The Perils of Moving

In preparation for my move in two weeks, I am currently in the process of packing up my house; shutting off utilities; turning on utilities; and planning the move itself.  It has been four years since my last move, and I seem to have forgotten the number of "bugs" that joyously appear throughout the process.  This truly has been a learning process.  Thus, I thought I would share some of the lessons learned from this process:

1. Planning ahead isn't always wise.  I contacted my phone company about six weeks prior to my move to discuss the termination date of my current phone and to turn on the new phone.  Last week, I was forced to contact them again to get them to turn my home service back on after they shut it off too early.  I also went ahead and filled out my change of address form through the USPS (specifying the date of my move).  My mail service ceased last week, which again prompted a phone call to have my mail service restored.  I've received mail the past two days, but I'm not sure what happened to about four days worth of mail.

2.  Moving = Discounts.  Completing my change of address from on USPS's website prompted the delivery of a number of coupons and discounts for a variety of moving services as well as for major stores (i.e., Lowe's, Best Buy, etc.).

3.  Don't trust shipping dates.  I ordered some furniture online (it was on sale and I got free shipping).  I based the delivery location on the estimated shipping date - furniture arriving before the move shipped to Athens and furniture arriving after the move shipped to Seneca.  It turns out that these dates were grossly overestimated.  The furniture that was not supposed to arrive in Seneca until August 6 is already present.  The wonderful shipping company - CEVA - agreed to hold it until I arrive in Seneca.  What a great company!

4.  Things NEVER happen on time.  Although I begin my move two weeks from today, I still do not have a contract or a host of other items associated with my new job.  This is a bit stressful as I am moving to start a job that I technically still do not have.  While everyone (literally) that I'm communicating with at Clemson keeps telling me not to worry.  Apparently this is indicative of their process.

On the Subject of Friends

The social scientist in me knows that this is completely impossible, but I'm thinking of cutting my friend group down to those people who I know actually care about me.  I've had more interactions with friends this week than I typically have in a week.  I'm intrigued by the fact that some of the best moments I had with friends have been in the past week, as well as some of the worst.

An awesome friend, my best friend actually, had to endure several days of me venting about another friend.  What makes her my best friend is that when I called and took my frustration with the other friend out on her (and I really did let it all out), she simply listened, agreed, and commiserated with me.  While that is the hallmark of a truly great friend, she even went a step further.  She actually got pissed at the other friend (a mutual friend) for the way the friend was treating me.  I've been reflecting on this support for the past day, and I cannot express how thankful I am to have friends who care deeply about me and about what's going on in my life.  It's also wonderful to have friends who will stand up for you even when you're not willing to stand up for yourself!

I also had a chance to spend two hours reconnecting with a friend this past Thursday.  It never ceases to amaze me that in a matter of mere minutes, my close friends and I can catch up on each others' lives.  That's another hallmark of a great friend: someone who understands you and wants to know what's going on in your life.  It's amazing to me that these people manage to quickly update me on their lives, while simultaneously probing me about my own.  What a way to show friendship!

I've also had the opportunity to pray for a variety of things going on in friends' lives this week.  While this isn't all that amazing as I am glad to do this, several friends have let me know that they're praying for me this week.  I know that I'm truly blessed with great friends when they're taking time to pray for me.  What an amazing way to honor a friend!

So back to my original thought about excising some individuals from my friend group.  I'm thinking that I'm no longer interested in the people who aren't true friends.  I'm wasting my time surrounding myself with people who are not committed to me and who are not willing to respect me as another human being.  Cognitively, I know this isn't possible, but I think it's a great attempt at strengthening current friendships and letting insincere ones die.

Perspective

Recently, I have been feeling depressed about the state of my economy.  I'm currently unemployed (26 tenure track applications and 3 visiting applications) with no apparent prospects.  I have begun to pack some of my belongings as I am selling some of my furniture and I had to move out of my office on campus.  Packing without a clue as to where you are moving is a bit weird.  I think I have a part-time summer job that will at least pay my rent and put food on my table (although not much more than that), but I received my last paycheck on May 8 and I don't know when another is coming.

However, as I walked to the mailbox this afternoon, something happened that completely changed my perspective.  There was a couple, who didn't appear too much older than myself digging through one of the dumpsters in my townhome complex.  As soon as the couple saw me, they made a beeline for their vehicle, so I was not able to see if I could be of help to them.  This encounter made me grateful that I am where I am.  I may not know what the future holds and I may not be financially stable right now, but there are many people in the world who have less than myself.  One might say that my experience this afternoon was a reality check.  I am now much more thankful for what I do have.  Although I'm still worried about the future, I have a new perspective.  I'm also on the lookout for the couple who was digging through our dumpster - maybe I can help them in the future.

The Fragility of Life

A number of recent events have reminded me of the fragility of life and how important it is to maximize the few years we have.  It strikes me that so much of what monopolizes our daily lives is incredibly insignificant in light of the tragedies that surround us.  Further, I am reminded of just how much I take for granted on a daily basis.

