Memphis to Jax: Top Tens, Part 2

These things are not necessarily all unique to Memphis, but they are a part of living here.

Top Ten Things I Will NOT Miss About Living in Memphis

10. Raking: As great as those giant oaks are, as well as the pecan and others around my house, boy do they put some things on the ground. I was used to just two mid-sized trees back in Fort Worth. Moving to Jax, I'll have a large one in the back and small one in the front. But here, yowza! The number of bags of leaves and what I call pecan worms (the wormy looking things that fall in the spring and stain your patio furniture) were astounding. I will not miss the mess the gorgeous trees make.

9. Our Mayor: Memphis politics are interesting, to say the least. But the mayor takes the cake. I'm all for legislative and judicial branches staying in office, but executives really do need term limits.

8. Talk of the Pyramid: Memphis made a doozie of a deal a while back, and for a couple of years or more, their grand pyramid had stood empty, costing the taxpayers hundreds of thousands every year. When a business man wanted to invest and build a grand amusement park, the council wouldn't go for it. Why? Too many, in most people's opinions, of them were in the pocket of the mayor. Um Hm. see above.

7. School Emails: I've seen a bad case of "Reply all," but this past year has shown it on a whole other level. I'm sure there is some historical reason that doing so is part of the culture, but even so, it does not show a great light.

6. High Sales Tax: Sure, for the three states I will have lived in, none have a state income tax. I Know! How'd I manage that?! ;-) On the flip side, though, is sales tax. And Memphis has one of the highest in the countries: 9.25%. That doesn't seem so bad to most folks back in the city in Texas, but in Memphis, you pay sales tax on groceries. Um Hmmm. Crazy-ness. (as a point of reference, Fort Worth has an 8.25% sales tax, but no tax on most groceries. Jax will be a teeny 7%, and best as I can tell, that does not apply to groceries.) (I haven't figured out property tax issues, but I suspect TX will have the highest for that category.)

5. Race Issues: The majority of people in Memphis are black. That's not the issue. It's the problem that the people who don't know how to live here, those with built up anger, resentment, and attitudes. It's sad, and it's depressing. I can hope only that with another sixty years or so, things might improve.

4. The Drivers: Memphis drivers seem to not notice the white lines dividing the lanes. And the street I drive down most often is so narrow, that any miss on the steering wheel means you're over in the neighbor's lane.

3. The Parkers: Even once you get to your destination, though, they still ignore the white lines. Cars are crooked in spaces, over the lines, and generally dreadful.

2. Panhandlers: Memphis indeed takes top prize when it comes to panhandling---as for cities I've been in. I made a practice of never getting gas at night, because they were worse then than during the day. I've been panhandled at the car wash, at Home Depot, in the historic Victorian Village, and of course, downtown. It's tiring, in the least, and as the worst effect, it takes you to the number one thing on the list---crime. As a woman alone, you never know when a panhandler might not be completely sober, and so a fear lingers below the surface of "what if" when approached for money. Now, this does not apply to the homeless population. The panhandlers, almost all of them, have homes. They beg for money as their means of living. And it's dreadful---especially in Memphis.

1. Crime: Memphis was recently listed as Number Two on the FBI's list of most violent cities: #2 in violent crime for large cities. Lovely. But don't worry, we're number one too: the FBI ranked the whole Memphis area as number one for violent crime rate Memphis as Number One for violent crime. Seriously, crime is a major issue. When guests have visited, I've been adamant about them not leaving anything in their cars. I didn't go to the grocery store if it was dark, and I kept my gate AND garage padlocked. Sure, some things are just smart living. But in Memphis, it was more than that; it was a constant concern, tenfold that of anywhere else I've ever lived.

Bye, Bye, and Bye

After spending the day having fun on Saturday, Sunday required a little more work. I was up early (5:30, by any standards, surely is early), and the work began.

I sorted through things in the garage, finally, and then set to cleaning my patio furniture. I wanted it clean before being stored for two weeks, and the cushions needed time to dry. So I scrubbed and washed then, with neighbors to the north out of town, set everything in the sun to dry.

Next, it was time for the final mowing. Once that was finished, I mowed the out-of-town neighbors' yard then held the mower, letting it run until it ran out of gas.

After all that outside work, I had to get my inside things sorted--trying to figure out what would stay with me for two weeks. That, of course, had to be separated from anything to be packed.

Finally, I was ready for a shower, and I then got to go join my friend and former coworker Karol for a margarita in Cooper--Young, an eclectic little neighborhood in the southern area of midtown. We visited and had a good time, running into another professor and recent grad as we were leaving.

Monday, of course, brought an even earlier morning. I dropped Howard off at daycare at 7, ran a few errands (such as picking up my dry cleaning---almost forgot that!), then rushed back home to meet the packers.

The packers (only two of them, sigh) arrived about 9, and were they ever happy, in the end, that I had packed as much as I had. The two of them, otherwise, would have been there late into the night.

