Ramblings

I'd like to begin by directing my readers to yet another fantastic blog...not that I'm counting my own among the fantastic. On the contrary, I often sit down to write and find that my life has become so insular and static here in academia-land that I can't think of much that wouldn't bore the socks off a goat, as the old adage goes. Anyway, back to the point. Check out strawberryblog.com. You won't be sorry. An amazing intersection of wit, grace, and down-right hilarity at times, the blog is written by Wendi B., sister of another of my favorite people, Michael S. I don't know why, but the most recent entry "The Importance of Place" was particularly meaningful to me, as I attempt to navigate my new life on a different coast. I feel like there aren't enough people talking about the very points that dear Wendi addresses. It all fits in with the theme of "culture" that she has been writing about since her displacement from New Orleans after the hurricane. Anyway, I suggest you all check it out. I look forward to reading it every week.

I haven't had a wildlife update for a while, so I thought maybe you'd like to hear the selection of animals that have crossed my path (or I theirs--theirs?). I've been running a lot this week, part of my attempt at "stress" management. I put stress in quotes, because I realize my life is quite cushy and feeling stressed about the ridiculous and trivial struggles of the academic life seems...well ridiculous. Anyway, I usually run around this rather long, artificial...uh...river, would do you call it? It's not a lake, because it's way to skinny, and it's not a pond or a tributary by any means. It's just this 2-mile long water-way that doesn't go anywhere or lead to anything, or serve any "natural purpose," surrounded by various flora from different parts of the world. There's an Asian section and an "Australian" section, etc. This week, I saw two absolutely enormous jack-rabbits. They were each like the size of a large watermelon. I also spotted a woodpecker, a peacock (booh st. mary's for quietly "displacing" our peacocks!), and a baby white crane/heron. At the farmer's market this week, there were baby pigs and miniature baby goats. Not exactly "wild" but they were adorable.

So, apparently the rats and the cockroaches are bad in Davis. Who knew? You wouldn't imagine that could possibly be true in a place like this. You'd think they would have established a city ordinance or held a referendum banning them by now. I was told that the cockroaches will literally stare at you when you open the door to go outside and sort of boldly saunter into your house and set up shop. I'm just telling you, that's what I was told. I'm still new here.

I had my first test in like three years today. Statistics. Ick. The professor asked me how it was when I was handing him my test at the end of the class. Not trying to be a smart allick, but failing to avoid the inevitable, I said, "Well, now I know what to study." Then I proceeded to pat him on the back two times (no slide), and realizing the ackward situation I was in, quickly exited. This is becoming routine for me. Saying stupid things and then running away afterward. It's difficult to just embrace the awkwardness.

I wish I had a more exiting life to inspire creative and moving blog entries. Maybe next time will be a political rambling. Isn't that what the blogosphere has become all about? That reminds me of something. I was listening to the radio this weekend--npr, I think it was--and Andrew Sullivan (probably the most famous gay Republican in the country) was talking about the end of gay culture. He believes that the conditions that have come to constitute a "gay culture" have largely been overcome and that in the very near future, "gay culture" will no longer exist. He talked about the full "integration" of gay people into the mainstream of american culture as if it were necessarily a good thing and that once achieved, all would be fine. The pinnacle of that for him was gay marriage, of course. A valid perspective to propose for discussion, I guess, but the more I thought about it, the more it bothered me. He believes that children who grow up gay in today's america don't face the same sense of isolation as he did and past generations have faced. To some extent, I can't disagree that at least there is a greater presence of gay people/culture to be encountered by young people, but I don't think I would jump right to the conclusion that this fact nullifies all the difficulties faced by those who struggle with issues of sexuality. In fact, I think to some extent, it may morph into an even more perilous situation for those who refuse to put themselves into the neat little catch-all box of "gay/lesbian culture." And I couldn't help but think how elitist it sounded--how white-centered. He never once mentioned the particular struggles of people of color or different cultural backgrounds (in an ethnic/racial sense) who are gay. Once again, it seems we are defining "gay culture" on the advancement of the white, gay, MALE, community. Assimilation indeed.

Well, in the words of click and clack, you've wasted another perfectly good 5 minutes reading my blog.

Write or call me anytime.