Today's Challenge: Our Favorite Things

[drenilop]

Someone forwarded me alternate lyrics to "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music today, ones about growing old, and it got me thinking. As academics, what are our favorite things? (Or, as the case may be, least favorite things?) I can think of plenty of least favorites, but not a lot of favorites. As we (prepare to) start the new term, what do

Comments

[liedra]

New whiteboard markers and fresh printed papers,
Project funds granted and new O-week* capers,
Students with int'resting ideas to bring
These are a few of my favourite things!

*Orientation week

[liedra]

Oops, got so excited about having come up with a verse I forgot to say "awesome idea!" :D

So, awesome idea! :D

[drenilop]

Thanks - glad you enjoyed it! Completed song posted. :-)

[joane]

When the Chair rants
When the chalk snaps
When my advisor's mad...
I simply remember there's beer at the pub,
And then I don't feel so bad!

[i_like_snow]

ok communites on LJ like this one is one of my fav things!!!!! cool post!! :)

[drenilop]

Thanks - glad you appreciate it! The complete song is up now. :-)

[knut_hamson]

I can think of plenty of least favorites, but not a lot of favorites.

Then why do you do it?

[drenilop]

I'm not sure, actually. I lost my job last term and I'm now trying to figure out whether I should stay in academia or look elsewhere. This is, as much as anything, a chance for me to remember (or people to remind me) why I do it.

[aryanhwy]

- The traveling. I have an awesome travel budget as part of my grant, and since the beginning of June I have been to: Hamburg, Munich, Bologna, Genoa, Lisbon, the Azores, Toulouse, Leeds, Lisbon again, Lisbon again (where I am now), and Sunday I go to Moscow.

- The teaching. A good lecture sends me home with a emotional high like nothing I've experienced. Seeing the lightbulb go on over a student's head is amazing.

- An excuse to buy lots and lots of books.

[dreadpirateange]

The hardcore librarians who find the things you need the most, especially while you were sure were lost in Noah's flood.

Access to a million resources and databases.

Healthcare at a University hospital.

Cheap gym membership.

The awesome fruit platters and wine they bring in for keynote speakers.

Being eligible to apply for some pretty amazing grants.

[drenilop]

Thanks for the ideas! Complete song is posted now. :-)