some several things

[lunabee34]

1. I don't think I ever posted about the conference for which you all provided such excellent cheerleading. It was glorious. I had to get up at 4 in the morning every day to watch all the presentations, but they were pretty much uniformly excellent. My presentation went over extremely well, and I just had a lovely time.

Last year was my first time to attend this conference, and I had a great experience last year, but I enjoyed myself so much more this year after spending all last year involved in two reading groups. This year, I knew so many of the participants and they knew me. It made for a much richer experience. I can't wait until next year!

2. I am essentially finished getting my courses together for the fall except for finishing touches. Whew. Classes start on Wednesday. I am really excited about this graduate class and will be posting about it periodically.

3. Convocation, the big meeting of all university employees that kicks off each academic year, was last week, and I got recognized for 15 years of employment plus my Excellence in Service Award. The president also gave me a shout-out during the Strategic Plan unveiling. It's a bit surreal to go to these things and see my fingerprints all over so many aspects of university operations. LOL

4. I have to travel every day but one next week--either to doctor's appointments or to meetings. Hurray!

5. Still enjoying my hair. I got many compliments at Convocation, which was unexpected and welcome since I am self-conscious about it. I am enjoying playing around with my new curls, but they are still so new that I am startled every time I get a glimpse of myself. I feel an urge to explain that I didn't do this to my hair; it just spontaneously happened, promise. LOL And I wonder sometimes if it really looks good or I'm just imagining that it does and people are thinking, "What's that old lady doing trying to look young?" Basic insecurity crap that will go away as I get more confident with styling it.

Comments

[princessofgeeks]

Thanks so much for the update. Wow; that seems like a short summer for you, but I guess they are all short now.

Older people get to have curly hair, you know! It's not limited by law to those under 30!

<3 <3 <3

[lunabee34]

They are so short. *sobs* And I had to work the whole time. That one summer I didn't teach and didn't write a new class or do anything was so lovely.

I know older people get to have curly hair. LOL It's just such a drastic change, and usually those are deliberate. IDK, my brain is weird.

[sheafrotherdon]

Congrats on all the shout outs! And I am sure people are not thinking nasty things about your hair (although I absolutely get the confidence thing!).

So glad the conference was fun!

[lunabee34]

Thank you thank you!!!

I know they're not thinking nasty things about my hair; I'm the only one doing that (as per usual LOL). As I get older, IDK why one of the things I get worried about is whether people think I'm trying too hard to look younger. I genuinely am not afraid of looking older. I am not chasing eternal youth. My brain is very weird.

[umadoshi]

Hooray for so many good things! *^^*

[lunabee34]

Thank you! <3

[musesfool]

Yay you!

[lunabee34]

Thank you!

[thistleingrey]

Ah, I'm glad! #1 especially, but all of it. :)

[lunabee34]

Thank you! <3

[gloss]

I'm so glad the conference was such a good time! <333

Glad about everything else, too, obviously.

[lunabee34]

Thank you! <3

It was a nice thing to feel Known by my Victorian colleagues, especially the Ouida ones. :)

[amejisuto]

I'm glad you had such a good time, it sounds like you had loads of fun! Yay for people liking your curls. I'm sorry you have to travel so much next week, that sucks. HUGS!

[lunabee34]

Thank you, my friend!

Fortunately, that travel will get some yearly appointments out of the way: dermatology full body mole check and mammogram (although that one is every couple years, I think). Anyway, I skipped the mammogram the last time I was supposed to get it, which is not good. So, I'll be glad to get that one done.

[amejisuto]

Next Monday I go to my Boobagram AND the OBGYN on the same day. Might as well get all my embarrassment over in one day.

[lunabee34]

That is very smart.

[independence1776]

I am so glad you enjoyed the conference!

[lunabee34]

Thank you! <3 <3

[corvidology]

Lovely that you had such a good time with the conference and convocation!

If it helps any with the insecurity, people in general seem to love curls... as you'll find out when someone inevitably tries to touch them.

[lunabee34]

Thank you!!

Oh, no. *dismay* That hadn't occurred to me. I don't want anyone to touch them. That's terrible.

[corvidology]

It's almost always older ladies so it's not as bad as it could be but it's still a bit of shock the first time it happens. I've got good at ducking and weaving. ;D

[lunabee34]

LOL

Noted. I shall begin developing my skills.

[havocthecat]

No one is thinking terrible things about you and what you've done to your hair. They might think, "Hm, lunabee34 has done new things to her hair! I wonder what's up with that?" And that's about it.

So glad you had a good time!

I owe you an email. I will get back to you!

[lunabee34]

Thank you thank you!!!

I know you are right intellectually, but the insecurity is real!

Take your time. <3

[lyr]

Go you on all of this!

[lunabee34]

Thank you, my friend!

[timespirt]

Congratulations hon, you deserve all the accolades you get. You worked hard to get where you are so bask in the spotlight and keep up the good work.

"HUGS"

[lunabee34]

Thank you thank you!

*hugs*

<3

[china_shop]

So glad the conference went well, yay you!!

*hugs*

[lunabee34]

Thank you thank you! <3 <3

[spikedluv]

I'm so glad the conference was a huge win! And yay for being recognized!

I hope you enjoy the last days of summer vacation, despite all the traveling and appointments.

[lunabee34]

Thank you thank you!

Summer vacation is over, alas, but that's okay. It'll be good to get back into the swing of a routine.