So my final is in progress right now. I'm flooded with interesting questions. One student didn't write a certain equation on his equation sheet, so he doesn't know how to do an entire problem. I'm not sure what I can do for him, because well, he wanted the equation sheet. He just thinks that he's supposed to get whatever he wants, and he has asked me three times for the equation. Sigh.
Another student made me kind of want to cry, as he looked like he was about to when he came in saying that he had no clue how to do any of the problems. He was wondering what his grade was, and quite honestly he isn't the best in the class but he does pretty well. But he looked like he was going to burst into tears so I felt really terrible.
Finally, I ran into the chair of the department in the hall, and he asked when my final was. I said it was going on now, and that the students seemed to be thinking it was a bit too hard. His response was, "Then they're not going to like you." I felt like saying that I wasn't here to be liked, but instead to teach. Instead I just said that they'd already filled out the evaluations, so...
And now a bunch of the students hung out with me in my office, decorating my board. I think they've snapped, and really really need a break. I know I do.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Chilly in two ways
Finals have officially begun here, and as such it is very quiet. The few students you see around are walking silently, and any classroom that is full is perfectly silent. Very few faculty are around (given that all of my colleagues live in the 'burbs, they only come in if they really have to), and it's a little depressing. Then there's the bitter cold outside, which is biting.
I would have worked from home today but I have a review session this afternoon. It's kind of an interesting scenario. My students always want a review session during class, which I refuse to do. Primarily it's because there's a lot I want to cover, and having the review during classtime ruins that. Of course it backfires a bit on me, since it means I have to give a review session on my own time. In the end though it is worth it. I guess.
Either way I'm ready for the semester to be over. I'll get to teach a completely different class next semester (with mostly the same students), so that'll be a nice change.
I would have worked from home today but I have a review session this afternoon. It's kind of an interesting scenario. My students always want a review session during class, which I refuse to do. Primarily it's because there's a lot I want to cover, and having the review during classtime ruins that. Of course it backfires a bit on me, since it means I have to give a review session on my own time. In the end though it is worth it. I guess.
Either way I'm ready for the semester to be over. I'll get to teach a completely different class next semester (with mostly the same students), so that'll be a nice change.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Random thoughts
- When you have a 27 inch monitor, it's a little freaky when the background picture has your face which is practically actual size.
- A weekend spent watching reruns of Buffy, season three, is a worthwhile one indeed. Except for the need to finish off the season when there are real things that I'm supposed to be doing.
- Campus is always very quiet during reading week, and I find it is disturbing. This is nothing new, but I revisit this eery feeling. It's different than during actual breaks like winter and summer breaks. At those times, the students are just not around. Now they are, but they are all hiding and freaking out about their exams.
- The chicken and rice guy near campus here is not the greatest. I miss the one at 120th & Broadway. Here, he thinks that if you ask for hot sauce, you want to be crying while you eat. There was more hot sauce than chicken or rice, and it was a rather painful meal.
- I need to do all this analysis and am totally not in the mood. So instead, I'm sitting here thinking of random thoughts, trying to forget that I am far far from having tenure.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Class art project
I assigned my class an art project a few weeks ago. Yes, a science art project.
Actually, it was designed as a way to mildly torture them before Thanksgiving. I told them the Monday before the holiday that they would have a new homework posted online due the following Monday. That of course meant they had work to do over the holiday, and they kept begging me to change the due date but I held firm.
The actual homework was "Do something creative (write a story, poem, draw something, etc.) that relates to your favorite topic discussed in class so far." This brought in a ton of fun things like poems and paintings and I think the students spent more time on this than any other homework. And it really was a ton of fun.
And it's becoming something that has gotten several seniors come into my office to look at them, because everyone heard about them. I have to say it is kind of fun, and actually I think there was some learning that went on there, given the fact that they still had to think about what they were doing.
So yeah, I have to say as "kindergarten-ish" as it is, it was such fun that I believe it'll be a regular thing in my classes...
Actually, it was designed as a way to mildly torture them before Thanksgiving. I told them the Monday before the holiday that they would have a new homework posted online due the following Monday. That of course meant they had work to do over the holiday, and they kept begging me to change the due date but I held firm.
The actual homework was "Do something creative (write a story, poem, draw something, etc.) that relates to your favorite topic discussed in class so far." This brought in a ton of fun things like poems and paintings and I think the students spent more time on this than any other homework. And it really was a ton of fun.
And it's becoming something that has gotten several seniors come into my office to look at them, because everyone heard about them. I have to say it is kind of fun, and actually I think there was some learning that went on there, given the fact that they still had to think about what they were doing.
So yeah, I have to say as "kindergarten-ish" as it is, it was such fun that I believe it'll be a regular thing in my classes...
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Alone again
So the Thanksgiving weekend was a lot of fun, and C is on his way back upstate. That's of course the bad part. But overall everything was great.
He arrived Wednesday night and we had delicious Mexican food. Thursday of course we had dinner with Maggie (I prepared a chicken instead of a turkey just for fewer leftovers), and watched White Christmas (my favorite holiday movie of all time). Friday we went with Mags to see Burlesque (it was an okay movie but not spectacular...), and at night after she left we went out to eat at an Italian restaurant in my neighborhood (courtesy of 1/10th of our wedding present from his sister, thanks Bran!), which was also fantastic. At night then we watched Scott Pilgrim vs the World, which was fun but about ten minutes too long.
Yesterday we got new cell phones, had wings for lunch, and saw Harry Potter (after dinner at our favorite Chinese restaurant near Lincoln Center). That was sort of miserable because there was this horrible woman behind me that was a total b. She first complained because I didn't lean forward to let people get by her (since she apparantly couldn't get up because she's just that perfect). Then right when the movie began, I shifted and she started kicking my seat, and I heard her say to her friend, "He keeps pushing back!" I turned and said, "I was just adjusting myself, I'm sorry!" But she kept sighing anytime I moved and I fought every urge I had to just lean as far back as I could. I'm sorry, there is no way she didn't have enough room for her legs, the woman was 5 feet tall. I really hope the whole movie was ruined for her.
But the movie itself was good, although we really should have rewatched the previous one, since I hadn't seen that since it came out...
He arrived Wednesday night and we had delicious Mexican food. Thursday of course we had dinner with Maggie (I prepared a chicken instead of a turkey just for fewer leftovers), and watched White Christmas (my favorite holiday movie of all time). Friday we went with Mags to see Burlesque (it was an okay movie but not spectacular...), and at night after she left we went out to eat at an Italian restaurant in my neighborhood (courtesy of 1/10th of our wedding present from his sister, thanks Bran!), which was also fantastic. At night then we watched Scott Pilgrim vs the World, which was fun but about ten minutes too long.
Yesterday we got new cell phones, had wings for lunch, and saw Harry Potter (after dinner at our favorite Chinese restaurant near Lincoln Center). That was sort of miserable because there was this horrible woman behind me that was a total b. She first complained because I didn't lean forward to let people get by her (since she apparantly couldn't get up because she's just that perfect). Then right when the movie began, I shifted and she started kicking my seat, and I heard her say to her friend, "He keeps pushing back!" I turned and said, "I was just adjusting myself, I'm sorry!" But she kept sighing anytime I moved and I fought every urge I had to just lean as far back as I could. I'm sorry, there is no way she didn't have enough room for her legs, the woman was 5 feet tall. I really hope the whole movie was ruined for her.
But the movie itself was good, although we really should have rewatched the previous one, since I hadn't seen that since it came out...
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
I'll get used to it, eventually...
I'm still having issues being referred to as "Professor." It's not that I mind it, but it is taking a lot of getting used to. Sure, there were times when I was called that before I actually became one, but then it was just kind of funny, since obviously someone was making a silly mistake.
I've made my way out of the city and will be giving a talk tomorrow at huge-public-university-in-ridiculously-tiny-town, and on the departmental website there is a notification of my talk, with the prefix, "Prof." in front of my name. I was used to "Dr.", although that too took some time to get used to. This will be the first seminar I give officially with that title, so my intro will include this latest step in my academic journey.
But it reminds me of how odd it has been all semester for students to call out "Professor?" when they have a question in class (I imagine these are times when I've had my back to them for such a long time that having their hand up to wait for me to turn around and call on them just served the purpose of making their arm go numb). Or when they walk into my office and say, "Professor, can I talk to you for a minute?" It's odd and strange, and I don't think it really fits me, but alas, there it is.
I think I would get used to it faster if I didn't make certain references in class that make half the class turn red from embarassment. Who am I kidding, that'll never happen.
