April 28: Grading Exams, Mushy Brain, "Web" Dip

I have been grading Introduction to Film exams all afternoon.  I have completed one section, and I have another section to go.  My brain is a little mushy at the moment.  I needed to take a little break, so I decided to blog for a while.

My mood has improved from yesterday slightly.  Very slightly.  I have a grading headache, probably compounded somewhat by my new glasses.  I finally bit the bullet and purchased bifocals.  It's amazing how much clearer the laptop screen is.  Not to mention the fact that I haven't been playing glasses-on/glasses-off all day.  I can actually read without lifting the page to the end of my nose.

In a couple weeks, I begin my new job.  The hours are going to be like 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.  A normal schedule.  That may sound appealing to some of you, but it doesn't to me.  I like flexibility in my days, and there ain't gonna be much flexibility to go 'round from now on.

Which brings me to my Web dip question for today:

Am I going to like my new job?

And the answer from E. B. White is:

The crickets sang in the grasses.  They sang the song of summer's ending, a sad, monotonous song.  "Summer is over and gone," they sang.  "Over and gone, over and gone.  Summer is dying, dying."

Well, that answer did nothing to improve Saint Marty's state of mind.

Do you like my new glasses?

March 18: The Crickets, a Fire, Prayer for a Friend's Daughter

The crickets felt it was their duty to warn everybody that summertime cannot last forever.  Even on the most beautiful days of the whole year--the days when summer is changing into fall--the crickets spread the rumor of sadness and change.

Charlotte's Web is about sadness and change.  As the summer comes to an end, the threat to Wilbur's life is serious.  If Charlotte's plan doesn't work soon, Wilbur will be bacon by Thanksgiving.  The approach of autumn means a life and death struggle on the Zuckerman farm.

Last week, a good friend's daughter suffered a terrible loss.  In the middle of last Wednesday night, her house was completely destroyed by a fire.  She lost everything, including three cherished pets.  On Thursday morning, a bulldozer took down what was left of her home.  She has no clothes, no car, no shoes.  Nothing.  Her life is all sadness and change.

I'm asking you to say a little prayer for my friend's daughter.  Of course, the community is rallying around her.  Bringing her clothing and food and money.  But she is heartbroken and needs to be lifted up.  The material loss is nothing compared to emotional and spiritual loss.

So, as you finish reading this post, say a few words to God for her, if you're a praying person.  If not, send some positive thoughts her way.  Surround her with every kind of goodness.

Saint Marty has faith in you.

Fold your hands for my friend's daugfhter