Hacked!

I am hacked! The reason for this state of being is that my e-mail was hacked this week. Apparently, Yahoo! had a number of security problems exposed this past week, which resulted in the hacking of a number of e-mail accounts - mine among them. I discovered this problem on Thursday afternoon when my best friend telephone to ask what was wrong. In response to my confusion to this question, she informed me that we had been chatting and that I had told her that I needed her. However, at the time of her phone call, I had just returned from teaching class, which meant that I was not chatting with anyone.

I quickly discovered that I could not access any of my e-mail (from both Yahoo! and Google), and began the process of regaining access to my own accounts. During this process, I learned that the hacker had sent an e-mail (purported to be from me) to everyone in my contact list requesting money from them due to a robbery and kidnapping in London. I receive about 12 phone calls immediately from concerned friends and family as well as a host of e-mails (which I obviously did not receive until later) inquiring as to my condition. While informing everyone I was not in London, and had not been robbed or kidnapped, I immediately posted this information to Facebook. As an aside, it is amazing how many individuals immediately checked Facebook after receiving the e-mail to ascertain my status. I believe this is an intriguing social commentary on the state of contemporary society.

The most annoying aspect of this is that I was forced to change all of my login and password information for all of my online accounts. When I sat down to make a list of these accounts, I thought that I had only a few account, but as I began to change all of these accounts, I began to add accounts to my list. When I finally finished, I realized that I have almost 40 online accounts of some sort. I spent the better part of six hours changing all of this information, and was surprised to learn that some of the changes actually required a telephone conversation with the company.

While I am incredibly hacked off at the annoyance and problems caused by the hacking of my e-mail, I am also relieved that to this point the hacker has not accessed anything other than my e-mail. I am now much more aware of the fact that regardless of the security measures that one takes (and I take them) there is no 100 percent effective method for online security. Thus, I persevere with my security protocols, recognizing that my accounts may be hacked again.

Health Care?

It is with great sadness I report that I have a sinus infection. I figure this out about 4:00 am this morning when I couldn't sleep because of drainage. I arose this morning and completed a few tasks about the house before heading off to the doctor's office. I arrived promptly at 11:55, and was called back to see the doctor at 2:15. After repeating the list of symptoms that I had already written down, informing the nurse of the medicines to which I am allergic (written elsewhere in my chart had she bothered to look), and submitting to temperature, pulse, and blood pressure checks, the nurse departed at 2:21 stating that the doctor would be in shortly. Fast forward to 3:05 when the nurse practitioner arrives. I'm not saying that nurse practitioners are not qualified to dispense medical advice as a whole, BUT this woman clearly had no business being employed by a medical office. After reconfirming all of the information I had written down and told the nurse (who wrote it down again), she proudly pronounced, "I think you have a sinus infection." I wanted to exclaim, "Really! I would never have guessed that - especially since I wrote it down, told your nurse, and then told you that's what was wrong with me!" However, it was blatantly obvious that such sarcasm would have been lost on this woman, so I chose to keep my mouth shut. When she asked if I had any final questions, I said, "Yes, actually, I do." I informed her that I've recently been reading about the male birth control pills that are currently in clinical trials and asked a variety of questions on the topic. She was surprised to learn that such advances in medical science had been made. The piece de resistance was when I (a communication scholar who took anatomy in 7TH GRADE) had to  confirm some basic facts about anatomy for this woman. My anatomy lesson for today: Men are generally capable of producing sperm throughout their entire lives, while women have a finite number of eggs. As I sat waiting to have my prescriptions filled (yes, apparently a trained monkey can write scripts) I began to wonder how I have reached the point where, without any medical training other than my own reading, my scientist best friend, and my 7th grade anatomy class, I can provide a more accurate diagnosis that a supposedly trained medical professional. What a waste of three hours of my life!

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.

An Academic Institution???

