The Conference

AERA 2013 is all a-buzz. The theme of this year's conference is Education and Poverty, but it's so crowded that the theme feels more like "I'm Sorry. I Didn't Mean To Touch You There." The elevator in the main conference hotel buzzes when it reaches the weight limit. This has happened on every elevator I've been on. It's very intimate. 

And yet. I'm sitting here in the lobby waiting for someone I know to pass by and so far, nothing. All these people and I don't know a single one. The man standing next to me has flagged down four people he knows, which suggests to me that I should make some friends. 

The talk is mostly ready. It's my first attempt to share data from the diss at a major conference. I'm looking forward to it and dreading it at the same time. The usual feelings there. 

I'm off to stand in line for the elevator now. Yes. There's a line for the elevator. I don't think I'll be participating in AERA 2014. 

There's More to Explore

Sam is watching Curious George right now. Sometimes I feel bad about allowing this 30 minutes of screen time each morning while he eats breakfast. Well. He sort of eats breakfast. I have to pause the show and prod him to do it because he's basically catatonic while George is on. But most days I feel good about checking my email, making coffee, and organizing the day. We're better off for it, I say.

Lately, though, Sam insists on "more" George and gets a little cranky when I shut things down. I'm trying to think of this fight as a teachable moment. You know. A lesson about how good things must come to an end. Or something like that. Of course, I'm the one feeding his growing addition each morning. So there's that.

I have about twenty more minutes of freedom. Time for a second cup of coffee.

Never Ending Winter

I think we can all agree that this spring (can I even say that?) has been crazy. From the many toddler illnesses to the travel here and there to the elective surgery that I still can't believe I agreed to and, of course, to finally finishing a dissertation. It has been over. the. top.

I am thrilled to report, however, that things seem to be settling down. Sure. I still have to revise the draft and defend. But it seems doable.

If only the sun would shine.