I've made my way out of the city and will be giving a talk tomorrow at huge-public-university-in-ridiculously-tiny-town, and on the departmental website there is a notification of my talk, with the prefix, "Prof." in front of my name. I was used to "Dr.", although that too took some time to get used to. This will be the first seminar I give officially with that title, so my intro will include this latest step in my academic journey.
But it reminds me of how odd it has been all semester for students to call out "Professor?" when they have a question in class (I imagine these are times when I've had my back to them for such a long time that having their hand up to wait for me to turn around and call on them just served the purpose of making their arm go numb). Or when they walk into my office and say, "Professor, can I talk to you for a minute?" It's odd and strange, and I don't think it really fits me, but alas, there it is.
I think I would get used to it faster if I didn't make certain references in class that make half the class turn red from embarassment. Who am I kidding, that'll never happen.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Why I take issue with sports
It's not a huge secret that I'm not a big fan of sports. I understand why people like them, and I have had fun at sporting events. (Watching them on TV is still a mystery to me, but that's a different story.) Of course, I won't ever jump on the chance to watch a game, but that's not the point. Right now I'm more interested in college sports. That is, to discuss them.
And really, I mean to discuss them in the context of a school that is not very big in sports (like the school I currently am at). I have several students involved in sports, and of course that requires them to miss class once in a while. My policy in terms of missing class is, "Go ahead, you can miss every class you want, so long as the work gets done." In other words, I don't care if you have a "note" excusing you from class, because either way, you missed what we discussed and it is your job to get the notes and still keep up in class. Along with this policy is of course the fact that despite official office hours, if I'm in my office and you have questions, I will be more than willing to work with you.
That having been said, I am distressed by the following (not terribly hypothetical) scenario. A student is not doing too well in class, and this student is on two different sports teams. I won't say which sports but suffice to say, they are the sports that make people riot when their team loses. This student has made little comments that rather irk me (For example when I jokingly referred to the idea of extending the class time by twenty minutes this student's response was, "I'm already missing twenty minutes of practice just for this class." One thing to note is that this is a class in his major, not just some general requirement for graduation.), but that's not the issue.
The problem is that this student is in danger of failing this class. Primarily it is due to not turning in work, and when doing so, not really understanding the material. From this fear, the student has come to me to ask for two meetings a week to work through everything. I commended this, and was more than willing to put aside time for this. However, twice now the student has canceled because of sports (both times at the last minute).
Now my main issue: If you are failing in a class that is your major, then perhaps in addition to your full course load you should not be playing in two different sports (especially if it is your senior year and you don't want to spend an extra semester here). While I know college is not just about "them thar book-learnin'," I do know that academics are ultimately priority one. I don't care that athletics bring in money (because that money is always earmarked for more athletics-related things, and never used for academics, and it bugs me that universities are more interested in the overall income of the school, so they feed into it), because quite honestly, it is just a game for crying out loud.
And really, I mean to discuss them in the context of a school that is not very big in sports (like the school I currently am at). I have several students involved in sports, and of course that requires them to miss class once in a while. My policy in terms of missing class is, "Go ahead, you can miss every class you want, so long as the work gets done." In other words, I don't care if you have a "note" excusing you from class, because either way, you missed what we discussed and it is your job to get the notes and still keep up in class. Along with this policy is of course the fact that despite official office hours, if I'm in my office and you have questions, I will be more than willing to work with you.
That having been said, I am distressed by the following (not terribly hypothetical) scenario. A student is not doing too well in class, and this student is on two different sports teams. I won't say which sports but suffice to say, they are the sports that make people riot when their team loses. This student has made little comments that rather irk me (For example when I jokingly referred to the idea of extending the class time by twenty minutes this student's response was, "I'm already missing twenty minutes of practice just for this class." One thing to note is that this is a class in his major, not just some general requirement for graduation.), but that's not the issue.
The problem is that this student is in danger of failing this class. Primarily it is due to not turning in work, and when doing so, not really understanding the material. From this fear, the student has come to me to ask for two meetings a week to work through everything. I commended this, and was more than willing to put aside time for this. However, twice now the student has canceled because of sports (both times at the last minute).
Now my main issue: If you are failing in a class that is your major, then perhaps in addition to your full course load you should not be playing in two different sports (especially if it is your senior year and you don't want to spend an extra semester here). While I know college is not just about "them thar book-learnin'," I do know that academics are ultimately priority one. I don't care that athletics bring in money (because that money is always earmarked for more athletics-related things, and never used for academics, and it bugs me that universities are more interested in the overall income of the school, so they feed into it), because quite honestly, it is just a game for crying out loud.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Not that social
Contrary to popular belief, I'm not that social a person. Right now there is a "pre-holiday feast" happening in a classroom in our department (although it is not sponsored by this department, it just happens to be occurring in this building), and I was welcome to attend. I went and it started with a few people speaking about the program that it was for, then row-by-row, people could get up and get food. I had already eaten lunch, and the room wasn't set up well to get people to mingle (it's a large lecture hall). So I bailed.
I figured since I wasn't that hungry there wasn't much point, and I was a little late to begin with so I wasn't sitting next to faculty that I knew, just a bunch of students, none of whom I have had any contact with. I really hate those events anyway, so whatever. It was better (at least for me) to come back to my office and prepare a bit more for my class. Even though I'm fully prepared and currently blogging.
Whatever. Don't judge me.
I figured since I wasn't that hungry there wasn't much point, and I was a little late to begin with so I wasn't sitting next to faculty that I knew, just a bunch of students, none of whom I have had any contact with. I really hate those events anyway, so whatever. It was better (at least for me) to come back to my office and prepare a bit more for my class. Even though I'm fully prepared and currently blogging.
Whatever. Don't judge me.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Still have to ask if she did it!
I went to the Social Security office today to get a replacement card (as I have somehow after 33 years managed to lose mine). The whole process didn't take long but while I waited in line I listened to the people being helped, and it was pretty funny. This one guy who spoke English was with two girls who did not (I think they were from Ghana. This is just because what they spoke sounded like an African language and I know there's a huge influx of people from that country here in the Bx.). So he would answer all the questions for them, and they would also discuss things while they waited.
The best question (after things like, "Do they have a birth certificate or driver's license?") was, "Have they registered to vote?" The man responded in a very humorous tone, "No, they can't, they're not citizens!" The lady behind the counter said, "I know, but I still have to find out if they did!" The man proceeded to relate this to the girls, and they all burst out in a fit of laughter.
I have to say, all-in-all, the SSA was kind of a fun experience, even if it meant wasting an hour doing something I shouldn't have had to do, since I shouldn't have lost my card.
The best question (after things like, "Do they have a birth certificate or driver's license?") was, "Have they registered to vote?" The man responded in a very humorous tone, "No, they can't, they're not citizens!" The lady behind the counter said, "I know, but I still have to find out if they did!" The man proceeded to relate this to the girls, and they all burst out in a fit of laughter.
I have to say, all-in-all, the SSA was kind of a fun experience, even if it meant wasting an hour doing something I shouldn't have had to do, since I shouldn't have lost my card.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Roman Holiday
I watched Roman Holiday for the first time yesterday, and it was an okay movie. Not spectacular, but there was a rather hilarious scene. Picture it: Gregory Peck plays a journalist who pretends to not know he's with the missing princess, played by Audrey Hepburn. She asks him what he does and since he doesn't want her to know he's a journalist, he says he's "in the selling game."
Princess: "What do you sell?"
(in the background a horse whinneys)
Journalist: "Uh, [noticing the horse in the background], fertilizer."
This made me laugh for several minutes, because I would like to think that the various layers of humor were intended here.
Princess: "What do you sell?"
(in the background a horse whinneys)
Journalist: "Uh, [noticing the horse in the background], fertilizer."
This made me laugh for several minutes, because I would like to think that the various layers of humor were intended here.
Friday, November 5, 2010
The week after
So it's odd, because I do feel very different now that I'm married. It's hard to put into words (although I can put into words how odd it is to type with a ring on my finger), but it's there. The weirdest part though is that it's all over. I want another wedding (but without planning it). I guess we'll get this in LA when Corbett's mom plans a big party for us with all of her friends. And then I won't have to plan it myself, so...
In other news, I finally figured out the trick for getting into my apt building without a key. One (or more?) of the apt buzzers is hooked up so it automatically unlocks the door for you to be let in. I buzzed three or four apts before I found the right one (I knew roughly where it was because I watched a lady going into the building as I came out, so that narrowed it down). I'm happy because this means I don't have to pull my keys out then to get into the building. If you ever visit, I'll tell you which button to push (less effort for me upstairs as well!).