Today was the season opener for the Georgia Bulldogs (and many other university teams), who soundly defeated Georgia State – anyone not see that coming? Several events this weekend have me thinking about the athleticization of higher education in the U.S. Surprisingly, I had great attendance in my classes yesterday. Guess those pop quizzes are working! However, as events unfolded yesterday and today, I began to ponder if the primary function of UGA is academic or athletic in nature. For your consideration, I offer the following facts (with commentary of course):

The Main Library was closed today for fear the tailgaters would use it as a pit stop. As an academic, I find the closing of the building that most symbolizes knowledge and education quite troubling. The message is clear – focus on the game rather than your academic pursuits. The even greater concern is that no one seems to care that the library was closed – except those of us who needed to use it. I truly needed to work today, but did not have access to the tools I needed for my research. Further, given that there are 10 of us sharing an office (because the university doesn’t have the space to house our department), I have a cubicle in the library where I work. Closing the library denied me a space to work. The fact that the media reported the reason for the closing as fans propensity to use it as a pit stop furthers the notion that the library now symbolizes nothing more than a restroom to our society. We visit football stadiums for fun, excitement, etc., but we visit libraries to relieve ourselves.

Students, faculty, and staff who pay for university services forfeit their rights to those services on game days. Aside from the closing of the library, I provide two examples for your consideration. First, parking increased $120 this year, but most of us forfeit our right to park on campus during game weekends (see previous blog entry). The university is prohibiting people for using their offices and the library as well as accessing facilities for which they pay fees (which aren’t cheap). Second, last evening I tried to take the dog (I’m keeping Puff while Jillian is in DC) for a walk at Lake Herrick (the nature center located next to the intramural fields). I went online and checked the parking map to make sure that I could park there (many individuals must surrender their parking spaces at 4:30 pm on Friday). The parking map indicated that two of the lots were designated for RV parking, but that the rest were open. As I turned into the drive that leads to the parking lots, I was stopped by three staff members who informed me that I was not allowed to park there. I explained that I wanted to use the walking trails (a facility I pay a fee to use every semester) and that I had checked online and the 2008 map indicated that there were some lots available. The proceeded to inform me that I was not allowed to use the facility regardless of the information on the map. Some of us pay so others may play. Note that my payment is in educational sacrifice as well as monetary forms.

Education receives massive budget cuts, but the athletic budget seems to be fine. Many states are facing huge economic problems this year, and the state of Georgia just implemented some fairly drastic budget cuts for higher education (although states such as Arkansas and Missouri seem to be faring much better). UGA is currently in a situation where it will not be hiring desperately needed faculty this year, departments have cut travel for faculty and graduate students to attend conferences to further their own education, and some departments are even cutting staff positions to decrease their budgets. My department cut one staff position, cut travel, and is trying to get us to cut copying expenses (hard to do when most of us are virtually paperless). While we cannot get alumni and others to provide funds to defray these cuts, we can get donations to build things such as the Vince Dooley Memorial Garden. True, the athletic association is monetarily independent from the university (this is the same with most institutions), but this is about principle. The state takes a hit in tax dollars, while athletic departments don’t seem to be struggling (I’ve yet to hear about any travel cuts associated with an athletic team). Have we reached a point in our society where we’re willing to fund a university’s athletic endeavors, but not it’s academic ones? The state budget cuts received about two days worth of media coverage – athletics receives an entire year. After all, news stations have sports anchors rather than education anchors. At what point did our society begin to privilege athleticism over education?

UGA suspends campus alcohol policies during game days. At the beginning of every fall semester, the UGA instructional faculty receives a letter from the provost instructing us to be careful of our discussions about alcohol in classes. Further, the campus has a relatively strict policy concerning the use of alcohol by minors (although recent media reports have questioned the equality of enforcement). However, on game days, come one, come all with the alcohol! Tailgating on campus is quite the tradition and alcohol is a must for tailgaters. What sort of message is this sending students? Clearly, if this was tantamount to the safety of students, the university wouldn't acquiesce to the desires of football fans. Would it? Do we value entertainment above education? Where does concern for the other fit into this picture?

I have come to the conclusion that, in the minds of most, institutions of higher education no longer exist to provide an education to the next generation, to seek solutions to critical social problems, or to discover new knowledge that improves the human experience. Rather, they serve to meet the athletic/entertainment needs of the masses. In no way do I intend for these comments to serve as an indictment of the University of Georgia. This is not a UGA phenomenon – it’s happening all over this nation. I am deeply disturbed by the move our society is making with it's view of higher education. At what point do we stand up and say, “The purpose of universities is education, not athletics!” In the words of Dennis Kucinich, “Wake up America!”

