Drama

Happened upon this graffito in the Hagedorn Woods yesterday. 

Random/terrifying/dramatic.

Have been feeling increased anxiety about Corona and Big A's proximity to it at work (they finally have masks and tests, and are beginning to see an uptick in cases). My mom has been lovely about sending me WhatsApp messages of support and prayer every day. Big A has been joking that if anything goes wrong he’s going to shame her on FB for “not doing it right.” 😂

New Hires

My teaching assistants were great this term, but since we're all only online now and I don't see them anymore, I hired these guys (for the price of two fake-beef chewies).

Legg Day

Legg Park hike; some glimpses of the river, but mostly muddy and ordinary. Scout and Huck loved it, and At and Nu approved of our shorter outing. Lots of distance between us--L and T, B and L, and KP.

And OK--it appears that health care workers seem to be getting sicker from coronavirus--I had noticed this from bits of news, but thought I was just sensitized to notice those bits because Big A works in the E.D. But no. So I've been expressing some panic, anxiety, and fear over here. (understatement)

Yogis/Doggies

I turned around after a yoga sesh yesterday, to find Scout and Huck had been following along (well, kinda ;) ).

And while that was a nice distraction, I'm beginning to appreciate how long this pandemic might last and how intense the health costs might be for us, for so many people. I'm prepped for all sorts of eventualities, so now's the time I begin to worry about people I don't know and things I have zero control over.

I wish I could live through this thing in a yoga trance.

Rambles

Today's ramble was to Lake Lansing, and I may have rambled back to FB too...

The day so far

Checked in with MIL, who wants to visit; made breakfast twice, because we're trying to keep Big A and the kids somewhat apart; refilled At's asthma prescription and asked about hand sanitizer but was told (very kindly) they too were out; went on a hike to Rose Lake with L and T and R to break in my new hiking boots, got lost and hiked longer than we were prepared to, but I have nowhere else to go and loved it; came home and did some calming yoga with my birthday tech (Mirror); found Big A awake and hanging out in the office he's carved for himself in the basement--again because we're minimizing Big A's time with the kids--and got a long chat and lots of hugs; and hence finally to shower.

Love in the time of Corona

I couldn't completely give up on family dinners, so this is how it is now with Big A on one side and the rest of us clustered on the other side.

It was a strange day that felt like the beginning of a war. The email cancelling in-person classes after today had come in at midnight, so I knew driving in that it was the last day. Then I got stuck in a convoy of military trucks on the highway, and it felt like being in the middle of a post-apocalyptic movie. I hammered out an asynchronous schedule for next week; had Big A order At to come home asap; attended a service at the chapel for graduating seniors who are absolutely crushed that commencement is "postponed," and teared up a few times myself; met with my Friday class and let them vent about having to go home/their dashed hopes for choir-band-track/fears about the virus itself; followed the senior playing bagpipes around campus for a while; heard singers practicing "Loch Lomond" on the steps of the library; and then made my way home. I have the feeling all the sweet details of campus life are going to come back to haunt me as this disruption intensifies.

Going(s) on

 Found this as my advisee S and I walked over to the registrar's office, and it gave us both a chuckle.

We've been told that we'll suspend in-person classes after April 3rd; and the delay has colleagues anxious, and students cynical that the date was chosen because it's the last day to request a housing refund.

M-m-m-my Corona

Increasingly panicky and fiddly at work with mounting Corona virus news and news of school closures all around us (MSU, CMU, U of M). In fact, I fiddled so much with my birthday necklace (Nakamol!) that I tied it into knots and spent what seemed like hours trying to unkink it again. By the time I got to class, I was a mess. Luckily, pivoting to student research topics helped me focus.

As I wrote to H.R., what is my script if Big A is exposed (only a matter of time since he has E.R. shifts multiple times a week)? It terrifies me to think of him and all of us in danger. In case he is exposed, we've staked out a way he can self-isolate at home using the front staircase, guest room, and bath + entering/exiting through the front door rather than the rumpus room.

Answering the call

While I headed to work early, L and T took Nu voting with them and Nu got to ring the bell(!!!); meanwhile in another part of the state, At was driving peeps to the polls.