I'm looking forward to the weekend, getting some sleep, and although it means the days will end sooner, I'm happy that DST is ending this weekend. Just that much more sleep!
In other news, I finally figured out the trick for getting into my apt building without a key. One (or more?) of the apt buzzers is hooked up so it automatically unlocks the door for you to be let in. I buzzed three or four apts before I found the right one (I knew roughly where it was because I watched a lady going into the building as I came out, so that narrowed it down). I'm happy because this means I don't have to pull my keys out then to get into the building. If you ever visit, I'll tell you which button to push (less effort for me upstairs as well!).
I'm looking forward to the weekend, getting some sleep, and although it means the days will end sooner, I'm happy that DST is ending this weekend. Just that much more sleep!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
A married man
It's done! I'm married!
The weekend was pretty damn awesome, but of course it had plenty of fun snafus. Get ready, this is a long post, because I want to try to remember and write everything now. If I break it into multiple parts, then I'll get lazy and not write about it all. Sadly, most people who read this were there, so they can comment if I forget anything.
Andre and Erin arrived in the Bronx Thursday morning, taking the red-eye from California. (Corbett's mother was already in Rochester.) After getting the car and Maggie heading up to my hood, we got Dante in the car and heading to Rochester. For the most part, the drive was uneventful (though Dante wasn't pleased with being in the crate, and that made for some frustrations). We got into Rochester, and my parents, who had driven all the way from Georgia (the day after my aunt left from visiting them for two weeks), were at their hotel room, exhausted and waiting for me to stop by. Most of the evening was nice and relaxing for the most part, with me stopping to say hi to the folks, then getting dinner with Corbett, his mom, and Maggie, Andre, and Erin.
Friday was when it got really interesting. Corbett's mom and I dropped him off at work, went to the airport and picked up his sister, then to my folks' hotel to get them to bring them back to Corbett's. Then we got Andre and Erin, my mother and I picked up the wedding cake(s),* and all made it back to Corbett's to get ready to head off to the falls, after picking up Carrie and my brother-in-law. Luckily, Laurie and Rick made their way to the wedding site on their own, as did Ellen and Bernie. The rest of us caravaned in three cars, and packed up all the cars and headed off. Then the real fun began.
First, Corbett's car and my car made it through the border (after waiting thirty minutes) with no problem. My dad and mom (with Carrie and Chris) got stuck at the border, and had to turn off to get their car searched. Apparently they looked threatening. We waited for another thirty minutes before they got free, and rushed to the hotel. At that point we had about an hour before the wedding. Rushing to get the cars parked, and checked in, Corbett realized that he had left his shirt and tie back at home. This of course was because he didn't pack it, and we just happened to leave it behind.
So he tried to figure out what to do while I talked to the wedding coordinator about all the details, now 20 minutes before the ceremony. When I got back to the room to change, he wasn't there. I found out later that he had gone downstairs, the valet had driven him to the Galleria down the street where there were no longer any men's clothing store. So he ran back and Larry the Valet then gave him the shirt he was wearing, since it was white. Of course it was short sleeved, but still, it worked. I stole my dad's tie and wore that (which made him happy since he hates wearing ties), so we were ready.
During the ceremony (which of course wasn't rehearsed at all), Corbett asked when he got to say, "I do," and the officiant said, "If you would like, you can say that." So then she ad-libbed the part of "Do you...?" Additionally, the question of "Does anyone know of any reason they shouldn't get married?" came up, so we decided to glare at everyone to make sure they said nothing. Finally, of course Corbett's mom's phone had to ring during the middle of the ceremony, which was honestly as expected as everything else that was going on...
Then came time for the rings, and since Corbett had not yet been able to get mine on before the ceremony, when he pulled the ring out, he had secretly (during the ceremony, no less) loaded it up with lotion, so it was completely white. I burst out laughing, while everyone had no idea what was going on. Some people thought we faked it, where either I already had the ring on, or we just pretended and hid the ring for the rest of the ceremony. Whatever they thought, clearly what happened was not known. Either way, the ring went on with no problem (and hasn't been off my finger since!).
The dinner was awesome, and just a ton of fun. That combined with heading to the casino for a bit and then to TGIFridays (the only real place that was open near the hotel, and it was so dang cold we couldn't go far), we had tons of fun until like 1 or 2 in the morning. The following morning we spent at the falls before heading back to Rochester to pick up the dogs and go to dinner yet again. After dinner, the fam all decided to get to bed while our friends came back and we played a late-night game of Balderdash.
The final morning was breakfast with the fam (although Corbett's sister had already had to leave, sadly), before they all had to head out. The worst was that after all of this, everyone left including myself. So now the newlyweds have to continue living apart. Luckily, this is only temporary.
In the end though, it was a fantastic three-day wedding, and as exhausting as it was, I wouldn't have changed anything!
---
* We got some gluten-free cupcakes to go with the wedding cake since two people in the group were off gluten.
The weekend was pretty damn awesome, but of course it had plenty of fun snafus. Get ready, this is a long post, because I want to try to remember and write everything now. If I break it into multiple parts, then I'll get lazy and not write about it all. Sadly, most people who read this were there, so they can comment if I forget anything.
Andre and Erin arrived in the Bronx Thursday morning, taking the red-eye from California. (Corbett's mother was already in Rochester.) After getting the car and Maggie heading up to my hood, we got Dante in the car and heading to Rochester. For the most part, the drive was uneventful (though Dante wasn't pleased with being in the crate, and that made for some frustrations). We got into Rochester, and my parents, who had driven all the way from Georgia (the day after my aunt left from visiting them for two weeks), were at their hotel room, exhausted and waiting for me to stop by. Most of the evening was nice and relaxing for the most part, with me stopping to say hi to the folks, then getting dinner with Corbett, his mom, and Maggie, Andre, and Erin.
Friday was when it got really interesting. Corbett's mom and I dropped him off at work, went to the airport and picked up his sister, then to my folks' hotel to get them to bring them back to Corbett's. Then we got Andre and Erin, my mother and I picked up the wedding cake(s),* and all made it back to Corbett's to get ready to head off to the falls, after picking up Carrie and my brother-in-law. Luckily, Laurie and Rick made their way to the wedding site on their own, as did Ellen and Bernie. The rest of us caravaned in three cars, and packed up all the cars and headed off. Then the real fun began.
First, Corbett's car and my car made it through the border (after waiting thirty minutes) with no problem. My dad and mom (with Carrie and Chris) got stuck at the border, and had to turn off to get their car searched. Apparently they looked threatening. We waited for another thirty minutes before they got free, and rushed to the hotel. At that point we had about an hour before the wedding. Rushing to get the cars parked, and checked in, Corbett realized that he had left his shirt and tie back at home. This of course was because he didn't pack it, and we just happened to leave it behind.
So he tried to figure out what to do while I talked to the wedding coordinator about all the details, now 20 minutes before the ceremony. When I got back to the room to change, he wasn't there. I found out later that he had gone downstairs, the valet had driven him to the Galleria down the street where there were no longer any men's clothing store. So he ran back and Larry the Valet then gave him the shirt he was wearing, since it was white. Of course it was short sleeved, but still, it worked. I stole my dad's tie and wore that (which made him happy since he hates wearing ties), so we were ready.
During the ceremony (which of course wasn't rehearsed at all), Corbett asked when he got to say, "I do," and the officiant said, "If you would like, you can say that." So then she ad-libbed the part of "Do you...?" Additionally, the question of "Does anyone know of any reason they shouldn't get married?" came up, so we decided to glare at everyone to make sure they said nothing. Finally, of course Corbett's mom's phone had to ring during the middle of the ceremony, which was honestly as expected as everything else that was going on...
Then came time for the rings, and since Corbett had not yet been able to get mine on before the ceremony, when he pulled the ring out, he had secretly (during the ceremony, no less) loaded it up with lotion, so it was completely white. I burst out laughing, while everyone had no idea what was going on. Some people thought we faked it, where either I already had the ring on, or we just pretended and hid the ring for the rest of the ceremony. Whatever they thought, clearly what happened was not known. Either way, the ring went on with no problem (and hasn't been off my finger since!).
