Conferences: Academic Word Vomit

Conferences are one of those things I vaguely remember hearing about in undergrad, though I mostly only remember them being the reason my professors cancelled classes. But I am only now learning more about "Why the f*ck would people want to sit around and listen to other people talk about random shit they decided to study or research?!" It's a subtle art, you see.

My experience goes like this: I presented at two undergrad conferences one in 2007 and again in 2009. These were the kinds of conferences everyone got into. I talked about fairy tales in one and surrogacy in another. Neither of which are topics I decided to pursue at length. Not a big deal, but it was still something to put on a resume (or as I now call it, a vitae. Fancy). Last weekend I had the opportunity to present at PCM, a conference for students at the college where I attend grad school. I assumed this conference was in a similar vein --though one guy was pissed he wasn't accepted and presented a poem during the doggerel about his experience in which the conference judges were equated with a cup that he then smashed. It was a mess. Did I mention there was free beer?

Anyway, this weekend I am traveling with two lovely ladies (Katlyn and Andi...actually, let me just change that to "ladies." Mmmkay.) to Savannah, GA to present at The 21st Annual British Commonwealth and Postcolonial Studies Conference. Now that sounds fancy. I am hoping this will feel like a different sort of conference. More relevance, but without any additional nervousness. I hope the only vomit that spews from my mouth is of the academic variety.

Our panel is on the living dead as seen in modern film. That's right, folks: zombies. I talk about The Walking Dead. There's also Children of Men and Firefly  among a plethora of other super-interesting topics of discussion. In short, our panel is going to rock! So I guess it doesn't matter if the conference seems more legit or not because we intend to have a blast!

As my professor said, "we are letting the zombies loose onto the world"...or something like that. He also said "May the force be with you" which was nice.

I hope to provide updates on our awesome adventures in the days to come!

And so it begins...

I have had some problems registering for grad school classes. In fact, at one point, no classes had any spots available for any students. Eventually, though, I was able to register for a few classes that didn't much interest me. A start.

"At least I am taking classes at all!", I thought.

But really, this degree was meant to be molded around my particular wants and needs in an upper-level education. I admitted to myself that I was disappointed with the way things were going and considered getting a job instead. What's the point in grad school if I am just going to be forced to take more bullshit courses while I wait around for the good classes? That's what an undergraduate degree is for.

Today, I was informed that the waiting list for the courses I wanted had dwindled from 4 (for a class that only takes 8 people total) to none and I was allowed to register! Now, I can officially consider the semester to come with excitement as opposed to dread. I am taking classes I want to take.

I just ordered 15 books from Amazon (I already had a few of the required texts) so I know it's going to be a busy few months. I so look forward to digging into those books! I hope I don't frighten the mailman when I meet him at the door and snatch the books form him, drooling all the while. Actually I don't mind.

I know I am going to continue to go back and forth as far as wondering if grad school is, in fact, the right thing to do, but I must remember how I feel when things are going well. I am giddy with excitement right now. I could not be happier that things are finally falling into place for me. And although I still have a few things to work out (why don't children come with nannies? When will I sleep? ), I am absolutely certain that things are looking up.

Egumacashun

I have a college degree. Really. And now I am a graduate student.

This marks a big change in my life and in my blog.

As a woman, mother, student, feminist, friend, sister, daughter, and wife (among many other things), I find that, most times, my ramblings are far from articulate and usually thrust upon unwilling listeners and readers.

This blog--and these are merely my good-willed intentions, mind you--will serve to chronicle the life of a person exploring life while trying to maintain some semblance of sanity. It's going to be a difficult road, Blog, please help me to stay sane, to actually express things in writing, and never, ever judge me because I eat ice cream for dinner.

Rememberall

(No, this is not a post about a certain beloved wizard. It is about books and remembering and remembering books.)

I have read many books in my life. Some were assigned, and some were for leisure. I have always been a bookworm. Recently, I read a book called, How to Talk About Books You Haven't Read by Pierre Bayard. In this book, Bayard describes various levels of reading which may result in a person having read a book and not actually remembering anything about said book.

This got me thinking. Could I have an intellectual discussion about any of the books I have read? I can't even remember who wrote The Scarlet Letter so a discussion on that one is out. Was Pride and Prejudice the one about the sisters and the weddings? Yeah? That's all I got. I have read these books. Really, I have.

How is that I can't remember something I spent so much time with? How will I ever successfully read classic novels and actually remember them? Can I be a good English major when I can't even remember the basic plot of The Great Gatsby? Or does everyone forget these classics and just pretend to have read and enjoy them?

Is it worse to have read and forgotten these books than to have never read them at all?

Mortal Syntax

As an English major I am expected to speak correctly at all times, write correctly at all times, and to know all things grammar-related. (I am also expected to have read every book known to man, but that is another topic). I am the worst grammarian primarily because it interests me. I read into everything and confuse myself. I enjoy trying to learn, but the end, I am dumber than when first started. The search for someone or something that can guide me down the rocky path that is understanding the English language is important. Thankfully, I stumbled upon this book.

Mortal Syntax by June Casagrande, (author of Grammar Snobs are Great Big Meanies) has been my recent pre-sleep reading. The book is simple and clear and funny. She describes why certain things are wrong, but more importantly, when it's okay to break the rules. I have actually learned a few things. Also, a few things have been clarified for me (subjunctive tense).

I suggest this book for anyone interested in learning a little about grammar or for anyone who needs a refresher course. The book is also a great tool with which to arm yourself. Inevitably, some jerk will decide to confront you about your imperfect grammar. He will have no idea you are ready to clobber him with wit and knowledge. This book will prepare you for just such a battle.

Sweet Relief

I just submitted my English portfolio which counts as 100% of my grade. It might be sub-par, but hey, it's complete!
My semester is almost over!
Oh, I do love a good exclamation point!

I am also enjoying tasty Diet Mt.Dew. Although it is in an embarrassingly large, 44oz jug from a gas station, I do have to give it credit for the mental boost that helped to get me through the morning.


Thank you.

I have been tagged

So this seems like fun. I guess I need to start somewhere and why not begin by writing a little something about my self.
Unfortunately, I was tagged by my good friend Laura so I must start with 15 weird facts about myself.

1. I feel okay about wearing the same pair of unwashed pants for weeks at a time.

2. I was a vegan for 3 years, but now, I confess, that I can no longer live without cheese.

3. Some "artists" that I have on my iPod include: Hanson, Aqua and DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince

4. Sometimes I feel like a fraud.

5. I love reality television.

6. I have often been told that I am actually a gay man who is trapped in a woman's body (mostly this is Miguel).

7. I am completely addicted to Diet Mt. Dew

8. I look like Orlando Bloom, but I would still have sex with him.

9. I am an English major and I am minoring in Women and Gender Studies, but I have no idea what I want to do beyond that.

10. I have an extremely addictive personality. This might involve food (Hacienda), people, activities, danishes, movies, or musicians. It's pretty serious.

11. I like to push people over. I laugh when they fall.

12. I am so afraid of exactly what I am doing--growing up. Slowly but surely I am turning into a grown up (married, baby, a real job, a house and a washer and dryer)

13. I wrecked my first car into a building.

14. I love, love, love New York City.

15. As of next year, I will be the first person in my family to graduate from college.

That should do it for now.
I tag Michael H., Celeste, Amy, Julie and Shane.
Since I am sure no one reads this (yet..mua ha ha ha!) I am sure this could take a while.