The University of Georgia and the Athens community endured quite a shock last weekend at the deaths of three members of the community - allegedly at the hands of a well-respected member of our academic community.  While this serves as a reminder that anyone can take life from us, it also highlighted the sense of insecurity that exists within the world.  As I looked out my office window this week, I witnessed the campus police (armed with AR-15s) patrolling the campus to protect everyone.  I ought not have to live in a society that needs this type of protection.  Life is something to be cherished; it shouldn't need this type of protection.

I found out this morning that a fellow former camp counselor was apparently murdered by her husband this week.  While the events of last weekend are saddening, they didn't touch me like Micah's death did.  Someone who I knew, whose family I know, who I spent summers with for a few years, who was an incredible person is gone.  We don't know why.  All that's left to do is grieve and question.  I shouldn't have to experience this.  Acts such as these shouldn't happen to people I know; they value life.  Micah's family and friends shouldn't have to go through this.  No one should.  Why can't everyone share the same value for life?

A few moments ago, I heard an accident at the intersection next to my home.  I looked out the window to see a SUV laying on it's side in the middle of the intersection.  While I don't believe anyone was seriously injured, it's clear that we can't control what happens to us.  Accidents happen.  Death happens.  Life is fragile, which means that we are fragile.  I am fragile, yet I don't want to accept it.

My final thought - LIVE LIFE!  It's all we can do.

Signs of the Times

My excursions today brought a few insights/questions to mind that I would like to share with my few, but loyal, readers.

The fountains are running again on campus.  Many of you are aware that Georgia has been in a severe drought for the past several years.  We have taken steps to conserve water and become much more conscious of our impact on the environment.  I'm proud to say that the residents of Clarke County sets records for water conservation (so much so that we're now facing increase water rates because the county can't afford to pay back it's bonds).  During the period of extreme conservation, the university shut down all of the fountains on campus to conserve water.  As I walked across campus today, I noticed the fountains are running again.  While this is a positive in terms of better conditions (i.e., rain), I am struck by the fact that conservation is only important in times of severe drought/water shortages.  Wouldn't the responsible action be to terminate fountains completely?

I also had occasion to venture into the library today (I needed some articles for my dissertation).  What surprised me most was that almost every table in the library was occupied.  I was aghast at the number of individuals utilizing the center of knowledge on campus.  Then, I remember that finals begin in a little over a week.  These are the students who are cramming for their final exams, rushing to finish papers and projects, and learning that they can no longer procrastinate.  I'm spending this week meeting with students to read drafts of papers and responding to a plethora of e-mail inquiries.  I am puzzled by the fact that students do not listen, read, or pay attention when I cover material in class.  It would actually save them so much time.  Why is that I do not understand my students?

Despite my routines and my ability to handle any situation, I can be surprised.  I typically pride myself on my ability to handle every situation with calm and rational abilities.  In short, I'm rarely thrown by a situation.  However, I was quite surprised this evening.  I began preparing dinner and I heard the sound of a lawnmower outside.  I rushed to the back door expecting to see some errant urchin dashing through the neighborhood on a stolen lawnmower (it is Athens after all).  Much to my surprise, it was the lawn service.  In the almost four years I have lived in this townhome, I can count on one hand the number of times the lawn people failed to show up on Tuesday morning between 5:30 and 6:00 am to maintain all of our lovely grass, shrubbery, and trees (they're excellent by the way).  I've spent the rest of the evening wondering what went wrong that they were so late today.  Now I'm wondering what this says about me.  Am I that weird/stressed?

Venturing into a New World

A couple of weeks I took my first step into a new world...the world of Apple.  I have been in need of a new mobile phone for a while, but I kept putting it off because I was hoping to have a new job before purchasing one.  However, my phone died about two weeks ago (the day before I was to leave for a conference in Norfolk), and I had no alternative but to venture into the AT&T store for a new phone.  Having considered my options for a while, my immediate choice was an iPhone.

While I was a bit disturbed to discover that there is no manual for the iPhone (everything is on iTunes), I have quickly adapted to the functionality of the phone.  The only issue I have is that it needs to be charged daily.  However, the myriad of methods for charging the phone is nice.  Thus, my foray into the world of Apple has been relatively painless.  What I haven't been able to figure out for myself my students have been able to tell me.

Given the problems that I have had with my laptops over the past years, I am seriously considering completely switching to a Mac as well.  My main reason for not switching thus far is that much of the statistical software I use is designed for PCs.  However, thru diligent research, I have discovered that most of the software I use is now Mac compatible.  Having talked to a number of Mac users, who tell me that although their systems are much more expensive than PCs, they NEVER crash (that alone is worth the price).  I think that sometime this fall I will be switching completely to a Mac.  Lookout Apple here I come.

Annoyed!

