Post-PhD Shades of Blue (and other colors too)

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-200146382011-11-27T16:34:04.335-08:00Post-PhD Shades of Blue (and other colors too)Humanities PhD, and then what?ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.comBlogger5181100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-79316555704384483952007-06-12T08:51:00.000-07:002007-06-12T08:52:47.148-07:00If you're still around

Dear friends,If you're still around, please visit my new blog: ofi/ofo.

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-86214213887464249152007-05-15T09:11:00.000-07:002007-05-15T09:24:10.019-07:00Head poke

Just poking my head in. As you must have surmised... I'm on blog hiatus. I've let my bloglines reading lapse (over 300 messages taunting me), and I've let my voice here go silent.I'm in transition, seeking a new path for my current trajectory, and a fuller understanding of just where I'm headed. I've contemplated starting a new blog, for my new self, letting PhDBlue fade as a closed chapter of my

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-69170785818177568722007-05-07T16:23:00.000-07:002007-05-07T16:42:46.724-07:00Who are we, anymore?

When I began this blog, I was motivated for change. I wanted to find a community, a home, a sense of belonging. I was adrift, lost in the current, without navigation. Things have changed... but, (in honor of the recent French election), la plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose. And yet, things are different.As my wife, the Rocket Scientist recently put it: the time for self-reflection is over

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-4225333856737632842007-05-03T09:50:00.000-07:002007-05-03T10:10:40.346-07:00So far behind

I'm so far behind on reading your blogs my friends. Friendship... that's a hard one for me. I'm moved around so much in my life. I've lost more friends, than many people ever know. But I admire those whose friendships last. I'd like to be one of them.I'm a rather social being, outward, obvious. I have a way of making myself known, and knowing people. To some extent, I think it arose out of my

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-5148251860031075532007-04-30T21:08:00.000-07:002007-05-04T15:11:04.325-07:00Amazed and delighted

The Inventor: (playing with the top of our hamper, frustrated that he couldn't get it back on).Me: Whatchu got there?Inventor: I can't get da top back on.Me: I see. Well, daddy will fix it.Inventor: Daddy, you can't fix it while you are in bed.Remember... this is a two-year old speaking (to be precise 28 months)! I was blown away.The Painter: (having just stepped away from working on his 16x16

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-82618969026688590862007-04-30T20:56:00.000-07:002007-04-30T21:31:54.530-07:00Closing remarks

Hey Articulate- Was browsing around this morning and came across this. Thought you might find it interesting. Hope all is well. [Link to some software relevant to my new focus.]-P Hi Paul,Thanks. Yeah, I think my next task is to invest a bit in some new computers and software. I think I'm going to take Drew up on his offer to make me a Linux box and provide me a copy of their new software,

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-31255821934389403372007-04-26T10:16:00.000-07:002007-04-26T10:24:59.002-07:00Moving on

Hi Paul,I'm feeling really good these days, comfortable with the uncertainties, and driven by my ideas. In prep for today's coaching, I want to give you a sense of where I am, and where I'm headed.Sunday, Rocket & I had a wonderful dinner date at a local tapas bar. We got the chance to really talk through some of our hopes and fears, and most importantly to discuss what risks we're willing to

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-88317167465117326022007-04-24T08:56:00.000-07:002007-04-24T09:45:52.624-07:00A new sort of day

At noon, I have a conference call regarding setting up a new California chapter of Applied Research Field Society, which is the main organizational sponsor of the Industry Conferences. A couple weeks ago, I formalized membership, and indicated my interest in getting a local chapter established. Frank Mayer is the president of the society. Susan Trout is also a board member, and was the one who

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-4073862919111367312007-04-23T10:53:00.000-07:002007-04-23T11:38:56.136-07:00A break in the silence

I'm sorry my friends for my recent silence. It's been a long five days. I've been busy. My ideas for heading off on my own are beginning to congeal. Ideas pour forth like rain, some to wash off in the gutters, and some to nourish the seeds and seedlings of my garden.A couple weeks ago, during my coaching with Paul, I developed a metaphor of my career as a garden, and me as the gardener. I

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-59541972271889786962007-04-18T08:39:00.000-07:002007-04-18T08:54:36.376-07:00Crimes

This according to Thomas Bartlett and Elyse Ashburn at the Chronicle of Higher Education:It appears that Mr. Cho may have been planning the massacre for more than a month. According to the Associated Press, he went to a Roanoke, Va., gun shop five weeks ago and walked out with a Glock 19 handgun and 50 rounds of ammunition. Mr. Cho also used a .22-caliber handgun in the slayings.This according to

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-64292038817887475892007-04-16T16:06:00.000-07:002007-04-17T11:05:24.691-07:00What a difference a week made

We returned from our trip yesterday evening. This morning, I stepped onto the back patio, with a fresh cup of joe, to peer at the garden I had left behind a week before. The jungle that appeared before me bore only some resemblance to my memory. I picked the first two zucchinis, each about a foot long. Green tomatoes appear in profusion, promising a deluge of red come May. The beans are in bloom

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-15370427873049736062007-04-12T13:04:00.000-07:002007-04-13T21:22:14.640-07:00Upside down/Inside out

The world... the world appears upside down and inside out. The events of this week confuse me.An email last Sunday arrived from the organizer of the [Field 1 & Field 2] conference where I have had a poster accepted in the UK next month. I was ready to send my regrets and withdraw. But I looked over the schedule and presentations. Really interesting, some of which seems squarely relevant to both

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-61778308721501197332007-04-10T07:49:00.000-07:002007-04-10T08:23:03.712-07:00Lemon Zest

