Author Archives: Christene

I Really Like This

I teach different things in all of my classes, but the result is the same. Last night, talking about teaching, I realized how much I like it, and why. They want to understand. They are all so attentive, full of questions, ready to make connections. A classroom full of bright eyed bushy tailed kittens. And this is no small feat since according to one of my friends I teach “too late” and 7-10 classes are “for vampires.” Cute. Except even if I had a choice I would still prefer the current schedule. It is not the horary that takes its toll.

Yes, teaching is exhilarating, but it is also very draining. With every three hour lecture I feel spent. As if a part of me has been pulled out, a spool unraveling bits at a time as I deliver the information. It regenerates, but constantly taxed.

My voice is also improving. The first week and a half, after each session my throat would be soar and my voice would turn a little raspy. So far this week it hasn’t happened at all.

I just collected the first set of mini papers, and they were overall really good. Even when they didn’t understand the concepts, they showed effort. Apparently one of the examples I used in class two weeks ago really stuck since almost all of them referenced it. At least they are paying attention. I am just happy I picked works that my students seem to have a genuine interest in. Especially the novels.

As for my one class that seems to have turned into a theory course… well, I have to bring that one back on track. Rime of the Ancient Mariner next week will serve well. Although I think I have inadvertently moved from theory course to Romantics course with the next several weeks going from Coleridge to P. B. Shelley to Keats. Thankfully I have also thrown in some Goethe and Chaucer for good measure, along with a few other fun things.

I have already been told which classes I am teaching next semester and I am excited. But I have to pace myself. One thing at a time. The easy way would be to recycle a lot of the material. It could easily be reformatted into a new syllabus. But there are so many other things I want to play with! Stories and poems like toys to be probed, prodded and explored!

And what better way to do it than in front of an audience?

My Day…

Another picture blog because I am tired, and don’t feel like writing. Not to mention the pictures are pretty self explanatory.This morning I spent a bit of time in Cambria before driving back. Not that I was in town long enough to catch a play, but they do have a darling playhouse.

No ducks, but the kids get puzzles… Ducky gets his animals…

Ally gets her fairies and princesses…

Look, Tanya, company!

A little ornament tree at a music shop.

I need this!

Well then…

I was checking email and I inadvertently saw this on the sidewalk. I liked it.

Ally loves her puzzle!

So does Ducky…

Playing with it…

Dinner… it helps to have another person to take pictures. She took about twenty, and these are the best ones.

Back to the flatbreads…

And decadent desserts… Chocolate mousse with crushed oreos on top, and whipped cream… and oh….

Cambria

The drive to Cambria was a little longer than I remember it, but once I got here, it was totally worth the drive. Most darling little inn!

There is a paper towel dispenser outside the door. Interesting…

Sitting on the lovely patio after the long drive… and started grading…

I am getting all sorts of classy here…. I knew I forgot something!

My favorite part is the weather…. it might not be boot season in LA yet, but it is here!

Went for a little walk down Main Street. From what I remember this place has amazing pastries… I will be coming back in the morning before leaving….

I went to this store that used to be a rubber ducky store. They had hundreds of different toy ducks, so of course I was looking forward to getting some for the kids. The store closed, and in their place there is a wine shop with dozens of cute wine accessories. I saw this… I had to get it!

They also have a nice section for sitting which I will keep in mind for next time.

Went to about half a dozen little antique shops. Found way too many things I liked. You have no idea how much will power I exerted today. No idea…

Self portrait of my hair, outside of one such antique store.

Cute little sidewalk cafe.

Street view…

Another antique shop. I looked through the book sections of each one. I am still on the hunt for a nice version of Chaucer’s complete works. No luck, but I found a few other things, including the one below. I also found a beautiful set of children’s stories. I would have loved to buy it for the kids, but it was the kind of set where you really need to buy all of them otherwise it would be ruined. And the complete set was several hundred… oh well….