The dinner was awesome, and just a ton of fun. That combined with heading to the casino for a bit and then to TGIFridays (the only real place that was open near the hotel, and it was so dang cold we couldn't go far), we had tons of fun until like 1 or 2 in the morning. The following morning we spent at the falls before heading back to Rochester to pick up the dogs and go to dinner yet again. After dinner, the fam all decided to get to bed while our friends came back and we played a late-night game of Balderdash.
The final morning was breakfast with the fam (although Corbett's sister had already had to leave, sadly), before they all had to head out. The worst was that after all of this, everyone left including myself. So now the newlyweds have to continue living apart. Luckily, this is only temporary.
In the end though, it was a fantastic three-day wedding, and as exhausting as it was, I wouldn't have changed anything!
---
* We got some gluten-free cupcakes to go with the wedding cake since two people in the group were off gluten.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
The home stretch
The wedding is Friday! Just two days away. I'm very much looking forward to it, but I have to focus. I have work that I need to do before then. The problem with teaching is that since I have canceled class on Thursday, after class ended on Monday my first thought was, "I have nothing left to do this week." I also pushed their homework to be due next Monday, so they don't have to turn them in today. I could just do nothing, but no no no. I have to get stuff done.
My parents should be (at least close to) on the road by now, as they are driving up. Andre and Erin leave tonight, taking the red-eye and landing in Newark at 6:30 tomorrow morning (luckily it'll take them at least an hour and a half to get to the Bronx, so I don't have to get up that early). Maggie and them will be in the car with me and Dante as we drive up tomorrow to Rochester. Everything is in motion and now it is merely a matter of not forgetting anything. Passport. Ring. Suit. Dante's paperwork (for the kennel). Stack of business cards (who else would I give them to but family and friends?)
Check, check, check, check, and check.
My parents should be (at least close to) on the road by now, as they are driving up. Andre and Erin leave tonight, taking the red-eye and landing in Newark at 6:30 tomorrow morning (luckily it'll take them at least an hour and a half to get to the Bronx, so I don't have to get up that early). Maggie and them will be in the car with me and Dante as we drive up tomorrow to Rochester. Everything is in motion and now it is merely a matter of not forgetting anything. Passport. Ring. Suit. Dante's paperwork (for the kennel). Stack of business cards (who else would I give them to but family and friends?)
Check, check, check, check, and check.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Locked out
So I locked myself out of my apartment this morning. It happened when I was walking Dante right before heading off to work. So I called my super, who didn't answer. I buzzed the button outside to call him, and after a couple of minutes, one of the other building workers came to the door. (He's kind of like a maintenance man but not.)
I told him what happened, and he said in his practically non-existent English, "Follow me," and I did that. We went to the boiler room and he pointed to a big box of keys, saying, "Help look." We searched the entire box of keys to no avail. So apparently, they don't have a copy of my key! (Explains why the super always insists I be home when he needs to come by.)
Luckily just last week I put a spare set of keys in my office, so I called the secretary, who got my keys and met me at the entrance gate to campus (I did this just so that I could shave off ten minutes on this process, since I'd have to go to her office to let me into mine and so forth) with the spare set.
Of course, Dante loved the extra walk he got from this, but it definitely put a bit of a damper on my day. Alas, it all worked out just fine and I made sure to remember to put my spare back in my office desk.
Thankfully I live so close to work!
I told him what happened, and he said in his practically non-existent English, "Follow me," and I did that. We went to the boiler room and he pointed to a big box of keys, saying, "Help look." We searched the entire box of keys to no avail. So apparently, they don't have a copy of my key! (Explains why the super always insists I be home when he needs to come by.)
Luckily just last week I put a spare set of keys in my office, so I called the secretary, who got my keys and met me at the entrance gate to campus (I did this just so that I could shave off ten minutes on this process, since I'd have to go to her office to let me into mine and so forth) with the spare set.
Of course, Dante loved the extra walk he got from this, but it definitely put a bit of a damper on my day. Alas, it all worked out just fine and I made sure to remember to put my spare back in my office desk.
Thankfully I live so close to work!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Grades
So I graded (all but one of) the midterms last night. The grades ranged from abyssmal (35) to spectacular (94), although nothing was too unexpected. But, being the generous guy I am, I am offering them a chance to get back points, by doing the following two things. First, they can get back all of their lost points on the multiple choice problems if they explain in detail why the right answers were right and the wrong were wrong. Then, unless they made a stupid mistake that only cost them a point or two on a problem (like a minus sign or a factor of 2 somewhere), they can get back half of their missed points by redoing the wrong problems.
This means that the person who received a 94 can actually get a 99 thanks to only getting wrong answers on the multiple choice (and one stupid mistake that cost him a point on the rest), while the person with the 35 can go all the way up to a 75. I think that's more than fair.
Now this one student has exactly 24 minutes to come to make up the exam.
This means that the person who received a 94 can actually get a 99 thanks to only getting wrong answers on the multiple choice (and one stupid mistake that cost him a point on the rest), while the person with the 35 can go all the way up to a 75. I think that's more than fair.
Now this one student has exactly 24 minutes to come to make up the exam.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Thank god for the midterm
I'm really glad that I'm giving a midterm today. It means that I don't have to teach anything, and while they all take their test, I can do my own work and not have to be "on." I say this because for some reason I did not sleep well last night, and woke up this morning with a pounding headache. This headache is slowly going away (thanks to some prompt pounding of Excedrin), and hopefully is won't come back.
I had dreams about the wedding. I had dreams about the TiVo which I bought and which is arriving today.* I woke up several times because it was so damn hot in my apartment (some of that waking up came from the heat turning on, which is very very loud). It's not really that cold yet, and I may have to shut the valve on the radiator right now because it's the perfect temperature at night with my comforter.
I only had a couple of panicky emails from students this morning, so I'm hoping they are all ready for the exam. I know they are dreading it, so I feel a little bad. At the same time, once it is over, they'll feel better. Of course, when I said that to them yesterday, one responded, "Haven't you ever heard of PTSD?" That's right. Apparenly my exam is like war to them.
---
* This could be it, because of this arrival, it feels like Christmas. I cannot wait to get rid of the stupid Cablevision DVR because it is a piece of crap.
I had dreams about the wedding. I had dreams about the TiVo which I bought and which is arriving today.* I woke up several times because it was so damn hot in my apartment (some of that waking up came from the heat turning on, which is very very loud). It's not really that cold yet, and I may have to shut the valve on the radiator right now because it's the perfect temperature at night with my comforter.
I only had a couple of panicky emails from students this morning, so I'm hoping they are all ready for the exam. I know they are dreading it, so I feel a little bad. At the same time, once it is over, they'll feel better. Of course, when I said that to them yesterday, one responded, "Haven't you ever heard of PTSD?" That's right. Apparenly my exam is like war to them.
---
* This could be it, because of this arrival, it feels like Christmas. I cannot wait to get rid of the stupid Cablevision DVR because it is a piece of crap.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Sushi
You know, I was worried moving to Little Italy, where all the restaurants are Italian, and a large percentage of the population is hispanic (mostly Puerto Rican). Not because of a dislike of either of these things, in fact, I relish the fact that the neighborhood is so diverse. I was worried about my sushi options.
There is a sushi restaurant in the neighborhood, but I was skeptical. Monday night though, C and I toughed it out and tried it. And let me tell you, I was really happy. I realized that living in small-town Virginia, where the good sushi options were very limited, I came to love one place that I really do miss, but a large part of why I miss it is the people. They knew us there, and knew what we ordered, and it was always a great experience. And I even got to the point where I loved the sushi.
But now I remember what really good sushi can be. Now, I don't swear that this place in my 'hood is the best ever, but there is a marked difference (largely I think because the fish seemed a lot more fresh) than in VA. And, it's cheap!
So it's all good, I can live happily knowing that a five-minute walk from my place is a great sushi place.
There is a sushi restaurant in the neighborhood, but I was skeptical. Monday night though, C and I toughed it out and tried it. And let me tell you, I was really happy. I realized that living in small-town Virginia, where the good sushi options were very limited, I came to love one place that I really do miss, but a large part of why I miss it is the people. They knew us there, and knew what we ordered, and it was always a great experience. And I even got to the point where I loved the sushi.
But now I remember what really good sushi can be. Now, I don't swear that this place in my 'hood is the best ever, but there is a marked difference (largely I think because the fish seemed a lot more fresh) than in VA. And, it's cheap!
So it's all good, I can live happily knowing that a five-minute walk from my place is a great sushi place.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving!
Well, here we call it Columbus Day but this past weekend was Canadian Thanksgiving. I know this because our wedding venue had 10 weddings this weekend for the holiday. Crazy.