And fortunately, my driver, Hector, made great progress on getting loaded. He stayed until 5:30, leaving my bed and desk in place, but most all the other furniture was on the truck.

I dashed off to Bosco's for one last IPA, saying good-bye to Worth, Scott, and Craig. Worth gave me a few places to check out in Jax, and then it was back home for me.

For my final night in town, the neighbors and I had decided to head out for pizza at our favorite pizza place on Mud Island. Michael and Tabitha came, and Cole, Michelle, and Morgan all road with me in Gretta---with the top down, of course. We had a great meal with laughter and good times. But as it got late, we had to wind it up.

Driving away, though, we noticed a huge fire across the river. Up for a little adventure, we drove over into Arkansas, looking for the blaze. Without success, we finally stopped and asked. Turns out they'd been burning wheat fields all month, and by then, the blaze was not worth a continued effort.

We got back to my house, and Michael came down, with everyone emptying out my fridge. (I'd already given Cole & Michelle a box of aerosol cans and other miscellaneous things that couldn't be moved and Michael had gotten my propane tank and plants. Sheila got the gas tank.) That done, I was pooped. It was off to bed.

(Ah, and for those wondering, Sophie spent the time while the packers and movers were at the house in my large walk-in closet. There was plenty of room for her crate, food & water, and her litter box at the other end. This seemed the least traumatic set-up possible. She made it through like a champ.)

Tuesday morning, up early again, Howard was back at day care by 7. I grabbed an iced coffee from Starbucks, ran by the post office to drop a card in the mail, and grabbed a couple more Gatorade from the grocery store along with a sandwich for lunch. Hector and Robert arrived before 8, and they got to work.

Just as they finished loading, Kelly from my cleaning group arrived, and she set to work in the bathroom. She cleaned that as I began loading Gretta. Kelly moved on to the floors, spiffing them up for my move out. As she finished, I finished loading. And so, by 12:45, I was driving away from Hawthorne.

I dropped the key and a forwarding address off at the leasing office, picked up Howard, and set out west on I-40.

Adios Memphis. It's been a good year.

Pack and Load

The packers arrived just after 9. Only two came, and I expected three (or four), but with as much as I'd gotten done, they're making decent time.

The nice thing is that my driver, Hector, arrived today too. He's already gotten started on his inventory, and is even loading some of the truck today too. I think that's grand, because that's making even more sure that I can get out of here tomorrow rather than having to wait until Wednesday.

Both crews are nice as can be. I just went and picked up sandwiches for all of us, so now they're fueled for the afternoon push. Fabuloso!

Also, while out, I ran by the library and picked up the final Harry Potter book on CD---wonderful for the near thirty hours' driving that is upon me. I also picked up some language tapes to learn French as I drive: Ooh La La!

AAA Savings

I'm finally starting to take more advantage of my AAA membership. As I wrote, I'm using the travel agent service and trip tix, but there's so much more.

For example, we saved 10% off admission price to an attraction visited yesterday, and I also saved money while visiting Graceland, just for showing my card.

But wait, there's more! You can also save 10% for anything you order online from Target. Indeed: 10%! I'll pay for my plus membership in no time! :-)

Details, Details

Whew! I was up early this morning, around 6:30. (Actually, I was awake by 5:30, but stayed in that twilight doze for an hour, just unwilling to get up that early.) Before 7, I was on the computer, getting started with address changes.

I finished at 4:00 p.m.

How could it take so long? Well, a lot of time was spent on the phone with ATT and Direct TV. It seems they are no longer in cahoots with one another, leaving me frustrated. In the end, though, I stayed with both, working out the details and even finding a few ways to save some more money.

It's true, I just cannot give up my land line. Besides, to order movies, it's easier 9and in some ways, less expensive, to do so if you have land line (allowing you to order via the remote.) Besides, It's nice to have a number to give to businesses, such that they are not calling on your cell. And I keep my home ringer turned so far down usually that it's not intrusive.

Another large chunk of time involved getting my new insurance. I got one more quote today, and it was better than any of the others. And so, all's good.

This time too, I handled most all of those businesses with whom I exchange correspondence. Last year, I dealt primarily with the "must contact" folks on the front end, changing the rest as mail was forwarded. But now, almost anyone who sends me mail will have my new address.

And don't worry, I also already set up forwarding to begin here on Tuesday, but I also set up a mail hold at my new address, effective tomorrow!

Ah---haven't gotten your notification? That'll come once I get moved in. I figured that'd make more sense for personal contacts once I'm actually in my place. And by then, I'll probably take care of the cell phone switch-a-roo too.

Our "Stuff"

My friend and former colleague Susan has been in town this week (as a chaperon with her church's youth choir), and we were able to get together for a glass of wine Thursday night. We had a lovely visit, with catching up on what's going on back at my old place of employ, chatting in general, and sharing info about Memphis.

As we talked, we hit on an issue I'd mentioned before I'd write about---and one that she's written about recently: Materialism.

