It Ain’t Easy Being Cheesy.

August 31, 2005 | 3 Comments

I’ve had this raging headache for the past two days. It’s a pms-y, back-to-school-stress, oh my God I ate-some-junk-food-because-I’m-pms-y-and-back-to-school-stress kind of thing.

I chose Cheetos for some gawd awful reason. The last time I ate Cheetos was two years ago on a road trip and Agent J. and I swore we would never eat them again because they made us both feel so nasty sick. Maybe they’re just not something anyone over 35 should eat.

I probably have Cheetanium poisoning.

And my fingertips may be permanently stained with Day-Glo Cheetanium orange.

And I just switched on the news and saw more of the Katrina aftermath, so I am shutting up about my insignificant, self-induced headache now.

* * *

I talked more with the department chair yesterday. She asked me to reconsider my decision (nope, sorry), said that if they were to hire a full-time, tenure track art history prof I could have the position (nope, sorry again), and then asked if I knew of anyone who might possibly want to take my place as an adjunct – and I said I didn’t — not at the current wages and level of inconvenience and aggravation.

I want to try and help find a replacement in any way I can, but I think it might be tough to get someone who is qualified and willing. I think my sentimentality and love for my alma mater is what has carried me since my first year there, but common sense has set in now.

I feel bad, because the chairperson is an absolutely wonderful woman doing an already difficult job, and I feel like I just threw gas on the fire. There just aren’t enough funds to work with. Not only were two departments merged to create a new one, but then the budget was cut by 20% as well. I don’t know how the situation will be resolved; I guess we’ll see if the school will cough up the bucks to help out or not.

As it stands, I am definitely on the list to teach studio courses at some time in the near future – probably at the same pay rate, of course, but at least my creative brain cells won’t be monopolized by endless research and new course preps every semester. And that’s all that really matters to me right now.

Hearin’ it: Randy just knocked something over in the kitchen. I didn’t hear anything break and he ain’t crying, so it can wait.

Readin’ it: School email. The never ending stream of intrusion. How did people on campus communicate before email? They met on the quad at noon to shoot the shit or they figured stuff out on their own, dogdammit!

Lovin’ it: I’m all registered for the art critiques and I got information and maps in the mail today. Yea!

Not lovin’ it: Chester Cheetah’s mocking grin.

Posted by Christine | Filed Under Uncategorized

I done snagged it

August 29, 2005 | 1 Comment

There’s no Monday Music Mambo today as the Mambo King lives in the hurricane region. (Let’s hope everyone is doing alright there!) :ok:

I found this meme on Julie’s cool site, which is interestingly named I Love Goalie Splits. (Who doesn’t!? Hehe.) It’s a long quizzie, but I thought it was fun. You should do it, too. :yes:

Ten Random Things About Me

1. My bark is no where near as bad as my bite.
2. I am related to a very famous writer from long ago.
3. I usually sneeze three times in a row.
4. I’ll dog-ear pages in paperback books, but never in hardcover ones.
5. I like all kinds of mustard, but I hate any kind of ketchup.
6. I love to give anonymous gifts to people who have touched my heart.
7. I collect the works of other artists.
8. Once, at a young age, I ~~defiled~~ slightly altered the work of a world-renowned artist.
9. I can’t go to sleep with anything covering my feet.
10. I have this odd 666 birthmark on my scalp…

Nine Places I Have Been

1. Phoenix
2. Taos
3. The Badlands (sooo desolate and beautiful!)
4. Detroit
5. Minneapolis
6. Chicago
7. Dallas
8. Denver
9. The Other Side (but not for very long)

Eight Things I Want to Do Before I Die

1. Spend more time with my best friends
2. Take a leisurely vacation in Italy
3. Exact some revenge
4. Live in a house with 20 ft. ceilings
5. Have more exhibitions in large city galleries.
6. Take a vacation with my two sisters.
7. Learn another language. (French seems useless anymore…)
8. Illustrate more children’s stories.