Here I am visiting my mom. Activity continues unabated. When I applied last week for the local one-year post, I made contact with Tasse Plein and with Jim Lodz to request (expedited, electronic) letters of recommendation. Both were happy to oblige, and both mentioned that they had just received requests from Midwestern City University for letters on my behalf (they had asked merely for contact

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-68027414912498967182007-04-06T21:16:00.000-07:002007-04-06T21:28:44.367-07:00On the road again

Tomorrow morning, Rocket, the Painter, the Inventor, the au pair and I all head to the airport to spend about a week visiting my mom for part of Passover. Happy Pesach to all appropriate parties. And... I'm so looking forward to my first blogger meet up with a virtual friend!Life is pretty good right now.Funny thing happened today. Recall that I had mentioned how I had decided to forgo applying

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-13200990262926775792007-04-05T13:38:00.000-07:002007-04-05T14:07:19.074-07:00It's a whole new ball game

Wow, what a whirlwind I'm in. I'm on top of the world and flying.Last night, I made a phone call to a big name player in the field for which [specific goal] would be most applicable. Let's call him Walter "Wally" Williams. I had left a message for him the day before, but I'm impatient. I called him at home after dinner, for a brief chat. He seemed interested and open, gave me some ideas for what

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-4126755269006126142007-04-04T09:02:00.000-07:002007-04-04T10:24:16.904-07:00Putting together a team

Below is a note I sent my coach yesterday, and some of his response this morning. For those of you playing along at home, I realize you may be wondering who this guy is who has hijacked the blog. You might not recognize me as much anymore. I've been huddled in the corner, muttering to myself and anyone who'd listen, for the past two years. Funny, the corner hasn't gotten any larger, warmer, or

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-6478378151969444962007-04-03T15:45:00.000-07:002007-04-03T15:52:06.093-07:00Alien Puppet-Maker

I feel the past few days, my body has been seized by an alien puppet-maker, who has designs for me far different from the ones I had been pursuing before.I seem to have stopped being the victim in a tragedy, to writing the play myself. I have gone from being the scrawny runt, never picked for the team, to not only choosing the team, but the sport itself.I have gone from thinking of a possible

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-58880130052419444032007-04-02T10:53:00.000-07:002007-04-02T11:08:49.090-07:00So totally over this

Dear Articulate DadYour interest in the Assistant Professor of [Field 1/subfield 1] ([subspecialization]) position has been received and reviewed. While you clearly have many talents and gifts to offer to this role, I'm sorry to say that we are currently considering candidates who appear to more closely meet our job match.Please do not let this discourage you from applying to other positions

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-57247658696687975322007-04-01T12:44:00.000-07:002007-04-01T13:25:54.309-07:00Inspiration

A few weeks ago, I ordered a copy of "Droidmaker: George Lucas and the Digital Revolution," by Michael Rubin. It arrived a little more than a week ago. I spent a night or two finishing up my first ever reading of "Catcher in the Rye." Then I dug in.Recently, I had an off-blog discussion with my friend Tracy. We reflected on how our state in life has an impact on how we view other people and

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-21300860105152219402007-03-30T11:46:00.000-07:002007-04-01T10:30:24.269-07:00Making it easy

Good coaching this morning. I've been feeling a bit down lately, having the flu (or whatever) hasn't helped. Whatever the au pair had has infected me as well, though I've been managing it alright with OTC medicine, and lots of fluids.But really, I've been beating myself up. I think of BrightStar's recent post. When I'm nice to myself ... when I'm not so nice...Earlier in the week, I realized that

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-7321159772475053282007-03-29T15:00:00.000-07:002007-03-29T15:06:36.129-07:00Fun with websearch

In emulation of Lilian's recent post, on Mama(e) in Translation, I just had to note this search:faulty causation "pickles" which linked to an archive of my posts from last October, including this post berating pop-science and this one discussing pickles. I do hope their next batch of pickles comes out okay.

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-33106266537932966172007-03-29T13:53:00.000-07:002007-03-29T14:52:11.958-07:00Good point

A few days ago, my mom mentioned she had spoken with her ex-husband (the man she met when I was 11, and married when I was 13, with whom she remained married until a few years ago). Let's call him Tom. He happens to be a full professor at a prestigious East Coast University, but he was a far cry from that when I was young. Their conversation turned to me. Tom mentioned that the husband of a

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-28670994601515019612007-03-28T11:03:00.000-07:002007-03-28T11:23:01.529-07:00Society of Old Dinosars going extinct

The dinosaurs are going extinct--at least in my eyes.Dear Articulate Dad,Thank you for submitting a proposal for the meeting of the Society of Old Dinosaurs [location/date]. I regret to report that the Program Committee did not select your proposal.The committee had the difficult task of selecting only 144 papers out of over 570 submissions. Unfortunately it could not accept all of the promising

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-61290974994704184912007-03-27T14:07:00.000-07:002007-03-27T15:15:46.118-07:00A little work'll do you good

Here's a little check-in I just sent to my coach. I've got to take off early now, to take the Painter to swim lessons. Paul had suggested recently that my frequent emails or phone calls seem to benefit me, and that he's happy to have them, so:Hi Paul,I was a bit down this morning. I'm stressed today by all the uncertainty, and oppressed by my own attachment to feedback. A few of the people I've

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-60739782193977922392007-03-27T12:18:00.000-07:002007-03-27T14:12:35.322-07:00Get up and do something

That's what I started to say to myself, after penning the last post. I realize that part of my problem is in the description there "I sit in my office, wondering what to do."Of course, sitting, and wondering, is like navel-gazing, most conducive to stagnation. I finally got the motivation to write up an email to Matt Suliman the founder and president of SciFi Now!, whom I met at [Industry

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-85933676747416877852007-03-27T09:28:00.000-07:002007-03-27T09:51:31.424-07:00Silent phase

I've been silent a few days. Haven't felt like I had anything to say. Not really sure what to write now.My brother-in-law and his wife were in town (last Thursday through last night). That was nice. In part it might explain some of my silence. And, there're taxes, which have taken up some of our time lately.I'm just quite uncertain right now. Several of you fellow bloggers have been writing about

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-4237746354016028832007-03-23T08:32:00.000-07:002007-03-23T08:51:08.755-07:00Some clarity?

