Sunday, September 18, 2005

Late night movies

Ah, it is so much fun to decide to do something at the spur of the moment. Jonathan came by the store again. Tony needs to hire him so he'll get paid for his time at the store. lol At one point he got a craving for a giant cookie. I was helping someone when he disappeared but I figured that was where he went. He came back with a big box for us all. How sweet. And they were yummy. I don't usually like white chocolate but it's fine in The Cookie Company's white chocolate chunk and macadamia nut cookies. Yum. . .I love cookies with nuts in them.

Since Jonathan didn't have anything to do, I suggested that we go see The Skeleton Key. Figured we'd drag Marci along too but she didn't want to see a scary film. So, we settled on The Wedding Crashers and the plan to meet with Jonathan as soon as we finished closing the store. This would have been no problem normally but our calendar kiosk is open (don't ask me why when it's only September) and there was some confusion with its closing. So, we didn't get out until 10p. Movie started at 9:40. Still, not too bad but Marci thought it was at the one theatre when it was actually at the other. . .so, we got there way too late to go in. Not many choices. I pushed Four Brothers but Marci couldn't decide until she ran into a former co-worker (she used to work at the theatre) and he said it was good. So that is what we ended up seeing.

And it was good. The dialogue was snappy and there were some new things in the action/fight sequences. So, it was a pretty good choice.

Oh, and I don't want to forget to mention that Jonathan now has a new car. I forget what kind it is but you can see it on his blog. It's very cute and a very nice little ride. It actually didn't feel too small to me (though it is smaller than something I would by) and was very comfy. It's silver so I've dubbed it The Silver Bullet (and yes, I am very well aware of the connotations). Jonathan has a right to be proud of his acquisition.

Before I forget, I should mention that on Thursday I had the students analyze "The Music of the Night" from The Phantom of the Opera. That section liked Butler's performance better than Crawford's. But one student decided to be a wit and claimed that it was all about a man on a toilet ("to sweet music's throne"). *snort* Too damn funny. And he made his argument well. Such an interesting semester thus far.

Monday, September 12, 2005

Palmetto Bugs and Jail Breaks

I have to say that there are days when my life is very interesting in class. Take tonight for example. . .my current FJ group can get pretty darn snarky. Now, not all of the speeches tonight lent themselves to funny questions but there were enough.

The first was a speech on organ donation. Now, you would think that with such a serious topic no one would come up with any wit beyond the standard urban legend scares. Wrong. Poor guy got two odd questions. #1: "Back on February 14, 1987, a girl named _________ gave me a letter that declared that I had her heart. So, does that mean that I can have a transplant with it if she dies?" (something to that effect) The student (who is in the medical field) looked puzzled until he realized how the other meant things. Yeah, he'd been given the heart on a little smurf card. Sheesh. #2 was better: "Yeah, do you now if they harvest testicles?" "I am not aware of them being able to do testicle transplants." Now there's a King horror story waiting to be written.

Then we had our first law breaking speech of the evening because it was about radar detectors. The student claims that the first ever was called a Fuzz Buster. Is that anything like a Dust Buster? Probably not. One of the MPs asked, "Ok, what is your license # and what do you drive?" lol

One of the girls talked about eating live octopus and live blow fish. You heard me right. . .LIVE. Yuck! She even had two short videos showing people eating a still moving squid. The only thing that wasn't right was that the octopi were cut up when usually they eat them whole. Supposedly a man died from swallowing a whole one that was still full of fight and blocked up his esophagus. Yeah, sure, really wanna try eating that. And blow fish have poison in them so lots of people die every year from improperly prepared dishes. Thanks but I'll pass there too. Give me a crispy critter burger.

At the beginning of one speech, a medium-sized Palmetto bug fell from the ceiling. Now, for those of you who aren't in the know, Palmetto bugs are a cockroach. This particular one seemed a little stunned and then ventured near the speaker who unknowingly flipped it on its back (the speaker was shifty from nerves) and then squished it a few times. I was close enough to hear the crunches. Well, during the next speaker's presentation, we all got to witness the true horror of these bugs: they FLY. Now this isn't the first time that I've had one fly at me but. . .yuck! It landed on my notebook (this one was tiny). I proceeded to flip the notebook and bash the thing off of the table. Didn't kill it of course cause those suckers are hardy. The student gets extra brownie points for taking the whole brief incident in stride. But hey, teaches them about unusual distractions.

