I got hand foot mouth from my niece and nephew. I didn't even know adults could get it. But dang what a strange virus. I just got the rash and these little spots on my hand hurt!

Protest is good for democracy.

It seems we are all dealing with the avalanche of labor associated with LLMs and no training, support, or compensation. Administors can't adopt AI tools fast enough. Soon all teaching and learning can be outsourced so college can focus on what REALLY MATTERS to them... the capitalism of it all

I had 9 meetings about students using Chat GPT/LLMs on their papers today. If you want to know why professors burn out, ask anyone trying to teach critical thinking and writing skills to Freshmen....

I recently acquired a sweater vest and I desperately want to wear it. But I am failing miserably to style it. Anyone have sweater vest styling tips?

Throwback to my first dog, Paris, playing in snow for the first time! (We lived in SC at the time and I drove to Florida to adopt her). She was 10 and still frolicked in the snow.

Saturdays are for long sunrise walks

Saturdays are for long sunrise walks

www.nytimes.com/live/2025/10... Is this the bad place?

Took my 5 year old nephew to a kids birthday party. I thought I knew what "overstimulated" meant. I was wrong. This is next level.

The academic's dilemma: Use Fall break to catch up on the thousand things you have due this week . Vs. Use it for the break you actually need to survive the rest of these weeks of the semester. Somehow ending up doing neither? Priceless

Hunting season in PA means Moose has to suit up for walks in his orange gear. And sometimes we see those elusive deer...

I worry that the hustle economy of "hacks" and "time saving" has really undervalued slow, methodical, and thoughtful work. My SMART. And CAPABLE students rush through tasks and make SILLY mistakes because they are told that faster is better. I think they are smarter than the work they produce.

My students this semester are making teaching fun again. For awhile, I was worried that maybe teaching was just becoming less novel and less fun. But I realized now how the classroom community can really make or break the experience.

Me: let's get a pic of the sunset Moose: you mean a pic of me peeing? Me: yeah, bud. Sure. Thanks for that

How often do you get to paddle when it's 80 degrees but also the leaves are changing? I had two hours between meeting and decided to book it out to the lake.

'exerted extraordinary influence' has become a favorite euphemism for illegally subverted our constitution and the balance of powers. Journalists need to grow a backbone.

Teaching this past couple years has been a real roller coaster. But, I finally feel like I am hitting my groove again and figuring out how to have 130-170 students a semester. Also, I have a couple of good students that already have made it feel so rewarding!

Is this a Freudian slip? My student, in an email, called Early Modern to Contemporary World History "Early Contempt to Modern World". We have only had one week of classes.... I guess that's why they called it early contempt

Is Sept 1 too soon for me to up up Halloween decorations? Skulls and pumpkins and fall scented candles spark joy for me.

Saturday mornings with my boy ❤️

Daily gripe: women's pants should be sold by waist and inseam. We do this with men's jeans, why not women's?

When you did not secure the lid to your coffee cup and take that first sip on your commute.... Cut to you pulled over at a gas station emptying your water bottle on the stains on your shirt and and blazer and praying it doesn't stain/dries by class time.

There is nothing better than having repeat customers (students) in your courses.

Great first day in World History. We made a time line with each century 1600s to present and students worked in groups with sticky notes to put the events they anticipated learning about in the right centuries. Got students talking, moving, and learning. Sparked great conversation!

Classes start tomorrow... So I am in denial and took the paddleboard out this morning. My arms are sore and the Sunday scaries are extra strong.

One of the small joys of summer is Katie's Corner in Grove City, PA. Best ice cream in western PA. Decided to indulge after a particularly grueling yoga class as I cling to the last vestiges of summer.

Our sweet boy (Moose) is 8 and started gaining weight/slowing down. Our vet recommended switching to senior dog food. I am having alot of feeling about having a senior dog... Again. For context: I adopted our last baby girl (Paris) when she was 9 and she died the day before her 12th birthday.

Some places just feel unreal and other worldly. Watkins Glen State Park is one of them!

I didn't really think getting married was a big deal until my husband got bumped to comfort+ and I got moved with him just because we were married. I should have done this ages ago if I knew my partner came with free seat upgrades!

Going to the rare book room at the BNF feels like an exclusive club. You have to take a hidden elevator. There are different rules here and it's very exclusive (only two other patrons). Though one patron's stomach is making some LOUD noises in this silent room.

When you find a slip from the last person to check out a request from the BnF... And it was you in 2017... They did change the title on me so I was not sure if I saw it before... But I definitely did... There is evidence to prove it!

I have really been striking out at the BnF. Yesterday they refused a reservation because it has been missing since 2013. Today Arsenal refused a request because of water damage.

Is there anything more iconic than the post lunch coffee at the BNF?

What a wild morning: I brought one professional outfit for each day of the conference. Only to find the hem on the dress I planned to wear today (the day I present) was coming undone. So I went to the monoprix, bought a sewing kit. And literally sewed my hem (badly) while riding the Paris métro.

Beautiful Bastille Day yesterday! I did not stay up for the fireworks .... I think this means I am getting old

Swimming in the Seine is worth the hype

I was looking up the hours and realized there are reviews for the national archives (at Pierrefitte). It's cathartic to read I am not the only one that sometimes has a ... Difficult time .... and feels like all the archivists hate me.

The main problem with running in Paris is the second-hand smoke. My throat is sore from a 3 mile run and passing all the Parisians taking their breakfast cigarettes. (I get that this is a very American take. Maybe I should be having a cig instead of a run while in Paris)

First visit since the fire. I got a little emotional seeing it

Has anyone written a book/article on just the changing letterhead of the Revolution? I am always so interested by the symbolism and what aspects of the revolution are emphasized and which become deemphasized at the various departments and periods.

The bill passed the Senate. We are headed down a financially ruinous path. The GOP are a bunch of cowards and accomplices.

Well, I, for one, am glad that unlike in all previous wars of choice this time, we finally have a clear end goal, an exit strategy and meaningful Congressional oversight to make sure our elected leaders don't do some crazy shit

I just can't mentally process current events. www.nytimes.com/live/2025/06...

For the first time in a decade, everyone was up at the lake. 8 adults, 2 wild kids, and 4 dogs. One blurry pic to capture the moment. ❤️This is what it's all about❤️

A sad lunch story: I burnt my wrist on the pan, bet you can guess how it ends...

I'm very thankful to have a job at SRU. I have been feeling burnt out/depressed, but going to my office on this beautiful summer day reminded me how lucky I am to be at a great job, near my family, in a beautiful part of PA. There's a lot of depressing shit happening, trying to practice gratitude.

One year of laughs with my forever friend, adventure partner, and love of my life. ❤️ Get you a man that makes you smile so wide your mouth hurts.

"but I voted for Trump for the economy and to cute federal spending!" Yeah. Right.... Trump Administration Live Updates: President’s Policy Bill Could Add $2.4 Trillion to Debt, Analysis Shows www.nytimes.com/live/2025/06...

I put the medals in order. From right to left. I started running in 2013 with the Pittsburgh half in May. Most are from 2014-2020 while I was in grad school in KY... but I am glad to get back into it in PA, even if the most recent medal is sad compared to the Run the Bluegrass races!