catharis con compais

I am in a position at the Uni. where I do not get the opportunity to acquaint myself with many of my colleagues, quite simply due to the fact that I only teach part-time two evenings a week. Yesterday's conference ended up being a great door-opener for me in that sense, not only allowing for a great sharing of ideas and opinions during the conference but also for fomenting bonds that create a community of women. A group of 12 women from the Department went out for Mexican food and drinks following the conference--and for four straight hours we sat, told stories, drank our daiquiris margaritas wine beer you name it--and most importantly, laughed like I have not laughed in ages. Much of what was said must not be repeated...but I will say that I will never in my life ever think of "jazz hands" in the same way, ever. ever again!

After such wonderful nights there are always vows of continuing Happy Hours on a monthly or bimonthly basis. Something like that might be good for Departmental morale---as long as it is kept a bit down in frequency, I would think, or the issue might become forced. But anyway--leave it to me to always overthink and overanalyze. Point is, we all had a great time and hopefully will be spending just a litte more time with each other outside the claustrophobic hallways of T. Hall.

E and I also have set our sushi date for after Spring Break so we can tell each other all about our trips...she's going to Tahoe, we are going to Memphis. Sounds like we'll have lots to talk about!