C was down for the weekend, and we got myself a suit for the upcoming occassion, which was good. I like the suit and it was on sale, always a plus.
Really though, the highlight was seeing Kristin Chenoweth in Promises, Promises on Saturday. The musical itself was just okay, although Sean Hayes did an amazing job, and of course Kristin can do no wrong. This was the first time I really cared about waiting by the backstage door for an actor, and it was pretty awesome. She's first of all even more adorable in real life (if that's possible), and also just super nice. I got a hug from her and told her that I had lived in her home state for a while (well, just a summer, but still). She was so great because she basically didn't rush through anyone, and would talk to anyone. She was impressed I think with C, because he said she does the best performance of "Glitter and be Gay" ever. I imagine most people hadn't heard her do that, so in case you haven't:
C was down for the weekend, and we got myself a suit for the upcoming occassion, which was good. I like the suit and it was on sale, always a plus.
Really though, the highlight was seeing Kristin Chenoweth in Promises, Promises on Saturday. The musical itself was just okay, although Sean Hayes did an amazing job, and of course Kristin can do no wrong. This was the first time I really cared about waiting by the backstage door for an actor, and it was pretty awesome. She's first of all even more adorable in real life (if that's possible), and also just super nice. I got a hug from her and told her that I had lived in her home state for a while (well, just a summer, but still). She was so great because she basically didn't rush through anyone, and would talk to anyone. She was impressed I think with C, because he said she does the best performance of "Glitter and be Gay" ever. I imagine most people hadn't heard her do that, so in case you haven't:
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Departmental politics
No department is without internal stress. I would venture to guess that no one's job is really without some office issues, whether or not it's some people who don't get along, major differences of opinion about how things should be run, or whatever. I learned last week that this department is no exception, and in fact found myself in a very odd situation.
There are two non-tenure-track members of the department here, and clearly there are some people who would like to promote them to "tt" positions. Of course, this is generally not allowed without a full (inter)national search, and then the internal people could interview and thus get hired. When I interviewed I assumed one of them would be also on the short list, which made my getting the offer that much more surprising.
During the departmental meeting, their names were brought up as we are doing another search this coming year. What was interesting about this, was that I was later told that during the search that ultimately got them to hire me, they couldn't decide on which of the two locals to invite for an interview, so instead chose neither of them, and invited me. Why they didn't invite both (it wouldn't cost anything since they are as local as you can get), I do not know. In the end, there is no animosity towards me as far as I can tell, but at the same time there were moments during the meeting where I really was feeling a tad awkward.
Finally, the big problem now is that the search essentially excludes either of these two being hired (long story), and this is what caused a big ruckus at our meeting. Again...awkward.
There are two non-tenure-track members of the department here, and clearly there are some people who would like to promote them to "tt" positions. Of course, this is generally not allowed without a full (inter)national search, and then the internal people could interview and thus get hired. When I interviewed I assumed one of them would be also on the short list, which made my getting the offer that much more surprising.
During the departmental meeting, their names were brought up as we are doing another search this coming year. What was interesting about this, was that I was later told that during the search that ultimately got them to hire me, they couldn't decide on which of the two locals to invite for an interview, so instead chose neither of them, and invited me. Why they didn't invite both (it wouldn't cost anything since they are as local as you can get), I do not know. In the end, there is no animosity towards me as far as I can tell, but at the same time there were moments during the meeting where I really was feeling a tad awkward.
Finally, the big problem now is that the search essentially excludes either of these two being hired (long story), and this is what caused a big ruckus at our meeting. Again...awkward.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Who needs a social security card?
I think this dream came from the fact that a couple of friends of mine who just had a baby posted a picture of their new son's mail from the social security administration, indicating that he's received his social security number. Last night I had a dream where I decided I didn't need my SS card anymore so I just tossed it away. I mean, really, how important is it, anyway?
In other news, C has his ring again, and it's the right size this time. I'm feeling better because it was a little nerve wracking waiting (again) for it to be delivered. On the phone last night whenever it was mentioned we had to put them on, because, well, I don't want to wait another three-and-a-half weeks to wear it!
He's coming to the city this weekend, which will be nice. We're going to see Promises, Promises on Broadway, with Kristin Chenoweth (oh yeah, and Sean Hayes, although I'm more interested in KC), which I'm psyched about. This will be the first time where I will really want to go wait after to the show at the stage door and meet an actor. Maybe she'll realize immediately how awesome I am and become my new best friend. I mean, who doesn't need a gay physicist for a best friend?
One can always dream.
In other news, C has his ring again, and it's the right size this time. I'm feeling better because it was a little nerve wracking waiting (again) for it to be delivered. On the phone last night whenever it was mentioned we had to put them on, because, well, I don't want to wait another three-and-a-half weeks to wear it!
He's coming to the city this weekend, which will be nice. We're going to see Promises, Promises on Broadway, with Kristin Chenoweth (oh yeah, and Sean Hayes, although I'm more interested in KC), which I'm psyched about. This will be the first time where I will really want to go wait after to the show at the stage door and meet an actor. Maybe she'll realize immediately how awesome I am and become my new best friend. I mean, who doesn't need a gay physicist for a best friend?
One can always dream.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Not too soon
The wedding can't come soon enough. Nightly I have had dreams about it, and while none of them have any anxiety in them, I wake up sad that the day is still so far from today. Okay, three weeks from Friday, but still.
But let's not fret about that (although I do really want to just wear my ring at this point every day, but noooooo). This weekend was fun. I had a vegan brunch on Saturday with Maggie and Kelly (which was actually really good even though brunch is generally difficult to do with only vegan cuisine), and did more shopping. Other than that the weekend was filled with not much excitement, which is really how I like it.
Now I have to finish with the solutions for my homework assignment that I gave the students.
But let's not fret about that (although I do really want to just wear my ring at this point every day, but noooooo). This weekend was fun. I had a vegan brunch on Saturday with Maggie and Kelly (which was actually really good even though brunch is generally difficult to do with only vegan cuisine), and did more shopping. Other than that the weekend was filled with not much excitement, which is really how I like it.
Now I have to finish with the solutions for my homework assignment that I gave the students.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Random thoughts
I've been quite productive today. I decided that I need to go ahead and write this conference proceedings that is due on the first of October. I didn't really want to bother, but I figured it would be a good thing to do, given my low rate of getting anything else done. This is something that is no fun but well, at least I can say I did it.
Tomorrow I'm going to visit Columbia to meet with Norman. The plan is to just kind of get caught up on what they've been doing as well as what I have been doing. He offered to let me go to the group meeting, and I am wondering. On one had I have no desire to do that, but at the same time it might be good to meet all of the students in the group now, since they've basically all changed. I do know this will not be a regular thing.
I was lucky today that I decided to get a soda at precisely the time a sales rep for a book publisher came by my office and left her card. One less thing to deal with.
It's rainy and dreary outside and I want to go get coffee but I don't want to walk in the rain. I have an umbrella, but this is a "stay inside" kind of day. Dante agrees with me. (Although he has no choice in the matter, no matter what kind of fight he puts up to not go outside.)
Tomorrow I'm going to visit Columbia to meet with Norman. The plan is to just kind of get caught up on what they've been doing as well as what I have been doing. He offered to let me go to the group meeting, and I am wondering. On one had I have no desire to do that, but at the same time it might be good to meet all of the students in the group now, since they've basically all changed. I do know this will not be a regular thing.
I was lucky today that I decided to get a soda at precisely the time a sales rep for a book publisher came by my office and left her card. One less thing to deal with.
It's rainy and dreary outside and I want to go get coffee but I don't want to walk in the rain. I have an umbrella, but this is a "stay inside" kind of day. Dante agrees with me. (Although he has no choice in the matter, no matter what kind of fight he puts up to not go outside.)
Friday, September 24, 2010
What I should do and what I want to do...
I got my new laptop yesterday, and it's all I can do to force myself to do real work instead of playing with it. It's not a huge upgrade, quite honestly, and most everything is working quite well immediately. (My last upgrade was noticeably different and many things just would not work right away.) I've installed all the new things I wanted to install and there are just a couple more things I need, but that will have to wait (for one I need to wait for IT to bring my Mathematica, assuming the campus has finally paid the bill for the site license.)
So I'm avoiding real things that I should do like work on the solutions for next week's homework or do some data bookkeeping (I really don't want to deal with that, as the jobs I have running are starting to fail more often, which means I really should deal with them but at the same time it means that I have a lot to deal with when I do...sounds like a good Saturday game.).
