Update
This week has been hectic for me. I feel as if I'm frantically juggling a dozen responsibilities and at any moment they might collapse. I'm especially paranoid about forgetting something I've committed to doing. I'm writing everything down when I can, to reduce my mental load, but this also means I'm lugging a lot of paper around.
Good things: this week I paid $2000 on my loan principal. This felt really good. Usually I hate spending money (you might need it in an emergency!) but this kind of spending is important for our future. This year's resolution: Put as much money as possible on these loans. Theoretically, I still have enough to get by on until next payday (Yes, this is how I live). I don't usually have unexpected bills, and the bills I do have tend to be predictable as to their amounts, so things feel covered financially.
Stuff To Do This Week:
I've got the usual weekly tasks as well, like laundry and cooking (Ack, that sounds so patriarchal. Seriously, we've split up household chores, this isn't some kind of boy-girl thing. Ack, now I sound so defensive!). This week I'll make another batch of food to take for dinner on my work/class days. This both prevents me from going grouchy at people from hunger (it's not a pretty sight), and keeps me from buying expensive store or restaurant food. Usually these lunches are whole wheat pasta, carrot/brussels sprout soup, veggie stew, or veggie chili. This year I resolve to learn at least two more recipes I like for lunch. As part of the keeping expenses down approach, I'm going to the Book & CD swap tonight.
Thursday, January 22 at the Beaver Hall Gallery (29 McCaul - just north of Queen St.) , from 7pm-10pm. Admission is $6, or $3 if you bring something you've made along with your swap items.
All books, zines, comics, cds, records and other reading and listening material in good condition are welcome. No more than 2 magazines per person, though.
If you don't have anything to bring, you're still welcome to come. Just show up with enthusiasm and $10, and we'll give you a bag to fill.
Leftovers will be donated to the Toronto Public Library and St. Christopher House.
I'm excited about this. I've packed up three boxes of books and CDs. I'll take them there on my little cart. I shall try not to return with three boxes worth. Most of all, I shall try not to return with the same books and CDs.
Good things: this week I paid $2000 on my loan principal. This felt really good. Usually I hate spending money (you might need it in an emergency!) but this kind of spending is important for our future. This year's resolution: Put as much money as possible on these loans. Theoretically, I still have enough to get by on until next payday (Yes, this is how I live). I don't usually have unexpected bills, and the bills I do have tend to be predictable as to their amounts, so things feel covered financially.
Stuff To Do This Week:
Complete the first draft of my syllabus project for THE 500 and email it to the prof. This will serve as an example to future employers of the sort of course I might teach. I've got two syllabi in progress: one called Christian Symbolism of the Body and one called Introduction to Bisexual Theory. The latter I'd like to propose to the Centre for Sexual Diversity Studies.
Finish at least one chapter of my dissertation. I got a call at work yesterday. Prof. Legge is putting my marking committee together. This means there must be something for them to mark soon, and it must not suck.
Complete my lecture outlines. On the 28th I present the first of the two-hour lectures to RGP 3256/6256, the Spirituality & Sexuality class. This week I quickly review the past 2000 years of church teaching on marriage and sexuality. On the 2nd I delve into special issues such as the Church's approach to homosexuality and the cause and effects of the sexual abuse scandals. Down the road, these lectures could be used as the sample lecture which some hiring committees want to see.
Make lecture structure in line with the criteria by which the Feb 2 lecture will be marked by the peer reviewers. This is part of general organizing of the lecture, but it also makes sure that the reviewers can easily see how they ought to rate my lecture highly.
Practice the January 28 lecture.
Friday there's a professional development seminar at TST entitled, "What Does One Do With an Advanced Degree in Theology?: Various Career Options both Inside and Outside the Academy. I think it could remind me of my options and maybe introduce me to some new ones.
I've got the usual weekly tasks as well, like laundry and cooking (Ack, that sounds so patriarchal. Seriously, we've split up household chores, this isn't some kind of boy-girl thing. Ack, now I sound so defensive!). This week I'll make another batch of food to take for dinner on my work/class days. This both prevents me from going grouchy at people from hunger (it's not a pretty sight), and keeps me from buying expensive store or restaurant food. Usually these lunches are whole wheat pasta, carrot/brussels sprout soup, veggie stew, or veggie chili. This year I resolve to learn at least two more recipes I like for lunch. As part of the keeping expenses down approach, I'm going to the Book & CD swap tonight.
Thursday, January 22 at the Beaver Hall Gallery (29 McCaul - just north of Queen St.) , from 7pm-10pm. Admission is $6, or $3 if you bring something you've made along with your swap items.
All books, zines, comics, cds, records and other reading and listening material in good condition are welcome. No more than 2 magazines per person, though.
If you don't have anything to bring, you're still welcome to come. Just show up with enthusiasm and $10, and we'll give you a bag to fill.
Leftovers will be donated to the Toronto Public Library and St. Christopher House.
I'm excited about this. I've packed up three boxes of books and CDs. I'll take them there on my little cart. I shall try not to return with three boxes worth. Most of all, I shall try not to return with the same books and CDs.