                          

The tea

MacCurdy Women's House's now annual "International Women's Day Tea," and I always chuckle at this Eleanor Roosevelt quote in the dining room.

Over the weekend, I'd received an email from ME, who'd been an exchange student (Russia) a couple of years ago, she wrote: "Dear Maya, hello! Today is International Women's Day and I would like to say some kind words to you! I wish you to have strong health, excellent mood, a lot of energy and more time for devoting yourself to things that bring you a genuine pleasure! I remembered you today, because it was your who sparkled my interest in women's studies two years ago, and called me a feminist..."

Did I choke up when I read that? Yup, I did. I think about students for years after they've left; and this made me too feel remembered... seen. She shared some updates about a DV bill in Russia, and I, in turn, shared her news during other conversations over tea. I have so much hope in young people.

Notes on 'camp'

Quick overnight trip to Chicago. (In classic irreverent fashion, the human kids called it the great Corona Virus Vacation.) Actually, it was a birthday trip organized by Big A as I love long chatty road trips with all the lovies, having carpet room-service picnics, and falling asleep to a range of deep snores.

As I texted KB who was incredulous that I'd do this to myself--it's the closest I'll ever come to camping.

Well done, sisters!

I have no idea how long all this took to pull off, but L and Nu arranged this absolutely lovely 1920's birthday party for me. Everyone was dressed 1920s style, they serenaded me with the suffragette song from Mary Poppins, there was a table full of 1920s food (mimosas, waldorf salad, salmon and mushroom toasts, scones) and a folder full of all the reasons why they love me. They really love me 🙂.

I got a ton of presents, and also everyone chipped in for a Kousa Dogwood Tree, so we get to get together in the summer to plant it and party again.

Welcome

It was our honors society induction today. I'd been working on this for months, liaising with students, the international HQ, colleagues, catering, engraving, RSVPs, dues, and on and on. So I'm glad this went well, everyone was happy and well fed, I got a ton a compliments on how it turned out, and that it's over.

Next time though, perhaps I should make a better effort and speak at the event instead of begging a dear colleague to do it for me.

In the news

'Walk'

Elizabeth Warren dropping out of the race today is the gut-punch of post-birthday slumps.

We have such a long road ahead...

March Forth!

 A happy birthday. Went into my one class this morning beaming like a goofball to the delight of the teenagers in the room. I already felt spoiled by visits and presents at work but home spoiling was even more intense: strawberry cupcakes and cuddles and then dinner at Ruckus Ramen and presents with my loves. 😍 

Surprise!

It must be getting closer to my birthday! It means my parents have sent me Amazon gift cards, and since we no longer support Bezos with our own money, this gives me a chance to do some relatively guilt-free Amazon binging. I need waterproof hiking boots with deep treads, so away we go (online).

First flowers

 I guess this is happening :)!

Deep breath; now back again

Winter break has been lovely, and for the first time in forever, I feel like I did a bit of all the self care I'd been yearning for months--walks! yoga! haircut! massage!

Now to head back to the rest of this term. I hope my students have had a restful de-stressor as well; and if I've done my job well, they'll be ready for the rigors of research and presentation in the next eight weeks.

March Onward! (Ha. Happy March!)

Intergenerational Birthday Road Trip

In Detroit for the women's suffrage centennial art exhibit and lunch from many stalls inside Eastern Market. Lots of talks about the democratic candidates as animals (Warren is a dolphin), advice for the next decade in our lives, our best lessons in this one, and famous people born on my birthday (Vivaldi!).

Back home for pizza, and then off to the Wharton Center for My Fair Lady. The kids kept snoozing off, and after the show ended, we walked around in circles trying to find where we'd parked--thankfully, At spotted Bluey after about 20 minutes, just before Nu fell asleep on me again. 

I spy...

I came home from three hours of waiting to renew my driver's license (procrastinated too much to do it online, mail it in, or even make an appointment, and it's my birthday next week!) to At just "hanging out" in the tea garden, reading one of the books I got him for Christmas...

I know college is important, but it's lovely when he's home.

Money, Biriyani, and a Party

 I was looking for a yoga place near me when I found myself near the university credit union, and went in on a a whim to find that I did have one more small payment due to me from my adjunct class last term.  Ka-ching.