I got a reply this morning from another company I had contacted. This contact was interesting, a bit off the track. This company produces educational products that are a bit tangential to Applied Research Field, more user, less developer, but in some ways right up my alley. Thanks to Trillwing for her comments and challenges. Also, in light of Paul's urgings, I think I'll be shifting my strategy

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-20145532629395450832007-03-22T12:06:00.000-07:002007-03-22T12:17:30.555-07:00Getting out of my own way

Get out of your own way! That was the concept from today's coaching. How do you make it difficult for yourself?Hmm... Paul was rather intent on helping me realize that "getting a job" is not exactly what I want, and frankly, it's not an easy task for me.But why, in the universe, am I the only one this is tough for? I mean, okay, this is what people do: they send off their resumes, someone calls

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-1965663002983583232007-03-22T09:33:00.000-07:002007-03-22T09:58:03.964-07:00Where is love?

Dear Mrs. Miner,I have recently made a shift in career focus from academia to applied research in Applied Research Field. Attached please find a copy of my current CV. I received a PhD in [Field 1] & [Interdisciplinary Field] from the University of Paradise. Since August 2005, I have served as a Visiting Scholar there in [Field 2]. My principal interest regards [specifics].My Ph.D. dissertation

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-72715986490967129982007-03-20T14:34:00.000-07:002007-03-20T14:56:57.246-07:00Moving forward

Hi Mauricio,Talked with Harry Quill for about an hour yesterday. Thanks for the introduction. Nice guy. Honest. Open. He didn't offer me a job, but he gave me quite a few ideas for moving forward.Just to let you know: I submitted my resume and materials for 5 positions at [Subtle Products], hoping to break into the field whatever way I can. This is my path; I just have to figure out how to get on

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-34102182037125705032007-03-20T09:59:00.000-07:002007-03-20T10:30:38.264-07:00The day moves, but slowly

The day moves, but slowly (3/20/2007)The day moves, but slowly,as heart and mind racethrough time and placewith rampant pace.Have I moved, even slowly, myself?I see through a fogthat movement is slowwhile thoughts are quick,but quickestwhen cogitations come ruminations,those ruminations turn musings,and musings find outlets to berealized and free.

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-81897215228566239202007-03-19T19:07:00.000-07:002007-03-19T19:30:00.866-07:00et tu, Tasse?

Dear Articulate:Sounds like you're doing lots of great things. I had a long conversation with the folks at [Alternate University] less than a week ago, so I hope something comes of it. I'm very sorry it's all been so frustrating; obviously, that wasn't what you wanted. Your plan to start a consulting company sounds quite rich, and I hope you'll send me material so that I can pass it along to

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-8122563766848166602007-03-19T14:24:00.000-07:002007-03-19T15:08:50.642-07:00Unfinished Business

My earlier post was not the whole story. After writing it, I piddled for about an hour. I was still home at the time, having woken up a bit under the weather (probably allergies more than anything, as the local air quality is poor today). I had been delaying making a phone call, following up on one of the references that Mauricio Huppman had set up for me. I wanted to be in the right frame of

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-57022908697496090042007-03-19T11:05:00.000-07:002007-03-19T11:28:34.070-07:00Trickling rejection

The academic rejection letters trickle in, day by day. I mentioned a couple days ago that I had received the official letter from Joe Krowicki at [Lake View U.]. A few others have been crossing my transom.Today brought three more:The expected disappointment:Dear Dr. Dad,On behalf of [Research Center] at [Big West Private], I would like to thank you for your interest in our junior faculty position

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-56837332316074878872007-03-18T15:28:00.000-07:002007-03-18T15:41:39.704-07:00Torn by a Lemon peel

Last week, I wrote to my friend, Sara Chaisano, to renew my invitation for her and family to come over for dinner (it's about 40 minutes to an hour's drive), and to update her on my current career thinking. I'm torn, because it seems the prospect of them offering me some adjunct teaching for next year is shoring up. What do I want, now? Not sure.Hi Articulate! Sorry to take so long to respond.

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-71743588148630229082007-03-17T16:07:00.000-07:002007-03-17T21:00:16.429-07:00How well do you know me?

As seen on the Clutter Museum: Create your own Friend Quiz here

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-19211776989385003102007-03-17T14:36:00.000-07:002007-03-17T15:00:47.573-07:00Baking improvements

I have not yet achieved mastery of baking, but recently dedicated myself to improving this lack. One motivator was the fact that we fell in love with the bread we could purchase daily and cheaply in Central Europe during our year abroad. In Paradise, we were fortunate to find a wonderful bakery that provided us with "multigrain basket" bread, a rather good approximation. But there is nothing of

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-1478572836444504772007-03-17T14:19:00.000-07:002007-03-17T14:28:52.209-07:00My garden (for Tracy)

My dear friend, Tracy (blog restricted to members), asked a while ago for pictures of my garden. Not much to show yet, as many of the plants are still tiny seedlings. What you see on the right of this picture is mostly "volunteer" tomato plants, many transplanted from pots which had been filled with homemade compost, thus the volunteers. Tiny sprouts of peppers, beans, zucchini, eggplant,

