The Point

I worked on my power point for a few days, but in the end, I decided a set of photographs would be the best way to present the info. I have one from this limestone walk series for each chapter, and then notes I'll talk about. It's only 30 minutes, so I don't want to be blathering on over slides covered with bulleted points. I'll just put the fotos up and...blather on about bulleted points no one can see? It could be a mistake, but let's see how it goes.
Today I told the kiddos that I would be gone tomorrow for my big test. I told them that I was very nervous and one kid said, "If you fail, will they not let you be our teacher anymore?" He didn't seem too emotional about it one way or the other, but I reassured him that he was stuck with me. I'm not super prepared for the defense talk, but I figure adrenaline will kick in and get me through. 1:30 tomorrow, let's send some positive thoughts this way. Many thanks.

The Wishes

I've had some problems lately. I won't get into all the gory details. I am going to work on my dissertation defense presentation today. This is a statement I've uttered or written many times in the past 2 weeks, but now it's time to get down to brass tacks. I wish I had a new outfit to wear for the defense. I wish I hadn't gained weight this year. I also wish that everyone would love my dissertation so much and praise it highly and critique it not at all.
On a good note, we want to invite everyone in the world to our home this coming Friday (4:30 to 7?) for a celebratory Friday on the Deck. I'll be done with the defense one way or the other and it's Birthday Eve for TeenDaughter and we have a half day at school, so I have to take advantage of that. Come one, come all. Eat cake. Call me doctor, maybe. At the very least, cheerful chatting and winning wines will be on the menu.

The Day

When I told TeenDaughter that my day at schoolsite was actually good today, she said, "You need to blog about that!" And I replied, "I do?" And she said, "Yes, because people are concerned about you." I didn't realize that. No worries, mah fronds. Sure a kid told me he was going to punch me in the face, and 3 other kids went home today with small creatures in their heads resulting in my own sympathetic headscratching, but really even on my worst day, I'm happy to be there. And there's always wine in the fridge when I get back to the homestead. The fam begins pouring when they see miniature van pulling into the gravel drive.

The Frustration

I'm teaching kwmp (kid with many problems) as best I can, but he gets suspended about every other day. This would be pleasant, but he keeps missing appointments for getting evaluated for extra help because of suspensions. It's driving me crazy. Meanwhile, Husbandman's in South America and the "check engine" light is blinking at me in the miniature van. I can't help you miniaturevan, I am very busy this week.

The Artists

Dylan and Costello played for us on Friday night. Yesterday Teendaughter and I walked around taking pix of sculptures by C.R. Schiefer. Today I will create a power point for my defense. JW suggests adding some spooky sound effects since I'll be defending my work on Halloween. I like the trick or treat theme. I wonder how long a defense lasts. I should ask someone about that.

The Break

Good news. Today is a day off for fall break. And I saw a red breasted nuthatch at the feeder yesterday.

The Cheer

Monday was miserable at the worksite. I won't go into details, but when I got home, Husbandman kindly pointed out that I had the look about me of someone who had stuck their finger in a light socket. I mumbled and stumbled into bed for some sensory deprivation therapy. Then yesterday a kid brought me a little giftie of a picture of herself as a baby, a dumdum lollipop and a half full bottle of lotion. That made me happy. Then in the afternoon, a coworker came in and took one of my incorrigibles out into the hallway and lambasted her, with vigor, for some transgression. That too brought me pleasure and cheer.
The defense date, time and room are all set up as well.

The Snafu

Because of my "Form LD," I may not be defending the diss on Halloween. I screwed up yet again on another form. I've done this about a thousand times during my graduate program, so I just accept this personal flaw now, it only bothers me a little bit. I am trying to fix the situation, but it may be too late. I told Husbandman that I may just quit and not defend the diss, and he replied, "Nice idea. I think that would show a lot of character. And deliver the right message." I'm getting a little tired of the sarcasm to tell you the truth. He and I both know it's time for him to roll up his sleeves and get me out of this mess.

The Pencils

I bought some pencils for los ninos at the Shedd Aquarium. Sadly, I didn't realize these pencils change color if you rub them over and over again. Bedlam ensued as kids frantically swapped for preferred colors. Then there was the frustrated flinging of the few pencils that refused to change colors. Flinging was followed by desperate begging for replacement pencils, which sadly did not exist. When I remarked that it seemed kind of ridiculous to make such a fuss over a bunch of pencils, a kid yelled out, "These aren't just pencils!" Whatev. Pencil debacle happened close to dismissal time, so I bided my time and am now rewarded with a pleasant weekend.

The Defense

Defense is tentatively set for Halloween. I may dress up, I'm not sure. But I'm definitely bringing candy. I'm going to have a bowl of snickers and twix bars next to me as I talk about my power point, (the one I still have to make) and I'm going to munch away as I chat about the study. And KitKats will be there, obviously.

The Review

In the Valley of Elah. Very good. You should see it.

The Sweating

I keep having a sweating problem along my hairline. Top of forehead, along behind the ears, and then let's cut across the nape...with sweat. It's gross and I care for it not. Another thing I don't care for is some kid leaving a post it on my desk that says, "F*** Face." I think that's quite rude.

The City

Chicago Activities:
Self-guided tour of streets, buildings and sculptures
Dinner at the Green Zebra
Guided boat tour of architecture
Contemporary Art Museum
The Brave One
Shedd Aquarium (new baby beluga)
Sundry Wine bars
Fun with CB