August 3

Isn’t the Internet wonderful?

1966

Juan told me today that he likes me - but why have I been doing things he doesn’t like? Wish I knew what he was talking about - the late nights with Raul?

Went to Ballet Folklorico - very pretty! My favorite was the Deer Dance - the guy who played the deer was great. I wish I could dance like that.

On the way there, we saw 2 women get hit by a car that jumped the curb. Mr. Doring and Jorjon said it was on purpose. It looked like a freak accident to me.

Comment 2023

I just spent some time revisiting The Ballet Folklorico de Mexico. Enjoy. Isn’t the internet wonderful?

The Deer Dance:

1978

The wages of being a nag is getting your way. I wrote letter to the management of our apartment, complaining about various undone repairs. We are, right this minute, getting a new deck. Supposedly, our air conditioners were checked, too. Unfortunately (?) the weather has been cool-sh and I can’t try them out.

Yesterday I went back to the Undergraduate Library and read multi magazines. Very proud of myself. Also, started on the inventory of the costume collection. (Got as far as I could with no keys…all the stuff out in the open.)

Tried to think about the course, and am still very tempted to make big changes. Maybe I’ll just change the methods of evaluation, to try to be more clear and more fair.

Comment 2023

I hated grading. I have always hated grading. Grading is the WORST.

1979

I have scaled my class down to a more reasonable plan…tempting as it is to add new material, it just can’t be done this year.

Yesterday was productive. I planned my class, read, did dissertation work, set up a drainage system for the collection dehumidifier with Dr. Block, and talked with Fred D about the computer job. I even sanded two cabinet doors and started on a third. Busy, busy, busy. I was asked to guest lecture at a George Washington University course on costume history. Dr. Block was tres impressed and pleased.

Still, there’s much to do. At least my energy level has shown signs of improving.

1982

Kiddo went to the pediatrician today. She weighed 14 lb 8 oz and measured 24 inches. There was a little baby that was just as big as she was 3 months ago. It seems hard to believe. Now she’s twice as heavy and 5” longer.

I’ve read all my old journals. It seems I’ve spent the last 8 years trying to reduce my thighs and get organized. It makes interesting reading for me. I think my writing has improved. Also my life, and that’s a nice feeling.

Comment 2023

Truly. I have now spent the last 49 years “trying to reduce my thighs and get organized”, or at least writing about it. Eventually, I did master time and project management; my body continues to do its own thing. And yes, my life has also improved, and I appreciate it more. 

1984

Kiddo is 15 months old today. My how time flies when you are busy having fun. After months of being “the baby”  - - a good, even placid, baby - - she’s now a rollicking toddler who loves to be read to, to climb, to go to the pool, to go up and down stairs. She has a cheerful “Hi” for everyone, but still gets serious about eating. She looks more like me now that she used to. How odd, after all these years thinking I had an ordinary face, to find my own specialness in my daughter’s expressions. Is her smile really like mine? If so, how nice to have a smile so wide and friendly. To hell with the wrinkles; I’d rather smile.

It’s been a good summer, too. I can say that, and it’s not even over yet. A good mix of work and play, concentration and recreation. I wish Jim had this freedom, too. One more month before school really starts, and I don’t feel rushed and guilty like I usually do in August. Not yet, anyway.