Yesterday, I began campaigning for Ph.D Admission '08. Much like the many presidential candidates who've thrown their hat into the '08 Presidential Race, I myself have officially declared my intention to become a Ph.D. student in the 20th century British Novel.
My first stop was Storrs, CT to spend the day at UConn. I had the chance to meet a 2nd cousin, who's a professor there, as well as meet my future teachers and students. The campus reminds me a little of Middlebury (in the country) and a LOT of Cornell (mucho money spent on the physical plant). While my visit lasted about 4 hours, I was more than satisfied with what I saw. In fact, I received an outstanding first impression.
I could definitely find my niche in that place and also feel okay spending my weekends back in ol' NJ.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Friday, January 26, 2007
Thursday, January 04, 2007
People Looking For You
Do you ever feel like everyone is always looking for you? I basically have my cell phone on me at all times, a phenomena I never expected to include in my daily routine.
People from work call me on it (within business hours, luckily) as if anytime, anywhere I will have an answer to their question or can fulfill their request immediately. This morning, for example, I was about 2 miles from my office and I received a call about a bill that's due for our office furniture rental. So I reach over, grabbed my corporate charge card and read off the number while I was driving!
Okay, I'm also known for eating and drinking coffee (my car would tell you that wholeheartedly) while I'm driving so this task is not so far fetched. I guess what I'm trying to say is, I've willingly become one of the people who lives a mobile ungrounded existence. I have everything I could possibly need in my car except a washing machine and dryer!
There are other people looking for me, my boyfriend, my parents at 2 am when I haven't come home. My grandmother always enjoys my calls in transit ("Where are you, on the train?"/ "No Gram, I'm crossing a bridge").
The following people are NOT looking for me: The I.R.S; A Jehovah's Witness; My very short list of Ex's. And with that I await my cell to briiing briing again...
Mags
People from work call me on it (within business hours, luckily) as if anytime, anywhere I will have an answer to their question or can fulfill their request immediately. This morning, for example, I was about 2 miles from my office and I received a call about a bill that's due for our office furniture rental. So I reach over, grabbed my corporate charge card and read off the number while I was driving!
Okay, I'm also known for eating and drinking coffee (my car would tell you that wholeheartedly) while I'm driving so this task is not so far fetched. I guess what I'm trying to say is, I've willingly become one of the people who lives a mobile ungrounded existence. I have everything I could possibly need in my car except a washing machine and dryer!
There are other people looking for me, my boyfriend, my parents at 2 am when I haven't come home. My grandmother always enjoys my calls in transit ("Where are you, on the train?"/ "No Gram, I'm crossing a bridge").
The following people are NOT looking for me: The I.R.S; A Jehovah's Witness; My very short list of Ex's. And with that I await my cell to briiing briing again...
Mags
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Monday, December 04, 2006
Joyeux Noel
December 2006
Dear Friends & Family,
Yes my life has officially become exciting enough to turn into a “Christmas Letter.” Okay so I also never got around to buying cards at half price last year…
Part One: My Work Life or My Life’s Work…
The beginning of 2006 found me studying very diligently for my Masters’ Comprehensive Exam from January through March. It was an intense but rewarding experience as I received a Passing Grade and graduated Cum Laude from Rutgers University. Yes I’m officially a RU alum but I never rooted for the Knights (do you blame me?).
When no full-time teaching jobs came through, I focused on finding another administrative job, as mine was moving out of Manhattan and up to the Westchester area in the fall. After 2 months, I received an offer from the Licensing department of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. Five weeks and fifteen pounds lighter, I asked to be fired. Yes it was that bad! Luckily, my old company (On2.com) took me back and I now commute to Tarrytown, NY four days a week.
I have a second job as an adjunct instructor at my local community college where I began teaching during the fall semester. I teach two sections of college composition at Union County College in Cranford and enjoy the challenge of getting my students (most of my students are in the nursing program) excited about William Shakespeare and Arthur Miller, who are among the plethora of authors I teach during the semester.
This coming spring, I will begin the arduous process of applying for a Ph.D program in the Tri-State Area (that’s NY, NJ. CT for you folks out of the East Coast area). The community college I adjunct at will fund my studies and give me a starting professorship. I look forward to beginning that challenge full-time between 2008-2010. In the meantime, I will head out to Chicago to the Wade Center at Wheaton College in March 2007 to begin my research on CS Lewis and Modern Myth Theory, my current area of concentration. Let’s see if I can make my enthusiasm for this subject last until 2016!