Made biriyani to celebrate being home, ate two bowls full, and was already in my jammies when Big A came home from his conference begging me to go to a party at D's. But I love Big A (and I love my birthday Anthro shipment), so I put on one of my new blouses, pulled on some old comfy jeans, and away we went.

It's a Snow Day, Deer

"It's a Snow Day, Deer" is practically what I said to a jubilant Nu after school called us this morning.

It's not too much snow--just enough, and since At is on Spring Break too, the human kids are playing Lego "bagame" in the basement.

The most strenuous thing I did today was drive to my massage appointment. I don't know who needs to hear this, but AM told me the last time I was there that lavender oil relieves pain, and this has been a life-changer.

Yoga and a movie; then more yoga and the same movie

The day started with a round of yoga with L and R, and then the rest of it was spent with J getting lunch, catching up, and watching Knives Out. I came home and did a round of yoga with the babies, found Knives Out for rent on Apple, and watched it again with the fam.

It's quite clever and very entertaining. I feel like we'll be reusing some phrases like "Nazi child" for years to come. Other movies suffering a similar fate at our hands: Step Brothers, Other Guys, Mean Girls, Clueless.

Winter Break Monday

 Woke up unhurried and unpanicked, and then a walk, a book, lots of tea, and cuddles.

Last Christmas

I wanted to give our neighbors's Baby E one of my favorite board books--Ezra Jack Keats' The Snowy Day. I even found a a little snow baby puppet I thought would bring out Baby E's cheeks and smile.

But the very next day, Baby E's parents went to visit grandparents in California for a month (smart of them), and then they moved into their own house sometime last month, and I never got the book to E.

This evening as we were walking home from Big A's Boss Day dinner at Sansu, we saw E's dad T on his way to pick up some things from their old place, and he stopped as he passed us to give us updates and I was able to pass on E's Christmas gift.

I did it! I gave it to someone special. It's not like we don't have snow after all. #GeorgeMichaelLives.

Saturday Hiking Club Day

Big A is in NY chasing cars and At is working on his women's center training, so it's just the puppies, Nu, and me.

After an icy hike through Harris Center (ski poles were used!) and a Target run, it's pajamas and pizza and Brooklyn 99 time.

Inside

 I can't say what I've been up to... I know I haven't seen anything outside of home, office, and car since the weekend! 

Monologues

MacCurdy thespians put together an amazing performance of Eve Ensler's A Memory. Monologue, Rant, and A Prayer and I'm so glad I stayed.

It does mean I'll be back on campus in less than 10 hours for a committee meeting, and it does mean I'll have missed family dinner, and Nu's bedtime... but still worth it.

Students--and what they're capable of--fill me with hope.

Frozen

 L and I found the Red Cedar completely frozen yesterday--ready for skates! We had patches of long silence on our walk, both of us working though things in the upcoming week. I love that none of it was awkward, except that part where she wanted to throw me a birthday party and I said no.

Strange Angles

A student has had their paper accepted to a conference, and I'm here with them in the Broad coffee shop, going over all the angles of their argument and being an encouraging audience.

In my WGS intro, we were talking about Georgia O'Keefe and Zaha Hadid and their reshaping of their fields in somewhat gyno-centric ways--and they loved it. Wish there was enough time to bring them to the Broad this term.

Leg Day

 L took this picture of me while I was taking a picture of the woods and I like how it makes me think about how my legs and the trunks of the trees are all similar. 

(I also think about how it looks like I was dying to pee.)

#FennerNatureCenter

Here's EVERYONE!

We're walking over to the Wharton Center for the "We Shall Overcome" concert with Damien Snead soon, but first a quick Valentine's Day potluck with so many lovely beloveds. 💓 

Big A said it was "quite unsettling" to feel so short (T and L are nearly up to 7 ft!) and hahahahaha. HAHAHHAHAHA. HAHAHA.

(Don't miss Scout's fluffy tail as he looks for "under-the-table" surprise treats.)

Mine

A couple of students interviewed me (and 41 others) for their "performing advocacy" class last term, and this term some of the interviews were spliced together as a play.