It came to be on my mind as I was out of town with a friend earlier this year. Early in the visit, that friend complimented my purse, saying how great it was. (That was me red purse I carried this winter---a great red distressed leather satchel.) The next day or so, someone brought up Penney's in the conversation, and this same person said, in a disapproving tone, that she'd never shop somewhere like Penney's. And yes, I did, at that point, say, "Huh. I bought this purse you thought was so cute at a Penney's."

Later during that trip, a few of us were talking about our students---issues, attitudes, etc. A comment was made, with what I detected was envy, about how one person had a group of students who all carried _____ or ____ brands of bags and wore ____ or ____ brands of clothes. My comment was that I wouldn't know one brand from another. I was sad for this person, though, that she was so wrapped up in coveting what her students had. Why care?

Besides, I get bored with a purse, as an example, after less than six months. How could I spend hundreds on a purse I'd carry for only four months? For me, when we're talking brand, it's about durability and build. Sure, I'll pay for quality---but not just for a label.

Finally, during this trip, the same person made several comment about people's scarves---the beige ones with the red and black plaid----Burberry. To one person, she made a comment about him wearing a 'knock-off," and he responded by arguing (and proving) it was real. (a) why assume someone's scarf is fake, and (b) why care if it is?

Anyway, as Susan and I were talking, I'd shared part of the above conversations, and I noticed her brand-name purse. And she noticed it. But Susan is not like that from above. And this, I knew. (Okay, and as to recognizing it, of course, that when a brand name is part of the fabric, obviously I know, such as with that purse---noticing it, though, only because that was the topic of conversation.)

Having hit on that, Susan and I talked about the difference between coveting and materialism and seeking quality and security. There's something about having a purse because it's a good purse---especially if you keep it a while, or, as I learned yesterday, send it back for credit for a new one. (I'd no idea some companies have such a thing going on. That's cool!) And there's something to be said about having a product because it's so well made and has great safety features---like a luxury car. (this is the area she'd talked about before---not being a person for luxury cars, but once she had one, the smooth ride and safety features, she finally realized, were so far above anything else that that was worth it and the cost.)

I get that. I get those people. And when you get to a place in life where you can provide those things for yourself, kuddos to you. You've made it, you've done it, and you deserve it. d I get that.

But if you find yourself not envious of the quality of a product someone else has but merely about the idea that they have a product you don't, or when you find yourself buying something with a fake label just to make people think you own the real deal, well, I don't get that. And I guess, when you're so wrapped up in it all, you spend time recognizing others' labels and going so far as to assume they must be fake, well, that makes me sad when I see friends go there.

Ah---so back to that other trip. After I'd gotten home, the friend called with great excitement to tell me she'd just bought shoes for $300. Her highlight wasn't that she'd found the most comfortable--or even cutest---shoes ever. Her highlight was that she'd spent $300 (on sale from over $500, if I recall correctly, which I probably don't) on a pair of shoes in a designer store. And this is the same person who'd spent the last three days peppering conversations with money woes she's going through.

Again---I don't get that.

Now, again, quality is worth something. As I've grown more and more fond of cute shoes, I've bought more and more shoes. But even when they're a designer shoe, it's not about a designer label, and even then, they're on sale. :-) (for less than $100 unless something special like a boot or athletic shoe). And I almost even bought a pair of shoes that had labels on the outside, but only because they were the most comfortable flats that were casual enough yet comfy enough to go great for casual shoes without having to wear sneakers. (in the end, I got two other pairs of cute (and comfy) shoes instead of that one pair.)

So yes, I get buying for quality. And I get, like a luxury car, buying for security. But when the security you are after is what other people think of you because of the label you carry, I'm sad for you.

Not that it'll make a difference---just my ramble for the day. :-)

It Will Grow

I had a final hair appointment today here in Memphis, but sadly, not with the girl I've grown to trust with my hair. Alas, she is no longer at my salon. (One said she went to "greener pastures," one said she had family things going on, and another said there was a medical condition; regardless, she's no longer there.) And so today, I had to sit in a stranger's chair.

We went blonder, and that turned out well. But my request for same style but one inch shorter turned in to her different style and closer to two than one inch. Interesting. Anyway, it'll be fine, and besides, it'll be nice with the summer, right? Besides, it's hair and it'll grow.

Sigh, and to have to find another new person in six weeks. The small joys of moving. :-)

Sad Day for Truth

I was shocked when I logged on to CNN earlier today, learning that Tim Russert had died. He had become a part of my Sunday mornings, doing an incredible job not only at neutrality, but also at asking the necessary questions to uncover the truth behind things---and people. It's a huge loss for NBC, of course, but it's a loss for the rest of us too. He was a journalist of amazing caliber, and I'm grateful to have benefited from his reporting and interviews.

Tidying Up

If you've checked in lately, you may have noticed I've been trying to figure out my new blog title. Sure, this next move is another new chapter, but it's not that new or next chapter that prompted the blog originally.

