Oh, it is good to be back. My proposal is submitted and absolute rubbish, the result of my seriously underestimating the breadth of the assignment. In that manner, though, it was a good experience, and I will (should) know enough to shape my shit up come next semester when I have to do the entire thing over again.
What remains in this semester: GRADING, second Core exam, GRADING, proposal critiques, lab exam proctoring, and GRADING. I do not believe I have mentioned much about the lab I have been TAing, but the teacher, Kristen, has missed almost the entirety of the second half of the semester due to health problems. Consequently, I more or less have been running the lab, which continues to be somewhat of a trial by fire, but I cannot say that I am not enjoying it on a significant level. It is rather satisfying to be somewhat useful in a position of authority, and by far the most annoying part is the grading.
Another thing I am discovering that I like quite a bit is getting in front of people and talking--the more unprepared, the better. Despite the ineptness in casual social situations into which I still find myself sometimes lapsing, predominantly when I have not imbibed enough, I am surprisingly comfortable with public speaking. Well, I guess it is not that surprising, as I did tend to be pretty unashamed for presentations in elementary and high school. I dressed up as Sam Houston and did the Texan accent (twice!). I used Chips Ahoy cookies to illustrate the importance of black soldiers during the Civil War. I was the voice of God. I tore off my toga as Hephaestus. I did a terrible impersonation of JFK. I am completely certain I cannot act for shit, but I wonder sometimes if I should have at least tried some theatre.
Winter is here in Boulder. It snowed a few weeks ago, when the trees still had their autumn leaves, and it was amazing to see the white snow layering the browngreen grass and yelloworangered leaves. I finally bought a new coat, which I get to pick up tomorrow--it is going to be the most exciting thing I do this week. I also finally have a hat and scarf here, so toasty times have arrived.
Walking home today, I saw Orion looming low and imposingly. Seriously, my favorite optical illusion is that one which makes the moon and constellations appear so much larger when they are close to the horizon. It allows moments when I feel insignificant, frightened, and happy all at once. It is much like being in love, as tawdry as that statement now looks.
Unless I manage to write about 35000 words in the next 50 minutes, I am going to fail NaNoWriMo. Again. BUT, I am so so so glad I have something that I can continue to write, and I plan on it.
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