Why I Miss Bill Clinton (and other thoughts):

Something funny happened to me yesterday. I got a job without applying or interviewing. A chance conversation with a professor in my department led to his offering me a half-time position (read: free tuition!) as his project manager. In truth, I guess my application/interview happened when the PhD selection committee discussed my application last January. He was impressed enough by my then advisor's comments about me in the meeting that he felt confident about offering me this position without further ado. Doesn't hurt that my then advisor/employer is defecting to the West Coast and leaving me available for hire.

I guess I'm posting this not so much to brag (though perhaps I do have reason - but that would be very un-Scandanavian of me to do so) but to express my relief at not having to hawk my academic wares (such as they are) around the University anymore. I mean, I've begun to think of myself as a bit of an "intelli-ho'" trying to get some professor somewhere to buy my qualifications. Phew. I feel kind of like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman when she gets $1,000 to spend the night with Richard Gere. (I have to say, it would take a whole lot more than that for me to spend the night with that gigilo - but that's another story). Anyway, I am breathing quite a bit easier having some secure employment for the coming year and perhaps beyond as this involves multi-year projects.

In other news, my belly fat has recently petitioned the rest of my body for a change in status from "leftover baby fat" to "growing grad student fat" citing the lack of poundage lost after more than 2 years post-partum and, arguably, a few gained since starting grad school. I'm not quite ready to give into that request, so I'm giving myself until Christmas to make progress before approving the status change. What is my plan, you ask? Eat less, drink less "better than sex" (my name for it) Mocha Frappe Freezes at Wilde Roast, and skate more. Turns out the U offers open skating at Mariucci and Ridder arenas during the school year. After many years of soul-searching and trying different forms of exercise (running, various exercise machines, tae kwon do, walking and tai chi) I have come to the conclusion that this is, and has always been, the only form of exercise that I truly enjoy. So, cross your fingers and stop by Mariucci for a good laugh on your lunch hour!