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 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…
A few months ago I discovered the amazing shop Hearts and Found – and introduced you all to the cutest ever play skirt set I had ever laid eyes on. If you’ve never heard of Hearts & Found before, they’re a swoon worthy Etsy shop who make beautiful vintage inspired clothing – and all of them can be made to your exact measurements! Even better, they have a mission to support local businesses and tailors and source all of their fabrics from local Vietnam markets. I was so smitten with my last experience I knew it was only a matter of time before I…
Did everyone feel that crazy tremor that went across the entire United States the other day, feeling as though it originated on the east coast of North Carolina? That, my friends, was the entire country sinking a bit as our shipping container docked! Yes, ladies and gentlemen, all of my vintage has made it safely across the sea!
One of the great things about NC that I’ve noticed is that there is green everywhere. I don’t know why I worried that moving back to the US would be like moving back to a bit more of an urban jungle. But there is lush foliage everywhere. The grass may have given up her fight, but I’m never short of a shrub or tree to remind me that not everything crumples under the weight of Jack Frost.
I’m loving that I can actually see my styling tendencies shift towards more autumnal and winter colors. Let it be known, however, that I will fight the wintery chill until the last breath is in my body, wearing my dresses until my legs freeze and my teeth start to chatter like a cartoon mouse. But, the colors of gold and orange, deep greens and purples, those I embrace with no trouble. Hello, winter. How lovely to see you again.
I haven’t officially started yet at my new University, but I’ve been made an Adjunct Professor and therefore have access to my new lab and office. I’ve also been taking advantage of getting here a bit early to learn the campus (a sense of direction jumped a generation in my family) and get to know my colleagues. Most members of my Department I met during my interview, but there are dozens of other faculty members from different Departments who I’ve had the chance to shake hands with. I usually greet them and we do the standard small talk. And after…