1965
Last night I slept 13 hours in all. Today I dragged around and did nothing but watch television.
Marty's been accepted as an aide, too! We'll be together next summer. I'm so happy she's coming, too. I really wasn't too happy about it at first. I guess it's because I was a camper last year and I'd feel uncomfortable with the counselors I had last summer.
1984
I’m still going round and round (or is it up and down) on the subject of a second child. On the one had, there’s time, money, energy, and space. But on the other hand there’s wanting another child anyway.
1986
Dateline: Atlanta
Today I give my paper on playsuits. It will be such a delight to have it over. Then there’s the layette paper…time for a shower.
1998
Sarah waxes shallow now. She suggests imaging other lives, but then wants to buy red leather cowboy boots for one of hers. Maybe one of the rules of “the authentic life” is to keep it to yourself! Maybe this is a hint that I do not want to be Sarah Ban Breathnach in my next life. In my next life I would major in English or Spanish. I would not run away from challenge. In my next life I would write in my journal more faithfully, even during the hard times. Especially during the hard times. In my next life I will write more letters, especially to Mom and Dad. In my next life I will accept Jim sooner. In my next life I will leave my kids alone to solve their own school problems. In my next life I would not buy a fixer-upper!!!
Comment 2023
Apparently I am living my next life. Not completely. My desire to have majored in something else had to do with finding myself transferred from a textile department, where my expertise was useful, to an American Studies department. For most of the 90s, I described my situation as being in a shipwreck and washing up on an island where everyone spoke a different language. I am still risk averse. The other “next life” goals are pretty much on track with the last 25 years.
I not only journal faithfully now, but I have two: a planning journal and this one.
I am writing letters to a college friend I haven’t seen since 1971. With a fountain pen. On nice paper. Highly recommend.
I have accepted 98-99% of Jim’s habits and quirks. Except the One Which Shall Not Be Named. And I only mention that one to him once a month. It’s in my planner.
I stopped trying to solve my kids’ problems long ago, though not soon enough. I listen and support, but offer advice only when asked.
We sold the mostly fixed-up fixer-up three years ago and moved to a place there someone else gets to do all that shit.
I did buy a pair of western-style boots, and got a tattoo. Authenticity FTW.
2006
Somewhere in the mountains of West Virginia, or western Maryland. It is a beautiful spring morning. I had a peaceful night’s sleep, despite a couple of noisy stops and a sore left shoulder.
I left Madison on a sour note. The Saturday evening plenary speaker was a real downer. She spent too much time stroking the egos of the Carnegie people in the audience, ignoring the majority of the audience who has not and probably never will participate as scholars or members of a cluster. Enough already. (Sour grapes? Probably.) Then she spent too much time on the “perfect storm” of challenges to higher education. Everything was old news, presented as if she had just found out about it.
Still trying to figure out how and where to contribute what I have learned through my own teaching innovations and experiments.
2007 Boston
Oh, yes, I am in Boston. Chowder for lunch, and two Harp’s so far today. The mac and cheese at the Lenox Hotel’s “Irish” pub is warm and creamy and perfect for a cold spring night in New England. I am trying to decide whether to get a haircut and a massage before I leave. It would definitely be the icing on the cake! The room is small and charming, the bed is oh-so-comfy and they even have TLC and Comedy Central.
I so needed this break, yet must get things done as well. I have three “work days” before I leave. The travel time on the train can be a work day, of course. Ah, and I got here just in time. Filene’s Basement is closing for 18 months later this year. Yikes!
Comment 2024
RIP Filene’s Basement (1908-2007). The flagship store (the Mothership of all Retail Discounts) never reopened after closing for construction in November 2007. Oh, the thrill of the hunt!! I got some very good stuff there.