Let's hear it for avoidance!
So I'm avoiding real things that I should do like work on the solutions for next week's homework or do some data bookkeeping (I really don't want to deal with that, as the jobs I have running are starting to fail more often, which means I really should deal with them but at the same time it means that I have a lot to deal with when I do...sounds like a good Saturday game.).
Let's hear it for avoidance!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
"Welcome back"
I spend the day at the lab yesterday, which meant renting a car to drive out there. Definitely not a bad day except for the two-and-a-half hours to get home (took an hour there). Luckily I made it home just before the thunderstorms, so Dante could appropriately freak out with me.
What was good about the day was that I again got to feel the "Welcome back" vibe, and in some cases from people I didn't know before. This has been a running theme when I see people again here, there's sort of a sigh of relief that I made it back to the city, after having been exiled for three years in the wilderness. (Of course, the 'burg was nothing like that, but you tell that to New Yorkers.)
Either way, as much as I complain about the lab, it's a good place to go to once in a while. They have a lot of seminars, which we don't have (although there are plenty of universities in the city that do as well), and people in my field to talk to, so I can stay abreast of everything.
Of course, my laptop arrived in the office yesterday, so I didn't get it since I got home so late, so you know what this means: Not getting any work done today (except for that class I have to teach!)!
What was good about the day was that I again got to feel the "Welcome back" vibe, and in some cases from people I didn't know before. This has been a running theme when I see people again here, there's sort of a sigh of relief that I made it back to the city, after having been exiled for three years in the wilderness. (Of course, the 'burg was nothing like that, but you tell that to New Yorkers.)
Either way, as much as I complain about the lab, it's a good place to go to once in a while. They have a lot of seminars, which we don't have (although there are plenty of universities in the city that do as well), and people in my field to talk to, so I can stay abreast of everything.
Of course, my laptop arrived in the office yesterday, so I didn't get it since I got home so late, so you know what this means: Not getting any work done today (except for that class I have to teach!)!
Monday, September 20, 2010
DMV woes
We all have our DMV stories, because generally it is a ridiculously irritating experience to go there, for whatever reason. Even the positive experiences are often tainted by the fact that you might have to wait 2-3 hours for whatever you are there for. But NY state DMV's are their own special circle of hell.
First of all, they are exceedingly picky with paperwork. For one, I had to have a certified copy of my car's title from the bank (as it's still being paid for), which is fine, but what they don't say on the website (or, I might add, on the phone if you call them) is that FAXes do not count, they must have original signatures. Fine, so I wasted a trip last week for that.
Then, today I go, original signatures and all, but the problem today was that my insurance card did not have my middle initial, so I had to get that changed. Luckily, a number was pulled for me so I'd not lose my place in line, but I had to call the insurance company to have them change it and fax it in. Would take 2-3 minutes, they said, and in fact it did.
But the card is of the form Last name, first name, and they didn't put the initial after my first name but before my last name, and this was unacceptable to NY. So I had to call back. This time I was informed that the page they enter info at the insurance company has a text box for Last name and another box for "First name + middle initial/name," and that my first name fills up the box and they can't add any additional letters, which is why the first lady did what she did. In order to do what I needed they had to put a special request for a special card, and it could take 2-3 HOURS. He puts in the request, and I tell the lady.
She talks to her supervisor and the supervisor said she would accept it if it was in the right order, but with just first and middle INITIALS, so I wouldn't have to wait two hours. I call back, get it faxed in, and all this took almost an hour. As irritating as it was, the positive side is that the number that was pulled for me was next, so I would have had to wait that long anyway.
Annoyances are as follows (though I needn't repeat them): First, why are you so picky NY, when I could easily just tell them to put whatever on my card? Second, what is wrong insurance company, when you know how picky NYS is, with your software when you are clearly discriminating against those of us with long names?! This should be something that is given automatically, considering how NYS can be.
Finally, thank you mom and dad, for my very long name ;)
First of all, they are exceedingly picky with paperwork. For one, I had to have a certified copy of my car's title from the bank (as it's still being paid for), which is fine, but what they don't say on the website (or, I might add, on the phone if you call them) is that FAXes do not count, they must have original signatures. Fine, so I wasted a trip last week for that.
Then, today I go, original signatures and all, but the problem today was that my insurance card did not have my middle initial, so I had to get that changed. Luckily, a number was pulled for me so I'd not lose my place in line, but I had to call the insurance company to have them change it and fax it in. Would take 2-3 minutes, they said, and in fact it did.
But the card is of the form Last name, first name, and they didn't put the initial after my first name but before my last name, and this was unacceptable to NY. So I had to call back. This time I was informed that the page they enter info at the insurance company has a text box for Last name and another box for "First name + middle initial/name," and that my first name fills up the box and they can't add any additional letters, which is why the first lady did what she did. In order to do what I needed they had to put a special request for a special card, and it could take 2-3 HOURS. He puts in the request, and I tell the lady.
She talks to her supervisor and the supervisor said she would accept it if it was in the right order, but with just first and middle INITIALS, so I wouldn't have to wait two hours. I call back, get it faxed in, and all this took almost an hour. As irritating as it was, the positive side is that the number that was pulled for me was next, so I would have had to wait that long anyway.
Annoyances are as follows (though I needn't repeat them): First, why are you so picky NY, when I could easily just tell them to put whatever on my card? Second, what is wrong insurance company, when you know how picky NYS is, with your software when you are clearly discriminating against those of us with long names?! This should be something that is given automatically, considering how NYS can be.
Finally, thank you mom and dad, for my very long name ;)
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Welcome to the neighborhood
I have to say, I'm very happy with the neighborhood I've moved to. Sure, it takes an hour or more to get downtown. Sure it's not always the cleanest (and many dog owners don't feel the need to clean up after their dogs). But there are several really cool aspects. They aren't unique to this neighborhood, necessarily, but still they are things that didn't exist in the 'burg nor in my other neighborhood in Manhattan.
For one, many people here are super nice. In fact, I've had more nice conversations with strangers here than in the 'burg, and they are the kind that are just friendly conversations (usually about Dante). Of course, everyone has been fawning over Dante. I've heard the usual "He's so beautiful," or "such a sweet dog," as well as the more cynical "that ain't no pit bull so that's a good dog." Either way at least once a day I'm stopped because everyone loves him (and who couldn't?).
Also, the kids in this neighborhood are well behaved! They say "please" and "thank you." When they hold a door open for me (!) and I say "thank you," they say "you're welcome." They come to pet Dante and ask if they can before doing so, and they do it gently and politely. They are actually good kids here. Not like my old neighborhood in Manhattan, where the kids were assinine brats!
And honestly, I'm a minority of sorts in this neighborhood, and I've never felt so much a part of it (while still being new here). It's kind of interesting, and yes, it's yet another thing about this city that makes it so great.
For one, many people here are super nice. In fact, I've had more nice conversations with strangers here than in the 'burg, and they are the kind that are just friendly conversations (usually about Dante). Of course, everyone has been fawning over Dante. I've heard the usual "He's so beautiful," or "such a sweet dog," as well as the more cynical "that ain't no pit bull so that's a good dog." Either way at least once a day I'm stopped because everyone loves him (and who couldn't?).
Also, the kids in this neighborhood are well behaved! They say "please" and "thank you." When they hold a door open for me (!) and I say "thank you," they say "you're welcome." They come to pet Dante and ask if they can before doing so, and they do it gently and politely. They are actually good kids here. Not like my old neighborhood in Manhattan, where the kids were assinine brats!
And honestly, I'm a minority of sorts in this neighborhood, and I've never felt so much a part of it (while still being new here). It's kind of interesting, and yes, it's yet another thing about this city that makes it so great.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Wedding
This is not an entirely secret thing, although I've not yet really talked about it to everyone, but the C-man and I have finally decided to stop living in sin. Okay, so right now we're living in different cities, but that's beside the point. Since we now live in a state where "non-opposite marriage" is recognized (though not performed, god forbid), we decided that we would like to get married. This has really been a long time coming, but just a couple of weeks ago we decided to make it happen. Soon. Like, end of October soon.
The main reason is we wanted to do it on our anniversary (six years this year!), just because that was already a special day and honestly, we didn't want to deal with two anniversaries. Being impatient, we wanted to do it this year, hence the rush. It means that we aren't doing a big celebration, also. Just a small group of our family and just a minute group of friends. I imagine this will piss off anyone who didn't "make the cut," but really we wanted people there that meant something to both of us.*
But anyway, yesterday we went to Niagara Falls (on the Canadian side, where this is all legal), to get the marriage license (or as they put it, "licence"), and check out the hotel where this will all take place. Let me just say, it will be a gorgeous view of the falls for us and our guests, and just a wonderful day.
