What is it about a red dress? The color of fire, of passion. The kind of color that inspires songs. That turns heads when you walk into a room. it doesn’t matter what kind of week I’m having, if I can dig a red dress out of my wardrobe, suddenly I get a sassy twinkle in my eye and a smirk playing at the side of my mouth. Red is easily the color of confidence.
There’s this interesting phenomenon in Science (and I’m sure every profession) called The Imposter Syndrome. I’m sure we’ve all fallen victim to it now and again. This constant, nagging doubt that barks in the back of your ear that you are a fraud waiting to be found out. That despite the impressive title beside your name, the company that has decided you deserve to be paid for what you do, or the people who look up to you, the day will come when they finally figure out you really don’t know all that much. If you’ve ever written off your…
The unthinkable has happened: An openly racist, bigoted, misogynistic narcissist was inaugurated as the 45th president of the United States on Friday. So, this past weekend Mr. Dressed and I joined the millions of people around the world participating in the Women’s March on Washington. We weren’t able to travel to DC, so we joined one the many sister marches happening across the country. Even in our small town in NC, I was so bolstered up and hopeful seeing the nearly 2,000 people who came out to support equality and to take a stand against an administration who supports everything but.
Thank you to everyone for your outpouring of love and support after my last post. Anyone who is or has been a pet owner has to experience the pain of losing a furry companion, but it doesn’t make it any easier. Somehow, writing it on the blog is yet another step in the healing process for me – almost as if being forced to put cyber-pen to cyber paper, I’m admitting it’s real. But I felt your collective hug and it meant more to me than I can ever say.
This is probably the hardest blog post I’ve ever had to write. It’s a week old now, but I’m still in a period of disbelief. The week before last we had to say goodbye to our sweet, beloved pup. Words can’t describe how hard it is to let go and how devastated we are. It was the hardest decision we’ve ever had to make, but knowing the pain he was in, it was the only decision we could make.
As I was digging through my (now thankfully expanded) wardrobe, I came across this stunning floral dress, purchased from the lovely Jessica of Pinup Persuasion. I couldn’t help but take a minute to marvel at the way this blog has brought me to meet so many amazing women around the world. Women (and men) who challenge me to be better, simply by allowing me a window into their own lives.
This morning marks my first lecture as a fully-fledged University professor. As you read this (chances are, as you are enjoying your morning coffee), I’m up in front of 94 undergrads trying to convince them that neuroscience is awesome and exciting (which they shouldn’t need to be convinced of, because neuroscience is, in fact, awesome and exciting. But, you know, youth). I’ve handed out the syllabus and am explaining just what they’re in for this semester. And, if I must say, I am wearing some pretty fabulous shoes while doing so…
We all love to have those special pieces – the ones waiting patiently in the back of our wardrobe, ready for a flick of tulle and a twinkle in your eye that promises a special occasion. But let’s be honest – more often than not, we find ourselves reaching for things in our closet for the every day. For our hectic workweek, our busy weekends. And that’s where these beauties come in: Our wardrobe staples.
Good news everyone – I survived my first day of school! Truth be told, it was a pretty easy first day. As my classes don’t start until Monday, it was very similar to every other day before: namely, write lectures frantically. The main difference being that this time, I actually had to get dressed before noon. Am I the only one who relishes being able to work in her pajamas??
Well that day is nearly here: The First Day of School. Of course, this time I’ll be behind the lecturn instead of sitting in the auditorium waiting to learn. I officially start my new Professorship tomorrow, and then have to impart wisdom on 94 eager (?) and willing (?) students a week later. I have to admit I’m shaking in my red sparkly boots a bit. I’ve been spending so long preparing for this moment – orchestrating the move, getting my lab samples safely to NC, building a home and frantically trying to write lectures in the hopes of being somewhat mentally prepared…