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-56695313819411812282007-03-17T14:17:00.000-07:002007-03-17T14:18:44.132-07:00Inventor as explorer

Visiting the local botanic gardens not too long ago, the Inventor went exploring in the land of giant cactus:

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-5511545778536709352007-03-17T13:59:00.000-07:002007-03-17T14:58:24.848-07:00Paint by numbers

Lest any of you forget my domesticity, I begin a series of posts that highlight that aspect of my nature. Perhaps, in emulation of my dear friend, Lilian, a proud show of domesticity may help rub some of her family's recent good luck on the Articulate clan.The Painter, a rather methodical sort, has discovered a great interest in numbers. Here, and below, evidence, from two different afternoons

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-73810784981918919882007-03-16T15:58:00.000-07:002007-03-16T16:02:19.391-07:00Redacted Joe

Be sure to read my post below. Then read on:Articulate,Gripe away! I couldn't agree more. (And by the way, sorry that I did not flag that form letter before it got sent. My only excuse is that I'm writing you from sunny [EuroCity].) I too had trouble getting my foot in the door, and I know someone with a Ph.D. from Harvard who never did manage to please all the right people on the right day.

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-84404603136009509692007-03-16T13:59:00.000-07:002007-03-16T14:30:12.202-07:00Beginning the break

I have a habit: when I wish something to become real, I put it in writing, and send it off to someone.In 2001, while serving as the de facto director of a center for the interdisciplinary study of [Field 1] (I had a 100% TA-ship attached to the center, with Tasse Plein as my advisor), I drafted the bylaws, giving it a structure, and I designed it's logo, which stands to this day.This week, I put

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-65818493586404297122007-03-15T10:46:00.000-07:002007-03-15T10:59:59.988-07:00Tacky Schmacky

Tackiness be damned. I wrote earlier in the week of my dilemma regarding possibly lost emails. I decided, what the hell. There were only about a half dozen people whom I had written to in the past week or so from whom I had been expecting replies. I wrote them all brief notes this morning indicating that I had had some server problems earlier in the week, causing some senders to receive bounced

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-37658566361385428962007-03-15T09:18:00.000-07:002007-03-15T09:31:42.227-07:00Perhaps it's hormones

[Apologies for the following medicinal report]:My wife is fond of the phrase "maybe it's just hormones" to explain occasional or pervasive feelings of ambiguity or uncertainty. And so, I wish to note that on the occasion of my latest relapse to self-pity, I was suffering from a rather large protrusion on my forehead, covering the right half from my eyebrow nearly up to my hairline, from the

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-56347107995674324022007-03-14T15:56:00.000-07:002007-03-14T16:25:08.050-07:003:00 am, 4:00 am...

3:00 am, the Painter enters our room, mumbles something. My wife takes him back to bed. What did he want? I don't know... something about, he wanted to get the water bottle out of the corner of his bed, or something... Oh, okay.... I couldn't get back to sleep. Too many thoughts. Thoughts are good... it's just the anxiety of them, the urgency at 3:00 am. I'd rather be more thoughtful and

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-76935197616430429652007-03-13T18:46:00.000-07:002007-03-13T18:55:01.308-07:00Harder, but not impossible

A few days ago, I wrote that it's harder to get depressed. Harder, yes... but not impossible. Today was a down day, partly due to circumstance, as you may have read in my earlier posts. I still have no email. But more... I'm caught up in self-doubt. Of course, I know it won't serve me. Who cares if I'm unsure? Either I act, or I don't; and the latter choice is rather untenable. I have to move; I

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-38266044845132505492007-03-13T15:54:00.000-07:002007-03-13T16:03:15.975-07:00Bloody Great!

I'm still waiting for my website and email server to come back up. I wondered will the email simply sit and wait, or will it be bounced as undeliverable? So, I sent a test message:I'm sorry to have to inform you that your message could not be be delivered to one or more recipients. It's attached below.For further assistance, please send mail to [postmaster]. If you do so, please include this

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-34391087941668122892007-03-13T13:23:00.000-07:002007-03-13T13:33:34.757-07:00Vanished

This morning, I couldn't access my primary email account, which is on my Personal Research Website (PRW). I couldn't load up the site. Sometimes it goes down, unexpectedly. The host is cheap, but occasionally unreliable. Mostly however I'm quite satisfied. But it was down, for hours.I finally called... and got a voice mail that said they only deal with emergencies via email, but fortunately a

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-12177952956494333972007-03-12T11:12:00.000-07:002007-03-12T15:37:16.690-07:00Close a door, and someone will knock

Dear Articulate Dad,Thank you for expressing your interest in teaching at the [Alternate University]*.We are pleased to inform you that the academic program director in your area of interest has reviewed your application and would like to consider your candidacy further. We ask that you arrange for an OFFICIAL transcript of your highest degree to be sent to our offices as soon as possible.If you

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-6577073220219606922007-03-11T07:45:00.000-07:002007-03-11T08:05:22.128-07:00Is it hard to say goodbye?

Rocket asked a rather astute question last night, after we put the boys to sleep, while we sat on the couch, exhausted from a full day:Is it hard for you to say goodbye to an academic career, for you to leave it all behind?Hmmm. I thought, for just a moment, Well, there's nothing really I am leaving. So, no, it's not hard. The only thing really I'm saying goodbye to, is to my role as a perpetual

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-22452523242466204502007-03-09T15:41:00.000-08:002007-03-09T15:57:21.781-08:00The grass

Last night at the gym (yes, Rocket and I have joined a gym, and have begun going a couple times a week!), I confessed to her that there is a bit of the "grass is always greener" syndrome going on. I admitted that I found myself a bit (just a bit, really) down over her renewed enthusiasm for work. You see, I'm envious of her success, but the feeling diminishes when I can believe that underneath it

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-79127402451495010692007-03-08T15:03:00.000-08:002007-03-08T15:15:39.682-08:00Wouldn't it be funny if...