As I've toyed with the title, I've thought about blogging. I don't put my blog out there for searches, after all. (that's an issue about a line not being too personally accessible for students; yes, we're people, but students don't need to know details). Really, though, the blog is more for me---a place for me to think, organize those thoughts, and yes, sometimes ramble and even rant. But do I continue blogging now? The "next chapter" is coming to an end, after all.

But my blog is also for Mom. She checks in and is able to keep in touch with me and see a depth of me I don't necessarily share too easily on the phone. And I know that being able to do so is important to her. But it's also for friends and other random family members. Some check the place here regularly, some stop by only every few weeks or months. But they can always check in.

But coming back, it's for me. I'm not trying to be selfish, but there's something about putting your thoughts out there for others to see that for me is quite therapeutic. I've always been an incredibly private person. (Ask my siblings about me as a child, and no doubt, one of them will tell of my favorite phrase as a toddling kiddo: "My business." (said quite sassily, I might add.) I attribute that to being the youngest of three (before Dad remarried and had the fourth) and having virtually no privacy as the youngest. That's my story. :-) )

Anyway, when I write and post, first, it helps me sort through my thoughts. It helps me look at those thoughts through others' lenses too: is this what I think? Am I willing to stand behind it? But second, it helps me work on that area of being too private--being too fearful of what others will think if I share what I really think. And this is important for me.

And so, I'm going to continue to blog. I don't know if there will be a new direction. I know, I know---you didn't all sign up to read my political thoughts, and yet, here they are, for all to see. ;-) But I suspect my blogging in general will remain quite the same.

Still, even deciding to continue my blog, the old title wasn't so applicable any more. I toyed with others, but in the end, we get the final choice: My Musings. That really seems to sum up best what I'm doing. I'm thinking and pondering and sharing---and not always in an orderly fashion.

So there ya go.

And finally, I've also gotten through all my old posts to assign labels. Indeed, that's been a chore. But it's also allowed me to go back through the last year, remembering, reliving, and rethinking.

Overall, I'm happy with the last year. I'm also quite happy to be turning a new page. It's time. And I'm ready.

Organization is Good

Halfway through the Civil Rights Museum. my cold kicked back in, hitting me with an awful sore throat and major fatigue. It had me down again on Friday, but by Saturday, I was finally back up.

Still, moving in barely two weeks, having the cold for a week, and in general, still feeling unsettled because I can't get to find a new home until next week, I had to do something. Sure, my moving budget covers the movers packing all of my household goods. But quite frankly, I couldn't stand it. I was moving to a new state in two weeks, but nothing felt---or looked---like I would be gone soon.

So I pulled all those flattened boxes out of the attic and started finally "doing." And finally, it felt good. I packed up most of my study, my guest room, and all of the extra closets with all from my closet but what I need for the next two weeks.

Last year, I spent a lot of time organizing and cleaning out before the sale then again as I packed. When I moved in, I did even more cleaning out, and more importantly, a lot of organizing. What's that done has been to make packing this time even easier. And I suspect that unpacking will likewise be much easier. Organization, I'm just saying, is a fabulous thing.

In the meantime, I've finished my laptop article and gotten it submitted to journal editors for review. This process now begins in which I wait for two or three weeks, hoping editors are around this summer, and that someone will extend an offer to publish it. If that comes, I then play the game and contact journals with higher prestige, asking them to expedite the review, hoping for a higher placement. And if no offer comes, I send it out to journals of lower prestige than I originally started with. It's a game, but it's one we've got to play.

I've also gotten work done for the fall semester, and for the rest of this week, I'll read through the current research on the next article, keeping those things in my mind. I'll work on that through the next six months,with a goal of finishing it ideally before Christmas. Okay, so at least by the time the spring semester starts. ;-) I might travel this year for Christmas, and it'd be nice to see some snow. Maybe part of that travel will be putting myself in a cabin somewhere to finish up that writing.

And so, even with the icky cold, things are moving along. I still have a lot to pack at my office, and I plan to work on that the rest of this week. Ideally, I'll be moved out of the office by Friday morning.

Colleagues are taking me to lunch tomorrow to say good-bye, so I'm looking forward to that. And my neighbors are throwing me a party this weekend. Sure, I've been here only eleven months, but it is nice to have these final parting gatherings. I do have some great colleagues and some fabulous neighbors.

Where Did it Go?

May? hello? I seem to have missed you as you whizzed on past my life.

I sit here, realizing it's June. June! This is the month the anticipated Supreme Court decisions come out. This is the month that is the first official month of summer. This is the month I move.

Seriously? Indeed. Three weeks from today, the movers will be here at my house, getting all of my household goods on their truck. Three weeks?! I feel so unready.

Oddly, the timing is similar to last year. But with the selling of the house and all, it took me much longer to grade final papers last year. I also was busy selling the house then packing. I also spent many evenings with friends, saying good-byes and celebrating Fort Worth.