The last two speeches sort of came as a set. This did not surprise me since the two military dudes are buddies. Meep 1 opened his speech with the following Attention Getter (AG): "Once inside the bank shortly after midnight, their efforts at disabling the internal security system got underway immediately. The robbers, who expected to find one or two large safes filled with cash and valuables, were surprised to see hundreds of smaller safes scattered throughout the bank. The robbers cracked the first safe's combination, and inside they found only a bowl of vanilla pudding. As recorded on the bank's audio tape system, one robber said, "At least we'll have a bit to eat." The robbers opened up a second safe, and it also contained nothing but vanilla pudding. The process continued until all the safes were opened. They found not one pound sterling, a diamond, or an ounce of gold. Instead, all the safes contained covered bowls of pudding. Disappointed, the robbers made a quiet exit, each leaving with nothing more than a queasy, uncomfortably full stomach. The newspaper headline read: Ireland's Largest Sperm Bank Robbed This Morning." He claimed it was from the Dublin Times but it's obviously a joke. Still, gotta give him credit for a really good AG. (I got my copy from http://www.snopes.com/humor/jokes/sperm.htm) In a very serious tone, he then proceeded to detail how to rob a bank. (shakes head) I shoulda known what was coming next.

So, Meep 2 decided that he would begin HIS speech with the question, "How many of you would love to spend you life in prison?" Some wit said yes. Meep 2 then launched into, "Prison Life is dangerous. Other people tell you what you can eat, when you can shower, and when you can sleep. The cells are deplorable consisting of a concrete slab and a toilet and sink. Most people spend their time pacing like caged animals. With the added dangers of shanking and sodomy there is only one acceptable solution. Break out! Breaking out of prison is in some cases the easiest way to shorten your sentence, and maybe the only way to prove your innocence. With a little careful planning and the right tools breaking out of the joint is easy. . . ." (direct quote from his outline) The funniest part was when he said that you could choose to use a pole vault or catapult but you have to be careful because you could end up landing flat on the ground or on the wall. His source? A video made by Mr. Wile E. Coyote. (rolls eyes) It was the only source he cited in the speech but he did mention a few movies on his outline. Because there was a long explanation about tunneling, some wit asked, "Should I get in contact with Morgan Freeman before I begin?" I was thinking more like the Comte de Monte Cristo but, hey, I'm a literary geek (besides, Jim Caviezel is hot in that movie).

There are days when I really love my job.

Sunday, September 11, 2005

Awesome Day

Well, it was a pretty darn good day, all told. Slept like crap last night but that was only because the neighbor's dog thought 2a was a good beginning barking time. Sheesh. Class was very laid back and relaxed. I often wonder how much people get out of it but I ran into a former student later and he said the class has helped a lot. (oh, geez, as I write this, the damn dog's at it again)

Anyway, today was Angela's book signing at the store. I'd set it up so that she, Michelle, Morgan, and I met up for lunch ahead of time at my fave Columbia restaurant, Miyo's. The latter three and I got to the restaurant at the same time. I forgot how tiny Morgan is! I mean, I know she's shorter than me (most women are) but I'd forgotten by how much. I guess it's cause of her large personality. It's very bizarre to hug such a petite adult. lol Michelle isn't quite as small but I almost feel like I will break them (course, Morgan would quickly prove that theory wrong with a bear hug). It's too amusing.

Angela arrived a few minutes after us. Now there's a woman to match me in height. So when we went inside and sat down in one of the curved booths, I made the tiny ones sit on the inside. (grin)

Lunch was pretty darn good overall. Got my first martini taste (Morgan's) and I can say that I like Sour Apple Martinis. Not so much the Mimosa that Michelle had but it was ok. Just a sip of each for me. Heck, last drink I had was months ago. I feel like such a teatotaler. lol The only hitch at lunch was Angela's curry being too spicy for her. The waitress said it wasn't really but it came out hot. So, we got her something different. That was disappointing to me because I like the place so much and so rarely have a problem. (I say rarely because I've been eating there regularly for years and there's bound to be an odd glitch or two.) But overall it was fun to sit and chat and be girly.

I actually wore a flowy peasant skirt that I found last weekend at a store (with a white chemise and teal overshirt). Yes, as my co-worker, Marci, said, "the devils must be freezing." But I really like it and felt girly for once (not completely because I was wearing my New Balance so I didn't kill my feet at work but I was comfy overall).

Tony had everything set up for when we got to the store. That was great. The mall wasn't that busy but things seemed to be fairly steady. We did really well with the signing. Business was definitely better because of it. It was really fun. Jonathan, a new friend and fellow teacher, showed up and ended up hanging out with us all day. The girls kidnapped him for dinner (I had to stay at the store). So wish I coulda been there for that. Would have been fun. Told Tony I would like not to have to work for the next time Angela and the girls come.

Only thing I wish that I had done was order more copies of the one anthology that Angela AND Morgan are in. (sigh) Oh, well, there's always next time. I did get to chat with Angela about writing and all sorts of fun things. I really think that the four of us should go down to next year's ICFA conference. We would just have too much fun. And it would be a good way for the others to make contacts. Hell, with the way we all get along so well, I'm sure we would survive the trip.

Something to think about for the future.

Well, I am completely zonked. So need sleep. Will leave you with the thoughts that this was an awesome day and I am so happy to have such great girlfriends. It doesn't feel like we've only known each other for just a few months. . .it feels like a comfortable forever. Rest well, darlings. Love yas.