You know, I just had a rather odd and disconcerting thought, as I walked downstairs to check my office mailbox, a box which has been empty all but three times (only once with mail for me) since I started renting here in November. Our old postal carrier, in Paradise has got to be the absolute worst, least considerate, laziest, postal carrier I have ever encountered. In fact, I have had some

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-1672985051226506852007-03-08T09:41:00.000-08:002007-03-08T10:20:44.443-08:00Retreat, Release, Discard, Accept

A few days ago, I wrote that Rocket looks like she is closer to realizing that what she really wants is to take a break from (or leave behind) her work week and career, to spend more time with family and nature. Hmmm.Tuesday, she spent the day in a class at work. They pay her to sit all day in a classroom, learning about the sorts of tasks other people do, the sorts of tasks she might do, if she

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-17843194049885663762007-03-07T10:45:00.000-08:002007-03-07T16:06:24.412-08:00The road ahead

It seems I have passed the crossroad. I look ahead of me, and see a winter path through the woods, trees barren of most leaves, brittle detritus on the ground promising to turn leafmold in the spring, nourishing the soil that gives life to the verdure. I know the chill wind will warm, the sun will tarry longer each day, as we enter more into the spring, then summer. I step lightly, but

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-34019406137347153952007-03-06T11:51:00.000-08:002007-03-06T13:14:23.024-08:00Five word responses

While I was overseas, Paul wrote to me:You want to be careful about getting caught up in the stories and circumstances of your life when you are making big transitions. If you find yourself rewinding the [Industry Conference] experience by recalling minute details of conversations and trying to figure out "what they mean" to you, you are "in your head" That won't serve you as you move forward.

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-7982299265329714682007-03-05T15:58:00.000-08:002007-03-05T16:26:15.981-08:00Playin' hooky

The Rocket Scientist called in sick today. To be fair, she has been a bit under the weather. A cold made its rounds of the household while I was out of town. But... I think she decided there were other things she'd rather put her energy into today than the tasks she's assigned at work.We had a date last night. A nice evening out: dinner, a couple cocktails, and conversation. We finished dinner

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-30331017915539655392007-03-02T05:25:00.000-08:002007-03-02T05:49:12.314-08:00Die Konferenz endet

The [Field 2] conference has now come to an end. A rather enjoyable, educational experience. I participated in a workshop which was one of the concurrent tracks of the conference, lasting its entire length (other than plenary talks), with papers all regarding one particular aspect of [Field 2] which most relates to my interests and my work. I gave the absolute last paper of the session. Made some

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-42615164725159863122007-02-25T14:45:00.000-08:002007-02-25T14:56:54.108-08:00Industry Conference followups, Part III

Meredith Binowitz is an industry consultant, running her own firm. Her background is in [Field 2] rather than engineering or computer science, like most of the field. I spoke with her about my research interests, and about her career path, getting from academia to where she is today.Dear Meredith,It was great to meet you, and get a chance to talk about so many things. Thanks again for your

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-74439230472373690292007-02-25T09:04:00.000-08:002007-02-25T09:19:13.112-08:00Industry Conference followups, Part II

Dear Mauricio,It was nice meeting you at [Industry Conference West]. To refresh your memory, we stood in front of the registration desk for a while shooting the breeze with Frank Mayer. Attached is a copy of my resume. I hope to see you again, perhaps in New York in August.Enjoy,ArticulateHi Articulate,Yes, I remember meeting you!!!Please refresh my memory some more, what was it that I was

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-31124276537894916692007-02-25T07:24:00.000-08:002007-02-25T09:14:18.496-08:00Industry Conference followups, Part I

The floodgates are open. There are so many emails going back and forth, perhaps it's easiest if I continue in that vein for a while. Yesterday, I sent off about a dozen followup contacts (desperately seeking to get back to everyone I met before I head overseas), many with copies of my resume, some simply to say "nice to meet you," others with much greater detail.Among the most important contacts

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-52481911301768970892007-02-24T22:05:00.000-08:002007-02-24T22:29:29.471-08:00A bit of the past?

This from last Tuesday, before the [Industry Conference] began:Hi Jon,It's been a while. Tasse Plein tells me you had a nice visit to [Big East Private] a little while back. I just wanted to touch base with you, let you know what I'm up to, and solicit any advice you might have to offer. It's been a long couple years since finishing up my dissertation. Quite a frustrating time to be honest,

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-19929858254557687902007-02-24T21:30:00.000-08:002007-02-24T21:58:27.157-08:00So different

I am finding a difficult time articulating all my thoughts and feelings these days. Each night of the [Industry Conference] I returned to my hotel room, booted up the laptop, and thought about writing. But I just couldn't. I was at a loss to really fathom my own feelings. I was like those cartoon characters, hit on the head, changing colors, plaid to stripes, dots and patterns.And now, I wish to

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-27353151173260415672007-02-20T09:38:00.000-08:002007-02-24T22:00:23.721-08:00Embarking on a Journey

I've got a coaching at 10:00. I'll piddle around my office for a couple hours, then head home for lunch. I'll head to the airport around 3:00 or so, then fly to [Industry Conference] this evening. Tomorrow the event begins in the morning. I've got a half hour meeting in the afternoon with this big shot in the field I'm hoping to enter. On Thursday, I head to [Big Western Private] for a coffee

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-33245594026519811442007-02-19T14:08:00.000-08:002007-02-19T14:26:17.013-08:00In honor of Chinese new year

...and because there had been an off-blog request for a new articulate recipe:Chicken with bok choy (serves 4)Ingredients6-8 heads of baby bok choySubstitute with spinach if you are deprived of fresh bok choy.one hot red chili pepper5 cloves of fresh garlicdark soy sauce (1-2 tbs)white wine (1-2 tbs)mushrooms (about 1 cup)sliced water chestnuts (one can)one large chicken breast (about 2/3 lb.)