Now we just want it to be over with, so I can have a "husband."
----
*Sadly, some of my best friends didn't make the cut, and I imagine there will be some resentment, but at the same time, sometimes life just sucks, so...
The main reason is we wanted to do it on our anniversary (six years this year!), just because that was already a special day and honestly, we didn't want to deal with two anniversaries. Being impatient, we wanted to do it this year, hence the rush. It means that we aren't doing a big celebration, also. Just a small group of our family and just a minute group of friends. I imagine this will piss off anyone who didn't "make the cut," but really we wanted people there that meant something to both of us.*
But anyway, yesterday we went to Niagara Falls (on the Canadian side, where this is all legal), to get the marriage license (or as they put it, "licence"), and check out the hotel where this will all take place. Let me just say, it will be a gorgeous view of the falls for us and our guests, and just a wonderful day.
Now we just want it to be over with, so I can have a "husband."
----
*Sadly, some of my best friends didn't make the cut, and I imagine there will be some resentment, but at the same time, sometimes life just sucks, so...
Friday, September 10, 2010
I know better, but...
I know students don't pay attention to the syllabus. Marking the date of a quiz doesn't mean they'll realize it is there. Of course, they really don't listen either, so reminding them the day before doesn't quite help. (It also doesn't help if they leave class early, or if they missed class when the reminder was mentioned.)
That said, I'm a nice guy. I received this student's homework in my mailbox (which I could count as being late if I wanted to, but again, I'm nice), which made me realize that this student was not in class during the quiz. (This is why it wasn't in my pile of quizzes that I graded.) Being nice, even though this student should have realized there was a quiz and thus should not have missed class, I sent an email saying that s/he could come by my office today to take the quiz. No response yet, and I even mentioned I had to leave early today, so we'll see. If not taking today, then there is a big ol' zero!
That said, I'm a nice guy. I received this student's homework in my mailbox (which I could count as being late if I wanted to, but again, I'm nice), which made me realize that this student was not in class during the quiz. (This is why it wasn't in my pile of quizzes that I graded.) Being nice, even though this student should have realized there was a quiz and thus should not have missed class, I sent an email saying that s/he could come by my office today to take the quiz. No response yet, and I even mentioned I had to leave early today, so we'll see. If not taking today, then there is a big ol' zero!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Sigh
So the weather's cooled off a bit, making for a nicer day (especially in my office). However, this is overshadowed by the fact that IT here is terrible.
First, the computer software that is supposed to be on all public computers for students is not usable because the university has not yet paid to renew its license. Of course, the students said to me that it was available, but none of them checked until the day before the homework (which uses it) was due. Granted, I should have gone over there myself, but I was assured that it would be there.
Then, I cannot login to the right place to set up my webpage. Another annoyance that isn't urgent, but still, this is something that should be available as soon as I arrive, and well, they are not the most adept.
And finally, today my ethernet connection is not working, so I'm using the (extremely slow today) wireless connection. There may be an outage, and I'm about to call about this, but I wanted to complain before it got fixed. Also it is rather irritating because if you are only connected with the wireless, you are treated as being off campus, meaning anything I want to do that would require being on-site (because apparently they do not understand how to successfully implement cyber-security here), I cannot.
Plus I forgot to print out my notes for class which means going upstairs to do so. I know, that sounds like a stupid complaint but for some reason we cannot print to the office printer remotely, only the departmental secretary can, so I have to send her a file to print out and blah blah blah. I'm sure in the next three years I'll get my own printer, but still...
First, the computer software that is supposed to be on all public computers for students is not usable because the university has not yet paid to renew its license. Of course, the students said to me that it was available, but none of them checked until the day before the homework (which uses it) was due. Granted, I should have gone over there myself, but I was assured that it would be there.
Then, I cannot login to the right place to set up my webpage. Another annoyance that isn't urgent, but still, this is something that should be available as soon as I arrive, and well, they are not the most adept.
And finally, today my ethernet connection is not working, so I'm using the (extremely slow today) wireless connection. There may be an outage, and I'm about to call about this, but I wanted to complain before it got fixed. Also it is rather irritating because if you are only connected with the wireless, you are treated as being off campus, meaning anything I want to do that would require being on-site (because apparently they do not understand how to successfully implement cyber-security here), I cannot.
Plus I forgot to print out my notes for class which means going upstairs to do so. I know, that sounds like a stupid complaint but for some reason we cannot print to the office printer remotely, only the departmental secretary can, so I have to send her a file to print out and blah blah blah. I'm sure in the next three years I'll get my own printer, but still...
Monday, September 6, 2010
Labor Day
Even though I'm planning on working much of the day, I always enjoy holidays where campus is closed. Not that I'm far from my office, so it's not like I have a big time saver with not commuting. Also, it's not like I'm more or less productive at home than in my office. But it is always nice to not really have to be in.
So today I've been getting some research done as well as preparing materials for class. The first homework I assigned involves using a computer program that I was under the impression that everyone had used before, so everyone is of course panicking and so I will spend a lot of tomorrow working on teaching the students how to use it.
In addition to that I am watching Dante go insane. He's had a couple of difficult weeks, given the packing and moving both C and myself to new apartments. Having C leave was difficult for him, and being in a new place is tough. C had suggested giving him a bath to freshen him up (it is time for his fall bath), but I decided to wait just because I didn't want to give him a lot more to worry about. I mean, let's just pile on the stress: Packing, moving, driving to upstate New York, unpacking, driving down to the city, unpacking, a lot of vacuuming, and dealing with living on the fifth floor of a walk-up building. Yeah, that's what I want to do, throw in a bath to just top it all off.
But back to the point, he's going crazy because of the fly in the apartment. The windows are open and a fly has come in, and Dante is just running around like crazy trying to catch it. I decided not to get rid of it because it's giving him something to do. The view in the apartment, while awesome for me, is not great for him because he can't see anyone or any animals. Now though, he just gave up on the fly. Poor guy.
So today I've been getting some research done as well as preparing materials for class. The first homework I assigned involves using a computer program that I was under the impression that everyone had used before, so everyone is of course panicking and so I will spend a lot of tomorrow working on teaching the students how to use it.
In addition to that I am watching Dante go insane. He's had a couple of difficult weeks, given the packing and moving both C and myself to new apartments. Having C leave was difficult for him, and being in a new place is tough. C had suggested giving him a bath to freshen him up (it is time for his fall bath), but I decided to wait just because I didn't want to give him a lot more to worry about. I mean, let's just pile on the stress: Packing, moving, driving to upstate New York, unpacking, driving down to the city, unpacking, a lot of vacuuming, and dealing with living on the fifth floor of a walk-up building. Yeah, that's what I want to do, throw in a bath to just top it all off.
But back to the point, he's going crazy because of the fly in the apartment. The windows are open and a fly has come in, and Dante is just running around like crazy trying to catch it. I decided not to get rid of it because it's giving him something to do. The view in the apartment, while awesome for me, is not great for him because he can't see anyone or any animals. Now though, he just gave up on the fly. Poor guy.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Week one is (almost) over
I had my first lecture yesterday. It went pretty well. There are sixteen students, all majors (thus for the most part interested). The main issue was the temperature, as there is no air conditioner in the room and the temps reached 95 yesterday. I found out earlier than in fact window units are "not allowed" on that side of the building because it would detract from the beautiful front of the building. Sigh.
But besides that, the class went well. There was a moment of embarrassment, though. One of the girls in the class was constantly fanning herself, and talking about how hot it was. At one point, I referred to her as "the hot girl." After saying it I realized what I just said and then said, "and by that I mean temperature." I'm not sure if they had a delayed reaction to "the hot girl" or were laughing at my correction, but that definitely got the class laughing.
Now I'm doing some work at home today. It's cooler today, so my office would probably be fine, but I'm not taking the risk. Plus, the desk I ordered on Overstock.com is arriving today, so I might as well be home to get it. I could have had it delivered to my office (which I will do for a lot of packages in the future), but the thing comes in two packages, one is 55 pounds and the other is 47. Hopefully UPS will walk up to the fifth floor with that without revolting.
