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johanna409 December 16 2004, 19:39:04 UTC
No, I got an A in that class (Yay for A's in graduate seminars!!!). This is for Psychological Anthropology and the assignment was to interview someone ill and use their story as an example to explain how people percieve illness as manifested in society, politics, the body, their own experiences...that sort of thing. I chose my aunt, which was totally digging my own grave. On the one hand, I got a wonderful interview, perfect for the assignment. On the other, I can't stand psychoanalyzing someone's suffering, especially someone close to me. I copped out and got a C+, and it's worth like, 40% of my grade. I came to her and asked for permission to rewrite and she gave it to me. But bottom line, I hate this project and just want it to be over. She just responded:

Dear Joan,

You must have heard me 'calling you' cuz you've been on my mind. Regarding the illness narrative paper, let's talk. I am definitely
willing to give you until sometime tomorrow, but would prefer that
it not go beyond that. But I'm not sue if this is something that you
really want to do at this point, all things considered. Kindly give me
a landline +/- a cell phone where I can reach you later tonight or
tomorrow (if you like) and we can discuss it. I would just prefer to
stop looking at the computer screen for a while...

My deepest sympathies. Loss is hard. I had two miscarriages and
there will always be traces in my heart and in my being from these
profound losses. I can't even imagine your own... But hopefully you
can also remember your sister's smile and silly moments you
shared and in some small way honor and celebrate her presence... I
would also imagine that her presence lingers around you, guiding
and watching over your life, smiling with pride at your
accomplishments, big and small, personal and in the world at
large...

Hope dinner was lovely. I have just returned home and will make
myself a littel somethin'-somethin' momentarily.

Thank you for your presence, enthusiasm,interest, and
engagement with the class. And thanks for lending me the reader,
it has some pieces that I was looking for! Yeah!

Regarding the airline reservations, that's a little bit of a story. The
short version is that I intend to get online later tonight and give it a
whirl. If/when we speak, perhaps you can help em a bit...

OK,I'm going to quickly peruse the other emails and then get a bite
to eat.

Will check back in a bit to se if you've responded.
AG

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jox December 16 2004, 21:17:32 UTC
she seems totally reasonable. but what an awful assignment for anyone who has a sick person in their life.

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johanna409 December 16 2004, 21:34:07 UTC
yah, she is. I responded with this:

Dear Professor Gardner,

Sorry for not getting back to you sooner, I took in that movie after all and feel much better for it. At any rate, I just got in and read your response. You are welcome to call me, though it might be too late for you by now. I'm a bit of an insomniac myself, so you're welcome to call till whenever. My cell phone number is (215) 801-0343 and my land line (good only until this Sunday when I move out) is (202) 242-9833. You are welcome to call either.

Thank you so much for your kind words. I won't say much more about it online as I'm a bit tired of this screen myself, however I want you to know that I really appreciate your sincerity and your understanding. It makes asking for a break far less embarrassing, especially for proud individuals like me that hate doing it.

If you're still up call me and we'll work on your flight arrangements and talk. If not, I will most likely drop you an email tomorrow to let you know where I'm at. I'm doing some temp work tomorrow at an office in the city for the better part of the day, so whatever I get done tonight will probably be it. I hope all is well with you, and thank you again.

Joanie

and she just called me. She would like me to give one more shot at finishing it because she thinks I can do it, but if I decide to take my grade she'll understand. And yes, I HATE this assignment. THE END

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