Thursday, May 31, 2007
Migraines may improve memory
I just read an article about an article in which a study inadvertently discovered that women who experienced migraines had better memory after 12 years than women who didn't experience migraines. I am hoping to track down the original article in the April publication of Neurology to understand better what the study findings were and how they are being interpreted. In the mean time, it's a nice thought that all this pain has been for some benefit.
The Crucible at the Abbey
After much anticipation and anxiety, I got to see the new Abbey Theatre production of The Crucible last night on its opening night. Overall, there was clearly a great deal of effort put into the production but the stakes never managed to get to a height that made it compelling.
In preparation for this production and my intent to write about it for my dissertation, I have (re)read Arthur Miller's script multiple times. It is an incredibly difficult text for a few reasons:
1.) It is not historically accurate. While Miller himself acknowledges that he based his characters on actual events, he also insists that this is a work of fiction and that it was, in part, an exercise in language as well as in discussing social dynamics. This ambiguously historical piece then makes it difficult for the production team to discern how much emphasis should be placed on the accuracy with which they present Puritanism and the Puritan lifestyle.
2.) Miller chooses to emphasize lust/lechery over other political issues. Many books have been published about the Salem witch trials that began in 1692 and most of them discuss the deep political, economic, and personal rifts within the Salem Town and Village. Without delving into the actual history of the accusations, trials, and murders it is difficult to discern the points of significance (that is, where Miller explicitly deviates from history and where he adheres to it). I find it interesting that Miller finds adultery and sexual miscommunications/violations more stable ground for this play about a society willing to believe delusions of Satan. Also, a sexual relationship between Abigail Williams and John Proctor seems to have no basis in historical fact. Historically, Abigail was 11 or 12 and living with her uncle Rev. Samuel Parris while Proctor was in his sixties and there is no record of Abigail working for the Proctors.
3.) The argument continues that The Crucible is about McCarthyism. Rather than view this as a piece of art that speaks its own message, many prefer to interpret this play as an explicit parallel to the HUAC interrogations and black listing of the 1950s in the US. But very little of the play actually happens in a trial. Most of the play is about the interpersonal (re)actions to the escalating fear of one another. I find it interesting to consider Miller's choice to emphasize the underlying concern for (marital) vows over other witch-hunt issues especially in light of the betrayal by his close friend Elia Kazan who did name names in the HUAC meetings thereby assuring he would not be black-listed and could continue to direct films in Hollywood.
I don't feel like discussing much more about the production at the moment because I am saddened and confused by the production for different reasons and am still sorting that out for myself. I am not sure if I will write about it for my dissertation. It's all a bit cloudy at the moment. I might go see the show again later in its run to see how it has developed. I may decide I would rather spend my time and money elsewhere. Only time and reflection will tell.
In preparation for this production and my intent to write about it for my dissertation, I have (re)read Arthur Miller's script multiple times. It is an incredibly difficult text for a few reasons:
1.) It is not historically accurate. While Miller himself acknowledges that he based his characters on actual events, he also insists that this is a work of fiction and that it was, in part, an exercise in language as well as in discussing social dynamics. This ambiguously historical piece then makes it difficult for the production team to discern how much emphasis should be placed on the accuracy with which they present Puritanism and the Puritan lifestyle.
2.) Miller chooses to emphasize lust/lechery over other political issues. Many books have been published about the Salem witch trials that began in 1692 and most of them discuss the deep political, economic, and personal rifts within the Salem Town and Village. Without delving into the actual history of the accusations, trials, and murders it is difficult to discern the points of significance (that is, where Miller explicitly deviates from history and where he adheres to it). I find it interesting that Miller finds adultery and sexual miscommunications/violations more stable ground for this play about a society willing to believe delusions of Satan. Also, a sexual relationship between Abigail Williams and John Proctor seems to have no basis in historical fact. Historically, Abigail was 11 or 12 and living with her uncle Rev. Samuel Parris while Proctor was in his sixties and there is no record of Abigail working for the Proctors.
3.) The argument continues that The Crucible is about McCarthyism. Rather than view this as a piece of art that speaks its own message, many prefer to interpret this play as an explicit parallel to the HUAC interrogations and black listing of the 1950s in the US. But very little of the play actually happens in a trial. Most of the play is about the interpersonal (re)actions to the escalating fear of one another. I find it interesting to consider Miller's choice to emphasize the underlying concern for (marital) vows over other witch-hunt issues especially in light of the betrayal by his close friend Elia Kazan who did name names in the HUAC meetings thereby assuring he would not be black-listed and could continue to direct films in Hollywood.