But besides that, the class went well. There was a moment of embarrassment, though. One of the girls in the class was constantly fanning herself, and talking about how hot it was. At one point, I referred to her as "the hot girl." After saying it I realized what I just said and then said, "and by that I mean temperature." I'm not sure if they had a delayed reaction to "the hot girl" or were laughing at my correction, but that definitely got the class laughing.
Now I'm doing some work at home today. It's cooler today, so my office would probably be fine, but I'm not taking the risk. Plus, the desk I ordered on Overstock.com is arriving today, so I might as well be home to get it. I could have had it delivered to my office (which I will do for a lot of packages in the future), but the thing comes in two packages, one is 55 pounds and the other is 47. Hopefully UPS will walk up to the fifth floor with that without revolting.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Heat
It's hot in my office. For some reason they haven't installed my A/C or blinds. They've had two months to do it, but God forbid. (And in fact, three adjuncts were sharing this office before, and apparently they were fine without A/C. I guess that's because it's only necessary in the summer, but ya know, it's still summer.)
A student in my lab, very predictably, came into my office today to ask what she needed for lab. Primarily she was wondering about any books required. Of course, all over the building are signs saying "Lab manuals are five dollars and available from the departmental office." But no one reads those. (And really, this is not a student thing, we like to say that students are all like this but really it's a people thing.)
On the lighter side, I worked at home in the morning to wait for a delivery and lucky for me, FedEx came at 10:30! I purchased an inexpensive sound system, something to be better than just TV speakers, but not really top notch. But it arrived nice and early so I could come into the office. And sweat.
A student in my lab, very predictably, came into my office today to ask what she needed for lab. Primarily she was wondering about any books required. Of course, all over the building are signs saying "Lab manuals are five dollars and available from the departmental office." But no one reads those. (And really, this is not a student thing, we like to say that students are all like this but really it's a people thing.)
On the lighter side, I worked at home in the morning to wait for a delivery and lucky for me, FedEx came at 10:30! I purchased an inexpensive sound system, something to be better than just TV speakers, but not really top notch. But it arrived nice and early so I could come into the office. And sweat.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Day one
So I've made it to my office and have unpacked my boxes. I have one more box of books at home that I'll have to bring in, and I will do that a bit at a time. Today I brought two tote bags worth of things (some office supplies as well as a lot of papers), and I'll fill them the next couple of days with books. I have stacks of papers that I will plan on organizing, but that's something for later.
Right now I am thinking I will head out shortly from this ridiculously short day in the office, because there's no A/C in my office and it's going to 95 today. (Talk about expediency with work orders, egh?) I did much of what I wanted to do anyway, so I figure I could go home, get some lunch, and work on my class while in my air conditioned apartment.
Pause for sec: A student just came in who is going to be in my class. It's very weird to hear "Professor" in front of my name. I think I could get used to that.
The question is, do I pick up lunch on the way home or just make something at home? There is that wings place right nearby...
Right now I am thinking I will head out shortly from this ridiculously short day in the office, because there's no A/C in my office and it's going to 95 today. (Talk about expediency with work orders, egh?) I did much of what I wanted to do anyway, so I figure I could go home, get some lunch, and work on my class while in my air conditioned apartment.
Pause for sec: A student just came in who is going to be in my class. It's very weird to hear "Professor" in front of my name. I think I could get used to that.
The question is, do I pick up lunch on the way home or just make something at home? There is that wings place right nearby...
Friday, August 27, 2010
Settling
So C left on Wednesday, making for a very quiet house. I was too tired to really do much that evening, after I put together all sorts of new furniture that I had gotten at IKEA. Resting was useful since I had to get up early to head to campus for a new faculty orientation.
The orientation was probably about 60% useful, and by that I mean the scheduled talks and what-not. Much of the stuff they discussed I've forgotten, and really the usefulness came from meeting people and sort of knowing who to go to for what. One thing I'll have to get used to, being at a Catholic school is the return of the "opening prayer" in my life. I imagine most events will probably start with one, so we'll see.
Probably the best part about it and what made it worth my time was meeting people, both administrative people as well as other new faculty. Some of these people I'll probably rarely see or in fact never seen again, but it was good to get to know them. Plus I met another gay professor, who also happens to be from Palestine. She was pretty cool, and really sort of epitomizes what I love about New York. This is the kind of place where everyone is welcome, everyone is home, and no one is turned away (no matter what psycho conservative bigots say who don't even live in this city).
The orientation was probably about 60% useful, and by that I mean the scheduled talks and what-not. Much of the stuff they discussed I've forgotten, and really the usefulness came from meeting people and sort of knowing who to go to for what. One thing I'll have to get used to, being at a Catholic school is the return of the "opening prayer" in my life. I imagine most events will probably start with one, so we'll see.
Probably the best part about it and what made it worth my time was meeting people, both administrative people as well as other new faculty. Some of these people I'll probably rarely see or in fact never seen again, but it was good to get to know them. Plus I met another gay professor, who also happens to be from Palestine. She was pretty cool, and really sort of epitomizes what I love about New York. This is the kind of place where everyone is welcome, everyone is home, and no one is turned away (no matter what psycho conservative bigots say who don't even live in this city).
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
A Little Night Music
So the move went spectacularly. Traffic coming to the Bronx was miserable (seriously the worst I've seen in a while). And it wasn't a problem in the city, is was all well before even approaching the Tappan Zee Bridge. But exhausted we made it to the new place.
The next day (Monday) was stressful but everything worked out great. The ABF people arrived with my crates at 9:45 am, and within five minutes the movers were there. The worry was that the crates wouldn't arrive until noon and the movers would be waiting around forever, making me pay overtime charges. But that didn't happen and right when they finished (half an hour early, and sweatier than I'd seen anyone in a while--thank God we didn't do it, given the fifth floor walk-up issue).
Now I'm largely unpacked, and there's a few things I really still need to get, but it's all good. Tonight we took a break from the week of unpacking (after dealing with this in Rochester) and went to see A Little Night Music on Broadway. This revival used to have Angela Lansbury and Catherine Zeta-Jones but now it has Elaine Stritch and Bernadette Peters. It was pretty awesome (as is most of Sondheim's stuff), and a great deal because we got student tickets (thankfully C's ID has an ID that expires in 2013) for $27 a piece.
One thing to get used to is living so far from the theater district. Via subway (and bus) it's about an hour, and would probably be longer during late nights. Once I get settled on campus I'll probably start taking their van that goes between the Bronx campus and Lincoln center, as it's only 30 minutes, and generally runs fairly frequently.
Alrighty, perhaps a little more unpacking before bed.
The next day (Monday) was stressful but everything worked out great. The ABF people arrived with my crates at 9:45 am, and within five minutes the movers were there. The worry was that the crates wouldn't arrive until noon and the movers would be waiting around forever, making me pay overtime charges. But that didn't happen and right when they finished (half an hour early, and sweatier than I'd seen anyone in a while--thank God we didn't do it, given the fifth floor walk-up issue).
Now I'm largely unpacked, and there's a few things I really still need to get, but it's all good. Tonight we took a break from the week of unpacking (after dealing with this in Rochester) and went to see A Little Night Music on Broadway. This revival used to have Angela Lansbury and Catherine Zeta-Jones but now it has Elaine Stritch and Bernadette Peters. It was pretty awesome (as is most of Sondheim's stuff), and a great deal because we got student tickets (thankfully C's ID has an ID that expires in 2013) for $27 a piece.
One thing to get used to is living so far from the theater district. Via subway (and bus) it's about an hour, and would probably be longer during late nights. Once I get settled on campus I'll probably start taking their van that goes between the Bronx campus and Lincoln center, as it's only 30 minutes, and generally runs fairly frequently.
Alrighty, perhaps a little more unpacking before bed.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Beginnings
I'm not going to be in the Bronx until tomorrow, but I'm definitely in the mood to finish the move. While I was sad to leave, moving out of Virginia was a little liberating. I have some great friends there, and I'll keep in touch with them for the rest of my life (unless they die first), but there's a lot to be said about being in the north again.
Right now I'm still in western NY. I'm set for the move though, and hopefully things will go relatively smoothly when the movers come on Monday. I'm not hopeful, but alas. This coming week will have the move, plus multiple orientations, and perhaps I'll even keep this blog going more than my last one. Here's hopin'!
Right now I'm still in western NY. I'm set for the move though, and hopefully things will go relatively smoothly when the movers come on Monday. I'm not hopeful, but alas. This coming week will have the move, plus multiple orientations, and perhaps I'll even keep this blog going more than my last one. Here's hopin'!
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