But this year, I don't need to do much packing at all. I don't have a house to sell. I don't have the many different groups of friends to make final plans with. And this leaves me with much more free time to feel like I should be doing something I'm not.

I knew, in planning my trip to Jax to find a house, that I couldn't go too far in advance of the moving date. (Owners don't like to hold a rental open for too long.) Of course, that makes it hard in terms of planning as I cannot go ahead and take care of things like connecting utilities, making mail / change-of-address arrangements, etc. But when I think about it, I'm headed there the same week that I came here to Memphis last year. The only thing I can figure is that because I'm not so consumed with selling and packing that I feel more unsettled with not having a house. Also, the realities of the difficulties I had last year of finding a place linger in the back of my mind, making me nervous for the trip coming up in two weeks.

But I'll find something. I just will. And that'll be that.

In the meantime, I've just about finished the initial article I've been working on for the last year. It's turning out to be much longer than I'd expected---close to seventy pages now. I've sent it to a colleague to read and provide comments, and that makes me nervous as can be, but I've not heard back from her yet. I know sometimes people say they'll read something then they're busy and they just don't get around to it. Really, I get that. Still, it's hard---the waiting. And work won't be over when that's done. In the next two weeks, after all, I need to finish my syllabi for the fall and get in some work on the next article (target completion date for that one is Jan. 6.)

And in the meantime, I'm still waiting for my wiring to be repaired. I've been able to put off laundry for now, but too much longer and I'll have to head to a laundromat. Not something I want to do around here. But it seems the owner of the house is unavailable to provide repair approval. I have to keep reminding myself this is not an emergency; still, it's awfully inconvenient and frustrating.

And in the meantime, Howard and I continue to sneeze. My head is less congested today than yesterday (so hopefully I can get the finishing touches on that article today). But Howard was up the last two nights, scratching his ear too much. Looks like we're headed to the vet today for that. Sigh.

And in the meantime, I'm making the list of the last few places I want to visit here in Memphis. So for the next two weeks not only will I have a lot of work to do, I will play tourist too. (I work better if I spend about five or six quality hours on a project then step away from it. So no, my work isn't the typical "eight-hour-day." Hey, this is summer time, after all! ;-) ) I don't have too many places left on my list, but enough for a couple of late afternoons.

May? I have no idea where it went. Last time I thought about it, it seemed like weeks and weeks before I'd be leaving Memphis. And now, it's just 21 days away. Alrighty, then, Here we go.

Timing

Sometimes, the stars are aligned just right and timing of thinks works perfectly. Some explain such things with religion, some with karma, some with pure circumstantial luck. Whatever it is, I'm glad it was in my favor recently.

For some time, the light on my back porch has not worked. I tried several new bulbs, but it wasn't the bulb. Still, it wasn't on the top of my list as an issue. I had another light over the back patio, so the porch light wasn't a big deal.

But last week when I took my 30-day notice to my property management company, DW, I remembered to mention the light. And they said they'd get an electrician out.

On Wednesday, the electrician came to repair the light. And it just so happens that I'd just put a load of clothes in the dryer. That was a very good thing.

See, as he walked out to the back porch--where the light didn't work--he also looked up at the breaker boxes. One of them had a bright glow inside. He said, "That's not good."

Indeed---a bright, hot, glowing source inside your breaker box is not good.

After a lot of investigation, he figured out that breaker (it was separate from the others) was the 220 for the dryer. It seems it's not grounded, and it was trying to ground itself to the box--or something like that. essentially, though, it was a fire just waiting to happen. And to think, if I'd not had the clothes drying, he'd not have seen it. Whew.

He capped off that wire, shutting down that breaker, and he bid the job with DW. As of now, thought, I'm still waiting on DW to get approval from the house owners to get the rewiring done, which means I'm without a dryer. But that's okay. He found the problem, and it wasn't a fire inspector who had to figure it out among a lot of rubble.

Clothes drying. Timing. Indeed.

Sprite in a Fancy Glass

The day I got the offer for the tenure-track spot, I knew I wanted to celebrate the news. And I wanted to celebrate it with some specific people.

See, when I landed the first teaching spot, I toasted it with my sister, who happened to be visiting me that weekend. That, of course, was the first big step to the career I had figured out was the direction I'd been moving in, and I was so happy to be able to celebrate it with my sister.

This time, of course, I was here and she was there. But with a little planning, and the help of a wonderful brother-in-law, I still not only got to toast with my sister, but I also got to, again, surprise her. (It was a big surprise to her three years ago.)

My neighbors had been through all of this with me too, taking care of the critters during trips out of town in pursuit of my position, listening to me fret and rant and go on about all the stress and worries that I've been through over the last many months, and being encouraging and supportive throughout. And so, I wanted them in on the celebration too.