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-75448132664154634812007-02-18T07:30:00.000-08:002007-02-18T22:08:22.671-08:00Sometimes I get the feeling...

Our au pair often muses that I have chosen a field in which there are no jobs to be had, that I have self-selected myself out of a career. Nonsense, I'd like to say. I have merely chosen to follow a path that is true to myself. Yes, it is a difficult one. Perhaps I like the challenge. But mostly, we make choices at each juncture, seek to remedy the false steps of the last, and look toward the

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-73261643773945877862007-02-16T12:06:00.000-08:002007-02-16T12:14:45.564-08:00What I need to hear

This, from a friend of mine, PhD in Psychology, whom I knew in grad school, and who happens to be currently a post-doc in cognitive neuroscience in the Rocket City area:Hi Articulate,I wish you best of luck at the conferences! I'm sure you'll find a good path for you. I'm impressed with your enthusiasm and passion for the fields that you are interested in. That's one of the things I'd love to

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-65040875953421172242007-02-15T09:39:00.000-08:002007-02-15T10:07:09.834-08:00That's what I need to tell them

During yesterday's coaching (it had been rescheduled from Monday), Paul and I set out on a task to list some milestones, measures really for what it is I'm seeking.To own a house in a "college town".I mean "college town" to connote a small city with culture and an intellectual climate.To take the pressure off the Rocket Scientist to be the provider.She'd very much like the ability to work

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-47934877946463648882007-02-15T08:57:00.000-08:002007-02-15T10:04:10.624-08:00Remark about Remarque

Erich Maria Remarque (né Erich Paul Remark) was the author of various mostly autobiographically-based novels, most famously Im Westen nichts neues [All Quiet on the Western Front] about the experiences and disillusionment of a young German soldier on the front during WWI. It is seen even today as one of the strongest anti-war statements. The novel became an overnight sensation in the late 1920s

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-85997495912765621722007-02-14T09:58:00.000-08:002007-02-14T10:13:13.087-08:00Academic mooch

Well, not really. I suppose those who have positions mostly have funding for attending conferences at which they will be delegates. This morning, I sent off two emails to the organizers of the two upcoming conferences in May & June, at which I've had papers accepted, and which I would be delighted to attend, but which might likely set us back quite a bit, perhaps more than we'd be willing to

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-62415464318480146092007-02-14T09:22:00.000-08:002007-02-14T09:45:55.809-08:00Upheaval, part two

I'm feeling a bit odd these days. It's like I've planned a big trip, but I'm still tying up loose ends, haven't started packing. Have you ever had a big trip coming up, but it's still a while off? The excitement grips you immediately once the decision is made; but then the time elapses, other things distract you, and somehow the big trip becomes just another thing you expect to take place.I'm not

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-41322285030871720892007-02-14T09:13:00.000-08:002007-02-14T09:21:43.694-08:00Never trust an estimate

Friday evening the adapter for my laptop died. It just stopped working. I had noticed an odd behavior for a day or two before, that the cable was losing connection or had a short, such that if I wiggled the wire a bit, the power would connect again. I could tell because my monitor is a bit dimmer when running on battery.Saturday morning, I called Dell to order a replacement. I'll upgrade you to

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-55044038770732682012007-02-12T08:53:00.000-08:002007-02-12T10:33:06.312-08:00Shifting Gears

Last week, I signed up for email alerts from [Corporate Giant] regarding job postings in [Applied Research Field]. Friday, I got a posting for a Research Staff position in Appleton Hills. I wondered whether this posting had anything to do with my flurry of emails to them this past week. Probably not, but it's nice to think of myself having some impact on the field. I say probably not, because

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-850492222882600732007-02-09T18:50:00.000-08:002007-02-09T19:28:44.417-08:00If it isn't one thing...

Ah, the memory of Gilda Radner's nebbish Roseanna Roseannadanna. If it isn't one thing, it's another.Alright, up for a few days, coasting on a new found charge. I reflected earlier about some of the issues that are coming up. I sent an email earlier today to one of the contacts Frank pointed me to. Almost immediately, I got a reply.Hi Articulate,Susan Parmenitz told me you'd probably be in

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-68775676472860227532007-02-09T11:50:00.000-08:002007-02-09T11:51:39.892-08:00Upheaval

That's the word: upheavalA year ago, I had a conversation with Tasse Plein, in which he spoke of my self-sufficiency and confidence, and about what one needs to do to get ahead in academia. I wrote about it here and here. I realized something yesterday about how that conversation affected me. The idea that I needed to fit into the pecking order, that I needed to act in accord with my status (as

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-71713809744443142272007-02-09T11:21:00.000-08:002007-02-09T11:51:18.049-08:00Industry conference

Frank,Great to talk with you, really. Attached is my CV, and a brief description of my [Longitudinal Project]. Also, feel free to look over my personal research website [URL]. My entire dissertation is posted there in pdf, including about 75 examplesof [aspect he noted an interest in]. For a briefer (and perhaps better) version of the contents, check out my [Dissertation Distillation] article at

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-44212972392664887042007-02-08T15:27:00.000-08:002007-02-08T15:35:20.245-08:00I jumped!