Part Two: My Social Life’s Progress
In June, I traveled out to the Coast to see my Gram’s new digs in PDX (Portland, OR) and my cousin Jenn in Olympia, WA. I always have a fantastic time when I visit my family and this trip was no exception! I went there to visit a new place and was never without an outstanding selection of seafood as there was more than enough to enjoy.
Many of you who know me are aware that Maggie and dating don’t often go (if at all) in the same sentence. So to rectify this discord, I caved and joined Match.com because the local Christian dating pool is well quite shallow. About four months later, I received a very eager but polite e-mail from a nice guy named Hernan. I made him go through the online dating routine of emailing, then a phone call, then first date in a safe location. I knew he had my attention when he yanked ( I mean firmly guided me away) from crossing the street haphazardly on 6th and 41st street after we met for coffee in Bryant Park.
I am thrilled to report that he’s got me taking naps, drinking coffee, and R E L A X I N G (not in that particular order mind you). We are having a great time getting to know one another and about our different cultures (he’s from Cali, Colombia and I’m a Jersey Girl). We’re usually found correcting each other’s grammar in our native tongue. He is very eager to get into an MBA program and run a business thereafter in the States. In the meantime, he works as an Account Manager for Eldorado Coffee in Maspeth, Queens ( http://eldoradocoffee.com). Yes I will provide coffee by the pound by mail upon request. Hernan studies harder than me (yes that is possible) for his GMAT exam as well as becoming a fully fluent American speaker (he’s also determined to speak as well as I do...without my SAT vocabulary!).
Well that’s all I have report for this year; I’m sure it’s enough for you to take in! As you can tell, I am healthy and happy.
Best wishes for a Blessed Holiday Season.
Dear Friends & Family,
Yes my life has officially become exciting enough to turn into a “Christmas Letter.” Okay so I also never got around to buying cards at half price last year…
Part One: My Work Life or My Life’s Work…
The beginning of 2006 found me studying very diligently for my Masters’ Comprehensive Exam from January through March. It was an intense but rewarding experience as I received a Passing Grade and graduated Cum Laude from Rutgers University. Yes I’m officially a RU alum but I never rooted for the Knights (do you blame me?).
When no full-time teaching jobs came through, I focused on finding another administrative job, as mine was moving out of Manhattan and up to the Westchester area in the fall. After 2 months, I received an offer from the Licensing department of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. Five weeks and fifteen pounds lighter, I asked to be fired. Yes it was that bad! Luckily, my old company (On2.com) took me back and I now commute to Tarrytown, NY four days a week.
I have a second job as an adjunct instructor at my local community college where I began teaching during the fall semester. I teach two sections of college composition at Union County College in Cranford and enjoy the challenge of getting my students (most of my students are in the nursing program) excited about William Shakespeare and Arthur Miller, who are among the plethora of authors I teach during the semester.
This coming spring, I will begin the arduous process of applying for a Ph.D program in the Tri-State Area (that’s NY, NJ. CT for you folks out of the East Coast area). The community college I adjunct at will fund my studies and give me a starting professorship. I look forward to beginning that challenge full-time between 2008-2010. In the meantime, I will head out to Chicago to the Wade Center at Wheaton College in March 2007 to begin my research on CS Lewis and Modern Myth Theory, my current area of concentration. Let’s see if I can make my enthusiasm for this subject last until 2016!
Part Two: My Social Life’s Progress
In June, I traveled out to the Coast to see my Gram’s new digs in PDX (Portland, OR) and my cousin Jenn in Olympia, WA. I always have a fantastic time when I visit my family and this trip was no exception! I went there to visit a new place and was never without an outstanding selection of seafood as there was more than enough to enjoy.
Many of you who know me are aware that Maggie and dating don’t often go (if at all) in the same sentence. So to rectify this discord, I caved and joined Match.com because the local Christian dating pool is well quite shallow. About four months later, I received a very eager but polite e-mail from a nice guy named Hernan. I made him go through the online dating routine of emailing, then a phone call, then first date in a safe location. I knew he had my attention when he yanked ( I mean firmly guided me away) from crossing the street haphazardly on 6th and 41st street after we met for coffee in Bryant Park.