Wednesday, September 07, 2005

Whodunit

I have a good way to torture your students: have them try to figure out how a mystery ends. To be precise, have them try and figure out how a Sherlock Holmes story ends. lol I came up with this idea several years ago as a way to explain New Criticism. See, with New Criticism, nothing but the text itself matters. Your analysis should be supported by whatever clues are in the text just like Holmes figures out the crimes because of the clues around him. Even the least little word could have great meaning.

This is driving my students nuts. My TTH group took it all in stride but some of the students in the MW group were flipping out because they wanted to know NOW. lol Poor babies. The one guy is going to fight me on it, I know. He loudly proclaimed that mystery stories are to be read all at once and not separated. That the point of reading them is not to figure it out yourself but to find out who/what/when/where by reading the whole story. Gee, one reason I like reading mysteries is because I like to see if I can guess correctly what is going to happen.

Is this proof that the generations behind us have a shorter attention span? Possibly. But I only have 75 minutes to get a major point across and I try and find fun ways to do. Ok, I do have longer than 75 minutes because I spend multiple class times on the theories but I like to try and come up with various ways for the students to think about the techniques. "The Musgrave Ritual" is one of those ways.

Can't wait to see how they squirm when I introduce them to "The Phantom of the Opera" musical. hee hee

Tuesday, September 06, 2005

Catch Up

Ok, since I feel too blech to focus on work. . .I'll catch up on here.

First, yes, I passed the written exams. Barely. But they want me to work hard and prove to them that I am really ready to write my dissertation, etc. So, that will be my focus for the next week. My orals are on the 14th. Fortunately, I don't have to work at the store much before then. Unfortunately, either my allergies are acting up or I have a cold now from everything. My head feels all muddled today so when I met with one of my profs, I wasn't very focused though I was trying hard to be. Blech.

Anyway. . .right after classes started, I took a small break and went to see Michelle in Charlotte so we could hang and I could meet her hubby and daughter. It was a really great day. very relaxing and soooo needed after the stress of the exams. Her hubby is a real trip and her daughter is adorable. It was nice to be around such a good family vibe. Too bad it was only for one day but that's ok cause there's always next time.

School started off fairly well. I like all of my classes. Should be an interesting semester. The MW English class has some interesting students in it. Well, they all do but that one will be the extreme case for the semester. Things seem to be clicking along fairly well. It's good to have a routine again.

My office is pretty good. My two officemates and I don't have the same hours so that lets me focus on getting stuff done if I need to. So far that plan is working out all right (except for today). The only annoying thing is that there is the occasional student who seems to think that I know the whereabouts of everyone else on this corner of the hall. Uh, no. Have no freaking clue when Professor So-and-so will be back. Geez, do I LOOK like I have a people's dayplanners taped to my forehead? If they aren't in, leave them a note. Or email them. Don't bug someone who is obviously working on something. Have my headphones on listening to Vivaldi so I don't have to deal with anyone who isn't looking for me. But, for the most part, this part of the hall is quiet.

I had a 3 day weekend and almost didn't know what to do with myself. Well, I got some shopping done. Got some research done. And lots of sleep yesterday. I went and saw "Redeye" on Sunday and it is a really good movie. I completely recommend it if you're looking for a good thriller. There were moments when I was on the edge of my seat. Cillian Murphy makes a really creepy bad guy. I think it's how blue his eyes are and how "pretty" he is. When he wants to be seductive, he's yummy, but when he's pulling for ice cold. . .well, run some ice down your back and you'll get the gist. brrrr

There was so much that I wanted to write about before but now it just won't stay in my head. Oh, one thing. . .Angela's book signing at the store this weekend. Been advertising the heck out of it. I really hope it does well. That would be great. i finally got to read one of her novels (I'd only read short stuff before) and I really got into it. I even have an idea for a book myself.

(sigh) Ideas. Have a lot of those floating around. Really need to try and pull it all together and focus on stuff. That is so hard to do when my brain runs a bazillion miles a minute. And I have so much work to do in so many areas. Geez. One thing I may have to do is quit the store. I really like working there and it helps keep me grounded in reality but. . .the hours are starting to wear me out now that school has started. I asked Tony for less hours but that doesn't seem to be happening. I'll wait until after my orals to see what I will do. I really need to focus on my work. Really need to spend quantity time on stuff. It's a nice thought to say that I could save up the money from the store for next semester so I can focus on the diss but. . .don't I need to do that now? And what good will it do me if I burn myself out? Yuck, I hate being practical.

So, we'll see what happens. I have given up hope of having much of a life right now because of needing to get work done but I refuse to compromise what free time I can snag for myself. Anyway, I'll try and write little blurbs here and there of the amusing stuff that happens. Definitely more stuff to report now that the semester is underway. My students are an endless source of information and amusement. Welcome to my life as it normally is. lol