The little vignette of the nine-year-old bulked up by the comforter he's carrying up the stairs in the middle of the night, not hearing his parents asking "who's there?" because he has his headphones in, and in real danger of being mistaken for an intruder? That nine-year-old is my At. 

Where's At at?

First At wanted tickets for himself and a friend.

Then he decided he wasn't coming. So I gave his ticket to someone else.

Then he decided he wanted to go after all.

College kids!!

But the younger sibs miss their silly Nana... So I got an additional ticket online.

It's nicer than our original set of tickets actually, and I may just go sit in it by myself.

Happy little grasses

Nu is making thank you cards for all the counsellors at camp, and my amazing 12-year-old's amazing art is amazing.

Where's Dada? (Where's At?)

 Just me and the babies (Nu, Scout, Huckie) at dinner today. Big A was too sick for the soup that was meant to make him feel better and At's at college, of course--but I don't know that Scout and Huckie (or I!) get that. They still go scampering to claw his door open every time I ask "Where's Nana?" (And I ask that a lot!)

And the award goes to...

Scoutie for his role as a snow rabbit!
(Sitting here watching the Oscars now.)

And Saturday hiking club returns

Yay!
#ScottWoodsPark

And that's what's up

MI state senator Peter Lucido has repeatedly been reported for inappropriately sexual behavior, and J suggested drinks today to rally around one of her friends who's amongst those reporting him.

In characteristic J fashion, there were sassy crafts--here some ironic valentines. And later, a new group for us to join: Women's Association of Sassy Sophisticated Urban Professionals or WASSUP. Yup

Gray and Grrr

Um. Wow. I went into the garage to see if I had left my tea flask in Bluey, and was HORRIFIED TO FIND I HAD NOT PLUGGED HER IN WHEN I GOT HOME YESTERDAY. There was about a 36% charge, but that isn't enough to get me to work and back.

(I blame the excessively celebratory homecoming reception I received when I pulled in from work yesterday, and all three resident family members--Big A, Scout, and Huck--just kind of descended on me, all loud and huggy. I regret nothing, however. 💓)

Big A rushed home so I could take his car to work, but the scare I got when I realized I didn't have enough juice to get to work nicely shocked me out of my early morning haze. Coming back was a  nightmare that took twice as long as usual as everyone was going 40 mph and there were at least 15 cars that had skidded off the road (though thankfully, cars and people seemed ok) as a cautionary reminders.

In teaching news, I've had two students tell me in the last two days that they had looked forward to taking my class, but now that they're here, they don't like it. 😕

Bare Necessities

A million years ago, I instituted "Health Charts" for the family--everyone had to exercise at least once a day and eat five colors of food every day.

Last night, Big A and I (Nu is at camp until Friday) made some of my favorite things for dinner: four egg sammies, two ginger-sesame avocados, and a big spinach, apple, and goat cheese salad. And I ended up eating all of it, because Big A is post-call and was so tired... and then ended up falling asleep while hanging out with me, so I had seconds. (I must be terrific company!)

When I woke up this morning, I saw this sad picture Big A had texted to family chat pretending he had tried to meet the five-color rule.

Bahahahaha. 

Blue

 Sunshine today, but still pretty bleak. Nu is off to camp as they put it "for four days and three nights" after months of anticipation and excitement.

Clearly, I'm not yet ready for an empty nest.

Just the two of us

 

Just L and me today, trudging through Nancy Moore Park, and all the accumulated mud, brush, and fallen trees. 

It felt so good to be outside again, so good to be beside L again, 

hearing old stories and new.

Reunited

What a lovely day! 

It felt a bit like old times to take off along the Red Cedar with L!

At and S will show up at dinner for Boss-Day Biriyani, 

and I'll take some to L and T too.

Urban

Nu and I joined L for a trek after weeks and weeks...

I'm always intrigued by the artwork under the Beal St. Bridge.

Just like that

And it's the end of January.
I'm at least as dismayed and bewildered as these babies.

I haven't seen the sun in forever, and the grey pall is tentacling its way into every waking minute.

The only sunshine we got

 

via Nu's photosynthesis chart.

My Blahs Make SO MUCH MORE Sense!