Anger and Incompetence

A friend once told me that she never wanted to be in the situation where I was mad at her. Her logic was as follows: In all the time I have known you, I have never seen you angry at another person. In fact, you don’t seem to get mad or angry at people (although I’m often upset with people). Several other individuals present concurred, and stated that my lack of anger was probably a good thing as I possessed the power to be incredibly vindictive. As I reflected on the statement, I responded that I could only ever remember being angry at a person once in recent memory, and that all were correct concerning my desire for revenge. Since this conversation (about four years ago), I can recall two additional events where I was actually angry at someone. In the past 10 years, these three incidents are the only situations where I can actually recall being angry at another person. One was a circumstance in which someone said something about a member of my family, one was a circumstance in which someone who should have known better made a completely inappropriate comment that was offensive a large number of people (including myself), and the final one was upon learning that someone whom I trusted implicitly had betrayed a clearly private conversation. Although I had never fully considered it, I now recognize that one of the qualities I like best about myself is that I do not anger easily and only when justified.

However, I have recently become aware of a threat to my relative lack of anger to others that could potentially render this quality detrimental to me. The beast: INCOMPETENCE! If I were on Inside the Actor’s Studio, my response to James Lipton’s “What turns you off?” would be incompetence. Historically, my response to such individuals has been dismissal. After all, why tolerate incompetence? However, recent events have demonstrated that it is not always possible to escape incompetence (although not for lack of effort on my part). I currently have no choice but to maintain relationships with a handful of individuals whom I deem incompetent. Not only are these people trying my patience, but I have found myself on the verge of intense anger on numerous occasions. While this may seem understandable to many, it is a new experience for me, and one I am not quite certain how to handle. I wonder…am I becoming less tolerant of people as I age? Do I simply not possess the ability to work with certain types of people? Have I reached a point where my standards are so high that people cannot meet them? Am I setting people up for failure? As both a scholar of interpersonal communication and as a human being, I am troubled by these questions. I find myself replaying situations over and over again in the hope that I have somehow missed the slightest glimmer of ability in another. I offer more help than I should. I consult friends and colleagues, and yet, I still find myself on the verge of anger when I encounter incompetence. Will I leap from the precipice into full blown rage? Do I need to undertake some intense change? Will this experience lessen with time? How long with this progress? I find myself with more questions than answers. Yet, the fact remains – I detest incompetence!

A Night of Firsts

Delta Flight 4397 leaving Atlanta at 9:25 pm on 31 July. I arrived at the airport super early because there were no traffic delays in Atlanta, was the only passenger on my shuttle from long term parking, was the first person in line to check my baggage, and got through airport security in under 5 minutes. Wow! A series of firsts for me. When I checked my bag, the skycap informed me that the flight was delay to 11:00 pm, when I arrived at the gate (which had been changed), the flight was delayed until 11:36 pm. After I had dinner ($17 worth of a sandwich), I settled in to wait for two hours. I opened the laptop and connected to the Internet via my AT&T laptop connect card (I refused to pay $10 for 24 hours of Internet service). Before I could pull up the Delta website so that I could receive updates on the flight status, I received an e-mail from Delta confirming my flight delay. I opened the Delta website, typed in my flight number, click go, and received a glaring red message screaming CANCELED.

Although a tad perturbed that there was no announcement at the gate to this effect, I immediately packed away my laptop and grabbed my phone. I called Joanna (whose wedding was the purpose of my trip) and had her look up the Delta Skymiles phone number (I learned this on Morning Express with Robin Meade some weeks ago – it’s quicker than waiting in line – people were in line for hours). Bob informed me that Delta had graciously already booked me on a 6:15 flight the following evening. Since Joanna and Clint’s wedding rehearsal is scheduled at 4:00 pm tomorrow (yes, I’m writing this in the airport), I informed Bob that this was unacceptable and requested to be put on a different airline. He informed me that he could not do that since Delta had availability. Having taken persuasion and numerous other communication classes, I responded that Delta actually did not have availability given that I had to be in Hot Springs, AR at 4:00 pm tomorrow. He asked if he should transfer me to someone else who might be able to help me. I, of course, said YES!

It was then I met Debbie from Tampa. I informed Debbie of the situation (okay, I actually told her that the wedding was tomorrow at 4:00 pm as I figured this would make the situation appear much more dire). Appalled at being the person responsible for the lack of an officiant (how odd, Spellcheck doesn’t know this word) at a wedding an running the ceremony for 400 guests (Joanna, I know the chapel only holds 160, but I thought a larger number might produce better results). Debbie, with whom I am now in love, said, “I can book you on an 8:30 am flight.” Wow! Debbie has got to be the best Delta employee ever – she deserves an award! Although this is not the first time I have been stranded at an airport, this is the first time that I have received such service.

