back to school blues

For some reason, I've been obsessed with this summer's Olympics. Normally, I don't really care, but this year I'm really into it. But you know who's more obsessed? My kitten Holden. I do catch him on occasion watching television along with me, but whenever I have the Olympics on, he sits right in front of the tv, head tilted up towards the screen, and he will bat at the athletes twirling and jumping on the screen. It is hysterical... and really, really cute. On a sadder note though, his buddy Roxee left the other day. Robin moved back to Carbondale and took her back to her place. Which has left Holden an emotional wreck. I left him alone last night and today, and ever since I've returned this afternoon, he's been meowing endlessly and following me around the house to smother me with cuddles. It's cute, but somewhat annoying when I'm trying to write a paper. I do realize that I am distracting myself right now with blogging instead of academic writing, but I felt I needed a short break. 

Today was the first day of the PSW, which, for those of you who are not in the SIU English Department, is the pre-semester workshop for GTAs. Last year was ten long days of mental overload on teaching composition to undergraduates... however, when you are a returning GTA, you attend a mere two and a half days of training. Still kinda blows, though. I have to admit though that I actually got some good ideas for my 102 class today. One of our textbook authors gave a presentation on using blogs in the classroom - which obviously I am keen to, as I am a fan of blogging. The students would have anonymous blogs that they would post in and would read other classmates' blogs to engage in discussions. The idea behind it is that students are reluctant to express their opinions in class (which is so true... trying to lead a debate or discussion is reminiscent of that teeth-pulling cliche), so they could use the blogs to engage in an ungraded, anonymous discussion of whichever topics they choose. I do have a few concerns, though - I would like their discussions to go beyond meaningless crap that should instead stay in Facebook or MySpace or those other social trots. I also hope that it can remain anonymous and that they will post some good stuff. We'll see. I can't imagine it could go any worse than that film paper I assigned last semester... Jesus Christ. What a shitbomb that was. In any case, I am pretty sure that I would like to implement blogging into the classroom and hope that it will bring more good than bad.

Mike is sleeping right now... he began his 1am to 9am, Monday through Friday schedule this week as he was promoted to the morning producer at News 3. I'm excited for him, even though our completely and utterly opposite schedules will be difficult. I'm trying to be as quiet as I can right now while he's sleeping... which is difficult with Holden being so emotionally needy and 'meowy.'

The US women's beach volleyball team is kicking ass and taking names. Hooray!