I don't feel like discussing much more about the production at the moment because I am saddened and confused by the production for different reasons and am still sorting that out for myself. I am not sure if I will write about it for my dissertation. It's all a bit cloudy at the moment. I might go see the show again later in its run to see how it has developed. I may decide I would rather spend my time and money elsewhere. Only time and reflection will tell.
Deepa Mehta's film Water
I got to see this film last Saturday. It is strikingly beautiful in images, music, and story. It is set in 1938 in India near the end of British rule as Gandhi is becoming more well-known and influential. The film follows a few different characters while focusing mostly on the women living in an ashram, where widows spend their lives after their husband's death.
The director, Deepa Mehta, also directed films entitled Earth and Fire which I have heard are very good as well. She began filming in 2000, but was disrupted by protests and there was an attempt by the Indian government to shut down production. Finally, three or four years later, production of the film resumed in Sri Lanka.
Her daughter, Devyani Saltzman, wrote a book Shooting Water: A Memoir of Second Chances, Family, and Filmmaking in which she parallels the journey of making the film with her own journey to re-establish her relationship with her mother.
The director, Deepa Mehta, also directed films entitled Earth and Fire which I have heard are very good as well. She began filming in 2000, but was disrupted by protests and there was an attempt by the Indian government to shut down production. Finally, three or four years later, production of the film resumed in Sri Lanka.
Her daughter, Devyani Saltzman, wrote a book Shooting Water: A Memoir of Second Chances, Family, and Filmmaking in which she parallels the journey of making the film with her own journey to re-establish her relationship with her mother.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Saved at the Abbey
I saw Edward Bond's controversial play Saved at the Abbey last Thursday. While I feel I need to read the play before coming to certain conclusions about the play and the production, I feel confident saying there was some excellent work being done by the actors and a poor job done by the director. There was a striking set (which didn't entirely work for me) that required 2-3 minute scene changes between almost every scene thereby destroying any possible momentum between the scenes. I realize this may have been a directorial choice, but it didn't seem to serve the story or to fit with other production choices; it seemed there was a bold choice for the set of the home and that meant elaborate/lengthy scene changes.
I felt so sad for the actors, though, because they were working so hard to make the production work when the director has set these needless obstacles in their way. I have been fortunate enough to see some of these actors in other productions and continue to be impressed with the caliber of work. There was one scene between the characters of Fred and Len after Fred has just left prison and it left me without words it was so powerful.
One more directorial gaff and then I will let it go: violence is a mark of this play and why it continues to be controversial. There is a moment in the building to climax in which a wife strikes her husband on the head with a teapot AND THEY DIDN'T DO IT. It was so clear that there was no connection. There was no blood despite repeated lines about the blood. How can you stage a production known for its violence without treating the violence as a valuable and important part of the production?
I am interested to read the play to explore more of my conflicted feelings about the production. I can understand, however, how Edward Bond is one of the inspirations for Neil LaBute.
I felt so sad for the actors, though, because they were working so hard to make the production work when the director has set these needless obstacles in their way. I have been fortunate enough to see some of these actors in other productions and continue to be impressed with the caliber of work. There was one scene between the characters of Fred and Len after Fred has just left prison and it left me without words it was so powerful.
One more directorial gaff and then I will let it go: violence is a mark of this play and why it continues to be controversial. There is a moment in the building to climax in which a wife strikes her husband on the head with a teapot AND THEY DIDN'T DO IT. It was so clear that there was no connection. There was no blood despite repeated lines about the blood. How can you stage a production known for its violence without treating the violence as a valuable and important part of the production?
I am interested to read the play to explore more of my conflicted feelings about the production. I can understand, however, how Edward Bond is one of the inspirations for Neil LaBute.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Back in the Positive
After losing sight on some of my goals for self-care, I am back on track. =) And it feels really good, too. I've been making time for my wellbeing, for reflection, and for pleasure. My sister sent me the link to a site for helping to focus on health and wellbeing so that's been a good reinforcement as well.
I just had a couple really good exchanges in which I expressed my wants without being aggressive or oppressive and that feels really good. When I get overwhelmed or burned out or too sensitive I experience severe self-doubt about communication and expression (which are, for me, very emotional things as well as being mental). I can tell that I am more centered and confident from these last few days of staying close to home and nurturing myself.