Thus, after I got the offer (and danced a mini jig in my office), I emailed my neighbor Michelle and asked if they were free to come over for a drink that evening. She replied that they'd be over. I also contacted my brother-in-law, and he gave me the timeline of their oh-so-busy schedule. We synchronized the plan, and he sat out to have a chilled bottle of bubbly ready at the right time.

So that evening, Michelle and Morgan came over a bit after 6 (Cole was running late), and I called Charla. (Actually, I called her hubby first, then hung up and called Charla about two minutes later---giving him time to grab the bubbly.) And so, I was able to tell them all and toast with them all at the same time! It was great! Not too long thereafter, Cole got here, and we all enjoyed a nice visit as I grinned ear-to-ear.

Of course, Morgan is only eight, so no champagne for her. But she's taken care of the critters too and is such a dear, so I wanted to be sure she was in on the celebration too. (A good aunt remembers the kids and has things for them too.) And of course, I had some chilled Sprite, and I poured her a glass in one of my champagne flutes. So she got to toast with us too!

What's interesting, of course, is how things we do have an impact on kids---things we never think will have as much of an impact as they do in the end. Turns out, this was one of those things. She'd never had anything in a champagne flute, and the way the Sprite bubbled just like our champagne was magical in her eyes. This apparently created quite an impression.

See, I learned today that last week, Morgan told her mother, "I think we might need to go over to Jana's house and drink Sprite in a fancy glass." She brought it up again over the weekend. Too cute! Thankfully, though, she never actually made it over (her mother told her she needed to be invited--not invite herself) because I don't have Sprite in the house!

Of course, it's already been added to this week's grocery list.

As I told Michelle this afternoon though, Morgan's learned what we all need to remember. Sometimes you just need some Sprite in a fancy glass. Use that fancy glass. Eat off your good china on a regular day sometimes. Treat an otherwise ordinary day as extraordinary---because they all are special days in some way or another. After all, they're each a gift. And gifts are always worth a little something fancy.

We shouldn't wait for an excuse to celebrate; life is worth celebrating!

Flailing or Perspective?

A couple of weeks ago, in one of my advanced yoga classes, we were practicing headstands. I've written before, I think, on headstand prep poses. Essentially, you begin in downward-facing dog pose and lower your forearms to the floor, clasping your hands together. Thus, your feet are about a few feet from your forearms, and your head is moving forward a bit. Your hands being clasped creates a sort of triangle. You place the crown of your head in that triangle before slowing walking your feet toward your arms. As your feet get closer, you begin to walk on your toes. Finally, you start bringing your knees in toward your body. This had been as far as I'd gotten so far.

My instructor had said, time and time again, you'll know when you're ready. Your feet will just come of the ground, lifting from your core.

And they did.

I was amazed. I quietly said, "Lea Ann," calling my instructor over to me. She exclaimed, "That's it!" and came over to my mat. She spotted my back, giving me the slightest support. (She prefers we not practice headstand prep against the wall---relying too much, then, on the wall and not our core for support.)

And then my feet were back down. But I was so excited!

I kept trying. By then, my instructor had moved to spot someone else, and my feet popped back up off the floor. I did as I should have, and I pulled them in toward my body. Then I felt my body lean the wrong direction.

And I was afraid.

In hindsight (ah, hindsight), I should have tucked my chin and rolled forward---something I'd done plenty of as a child in gymnastics. But instead, I, well, I freaked out. :-) (I have qiute a history with falling, after all!)

I suppose I was trying to fling my body back the direction it had come from. In doing so, I let out a loud yelp and, from my fellow yogis' reports, ran with my feet in mid air, flailing my feet around. Finally, I leaned toward the left, and actually landed on my feet.

My instructor at first (and she even used this as a story in our next class---with my permission) thought that I had tried too soon to straighten my legs. No, I was plenty happy to be in the state where I was, with my feet off the ground and my knees pulled in. I was simply falling.

But that's okay. I know now the support to ask for (not support on my back, but just someone to be there in case I do fall forward). I also now have a plan of what to do if again I have my feet up and begin to fall forward (tuck and roll!).

And isn't that the thing with learning new things, pushing ourselves, deepening our confidence in ourselves and our bodies--having a plan for when those challenges bring surprises? I think so. I'm once again finding myself happily content with how much I learn about life and my approach to it through my yoga practice. At first I was flailing, but that gave me perspective. And I really could have written that about my headstand or things deeper and more personal to me.

And one day, I also have confidence that I'll find the strength I need in that final prepatory pose, and my feet will glide straight up into the air.

Gravity and That Different Perspective

Last night in yoga we did a number of inversions/partial inversions. I was near some other intermediate/advanced yogis as we did the prep pose for shoulder stand, and the four of us went ahead and took a shoulder stand. I actually got lifted up and out of it too, for the first time. But let me explain how that happened (as I see it in hindsight).

In the past, in those inversions, I've always felt a little odd. And self-conscious. I figure we're all just pretty used to our shapes and bodies. Some of us, admittedly, me too, carry some extra poundage around. But we get used to how we carry it and, well, where it falls.

