(no subject)

[jawnbc]

I'm working on a farewell task for me job: a report that considers possible new offerings for doctoral study here at The University. It's kind of fun, makes me think (which is good), but I'm not hopeful that my recommendations will be followed. As querrelle can attest, strategic planning isn't a hallmark of the place.

I turned yellow this weekend. No, really. When I went to the doctor a months ago my liver enzymes were elevated, as were my triglycerides and cholesterol (7 it turns out, not 12). So I changed my already not entirely hideous diet and went on a low dose of Lipitor™. Which can affect liver performance. So I felt queasy and weren't purdy, and it's time for a follow-up of the blood work anyway. The Doctor is a charming fellow who likes to talk culture; all well and good but I do need to get to work--I can't bill the government for these conversations. Should have results Monday or Tuesday. Today, however, will still be my one day to each McDonalds--and to see my girlfriend! Sshhh...

Is it really Canada Day in just over a week? Wow, that's 3 of them in Australia. Canada kicks ass!

When I was an adolescent I could auto-fellate. And we're not talking licks, we're talking full-on mouthful. Was kind of kewl until I found out that others could do it for me...often better and I could just sit back and relax. Now I can't touch my ankles. querrelle, now he's flexible. Excellent for his health but otherwise quite the waste.

40 years ago I was crawling around the living room, periodically tortured by Mike and Tommy, and I followed Ma around everywhere. Stuck to her like a sock full of static cling. I am 1

30 years ago I was at the breaking point. Nothing I did seemed good enough for him, and the my one saving grace--school--was slipping through my fingers. I began to be mouthy in class and I capitulated on "just say no" and discovered drinking and smoking dope. At the start of the year I wouldn't wear jeans; at the end I wouldn't wear anything but jeans and my The Who concert t-shirt. I am 11

20 Years ago I didn't come home. From university. I decided to stay up at university college and make up some classes--otherwise I wouldn't graduate on time. I moved off campus with a couple of gal pals (Tina and Swamp...ok Marcia. But we called her Swamp...as in marsh...get it), went to class, worked on campus and at a bar, had sex with the occasional townie, and pretty much revelled in the non-presence of my family. Was stoned a lot of the time too. It was grand. I am 21

10 years ago I was an adult educator (teaching vocational skills, tourism to be precise), enjoying my time in Vancouver as Bachelorette #1, doing some volunteerism and a lot of remedial spiritual work. Anyone who's had a hard time with spiritual or emotional issues I heartily recommend a decampment to Vancouver in the summer: long warm days, incredible beauty, an irresistible urge to be out and about. Have a latte, strap on some 'blades. Or just loaf on the beach. Wow another incredibly sunset! I am 31

5 years ago I had just finished year one of my PhD. I was teaching, working as a tech support, going to some conferences, and finding that i could be both a bristly intellectual and a compassionate warm person: I did not have to choose. It was also shockingly isolating, but it was, as my pal Dr. Dyke always told me, one of the best lives a person could ask for. I am 36

And you? Tell me what you've been up to these last decades?

Comments

[austinw04.livejournal.com]

40 yrs and 30 yrs ago I was not born yet...

20 years ago- 9 years old and in the 4th grade. Oh yea, I had the biggest crush on my teacher- a common theme of mine growing up. We had just moved to a new city/town- so getting to know people. Not one of my strong points. This new place was really small- so all the kids had pretty much grown up together. My step brother and sisters visited every weekend during this time in my life. I think this was the year that the entire family went on vacation to Yellowstone. Packed up the van in the middle of the night- kids slept in there- at 2 or 3 am...mom and dad pulled out of the drive on our way for our first big family vacation. Good times.

10 years ago- I had just finished up my first year of collegiate soccer at Texas A&M univ. I was severly depressed, worn out emotionally and physically. Battling depression, eating disorders, and having 5 soccer practices a day and being expected to perform academically was to much. I decided a smaller college closer to home would do me good. I moved home enrolled in the Jr. College- much to my parents despise- I mean who would want their kid to give up a full athletic scholarship to one of the best colleges in the US. I started counceling, did very well in school, and worked to support myself since my parents refused to help if I left A&M.

5 yrs ago- I had just graduated from the University of North Texas- where I transfered to after 1 year of regaining my confidence at the JR college. I just completed the rest of my soccer eligibility in that soccer program. I had started hormone therapy and had the first of many surgeries for my transition. I had just moved to California with the person I was dating at the time. I needed to go out there to make sure we were going to last. We didnt. I started my MBA program. Overall- a good year, new beginnings. I was 24.

[jawnbc]

Wow, you were an elite soccer player and you've got an MBA? Fierce!

[austinw04.livejournal.com]

*grin* that would be me :)
Look who is talking Mr. "Academic Wanker"
How was it getting your PhD. Ive often thought about it, but dreading the GMAT.

[jawnbc]

Well in Canada most PhDs don't require much (if any) coursework--you just do the research. "Just", ahem. It's a lot of work, very isolating, but also perhaps akin to the sort of fitness you had playing football--except it's your brain.