Jenny’s Journies

Monday, 22 September 2008 @ 3:44pm.

A lot can happen in a short amount of time… I’ve decided to postpone being on the job market this fall. Lots of pros and cons for the decision to go out or not. While I’m eager to move on, I’ll be taking the Javanese “alon-alon waton” approach, which roughly translated is like the proverb “slow and steady wins the race.”

I’m off to teach, but hope everyone is well wherever they may be. Keep a smile on your face, appreciate all that you are and have, and enjoy your week!

Friday, 19 September 2008 @ 11:53am.

Wow, it’s been a while since I last posted. Since the school semester started, my days have been very busy so I just haven’t had the chance to sit down and reflect. I’m presently dissertating (writing draft chapters of my dissertation) and teaching as a graduate student instructor (GSI). I am teaching undergraduate students from the Political Science 300: Contemporary Issues in Political Science course. It’s an enjoyable experience so far, but the workload is quite heavy. I am also preparing for the job market. Wish me patience and luck!

Recent issues:

* Basement flooded twice! My mom and I spent a lot of time using the wetvac, moving stuff into the garage, repairing gutters outside, and the like.

* Taxes. Expensive payments due. Folks at H&R Block were most helpful given my unique situation, but I’m still taking a big hit.

* Figuring out where the U.S. presidential candidates stand on certain public policy matters. Take away the soundbites, mudslinging television ads, general interviews, etc. and many people including myself don’t know what’s what. Our economy, education system, health care, international relations, environment, and more are in need of some serious attention and repair. Sigh…

Interestingly…

* Pluto has discovered squirrels. He’s barked up a storm at the little critters in the front yard where I have two maple trees.

* I found out that in 1970, U-M Political Science Teaching Fellows walked out of classes to protest budget cuts, foreshadowing a move to unionize. In 1974, the Graduate Employees Organization (GEO), Local 3550, AFT Michigan, AFL-CIO, came into existence on April 15 when U-M teaching fellows voted 807-424 to unionize. And in 1981, after five years in court, the State of Michigan ordered the university to recognize GEO’s right to exist.