I am thrilled to report that he’s got me taking naps, drinking coffee, and R E L A X I N G (not in that particular order mind you). We are having a great time getting to know one another and about our different cultures (he’s from Cali, Colombia and I’m a Jersey Girl). We’re usually found correcting each other’s grammar in our native tongue. He is very eager to get into an MBA program and run a business thereafter in the States. In the meantime, he works as an Account Manager for Eldorado Coffee in Maspeth, Queens ( http://eldoradocoffee.com). Yes I will provide coffee by the pound by mail upon request. Hernan studies harder than me (yes that is possible) for his GMAT exam as well as becoming a fully fluent American speaker (he’s also determined to speak as well as I do...without my SAT vocabulary!).
Well that’s all I have report for this year; I’m sure it’s enough for you to take in! As you can tell, I am healthy and happy.
Best wishes for a Blessed Holiday Season.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Love & Your Favorite Sleeping Position
A new study claims someone’s doze pose says tons about your potential together. Here’s how to decipher the signs—and whether you should stick around.
By Laura Schaefer
Whether you’ve decided to bed down with someone on the first or fifteenth date, by the time you’re drifting off to dreamland you may be wondering: How well would I get along with this person in the days, weeks, or months to come? Well, according to one study, you can start doing research immediately—by checking out the position your sweetie snoozes in. After surveying 1,000 people about their personality and preferred sleep position, Chris Idzikowski, director of the Edinburgh Sleep Centre, came up with some People who sleep on their stomachs are pure party animals.
Curled up on his or her side. Going fetal is the most common sleep position, with 41 percent of people (and twice as many women as men) reporting this as their preference. These snoozers may seem tough on the surface, but they’re actually sensitive and shy, so keep that in mind if you want to crack a joke in the a.m. about your sweetie’s morning breath.
Sideways and straight as a log. Fifteen percent of people lie on their sides with their arms at their sides. These space-conserving sorts tend to be extremely trusting and gregarious, so if you’re seeing someone like this, you’ll continue to go on plenty of group dates, dinner parties, and outings that will allow this social butterfly to spread his or her wings.
Sideways with arms outstretched. Warning: The 13 percent of folks who slumber with their arms reaching in front of them are cynical and slow to make decisions. But while they may dodge the “Are we exclusive?” question longer than usual, once they do commit, you can be sure they’re sure.
On his or her back, arms at sides. This pose, common amongst eight percent of respondents, means your sweetie’s reserved and has very high standards. You’re with someone who’ll treat this relationship with the respect and attention it deserves.
On his or her stomach. Seven percent of people sleep on their stomachs with their hands around the pillow and their heads to the side—and the research says these folks are pure party animals. If that’s your thing, well, party on!
On his or her back, arms overhead. This rarest of sleep positions — only five percent of the population sleep this way — also boasts a very rare quality: These folks are good listeners. So whether you’ve mentioned you only drink decaf or love waking up to Puccini, don’t be surprised if your wish comes true come morning.
Mags
By Laura Schaefer
Whether you’ve decided to bed down with someone on the first or fifteenth date, by the time you’re drifting off to dreamland you may be wondering: How well would I get along with this person in the days, weeks, or months to come? Well, according to one study, you can start doing research immediately—by checking out the position your sweetie snoozes in. After surveying 1,000 people about their personality and preferred sleep position, Chris Idzikowski, director of the Edinburgh Sleep Centre, came up with some People who sleep on their stomachs are pure party animals.
Curled up on his or her side. Going fetal is the most common sleep position, with 41 percent of people (and twice as many women as men) reporting this as their preference. These snoozers may seem tough on the surface, but they’re actually sensitive and shy, so keep that in mind if you want to crack a joke in the a.m. about your sweetie’s morning breath.
Sideways and straight as a log. Fifteen percent of people lie on their sides with their arms at their sides. These space-conserving sorts tend to be extremely trusting and gregarious, so if you’re seeing someone like this, you’ll continue to go on plenty of group dates, dinner parties, and outings that will allow this social butterfly to spread his or her wings.
