Friday, June 22, 2012

On Hiatus

It's that time of year again: the end of the fiscal year, when money runs out, but dollars for the next year's grant haven't yet come through.

So I get a break. I'm not certain for how long because DGI's client doesn't know exactly when the check is coming, though they know it will be coming sometime.

However, I'm starting a part-time job beginning in early July for MassCat. This is the same job I had last summer; then it was only temporary, now it's permanent. For 10 hours/week I'll be doing database cleanup, copy cataloging on OCLC when there is no record in the MassCat database, and original cataloging when there is no record anywhere. The job is a short commute and coffee is available for employees.

I'll have money coming in, but plenty of time to catch up on house and yard work. And I need to begin preparing to teach Information Organization in the fall. Simmons GSLIS has changed all of its software, and I need to transfer my materials from BlackBoard to Moodle. It's also a good time to work on some revisions to the course.

What was that about a break?

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Painted Toenails

In my nascent feminist days, I viewed painted toenails as rather frivolous and women who wore them as less than serious. Over the years I've met many women who are decidedly NOT frivolous, definitely serious about things that matter and still have painted toenails. Some of them even have iridescent blue toenails!

As my own feminist philosophy has matured, I realize that a woman can express herself in many ways, including ways that may appear superficial. What's most important is that she feel comfortable (both inside and outside) with what she is wearing whether it be jewelry, tatoos, high heels, hiking boots, skirts, jeans, shorts or nail polish. A woman who is secure in her own skin can try different styles and discover what works best for her. Over the years  that style may - in fact will probably - change. Mine certainly has.

I used to be envious of women and girls that had a distinct style; I never seemed to have one. But I've discovered that I have several styles simultaneously: one day is casual with cropped pants, the next may be flirty with a skirt and wedged sandals. I now like the fact that I can look entirely different from day to day depending on what feels right for me.

Even with my pared down wardrobe (I'm still weeding it, though more slowly, and purchasing very few replacements) the person I present changes from one day to the next.

I have many different, diverging interests. I can't be categorized easily. There's more to me than my shiny, rose colored toenails.