Part of what is great about forgetting to make myself a priority is that I get to try again once I become aware of the shift. And I get to (re)learn when I make choices that exhaust, challenge, and/or sustain me. And sustainability is the goal for me: find a way to make living a good experience for as long (and as often) as possible.
I just had a couple really good exchanges in which I expressed my wants without being aggressive or oppressive and that feels really good. When I get overwhelmed or burned out or too sensitive I experience severe self-doubt about communication and expression (which are, for me, very emotional things as well as being mental). I can tell that I am more centered and confident from these last few days of staying close to home and nurturing myself.
Part of what is great about forgetting to make myself a priority is that I get to try again once I become aware of the shift. And I get to (re)learn when I make choices that exhaust, challenge, and/or sustain me. And sustainability is the goal for me: find a way to make living a good experience for as long (and as often) as possible.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Pink Martini with the SF Symphony
Gabry introduced me to this wonderful band from Portland, Oregon. How's that for interculturalism!
The band is Pink Martini and they are currently a twelve-piece group that capture in their rich sounds a seamless combination of original and cover songs with the magic of 1940s-50s musicals, the swank of the 1960s, and the multiculturalism of the contemporary era. They are a fabulous combination of passionate, lounge-y, majestic, and playful. AND they will be playing with the SF Symphony on 6-7 July! (And the tickets are only about $20!)
Their latest album has songs in English as well as in Japanese, French, Portuguese, Arabic... it's eclectic in its sources, but it is coherent and enjoyable as an album.
The band is Pink Martini and they are currently a twelve-piece group that capture in their rich sounds a seamless combination of original and cover songs with the magic of 1940s-50s musicals, the swank of the 1960s, and the multiculturalism of the contemporary era. They are a fabulous combination of passionate, lounge-y, majestic, and playful. AND they will be playing with the SF Symphony on 6-7 July! (And the tickets are only about $20!)
Their latest album has songs in English as well as in Japanese, French, Portuguese, Arabic... it's eclectic in its sources, but it is coherent and enjoyable as an album.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Piano Bar fun at Confirmation party
At the party after Gabry's niece's confirmation there was a piano player. He was so loud you could hear him three floors down when you entered the building. Upstairs, he jauntily played some Italian standards, ragtime, and other songs to a roomful of folks who hardly acknowledged him, despite the near-deafening volume. While some folks were singing along from their seats, eventually, the singing began in earnest.
Gabry and Ludy were having fun singing Italian songs. I got to hear "Volare" in the version that is popular over there (different from the Dean Martin version heard in the US). And then the piano player started playing something I recognized that had English lyrics so Gabry pulled me into the room to sing. That was weird, to sing a song I know in front of folks who, for the most part, couldn't understand what I was singing. (An important side note is that most of the songs on the radio in Italy are in English. When I was in Rovigo with Gabry, we were out with a guy from the theatre company and they sang me a little medley of songs I never would've imagined they would know. It's a little terrifying to know some of the songs that were exported over the years...)
The piano player started chatting me up. His name was Charlie and I don't think he could've been more of a stereotype of a piano bar piano player if he tried. He's from Milan and he's been playing piano for nine years. Unfortunately, he could play the songs in the key in which they were written rather than in a sing-able key. He also jumped through the song rather than play it all the way through. And he played everything at a rapid pace that made it difficult to follow, especially when I was trying to remember lyrics at the same time as trying to keep up with him.
Overall, it was fun, but it made me miss Rod and The Alley in Oakland. Rod really is a gem! I didn't realize how spoiled I was to sing with him. I can't wait to get home and go enjoy an evening at The Alley.
Gabry and Ludy were having fun singing Italian songs. I got to hear "Volare" in the version that is popular over there (different from the Dean Martin version heard in the US). And then the piano player started playing something I recognized that had English lyrics so Gabry pulled me into the room to sing. That was weird, to sing a song I know in front of folks who, for the most part, couldn't understand what I was singing. (An important side note is that most of the songs on the radio in Italy are in English. When I was in Rovigo with Gabry, we were out with a guy from the theatre company and they sang me a little medley of songs I never would've imagined they would know. It's a little terrifying to know some of the songs that were exported over the years...)
