September 19
Am I really so shallow that all I can write in this journal is yesterday’s schedule?
1977
Class tonight went very well. I understood all, or most, of what Dr. Yeh said. I think I may have come up with a project that will work and be interesting.
Things are on more of an even keel now. At least, I hope so. I drafted a program for my advisor last weekend, to get the ball rolling. With luck and kindness, I may be able to take some languages. French and maybe Japanese.
Comment 2023
I was determined to try to jam as many non-science courses into a PhD program in Textile Science. After all, I wanted to research and teach history of clothing and textiles. Already aware that most of the museum-based scholars could read French, that seemed one obvious choice. I had also done a paper on Kabuki costume at URI and was intrigued by learning Japanese. They did approve once course in “French for Reading”, which I never used.
1979
I didn’t make it to the library, as planned. I schmoozed with a colleague instead. Ah, well. Yesterday was nice, if not productive. Right now I am lazing on the bed at 9:30 a.m. Time to head to campus and run off today’s handouts. Must oil the old bike first, though. It was creaking mightily all the way home yesterday.
Am I really so shallow that all I can write in this journal is yesterday’s schedule? Sometimes I fear the trivialization of life, and I don’t think it’s just my life that’s getting that way. Quentin Bell’s “On Human Finery” is stimulating, though.. how did I miss so much the first time I read it?
Comment 2024
“Run off today’s handouts”. I can practically smell the ditto machine. This was before the arrival of photocopiers in our office.
1982
Today I went to church voluntarily and for myself for the first time in years. It was very emotional, a homecoming of sorts. I went to Hope Lutheran Church, near campus. Why Lutheran? Why not…it’s familiar. I wouldn’t mind looking around a bit more, try St. Andrews Episcopal in College Park, St. Mark’s Catholic in Hyattsville, the Adelphi Friends Meeting, and a Unitarian Church. I liked the music in the Lutheran Church. I think the sense of community could be found in any good, friendly congregation.
I am looking for a minister who can speak to me. Rev. Anderson at Hope came closer than anyone in along time. His sermon on exiles was very thought-provoking, and that’s what I’m looking for. At least I’m learning something: spiritual satisfaction is not something I want to seek on my own, any more. I haven’t found it by going to Hope, and I don’t expect to find it immediately. But it feels like I’m on the right track.
Comment 2023
I remember that visit to Hope Lutheran. Everyone was very nice and welcoming. There was a professor I knew from the Nutrition department, who introduced me around. That felt a bit awkward, because I knew I wasn’t coming back. The music was lovely, but the I couldn’t believe the words - or even say them.
2003
No such luck, Isabel knocked the power out around 10:30 last night, and it’s still out in the early afternoon. On the plus side, we did get to see “The Two Towers” (LOTR II) last night, and I was able to get dinner on the table. On the minus side, they are estimating 3-5 days to restore all the power. In the meantime, we have no way to cook and no refrigeration. So we’ll be eating out for a while, I guess. At least Beltway Plaza is open and has power, so that’s someplace to eat and for the kids to hang out.
I just don’t know what I want next musically. I might try the acoustic bass. I no longer have a violin, and frankly I don’t miss it. I thought about playing the piano this afternoon, but then thought “naw”. The prospect of listening to myself isn’t that appealing. I’d rather just put on a CD and listen to someone good.
2014
Pleasant work at home day. The best part: knitting FOUR rows on the shawl. Now nearly 400 stitches across each row, which takes quite a long time! Fortunately, Fx was running some good movies today. So after a productive morning, I repaired to the family room and watched the end of "Moneyball" and all of "The Babysitter" and then had a lovely nap and a shower.
2017
A quick visit this morning with a friend in NY, then home to Maryland for laundry, packing, and some quick writing before I leave for North Platte. It will be a shorter trip this time, but that’s ok. Travel is losing its luster.
Comment 2023
My 50th high school reunion was in 2017, in Connecticut. But I also attended the 50th reunion of the high school I would have attended if we’d stayed in Nebraska instead of moving east when I was eight. I had been there the year before for several weeks (journals from that trip are coming up next month). The idea was to figure out who I’d be if we hadn’t moved away.
2020 (on the train to California)
My intention was to minimize screen time and maximize staring-out-the-window time. I managed that fairly well, and was able to enjoy the early fall colors in the Colorado Rockies. I listened to quite a bit of “Crazy Rich Asians” and took a delicious nap after lunch. Sleep at night has been less comfy, since I am occupying one of the “kid” beds in the family bedroom and a diagonal slice of the adult bed. But it’s fine; I’m on a train.