I cannot recall a time when I have been more annoyed than I have the past few days.  It seems that every time I get past one annoyance another is on the horizon.  Further, the annoyance seem to be coming from all facets of life at the moment.  In an attempt to relieve some of the annoyances plaguing my life at the moment, I have decided to compile a list of annoyances.

#1 - Bad Writing
I have recently finished grading my students' first papers, and I found the complete lack of writing skills incredibly annoying.  My job is to evaluate students' abilities to synthesize communication concepts, NOT to search endlessly for those concepts in poorly written papers.  I am puzzled by the inability to form a coherent sentence.

#2 - Withdrawal Deadlines
I have never had a semester as plagued by e-mails from students considering whether or not to withdraw from class.  This required an incredible amount of energy that I could have devoted to other work.  I long for the day when students are able to look at their grades and determine whether or not they should withdraw.

#3 - Incompetent Companies
I recently ordered supplies for an non-profit organization of which I am a member.  I placed the order two weeks in advance of when I needed the supplies.  Having never received the promised tracking number for my order, I contacted the company to discover that my order was on back order from a company that had failed to even fill the order.  Due to the inability of these companies to perform at adequate standards, I am now rushed to complete my work on time.  Thankfully, I called today to straighten out the mess!

#4 - Cheap Appliances
As I am going to be house-sitting for some friends over the next few days, I decided to prepare a few meals that I could simply microwave.  However, given the cheap appliance included in most rentals these days, every time that I cook something my oven smokes, and I enjoy a smoke-filled home.

Here's to hoping the annoyance ends!

Spring is here...

Although the arrival of spring comes regularly, the actual arrival (i.e., weather, plants, etc.) of spring does not always coincide with the calendar.  However, I was pleasantly surprised on my walk this morning to see flocks of geese headed inland.  Although a bit chilly this morning, I slowed my walk once I heard the honks of the geese and began searching the skies hoping to catch a glimpse of their beautiful formations.  Maybe it's just the farm kid in me, but this always seems to signal the arrival of spring.

To add to the springtime atmosphere, yesterday was the warm and windy.  For the first time this year, I was able to turn off the heat and open the windows.  Spring air flowing through the house always seems to invigorate me.  Today seems to be shaping up in quite the same manner.  While quite chilly this morning, the temperature is supposed to reach close to 70 degrees today.  Cool mornings and warm afternoons typify spring for me.

The final indicator of spring for me is the reawakening of plants, trees, and shrubs from their winter sleep.  Although I dread the rapid approach of pollen season, the thin coat of pollen on my car yesterday provided cheer that spring is here.  As I looked at the bare planters by the front door and on the back patio, I began to think about what I needed to get my own little world green again.  I'm ready to start spending time out on the patio.

Yeah for spring!

Appreciation

Returning home for spring break this year has made me aware of a number of things that I appreciate. 

Beautiful Views - I am reminded of this on 65N just as I leave Bee Branch.  I top the hill and can see miles and miles of the Ozarks.  This scene always reminds me how amazing God is and how grateful I am to have grown up surrounded by such beauty.

A Loving Family - My one year old niece has taken to hugging me when she first sees me.  It's amazing to me how much I enjoy the feelings that come from that.  My extended family is constantly demonstrating how much they care for me and support me.  When I think of all of the people who are in some way responsible for getting me where I am today, I am truly humbled by their sacrifices and their love and support.

Time Alone - Although I spend a lot of time by myself (such is the life of an academic), I am always surprised at how refreshing it is to spend 13 hours alone in the car with only my thoughts and cds.  Some of my best thinking occurs during these drives.

Technological Oblivion - My time spent at home and at my parents is time that disconnects me from the world in many ways.  I have dial-up speed Internet access.  I get sporadic cell reception, and very few people know where I am/contact me.  It's amazing how this rejuvenates me.

This is probably why I work better at home and I am more relaxed while working.  Further, the time with family always provides me a much needed boost in confidence and a renewed outlook on life.  Oh that this were a constant!

Landing an Academic Job

Many of you are aware that I'm currently searching for an academic job, so I thought I would share a few of my insights from the process with you.

Insight #1
You have absolutely NO control over this process.  Further, when you think you are controlling some aspect of the process, you are wrong.  Search committees and institutions move at their own pace and are incredibly idiosyncratic.  Don't bother searching for explanations for why they do what they do.

Insight #2
Campus visits are a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants experience.  The schedule will most likely change prior to your arrival to campus.  What you've prepared may not be what the committee/department wants from you, and you most likely were not given all of the information you needed to fully prepare.

Insight #3
Asking the same questions of different people will yield different responses.  This can be especially insightful if you're asking about the future of the department/program or what they're looking for in a colleague.

Insight #4
You will never be fully prepared for this experience.  Even if you have done an interview, every one is so unique that your experience does not always translate across interviews.  Do your best work and try not to worry.

Insight #5
Pay attention to your instincts.  If they're telling you that something is wrong, it probably is.  If you think something is up, it probably is.  Keep listening; if something really is up, someone will usually slip at some point.