life is like a bowl of cherries…full of pits

But surrounded by sweet flesh.

I’m signed up for this awful theory course that I need to drop because it would easily become the bane of my existence. Did you all know that there are actually people who like the accursed stuff for its own sake? I mean, I think some of it can be useful once in a while, but enjoying it? Most of the time, someone writes something totally nutty or incomprehensible and we all sit around pretending that we think it is profound. Stroking our imaginary beards. At least, that is what I am doing. I’d rather read stories. I walked out of the class with a headache and none the wiser, like when you listen to a lecture in a foreign language for the first time. I think I will take it next quarter when it is taught by someone else, because, well, I had issues with the current person (especially when she said that she hadn’t decided what she wanted for our 30+ page paper–which would be due in nine weeks). I had a bad feeling. Unlike her, I’m a naturally decisive person, so I decided to drop it. So now I have to find another class that doesn’t conflict with anything and will let me sign up despite missing the first discussion. Wish me luck.

So far, so good

I was busy with orientation most of last week. Most of this entailed listening to worthy, but repetitious, presentations by things like the women’s center and counciling services. We also had teaching training, which was unheard of at my previous institution. It wasn’t earth-shattering by any means, but that was probably its value: it reminded me that nothing earth-shattering was expected of me. Happily, the first discussion section that I lead on Thursday went fantastic. They are already sending me flattering emails, which is strange. I don’t really know what to make of it, except perhaps that the natural reticence of my old Canadian students was a blessing in disguise.

My first grad class meets this afternoon, so I am a little nervous. I’ve made a couple friends in my department (ie, the other new students). It’s been really pleasant being back in College Town; I’d forgotten how nice everyone is. Now that I am older, I appreciate that much more. I’m sure I’ll find more to bitch about as time goes on–perhaps that aforementioned grad class.I hope I never get to the angsty, dissatisfied point that caused me to start blogging in the first place.