I haven’t posted here in quite some time… it’s been a year of depression and anxiety and other struggles. Looking back through my drafts of blog posts, I don’t remember writing and never publishing this one. But I remember the feelings that were with it and I’ve worked through some and not others… I’m posting…… Continue reading loose ends
I defended my dissertation on March 22, and passed with revisions. I interviewed for a job at a junior college on April 11, and was offered the job on April 14. I accepted the job on April 18. I submitted my revisions for my dissertation on April 27. I graduated on May 12 with my…… Continue reading Coming back to the world
It’s slightly confusing, to discover which memories still have power over me, and which ones don’t. I’ve just been home for Christmas, for the first time in four years. I spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with my mom and brothers. I hadn’t seen them in four years, because the last time I was home…… Continue reading Memory and Power
I didn’t go to the open mic night tonight. I have no new poetry. And I feel too overwhelmed to write at all. I’m even having trouble thinking of what to put down here, for this blog post that I came here with the intention of writing. But now I can’t remember what it is I…… Continue reading Chlorine Sessions
I’ve started going to an open mic night, here in the city. A friend of mine encouraged me to go, so I did. The open mic takes place at a quirky little pizza place/bar that serves stellar pizza and boasts a decent beer list. So I went, to hear my friend read. She wanted me…… Continue reading Bad Poetry Ahead
“I will no longer make decisions fueled by gin and pity!” the declaration left my lips while I was on the phone with my best friend. She laughed, and said that it sounded like a Facebook status, so later on that day, I posted it. I got a couple texts, making sure I was okay;…… Continue reading No more gin and pity
In two more weeks, I’ll be teaching at a new (old) school. I’ll be back at the University of Central Oklahoma, teaching in the place where I learned to teach writing. I’m excited and nervous. This will be my heaviest teaching load, to date. And I’m still working on that dissertation. This week, all my…… Continue reading two more weeks
In the past month or so, I’ve signed termination paperwork and cleaned out my desk at Oklahoma State University. I’ve turned in a really bad draft of my dissertation. I’ve moved cities. I’ve said goodbye to friends. I’m reconnecting with others. I’ve signed paperwork for my next job. I’ve gotten feedback on my dissertation. A…… Continue reading Transitions
I’m moving tomorrow. My emotions are tumbling around so much that I can’t pinpoint anything I feel at all, except for sadness. I’ve been ready to leave this town for almost as long as I’ve lived in it. Maybe leaving would be easier if I had a better idea of what’s coming next. Meanwhile, I’m…… Continue reading moving …. on?
There must be some rule that says all institutions will be constructed of cinderblocks. It lends a consistent, familiarity to the halls of academe that is depressive, yet comforting at the same moment. Cinderblocks painted some shade of off white; blackboards at the front of the room, a clock at the back. Those awful desks with…… Continue reading Office Space