Sideways with arms outstretched. Warning: The 13 percent of folks who slumber with their arms reaching in front of them are cynical and slow to make decisions. But while they may dodge the “Are we exclusive?” question longer than usual, once they do commit, you can be sure they’re sure.
On his or her back, arms at sides. This pose, common amongst eight percent of respondents, means your sweetie’s reserved and has very high standards. You’re with someone who’ll treat this relationship with the respect and attention it deserves.
On his or her stomach. Seven percent of people sleep on their stomachs with their hands around the pillow and their heads to the side—and the research says these folks are pure party animals. If that’s your thing, well, party on!
On his or her back, arms overhead. This rarest of sleep positions — only five percent of the population sleep this way — also boasts a very rare quality: These folks are good listeners. So whether you’ve mentioned you only drink decaf or love waking up to Puccini, don’t be surprised if your wish comes true come morning.
>>This is my position although I always think someone's going to come and tickle me in the night :)
Mags
Monday, October 02, 2006
Do men really want wives like June Cleaver?
With a divorce rate currently of 45 percent many men and women are wondering “How do I choose a partner that will go the distance?” Do men really want subservient “slave-women” who subverts all her personal needs in order to please his? Yes … and no.
Both men and women have fantasies of being taken care of, being nurtured, being babied and being number one. Historically, masculine and feminine roles contributed to the specifics of these fantasies: men imagined the perfect mate as a passive, docile catering nurturer and women envisioned a giving, sacrificing protector. But these are fantasies! And while it may be fun to imagine — or even play out — these roles at times, they are but one of many fantasies men and women may have about their ideal partners. If rigid roles are not a good predicator of relationships’ longevity, what is?
Marriages based on shared morals, values, life goals, and abilities to communicate well contribute to stable relationships. That’s because marriages require work, commitment and self-sacrifice from both partners. Marriage based first and foremost on passion, children, or extremely time-demanding careers, tend to break up.
Both men and women have fantasies of being taken care of, being nurtured, being babied and being number one. Historically, masculine and feminine roles contributed to the specifics of these fantasies: men imagined the perfect mate as a passive, docile catering nurturer and women envisioned a giving, sacrificing protector. But these are fantasies! And while it may be fun to imagine — or even play out — these roles at times, they are but one of many fantasies men and women may have about their ideal partners. If rigid roles are not a good predicator of relationships’ longevity, what is?
Marriages based on shared morals, values, life goals, and abilities to communicate well contribute to stable relationships. That’s because marriages require work, commitment and self-sacrifice from both partners. Marriage based first and foremost on passion, children, or extremely time-demanding careers, tend to break up.
The institution of marriage began as, and still works as, a vehicle to protect both partners financially, ensure their progeny’s health and well being, and provide companionship and intimacy. Once a couple understands marriage is a choice that requires effort through its ups and downs, then they have a shot at maintaining a healthy relationship. (Research shows that married people are healthier and have better psychological health than singles. In addition, children of married couples are healthier and have better psychological health.
Marriage is a partnership that requires both partners provide and receive gratification. Most men would say that being pampered occasionally is delightful, but that they don’t want to be only needed, but also needed. And most men would say that having all the pressure to be the sole provider and protector causes immense anxiety. They want — and need — a partner who will help shoulder some of the burden emotionally or even financially. And most women would find the 50’s housewife requirements utterly absurd and miserable. If one partner is utterly unhappy, the end of the marriage is inevitable.
The Housekeeping Monthly article represents an underlying issue in many marriages: Who has control? That’s why there are jokes about women who “wear the real pants” in the family and manipulate their sad sack husbands into making them do all kinds of things that they don’t want to do. So a man may fantasize about a June Cleaver-like wife, because he wants more control in their marriage — or even have the upper hand. Wanting more control occurs when one partner feels insecure and unsure of his, or hers, own worth and power. When both parties feel heard and sure of their own effectiveness, their fantasies of being taken care of diminish.
If you notice that your partner wants more control in your marriage, find out why. If your partner feels insecure, discuss way to make him, or her, feel more comfortable. Discuss what you think your roles are in your marriage. And find out if these roles need to be changed, so both of you are satisfied. Sit down and talk about these issues as members of the same team — not opposing teams. This is the only way to build strength and satisfaction in any relationship.
Source: © 2006 MSNBC Interactive
URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15039140/?GT1=8618
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