The piano player started chatting me up. His name was Charlie and I don't think he could've been more of a stereotype of a piano bar piano player if he tried. He's from Milan and he's been playing piano for nine years. Unfortunately, he could play the songs in the key in which they were written rather than in a sing-able key. He also jumped through the song rather than play it all the way through. And he played everything at a rapid pace that made it difficult to follow, especially when I was trying to remember lyrics at the same time as trying to keep up with him.
Overall, it was fun, but it made me miss Rod and The Alley in Oakland. Rod really is a gem! I didn't realize how spoiled I was to sing with him. I can't wait to get home and go enjoy an evening at The Alley.
Another dog-shoe incident
While in Rovigo, we went to lunch with some of the company members are their home which has a large garden with various fruit trees. It was lush and inviting in the 36.5 degree heat.
During the meal, Gabry leapt out of her chair (and halfway into my lap) with a bit of a scream. Turns out the dog was curled under the table by her foot without her knowing it; she moved and accidentally nudged the dog which was interpreted by the dog as an attack. So the dog bit her foot. Luckily he didn't break through or draw blood, but there are bite marks on her shoe to recall the occasion.
During the meal, Gabry leapt out of her chair (and halfway into my lap) with a bit of a scream. Turns out the dog was curled under the table by her foot without her knowing it; she moved and accidentally nudged the dog which was interpreted by the dog as an attack. So the dog bit her foot. Luckily he didn't break through or draw blood, but there are bite marks on her shoe to recall the occasion.
Teatro del Lemming
I got to see two of their shows while in Italy (in a small city called Rovigo). We saw an adaptation of The Unbearable Lightness of Being as well as the one-audience-person performance of the Oedipus story. They even learned some English translations for me for the Oedipus performance. Both were amazing performances with an emphasis on engaging the audience members. They are visually arresting and sensual experiences (involving sights, sounds, smells, touching, etc.).
The members of the company were very welcoming and entertained me when we joined them for food after the first show. Most of the entertainment came from translations of "games" into English. The funniest was one in which the person was anointed with oil, naked, riding a horse and attempting to stay upright while "squishing" from the oil while someone was pushing from behind. This was, of course, first explained in Italian with as many gestures and enactments as possible and then translated into English with Boris's variation/interpretation of gestures/enactments. After I responded then Boris would translate back into Italian. This cycle of laughter continued for more than an hour.
The company has a strong sense of community and self-sufficiency that reminded me of Santa Cruz. It was really nice to experience, as much as I could with a language barrier.
The members of the company were very welcoming and entertained me when we joined them for food after the first show. Most of the entertainment came from translations of "games" into English. The funniest was one in which the person was anointed with oil, naked, riding a horse and attempting to stay upright while "squishing" from the oil while someone was pushing from behind. This was, of course, first explained in Italian with as many gestures and enactments as possible and then translated into English with Boris's variation/interpretation of gestures/enactments. After I responded then Boris would translate back into Italian. This cycle of laughter continued for more than an hour.
The company has a strong sense of community and self-sufficiency that reminded me of Santa Cruz. It was really nice to experience, as much as I could with a language barrier.
Back in Dublin, back in the cool weather
I am back and still getting used to being in Dublin again. The weather was 13 degrees different between Milan and Dublin when we flew back (from a sunny, warm 26 degrees to an overcast, windy 13 degrees...) and it was a bit of a shock to the system.
We're back to typical Dublin weather of bits of rain (almost daily) with frequent patches of sun, occasional warmth, and lots of wind. It's nice although, again, a bit of a shock after the 26-36 degrees of warmth in Italy.
I'll try to post some of the funny stories from the trip. I didn't take many pictures because there just wasn't much I was interested in chronicling. But I did take a couple pictures so those will be forthcoming as well.
We're back to typical Dublin weather of bits of rain (almost daily) with frequent patches of sun, occasional warmth, and lots of wind. It's nice although, again, a bit of a shock after the 26-36 degrees of warmth in Italy.
I'll try to post some of the funny stories from the trip. I didn't take many pictures because there just wasn't much I was interested in chronicling. But I did take a couple pictures so those will be forthcoming as well.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Good for the soul
I have had some really good chats with Ruth in the past few weeks. She's a lovely postgrad at Trinity and I feel a bit of home when I am with her. I feel emotionally safe with her in a way that I feel with Wolfgang or Suzi. It's different, but there is something there, even some similarities in vocabulary. But it's been really nice. And it's often unexpected which works out even better when I am trying to write because I have a tendency to push myself to grind out the paper even though I know it is a creative process; when I have the unexpected but intensely honest moments with Ruth, I walk away lighter and ready to work.