A little. Testing the air... of course, once you've jumped... the ground is pretty far below. Wish me safe landing, eh?The other day, I made my coach privy to the back and forth of emails with people at [Corporate Giant], and about my sense of having been there all before. Paul latched on my feelings, hence our half hour "check in" call, at his prompting.He said, you know, you want to change [

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-43700202439058731052007-02-08T14:53:00.000-08:002007-02-08T14:58:58.605-08:00Á la former students

Okay, this wasn't from a former student, but it's nice nonetheless.Hi Articulate... I wouldn't be surprised if you don't remember me but probably a good year ago I emailed you mentioning that I was interested in using an idea of yours about [concept] in my master's thesis [details of thesis]. Well, I've finally filed the thing and am sending a copy along to you in case you'd like to see what a [

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-9160116132842694212007-02-08T05:15:00.000-08:002007-02-08T05:12:54.269-08:00Can't sleep

Just before 4:00am, the Inventor awoke with a cry. This happens several times a week, almost always around 4:00. My wife or I will walk down the hallway to the boys' room, tuck him into his covers, and he's content. It is a gentle reminder of the importance we play in his life, and of the simple gestures that make all the difference. There is something wonderful about seeing my boys asleep in bed

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-85981923637626267822007-02-07T09:52:00.000-08:002007-02-12T10:30:30.543-08:00A little more like it

Dear Bhaktiva,I have come across your work regarding the [Research Project] and research in the [Department at Corporate Giant]. I am currently seeking a shift in career from academic to applied research, and am therefore seeking contacts in the field whose work most inspires me. The efforts going on at Appleton Hills [location of their research lab] are of the greatest interest to me in this

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-59786721495109910662007-02-06T14:22:00.000-08:002007-02-06T14:45:01.819-08:00Enjoy

I've got a conference presentation in Europe in about three weeks. There are two more conferences I've had papers accepted to, coming up in May and June, though I haven't committed to attending those yet. I have a publisher waiting for fuller chapter summaries for my dissertation-to-book proposal, should I choose to respond. I have faculty job applications out, and perhaps a few more I could work

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-81788802369653945832007-02-06T13:01:00.000-08:002007-02-06T13:15:51.767-08:00Ah, Shakespeare, help me now!

When in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes,I all alone beweep my outcast state,And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries,And look upon myself, and curse my fateWishing me like to one more rich in hope,Featur'd like him, like him with friends possessed,Desiring this man's Art and that man's Scope,With what I most enjoy, contented least,Yet in these thoughts, myself almost despising,Haply I

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-6157241099918237472007-02-06T10:23:00.000-08:002007-02-06T10:44:20.181-08:00Damn Wind!

Yesterday, I had a coaching session. One comment from Paul: You're coming off of about two years of nearly constant disappointment. We need to focus on getting Articulate on the right path. Then we can deal with the circumstances surrounding you.We came to an agreement that I would develop of syllabus-like plan for my life from now until about September. That will be a decision point for us. The

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-30023632443489228582007-02-05T11:55:00.000-08:002007-02-05T12:11:49.180-08:00Setting the sails to the wind

A couple days ago, I wrote of the winds of change. This morning, I wrote up an "initial contact" email to the director of the corporate research lab I found over the weekend. I did a bit more web research regarding the field and job opportunities. Of course, it's not like I wasn't aware of the technologies. They're being developed, sure. They've been in development for a long time. And frankly, I

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-41059519199554494902007-02-04T08:34:00.000-08:002007-02-04T08:59:21.546-08:00Relevance

In my original dissertation proposal, I asked the question:What is the relevance of this work today?The topic of my dissertation was a mix between the work about a century ago of a particular historical figure and the developments in three intersecting fields (Field 1, Field 2, and Interdisciplinary Field) from that time to today. I was interested in understanding how that figure's activities a

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-46187906606063107292007-02-04T08:06:00.000-08:002007-02-04T08:33:38.059-08:00A dangerous and destructive legacy

So what will we leave behind?Years ago, a cousin of mine, PhD in Economics, presented the theory that the aim of the neo-cons in Washington was to bankrupt the U.S. government, thus destroying its abilities to support domestic programs, while enriching the military-industrial complex.Destroyer in Chief yesterday announced his plans to vociferously argue for a shift in priorities for the U.S.

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-74959294429732721642007-02-03T17:17:00.000-08:002007-02-03T18:09:09.358-08:00Could this be the winds of change?

I let the deadlines slide. You may recall my new coach requested a laundry list of responses from me on short deadlines that I simply couldn't keep. I had hoped to get him something by last night, but as you might imagine from my last post, I was in no mood to do anything entailing thought at the point I arrived home. In fact, all I could muster was to grab a beer from the fridge and sit... That

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-24878462702434295522007-02-03T15:34:00.000-08:002007-02-03T16:05:12.332-08:00Commute the commute

Yesterday, returning home from my language class, I spent 30 minutes driving the distance from campus to the highway on-ramp. Yes, really. We're talking about 1-2 miles tops! As I sat in traffic (wishing I had Ianqui beside me to snap a photo, because I just know she would have loved it), a fellow jogged by, with a simple yellow t-shirt, the bold letters clearly custom made on the cheap:I HATE

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-38507260648880620882007-02-01T09:18:00.000-08:002007-02-01T09:29:20.357-08:00Overwhelm

Apparently, I made a mistake in reporting that deadlines are useful for me. Yesterday afternoon, as I prepared to finish up and head home to be with the boys, I received an email from my coach, with a laundry list of tasks, with deadlines of today and tomorrow. Gaaack! Here is my reply:Hi Paul,First off... to clarify, I'm not someone who thrives on deadlines. That said, I find deadlines useful