Currently, it’s almost midnight, and I’m sitting in Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. I’m spending the night here because the hotels are so expensive in this area, plus, I need to be back here at 6:30 am. By the time I got to a hotel, I would only have about four hours to sleep before I had to be back here again. So my final first, I’m spending the night in the airport. My concerns right now: where is the bag I checked, and what am I supposed to do in the morning.

By the way, I may scream if I have to listen to the instructions for traveling with an infant over the loudspeaker again.

Oh the Irony

The University of Georgia notified us in the spring that the cost of parking would increase by $120 a year beginning this fall. The mumbling and grumbling then ensued. Although I recognize the university’s need to break-even (public institutions do not exist to make a profit), I am troubled by the drastic increase over the course of one year. I am further troubled by the fact that the $480 it now costs to park anywhere close to my office on campus comes with restrictions. For example, I am required to surrender my right to park on campus during football games (unless I want to pay an additional sum). I wonder if cost of football parking will increase by the same percentage this fall. Additionally, I am allowed to park in one lot and only one lot. This is really surprising given the size of this campus and the fact that I must traverse it just to teach my classes. The counterargument to this is that the University maintains an excellent bus system to facilitate individuals’ movement on campus. While the bus system is quite good, it’s obvious that anyone making this argument has never attempted to use the bus system during class changes between the hours of 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. The result of all of this – I resigned myself to the fact that I will pay more for parking this year.

I went online earlier this summer and applied for parking (we have a weird lottery system – well, sort of). Today, I received an e-mail confirming that I had been awarded a parking space on campus – no real surprise as I am high on the priority list for the lots I selected. The e-mail told me that I would need to log onto the parking website to confirm my lot and pay for the privilege to park at the place where I work and attend school. I clicked on the link in the e-mail to complete this transaction, and a new window popped up. This was surprising as I have been through this process three times before without pop-ups. The pop-up was from Microsoft informing me that the site for the link I clicked was potentially unsafe and cautioning me that I might not want to proceed. Puzzled by this, I double-checked the link in an effort to ascertain what the problem was. It was immediately obvious – URLs do not contain the “@” symbol. This led to my search for the appropriate URL, which I did find, and successfully paid for parking. The irony (in hypothesis format as I am teaching methods this summer): As cost of parking increases the services related to parking decrease.

The Critters are Taking Over

Literally…The critters are taking over. In the past week, a series of critters have invaded my space. While my farming background makes me no stranger to animals, my current visitors are leaving something to be desired.

The Chipmunk. By far, the chipmunk is the cutest of the critters. I first noticed the little munk Sunday morning on my patio. I opened the blinds on the back door to see if the sun had hit the patio table yet (I like to eat breakfast on the patio if the sun isn’t completely up yet), and there was the munk. I cannot recall ever being that close to a munk, so I decided to observe in the hope that I might learn something about munk behavior. After some investigation of my patio and light frolicking, the munk jumped into my strawberries. Given my lack of experience with munks, I found this feat quite impressive – the jump was over a foot. However, what happened next changed my view of the munk from once of appreciation to one of disdain. Munk proceeded to take a bite out of every ripe strawberry save one! I did not appreciate this, and as a result scared the offensive munk away from my patio. So much for my homegrown strawberries!

The Rabbits. The rabbits rank just below the chipmunk in cuteness, but they rank lowest in annoyance – kudos to them. I don’t really have an issue with the rabbits, yet. During my morning walks/runs the past two weeks, I have noticed several rabbits seem to have moved into the neighborhood. I’m fine with this as they are better neighbors than some of the humans in the neighborhood, but as with the munk, I was a little surprised to see them in so urban a setting. The rabbits watch me, and I watch them. Thus far, they have yet to find my plants, so I simply enjoy them. However, I am concerned that I will awake one morning to discover my plants destroyed.

The Spider. The spider is another matter. Now, I happen to like spiders. They are some of the most useful creatures God ever invented because they eat the unwanted bugs. My problem with the spider is location, location, location. The spider has decided to build a web across my back door. When I arrived home from school yesterday, the mail had yet to run, and I forgot about it until around 10 pm. When I remembered I needed to check my mail, I opened the back door and walked outside – right into the spider’s web. If you have ever had the misfortune to become entangled in such a web, you are well aware that it takes a massive effort to disentangle oneself from a spider’s web. Bad spider.