And then I will be going to Italy with Gabry so I might not be posting for a little while, as usual when I travel. But trust that I will return refreshed and full of stories to share.
And then I will be going to Italy with Gabry so I might not be posting for a little while, as usual when I travel. But trust that I will return refreshed and full of stories to share.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Broken Flowers
I decided to follow some good advice and enjoy a little laughter therapy. I got a couple known entities, but I also took the chance on a new one. Broken Flowers is a Jim Jarmusch film from 2005 and, while it isn't hilarious in the belly-laugh kinda way, it is still charming and funny and it lingers in my mind. I really liked the soundtrack, too. It was a nice little adventure for my mind today and good for the soul.
Monday, May 07, 2007
CAKE B-sides and Rarities
CAKE has a new album out of B-sides and Rarities including "Mahna Mahna"...of which you can hear a sample. It's eclectic with the classic CAKE horns and whatnot...and it's silly which is possibly why I enjoy it so much. They also do "Strangers in the Night" which reminds me ever-so-slightly of the Perry and Kingsley version. There is "Never Never Gonna Give You Up" which is just strange to hear, especially after months of listening to Barry White while working at Betty's.
Career Info
I just found out about this website run by the US government where you can search for information on different careers in different states including pay scales. I know when I have gone for interviews or considered different career paths, I have often wondered what could be expected if I pursued this path.
There is also a site by the Bureau of Labor Statistics called the Occupation Outlook Handbook in which you can search different jobs for educational requirements, work environments, related occupations, etc. It points out important things such as most positions for postsecondary teachers (i.e. beyond high school) will be part-time or non-tenure track positions.
There is also a site by the Bureau of Labor Statistics called the Occupation Outlook Handbook in which you can search different jobs for educational requirements, work environments, related occupations, etc. It points out important things such as most positions for postsecondary teachers (i.e. beyond high school) will be part-time or non-tenure track positions.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Attempts on Her Life
I saw the Rough Magic production of Martin Crimp's play Attempts on Her Life at the Project on Friday night. After a day of postgraduate research presentations, I was looking forward to seeing this show, especially because I have been walking past a poster on my way to campus for more than a month.
It's an interesting piece in that it offers lots of information with very little restrictions. Each audience member gets to navigate the varied if not contradictory information from each of 17 scenes. Each scene has a different tone or style while the content all circles around Anne. There was so much about the performance that was pleasurable that I cannot wait to see another version of the play in order to more fully appreciate the magnitude of the achievement.
In a discussion with one my department-mates, he suggested that this kind of play is most enjoyed by academics and critics who enjoy analyzing productions. I think that, had this production more prepared the audience for the responsibility of experiencing the unfolding of the stories, any theatre-goer could enjoy the production. I find there is much anxiety (for theatre professionals, academics, and "lay" persons) about not understanding the message of a play and that is part of why I find pieces like this so important: it resists a singular message and invites a multiplicity of reactions. There is the possibility in production to accentuate the ever widening maw of uncertainty or fragility in the possession of knowledge; this production did not emphasize this as much as I think the script allows, but I still appreciated the choices they did make.
They introduced comic extremes from the beginning (the second scene features a woman in green opposite a man in orange on an almost entirely white set; in the following scenes the audience discovers each character wears predominantly one color from a rainbow spectrum). By the time the performance reaches the scene with a rock song, there is an ever increasing sense of uncertainty as to how things will continue to unfold. There is a curved line along the entire back wall of the set; when a car is moved along it, there is a tangible manifestation of the question "How far will they go?" And this discovery is much of the excitement, energy, and enjoyment of watching the production.
It's an interesting piece in that it offers lots of information with very little restrictions. Each audience member gets to navigate the varied if not contradictory information from each of 17 scenes. Each scene has a different tone or style while the content all circles around Anne. There was so much about the performance that was pleasurable that I cannot wait to see another version of the play in order to more fully appreciate the magnitude of the achievement.