Then put yourself in an inverted position. Darned if those extra pounds don't shift and gather quite awkwardly. And they feel oh-so-visible.

But last night, the two yogis to my right giggled, and one said "I hate how my fat falls together when I'm like this." And they giggled again, pointing out the part of their physical form, that layer of, well, fat, that fell toward the floor in an abnormal position when they were inverted. (This is most true with a shoulder stand; as you might notice from the pic, you're staring right at your tummy in this pose.) I laughed out loud and thanked them for saying that. Seriously, I had thought I was the only one who felt like that! Ah, yes, and that one of them is thin and young and cute---helps all the more.

And so, what I take from that is that the issues we each have with our bodies, for the most part, we're not alone. We're all a little self-conscious about things, but in reality, so is everyone else. And thus, I was encouraged to let go of those hang-ups and let go. After all, if the young, thin, cute girl feels the same way, heck, we're all in that boat.

And who knows. Maybe that's why I was able to lift up into my shoulder stand and really experience it. Feeling my shoulders release, my legs stretch high up in the air, my hips steady and firmly supported in my hands. For the first time, I let go of other issues and just really enjoyed the pose---and seeing things from a new perspective. Whaddaya know. That's just what inversions are supposed to do for us.

And Another New Chapter Set to Begin

Go Jaguars!

Yes, my new AFC team will be my new home team: the Jacksonville Jaguars. :-) Don't worry, even if they go up against da 'Boys, my loyalties will always lie with that team from Dallas.

My long (very long) search has finally come to an end, and I'm headed to Jacksonville Florida. I've accepted a tenure-track position there with Florida Coastal, where I'll teach Torts and Remedies this coming year, adding another course in '09-10.

It's certainly been a long process. This spot came up at an odd time, and we had not been connected during the traditional season last fall. But this past January, this ball finally started rolling.

In early March, I did the committee interview over the phone, followed by another phone interview with a company designed to rate my talent for teaching. I did well on that, and they invited me to campus for the multi-day interview at the end of March. The other nice thing was that I got to see the city, and I really liked it!

What's even better than all of that is that I also really liked the people. They were friendly, open, welcoming. Okay, sure, so they were trying to sell themselves as much as I was me. But the thing about the multi-day interview is that if people are not being genuine, it's easier to figure that out when you're there for so long. I cannot say it in any better way, really, than just that it completely felt "right."

And then came the long wait for the offer. Their school had spring break the week after my visit, so that added extra time in the wait. But finally, an offer came Monday, we negotiated over the week, and I accepted yesterday. WooHoo!!

And yes, Jacksonville is just about on the coast: eighteen miles away. I find the beach and the sound of the ocean to be especially healing to my soul, so I'm tickled to be so close.

Other things? well, yes, I think Howard will be happy. I know already of at least two fenced-in dog parks in the city. The city itself is the largest city in land area in the US, but population-wise it reminds me of Fort Worth or even Memphis. Demographic seem similar to Fort Worth. It's in northern Florida, so it's more like southern Georgia than Miami. It's large enough to have a symphony orchestra, get tours of Broadway shows, and have an NFL team, but ti's still small enough that you can become a part of a community. For me, it's the ideal size. (I usually consider a city's population much more than its geographical size.)

My relocation package will take care of the move, and I'll head down in mid-June to look for a house. I'll rent first, with the goal of buying perhaps next summer---once I know more about the neighborhood I want to live in. The big move will occur probably in earl July. I"m still trying to plan a trip for me in early August, but I'll need to work that around a faculty orientation scheduled early that month too.

In the meantime, I'm writing final exams, which my students take next week and the week after. I"ll have to grade those (painful) then work on the article I could not focus on with this job prospect that came up. A few folks are also trying to work out schedules for visits next month, so it's going to be busy around here!

I did it! A year ago, I took a chance by leaving my familiar life to do something I wanted more than anything else, taking the risk that with only a one-year gig, the future would work out. And it has. Beautifully. This new place seems like just the right fit. And so the next step is about to begin: me, as a Floridian.

Zombies? Huh?

Okay, what's up with zombies? There's a thing going on here next weekend where you can get "attacked" by zombies and become one yourself. For the 2008 Memphis Zombie Attack, just show up to an area of town, indicate your willingness to play by sticking a large piece of duct tape on yourself (being sure to dress in clothes you're willing to have ruined), and at some point, a group of zombies will come up to you and "zombify" you. You also could show up to a particular parking lot and have professional make-up artists zombify you. Huh?

In another town I've become interested in lately (still not "official," so still waiting), it's having a zombie film festival.

Huh?

And in a law prof blog I read regularly, there's an entry about the legality of "your zombie escape plan." Included in the comments are links to a movie about zombies' rights (to vote?) and to a site listing the best method for killing zombies.

Huh?

Okay, what am I missing?