The Flies. The flies are at the pinnacle of my annoyance. Over the weekend, five flies infiltrated my residence. Three have now passed, but two remain are working round-the-clock to vex me. These two flies are the craftiest flies I have ever beheld. They appear to have the ability to sense when I am approaching with an instrument of death and immediately take to the skies. Further, they have taken to using me as their landing pad when I am seated on my loveseat. This is quite inappropriate! I do not believe I should be forced to tolerate this behavior in my own home. They were not invited and should therefore be expunged. My message to the flies…BEWARE: Death is imminent.

Discovery through Loss

Recently, I lost a jump drive. Okay, not really recently - several months ago, but I just now realized that I lost it. In my quest to find aforementioned jump drive, I searched in all of the "usual" places: my desk (the one at home and the one on campus), my work tables, and then my bag. Now, bag should actually be plural as there are four bags. At first, the realization that I actually have four bags disturbed me, but as I pondered further, I realized that I actually use all four bags (i.e., discovery #1). I have two laptop bags, a messenger bag, and a backpack. One laptop bag attaches to my luggage, but won't hold much more than my laptop, a book and a couple of legal pads. My other laptop bag is the one that I use on a daily basis because it will hold my laptop, a few books, legal pads, student papers, etc. However, it does not attach to my luggage, which forces me to carry it when I travel. Since most of my travel is through the massive city that is Hartsfield Jackson International, this becomes very tiresome. The backpack is necessary given that some days I cannot fit everything I need in my usual laptop bag. Indeed, many a day I carry a backpack and said laptop bag. Finally, I have a messenger bag, for those rare days when I don't need my laptop and the backpack is too big. Thus, to each bag a purpose! [As an aside, the backpack was a gift and the messenger bag was free with purchase from Express.]

As I searched through these bags for the elusive jump drive, I found a number of items that I simply forgot I had (i.e., discovery #2). I found a number of pens and pencils (great since I'm a writing utensil snob), a jump drive - NOT the one that prompted my search, dry erase markers, legal pads, almost enough money for a gallon of gas, a dead bug, some debit card receipts, and a couple of "extra" computer cables. Discovery #2 was the most exciting of my discoveries for two reasons. First, I found supplies I had already purchased, which negated my immediate of purchasing more supplies. Second, the fall semester will begin in a few weeks, and I no longer need to purchase the standard fall supplies as I can now do my shopping at home!

When not in use, my bags reside in closet of my guest bedroom/office (if it's just me here, it's the office; if there are guests, it's the guest bedroom). As I began to pull the bags out of the closet, I noticed that it was impossible to walk in my walk-in closet. I found this highly disconcerting and proceeded to take everything out of the closet and engage in what I term a ritual purge (these take various forms about three times a year). A ritual purge involves pulling everything out of a space (usually a closet, but occasionally a box or desk), sorting through everything, and dividing it into four piles: keep, trash, recycle, or donate. Two recycle boxes, five donation boxes, and a trash bag later, I can now walk all the way to the back of my closet and touch the back wall. Even better, the closet now holds boxes of data that were sitting in the floor of my office! Discovery #3 was the most time consuming, but ultimately was very rewarding.

Discovery #4 was the most painful of my discoveries, but I think pain is often a part of the self-discovery process. I realized, in the words of Jillian, "Todd, you're a packrat." My packrat pain exists at two levels. First, there is the trauma associated with the fact that I am hoarder. To assuage my anti-materialistic readers, rest assured that I don't hoard normal items. No, in the grand irony that is the ivory tower, I hoard...my previous academic work (all the way back to high school). August begins year 10 of higher education for me, which means I've hoarded a LOT of stuff. Even sadder, I hoarded papers of which I have electronic copies. For the environmentally aware, these papers found a new home at the Athens-Clarke County recycling center. The second trauma is the realization that my proclivity is genetic. Yes, I am the son of hoarders. As someone who studies families for a living, I know that in many ways we're all becoming our parents. However, that does little to lessen the pain that accompanies the realization that I am becoming my parents. C'est la vie.

As look back on these discoveries, I am fascinated by the fact that they are a direct result of me losing a jump drive, which I have yet to find!