December 21

And then I got sick. Remember what Covid was like in 2020?

1964

The first day of winter! It’s almost like Spring, though. I hope it snows for Christmas. If it doesn’t, I just won’t look outside all day.

This afternoon I went to Caldor and got Bob a dartboard and some baby toys. (He’s only 17 years old!) I got Mom some scarlet undies and Dad a little green Troll doll. This is going to be a great Christmas! I can’t wait to see their faces!

Comment 2022

Isn’t it amazing, after my tirade the previous day, that I don’t even mention whether or not we had a snow day.? I am guessing we didn’t.

This was the day I purchased the gag gifts; my family always gave multiple presents, all wrapped individually. When my brother and I were still Believers, the “Santa” presents appeared under the tree on Christmas morning, with no wrapping paper. By this time, it was a pile of presents three or more per person, and at least one frivolous or funny gift. For the life of me, I don’t see what was supposed to be so funny about the sexy red underpants for Mom. I cringe at the memory. By 1964, Dad had already engaged in at least three affairs in their twenty year marriage, and even a clueless fifteen-year-old could see that their relationship needed more than sexy undies. Mom, wherever you are, I apologize. Even though you laughed, I know it hurt.

1980

Nearly Xmas. My shopping isn’t done, but that actually helps me get into the mood. Maybe that’s why I dislike those people who do their shopping in August.

The argument over office space with __ and __ (two male colleagues) still has me upset. Am I not cut out for this because I don’t care if I have a private office, as a junior faculty member? Maybe it’s a masculine territorial fetish. Lifting their legs on various departmental privileges. Ho hum.

When (and if) they ever grow up, will we have to endure adolescence?

1986

I’m worried about getting the Smithsonian fellowship proposal finished. Certainly I’ve waited a long time to get going. But now is the time!

Kiddo 1 is reacting to Kiddo 2 mainly by acting much more grown-up. She does overwhelm him with affection at times. Wait until he starts smiling!

2010

Finals done, grades in. Now's when the faculty gather at the pub and vote for the secret "good riddance" awards for our seniors.

2012

The high point of tonight's holiday party: singing "Deck Us All With Boston Charlie" over the phone to Sandy, in the hospital after getting her new bionic knees. Also this, from the lovely Course Management System:

2013

Winding up my 10-hour day of grading, watching the UM graduation on livestream. First one I have missed in y-e-a-r-s.

2020

And then I got sick. At first, I thought it was just a head cold. I self-quarantined just in case, not wanting to share even a cold. But then Jim got whatever it was, and I decided to get tested. Yep, Covid. So it has been quiet couple of weeks.

Today is Solstice. A short day, a pause, a long night.

Comment 2023

Remember what Covid was like in 2020? My symptoms started on Monday., and were gone by Wednesday. I couldn’t get a testing appointment until Friday. I didn’t get the results until Sunday. My symptoms had been very mild, and by the time I was tested, they were gone. But when I got that text on Sunday, I was terrified.

2024

This year I decided to participate in two Encore Rocks concerts, one at Riderwood and a regional concert with three local groups. What a blast! There really is nothing like singing fun music with an enthusiastic group. This was the cherry on top of an otherwise bummer of a week - - grey, wet, and jammed with doctors’ appointments. Not enough knitting or movie-viewing, though I did manage to re-watch “Jab Harry Met Sejal” in installments.