In a discussion with one my department-mates, he suggested that this kind of play is most enjoyed by academics and critics who enjoy analyzing productions. I think that, had this production more prepared the audience for the responsibility of experiencing the unfolding of the stories, any theatre-goer could enjoy the production. I find there is much anxiety (for theatre professionals, academics, and "lay" persons) about not understanding the message of a play and that is part of why I find pieces like this so important: it resists a singular message and invites a multiplicity of reactions. There is the possibility in production to accentuate the ever widening maw of uncertainty or fragility in the possession of knowledge; this production did not emphasize this as much as I think the script allows, but I still appreciated the choices they did make.
They introduced comic extremes from the beginning (the second scene features a woman in green opposite a man in orange on an almost entirely white set; in the following scenes the audience discovers each character wears predominantly one color from a rainbow spectrum). By the time the performance reaches the scene with a rock song, there is an ever increasing sense of uncertainty as to how things will continue to unfold. There is a curved line along the entire back wall of the set; when a car is moved along it, there is a tangible manifestation of the question "How far will they go?" And this discovery is much of the excitement, energy, and enjoyment of watching the production.
Cinco de Mayo
How much do I love that the San Francisco Giants played in "Gigantes" uniforms on Sunday!
It's an interesting thing to be here in Ireland and to observe some of the European perspectives on immigration and multiculturalism. It's also interesting to meet folks who want the anonymity of metropolitan life while others want to suburban community/neighborhood environment while others want to be outside of the rampant consumerism and impersonal interactions of the capital city.
Meanwhile, I think fondly of California and my beloved San Francisco. We're far from having everything sorted, but it's still home in my heart. I guess I did leave my heart in San Francisco!
It's an interesting thing to be here in Ireland and to observe some of the European perspectives on immigration and multiculturalism. It's also interesting to meet folks who want the anonymity of metropolitan life while others want to suburban community/neighborhood environment while others want to be outside of the rampant consumerism and impersonal interactions of the capital city.
Meanwhile, I think fondly of California and my beloved San Francisco. We're far from having everything sorted, but it's still home in my heart. I guess I did leave my heart in San Francisco!
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Dr. Phil and other US exports
For those who didn't know, there is a lot of US television on Irish television. Not only can I watch Dr. Phil mid-morning, but there's Law and Order: SVU, that Gary Cole cop show, Lost, Arrested Development...even Rikki Lake and Who's the Boss! It's kinda hilarious. Especially Who's the Boss...that is rather absurd to me. I'm going to see if I can overhear anyone talking about it because that would possibly be one of the weirdest and most unexpected inter-cultural moments to date.
Natural, Mineral-based sunblock
I finally went into one of my local health-food shops to find some sunblock that wouldn't leave me feeling gross. It's all minerals and essential oils. So far it's working, but I am not really putting it to the test. I am trying to keep to the shade during peak hours and all that fun stuff. My face is still all freckles and my nose seems to always be a little bit pinker than the rest of my face. But no burns yet! The grass at Trinity is starting to yellow in patches because we've had so much consistent sun without much rain. It's kinda sad to see. It makes me think of the drought years in California.
Very stressful and awkward day
Most everyone I've talked with today has confirmed that this was an odd day emotionally. Lots of awkward exchanges, lots of uncertainty, and lots of emotionally stressful stuff. I went on a theatre audio event in Dublin and it was very poorly planned (not enough room for error, not enough consideration of consequences). Rather than have a fun little tour around part of Dublin, I found myself rushing to keep up with the audio track while trying to navigate an unfamiliar part of the city, avoid the rush hour traffic, and stay out of a street fight.
I am safely home now and treated myself to some seeded grapes after my stressful afternoon. I'm trying to let it all go before I go to bed so I don't carry any of the weirdness over into tomorrow. I want a fresh start after a refreshing night of sleep. I want to be alert and prepared for the mini-conference in my department tomorrow in which the PhD candidates will all present on her/his research. If tomorrow is at all like today, I might well freak out in the middle of someone's presentation. Admittedly, it would be an exciting event, but I think I'd rather preserve an illusion of dignity and control.
I am safely home now and treated myself to some seeded grapes after my stressful afternoon. I'm trying to let it all go before I go to bed so I don't carry any of the weirdness over into tomorrow. I want a fresh start after a refreshing night of sleep. I want to be alert and prepared for the mini-conference in my department tomorrow in which the PhD candidates will all present on her/his research. If tomorrow is at all like today, I might well freak out in the middle of someone's presentation. Admittedly, it would be an exciting event, but I think I'd rather preserve an illusion of dignity and control.
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