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-83509096665231009292007-01-31T14:36:00.000-08:002007-01-31T14:47:12.906-08:00Paying me

In an earlier post, I pasted some of an email to my coach, in which I wrote:I deserve to have someone pay me for being me. It's simply not fair that the only one "paying me" is my wife, who feels diminished it would seem, from that payment.He wrote to the first part:Yes, you do. I’m glad to finally hear you say this. but went on to add:Remember our first call. I don’t do the victim thing, nor

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-59108650247202996812007-01-31T10:39:00.000-08:002007-01-31T10:58:38.637-08:00James Robert Orville

The sign read:BrokeHungryA bearded middle-aged man, with sallow eyes, and beady pupils, knit cap on his head, cracked hands, dirty finger nails, stood at the traffic light. I couldn't look at him much. Only a small container of goldfish cracker crumbs lay on the tray-table in the front of our van. Not worth handing over. I prefer not to give money. No telling where it will end up.The light was

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-47719413523778173692007-01-31T10:16:00.000-08:002007-01-31T10:38:43.194-08:00Make it so

Reuters yesterday reported on hearings before the U.S. Congress.Two choice citations:"I think the constitutional scheme does give Congress broad authority to terminate a war," said Bradford Berenson, a Washington lawyer who was a White House associate counsel under Bush from 2001 to 2003."It is ultimately Congress that decides the size, scope and duration of the use of military force," said

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-63821341549405646212007-01-30T13:37:00.000-08:002007-01-30T13:50:19.227-08:00Conflict

Paul,Productive session I think. I think we need to work more on figuring out a plan, goals, direction. I get the sense that you have an idea that our aim is "action," that perhaps this is one key element that is missing my current behavior. I think we need to work through that a bit, so we both understand what each other is expecting on that count.In part it comes down to the question of "

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-85421025879738621462007-01-30T10:00:00.000-08:002007-01-30T15:10:54.798-08:00Power

Baited breath. I suppose many of you are tasting the worms of such bait, awaiting my commentary on yesterday's coaching. It's intense to spend two hours face to face, one on one, discussing oneself, one's life, one's meaning, one's goals, one's dreams, one's hopes. It's raw, and it's naked.Overall, I think the initial session was productive. Some of the things I got out of it were a sense that

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-1041894576053808632007-01-28T23:09:00.000-08:002007-01-28T23:25:57.546-08:00Tomorrow, my coaching begins

I'm a bit nervous or apprehensive. I suppose that is a good thing. Tomorrow may likely prove to be a signal day for me, a punctum saliens of sorts. 10:00 am my coach will arrive, a guest in my office, ready to goad me and guide me. Will I be ready?The past few days of self-reflection have been difficult. I posted a few days ago some supplemental questions that Paul volleyed at me. Tonight I sent

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-5497041083302179532007-01-26T11:25:00.000-08:002007-01-26T11:41:28.690-08:00Latest from Lemon

I've been keeping up an occasional correspondence with my friend Sara Chaisano at Lemon University. After many years of trying, she and husband are now parents. So, she's a bit overwhelmed with all the details. Fortunately, she recently received tenure, so a large burden has been lifted, as she steps into this entirely new territory.Lemon is a medium-sized liberal arts college. She is the only

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-7544255059296670772007-01-26T09:31:00.000-08:002007-01-26T09:53:01.981-08:00Share and share alike

One of the things that my career coach asks for is total honesty. Fair enough. But do I tell him about my blog? In many ways, I feel this has been a therapeutic outlet for me, one which might be subsumed in my coaching relationship were I to edit myself, knowing he might be reading. For one, I have so few friends at the moment in my real life. Partly it's circumstance. We've moved a lot. Partly,

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-18641325072003763402007-01-25T14:29:00.000-08:002007-01-25T14:38:11.793-08:00Put that in your hat

Today's mail brought:Dear Articulate:Today I had Tim Ginsburg [prominent cross-over researcher] in to speak about his new book. I mentioned your name and that you had applied to [center at Big West Private]. He said, "I wish I'd known, I'd be glad to write him a letter." So put that in your hat until you need it. His book has done quite well, and a letter from him could be useful at some

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-61975107288055853622007-01-25T12:50:00.000-08:002007-01-25T13:09:13.592-08:00Plotting a course

I've long had a to-do list, that I keep on my computer desktop, updated periodically, with new items, striking out those I've completed, highlighting the ones that are in process, with notes on what I've done and what remains to be done.On Monday, I created a "daily tasks" list. So far it has only three items on it, one of which I've yet to do since writing it. That's translating for my book

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-16997320418242393682007-01-24T10:18:00.000-08:002007-01-24T10:25:22.235-08:00Bagels, Love, and Sunset

On a lighter note, here are some recent images from my life: These are the best bagels in the world. I have finally perfected the recipe, based on Rose Levy Beranbaum's recipe in "The Bread Bible," with emendations to add some rye and whole wheat flour. Yum!This was on the easel one day last week, when I came home from my office.This was the view from a sailboat a couple weekends ago, in Paradise.

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20014638.post-29184628568497972212007-01-24T08:58:00.000-08:002007-01-24T09:24:16.414-08:00What was I saying about priorities?

A couple of days ago, I suggested a new national goal.Last night Texas Yahoo, still proud of his C average in college, proved once again the current lack of interest in higher education in America. The loyal opposition's response? Nothing to write home about.From Inside Higher Ed:Higher education is rarely front and center in presidential State of the Union addresses — but rarely is it invisible,

ArticulateDadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407769773596623808noreply@blogger.com0