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...