Seven Ways To Win My Heart

1. Be loyal
2. Take good care of yourself
3. Belly laugh
4. Say what you mean and mean what you say.
5. Kiss me right there.
6. Stop tickling when I say so!
7. Follow up your words with actions.

Six Things I Believe In

1. True love
2. God
3. My ability to succeed at anything I put my mind to
4. My friends
5. What comes around, goes around.
6. The power of positive thought

Five Things I’m Afraid Of

1. Dental pain. Gah! It’s the worst.
2. Stupid, inconsiderate people being in charge of important things
3. Losing sight in my good eye.
4. Loud, sudden noises.
5. People I love being in pain.

Four of my favorite bands

1. Jerry Butler and The Impressions
2. Creedence Clearwater Revival
3. The Doors
4. Lynyrd Skynyrd

Three Things I Do Every Day

1. Shower
2. Read at least 50 pages in a book and usually more.
3. Go for a long walk.

Two of the Best Feelings

1. Umm… You know…:oops:
2. Knowing that I did the right thing.

One Quote to Live By

1. “All men should strive to learn before they die, what they are running from, and to, and why.” ~ James Thurber

Posted by Christine | Filed Under Uncategorized

Randle P. McMurphy’s Battle Dome

August 28, 2005 | 3 Comments

Living with an insane cat isn’t always easy.

First off, when he looks at you like this, you just know he’s beggin’ for a fight…

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To avoid the Claws of Death, the best thing to do is throw something at him, preferably a dishtowel.

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Of course, the dishtowel isn’t much of a foe compared to the fearsome creatures that Randy battles in his own mind. Here he is, thrashing about at the invisible attackers, beating the holy crap out of them!

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And for all of those who managed to limp away this time? They know where they can plant the smoochie.

Posted by Christine | Filed Under Uncategorized

Slow and Easy Sunday

August 28, 2005 | Leave a Comment

I haven’t Muttered in a while…

Girlfriends:: Oprah – isn’t everyone her girlfriend?
Here to stay:: Our love
Call me:: Blondie
Frustrated:: Just try harder
Public school:: a lost cause and a last resort
Glitch:: !@#$%
Cheese:: Baby Swiss …mmmm
Director:: of my own destiny
Pivotal:: crucial
Exclusive:: Only for one

I totally expect to be blasted for my answer about public schools, but it’s the truth. I think the only thing holding that system together right now is the small percentage of dedicated teachers who actually care if their students learn anything… and sooner or later they are going to become exhausted or extinct. I really think privatization is the solution.

***

Speaking of school, tomorrow is the first official day of the semester for our campus. It’s been really nice meeting with students and catching up with colleagues this past week, and, let’s face it, everything is a little nicer because I know this is my last year of teaching art history.

I feel like I am on the verge of a new adventure and it sure feels good. :yes:

***

Agent J. was out in the backyard today and some of the little Sucky Brats came over to ~~pester~~ talk at him.

They informed him that the “fat girl” he lives with is very mean. And he is nice. :rofl:

We both had a really good laugh over it. The thing is, he despises them all just as much as I do (if not more); he just never lets on to that fact. We figure that if we continue to play Good Cop/Bad Cop with them, we can keep gleaning the information we need to stay one step ahead of their bullshit.

***

Are you guys watching the reports about Hurricane Katrina? It looks like it’s going to be horrible. Many people who aren’t able to leave New Orleans are being herded into the Super Dome for temporary shelter.

I just look at that and get the eerie feeling: Super Tomb. If the levees break around the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain what will keep that thing from filling up like a humungous swimming pool?

I’m praying for everyone there. You pray too, ok? Other than that, there’s nothing else we can do but help them clean up and rebuild afterwards.

Hearin’ it: Randy and Maizey play-fighting in the dining room. They’re all whacked out on catnip. Hee!

Readin’ it: Ana Mendieta: Earth Body: Sculpture and Performance, 1972 – 1985 by Olga Viso

Lovin’ it: Painting late, sleeping late.

Not lovin’ it: Oy. Still with the RAGWEED.

Posted by Christine | Filed Under Uncategorized