Being Aware

Since the weekend, my leg is much better. I also talked over the injury with my yoga instructor last night, and she probably pinpointed exactly what happened. It has something to do with, oh, gosh, being an "over-achiever." Who, me?

Last Thursday, we did a lot of poses during which she would remind us to externally rotate the leg. And I probably did that as if I was being paid for every bit I rotated. Instead, it's important just to be aware of where you are and what you're doing, but not go beyond your limits.

Isn't that the same in everything?

If you scrub the bathtub, for example, do you (usually---we're not talking what it was like to clean my tub here when I first moved into this house) . . . anyway, do you really need to scrub hard, really using, or even taxing, the muscles in your shoulder and arm? No, probably not when you clean the tub each week or so. But some of us do.

When you're chopping veggies, if someone walked in, would they wonder what the veggies had done to make you so upset with them? You don't need a lot of force to chop a carrot. Why not just do what it takes, being aware of how much is needed to chop that carrot, and not slamming through it any more forcefully than needed?

When you brush your teeth, are you brushing---or scrubbing with force? (my own clue: the difference in my gumline on the left side of my mouth (I'm right-handed) than on the right, showing my tendency to mindlessly scrub.)

And so in yoga and in other areas of my life, I'm going to try to work on paying attention to where I am and what I'm doing in the moment. Am I going too far, or am I doing things with purpose? Am I aware of all of the sensations my movements and actions are resulting in? Am I fully tuned into the things I'm doing and the related outcomes? Or am I doing things, with too much "umph" in a mindless manner, without being truly plugged in to what's going on. I need to plug in, to be aware. I'll be working on that.

Still Here

I know---it's been ages since my last post. Okay, so it's been a week. And as that post said, life's been quite hectic.

Things slowed down by force this weekend though. I awoke Friday around 3am in severe pain in my lower leg. I figure I pulled something in a pose Thursday evening. Anyway, after going to work Friday to teach a make-up class, I have, thus, honored my body (and pain) all weekend, keeping my leg wrapped and elevated, and I've stayed off of it as much as possible. On the upside, I'd say it's about 65% better. I'll try to take it easy this week too, slowly increasing my activity toward the end of the week.

In other news, the city here is very excited as the Memphis Tigers beat UT yesterday to make it into the Final Four. Go Tigers, Go! And what an interesting Final Four it'll be: all four #1 seeds made it.

My trip out of town for an interview went well, but as to any news out of it, I'm still waiting. I hope to know more some time next week. The city was much prettier than I expected, and the people were fabulous. I could really see myself enjoying it there. I'll let you know next week! (I hope)

In classes, students are just now starting to realize we have only three weeks of substantive classes left. (I schedule our last class meeting as a review.) This means more and more will finally really start to prep for finals. That means more and more dropping by my office.

I'm also trying to plan my summer (which will include writing at least one article), but until I get news next week, that's too up in the air. Sigh. Life in the life of indecision.

Planted on the couch, though, I did get through a lot of pictures that have been waiting for sorting and captions. From most sets, I've already posted some here. But I do need to get a few from last week up in addition to pics from NYC long-ago promised. I'll work on that this next week. No, really, I will! ;-)

Howard and Sophie are dandy. Our last freeze was the day it snowed, so I have moved all plants outside. Of course that also means I need to mow the weeds in the back yard. This weekend wasn't an option; maybe I can get to that in the coming weekend.

I also have a dinner to host. Four of my students bid on me at an SBA fundraiser, so I'll be cooking a lasagna dinner for them. They expected peach pie, as I've used my offer to bake a peach pie several times in class as a jumping-off point for a hypothetical, but once I explained that peaches are not in season and assured them that the specialty in my family was cherry pie, they agreed that'd work too. We were going to do that early this week, but with lasagna and pie being pretty standing-intensive, we put it off a week or so.

And truly, that catches up most things. Not much else has been going on, as I've been exhausted. My trip involved me being "on" for two days, and that left me fully spent. Getting back here, I felt like I was barely caught up on classes. This weekend, although restful, was really too restful. I'm ready to get back into my routine. It's been a little "off" since my spring break.

But getting back into it, I will!

Happy Anniversary

Tonight marks ten years. This night, in 1998, I quit smoking. As a former carton-a-week smoker, that was quite a feat. But I did it, and I’ve refrained ever since.

Of course, I still dream about smoking, and I still inhale deeply sometime when someone nearby lights up. But I don’t light up myself. Even with the many stressful times I’ve encountered since, I’ve remained smoke-free. (I will admit, though, I still miss it, and if I were given but six months to live, I’d probably go buy a pack and enjoy them once again for those last six months. Yes, it’s that powerful a thing.)

Ten years ago, I chose this night because it was my gift for my heart. Maybe you don’t smoke. But maybe there is still a gift you can give your own heart. Exercise? Switching to whole grains? Forgiveness? Peace?

Whatever it is, I hope you honor your heart this Valentine’s night.