After that, we picked up sushi and drinks at Trader Joe's for our in-room dinner.
Day 3 we toured Warner Brothers studios in the morning. What a great place. I got to see the set of one of my favorite shows, Chuck. We also visited the Friends Central Perk set, still preserved and open to the tour. The WB museum was interesting (smaller than I thought it would be). I enjoyed learning some of the "secrets" to making movies and TV shows. But I was hoping to see real actors and see filming. Unfortunately, Monday morning was not the most active time. We did see some people scouting for locations for the upcoming movie Priest.
After lunch at Koo Koo Roo Chicken Bistro (yummy salads), we went to the Family Feud taping. We spent nearly 3 hours there, learning how to be a good audience member (clap, clap, and clap loudly. "Awww" and clap). It was fun and educational. We watched 3 shows. John O' Hurley looks the same in person. Family Feud is taped in the same place as Judge Judy and Judge Joe Brown (we got a peek at their sets). Initially, we were going to see The Price is Right, but we decided we wanted to sleep in, not get up at 4 a.m. to stand in line for hours on end. Family Feud was one of the few shows taped during the time we were there. Eric and I really wanted to see a sitcom taped, but no such luck.
Tuesday, our last full day there, was low key in the morning. Eric slept in. I was up before 7 a.m. (never did adjust to the time zone) and went to Starbucks for my morning mocha. I sat in a comfy chair, reading Julie & Julia and watched people. Later that morning, we walked to the Beverly Center, a fabulous multi-storied mall. Both impressive and intimidating. Then we went to Robertson Ave. (a shopping/dining street) and found a wonderful little Italian cafe for lunch. Following that we walked some more, then went back to the hotel for a restful, cool afternoon. L.A. was definitely warmer than I thought it would be.
Our big finale was a Dodger's game that night. We took a taxi to the stadium (don't ask how much it cost). The trip took us through some very unusual parts of the city during rush hour (so, of course, the driver avoided the "parking lot" of the interstates). Eric got us great seats, field level, behind home plate. What a fabulous stadium, and I am not the biggest baseball fan. I did enjoy the game, Manny's home run, the guy who ran out on the field and was tackled by security, etc.
On Wed. morning, we took the Super Shuttle van to the airport (we also stopped many times to pick up other riders--again seeing lots of the city). I can tell you I am not a fan of LAX. It's crowded, crazy, and confusing. When we checked our bags, the airline "guy" gave Eric the wrong boarding pass. We had to get that fixed. I forgot I had a water bottle in my purse. Luckily, no big deal. It got pitched. Then a security alarm went off, locking the door to the concourse, so we had to wait in a warm hallway till that was fixed. At least the flight was uneventful. We got home safely.
There's more to share, but that's the highlights.
We want to go back and see more studios and show tapings. We want to stay in Burbank, not West Hollywood, so we are closer to the "action." But I still do NOT want to drive in L.A. If anyone wants to volunteer for that duty, we'll take you with us.
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