07 July 2010
06 July 2010
My life in bed
Yoko gave me the ultimate birthday gift: while I was in Amsterdam, she moved Mei out of our room. No crib, no nothing. Just our bed. This is the first time we have been sleeping just the two of us for the first time in a little over three years. That's right. Three years. It's pretty amazing. I'm not sure what to do with myself. The kids in the other room are having a good time too, from what I can tell. Mei is still breastfeeding so it will be a while before she is completely sleeping through the night. The following conversation happened over dinner:
Me: (to Yoko) When do you think Mei-mei is going to stop breastfeeding?There was another good dinner conversation:
Yoko: (thinking)
Me: (to Mei) When do you think you're going to stop breastfeeding?
Mei: (lifts both hands up as part of her 'I don't know trick')
Yoko: (to Naomi) When you go to school, you'll have a lot of friends.Lots to do until middle of August. Will I get all this done?
Nana: (thinking)
Yoko: What should I do when you're playing with your friends?
Nana: Vacuum (which Naomi mispronounces as 'funeral' in Japanese — a bonus double joke)
05 July 2010
04 July 2010
03 July 2010
Social Media and Metaphor, Day Six: That's an empirical question
'That's an empirical question', in response to a question to a scholar about his opinion of something, is the best statement from a conference presenter I've ever heard. His answer, I think, really explains the way a researcher should think: there is no reason to speculate about a question that can be answered empirically.
This trip has been fabulous. Much better than last. Lynne, my supervisor, is outgoing chair of this organisation, which allows her students all sorts of wonderful access and perks. Last night, we were invited out with the executive committee of the organisation and sat in an outdoor bar, overlooking Vondelpark, while Amsterdam celebrated its World Cup victory. Sitting at the table were all the people that I have read and re-read. All of them brilliant scholars and all them wonderfully eccentric in their own ways. People mention how lucky we are to have Lynne as our supervisor because of her attention to detail, especially when it comes to methodology. I agree — it's like winning the academic lottery. She also, for what it's worth, said she was proud of us.
Monday I go back to my desk at the OU and plugging away on my research. It's been a good six days though: I made some good contacts, had a good time and am full of good ideas for the future.
Now to get back to Yoko and the girls.
This trip has been fabulous. Much better than last. Lynne, my supervisor, is outgoing chair of this organisation, which allows her students all sorts of wonderful access and perks. Last night, we were invited out with the executive committee of the organisation and sat in an outdoor bar, overlooking Vondelpark, while Amsterdam celebrated its World Cup victory. Sitting at the table were all the people that I have read and re-read. All of them brilliant scholars and all them wonderfully eccentric in their own ways. People mention how lucky we are to have Lynne as our supervisor because of her attention to detail, especially when it comes to methodology. I agree — it's like winning the academic lottery. She also, for what it's worth, said she was proud of us.
Monday I go back to my desk at the OU and plugging away on my research. It's been a good six days though: I made some good contacts, had a good time and am full of good ideas for the future.
Now to get back to Yoko and the girls.
02 July 2010
Social Media and Metaphor Tour, Day 5
Still having a good time on my trip— presentation went okay, mostly because someone I quite respect came and is interested in what I'm doing. Otherwise things have been fun: yesterday we drank beer then rode bicycles from the uni to Vondelpark. Then sat drinking wine and eating pizza in the grass for like three hours. Ideas everywhere, brilliant people everywhere. I talked to an Englishman living and teaching in France: that door is still open provided I learn some more French. Possibilities all around, all around the world. The first week of my 28th year is hopefully a penchant of things to come.
I miss my family though. Will be home soon enough, so I will have a good last two days.
I miss my family though. Will be home soon enough, so I will have a good last two days.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)