The Med School Scoop--Houston Reunion

Last weekend, we found ourselves in Houston for Bryan's medical school reunion at Baylor College of Medicine. Although the turnout numbers were low for his class, we had a really great time. It was so fun to see his old stomping grounds--class room buildings, hospitals where he did his clinicals, his apartments, favorite restaurants, etc. The opening mixer was fun (amazing to see those celebrating their 50th med school reunion!); we bumped into classmates and an old professor or two. They had lots of food, sweets, and a bubbling bar--and who could forget the photo booth and caricature artist . . . right. The next day we enjoyed a class breakfast, followed by some time shopping and drowning. Yeah, it rained 5 inches in 48 hours; we got "caught" in some troubling water, which prompted us to return to the hotel. Unfortunately, the rain hindered some of the festivities, such as the campus tour being canceled. The reunion weekend was topped off by a class dinner at a great mexican restaurant. So fun and interesting to hear the "old" stories of med school glory days.  Aside from the humidity, I had a great time and Bryan did too! I'm just happy to have a badge with my name on it that says, "Baylor College of Medicine." I'm so going to attach it my work bag . . . "Yes, that's Dr. Emily Youree. . . ."

Adios, UNT

It's official; I have withdrawn from UNT. Sigh. It was a difficult decision, but (hopefully!) a wise and practical one for my graduate future. I am now trying to shift from school work mentality to freelance focused....all in one weekend. Yeah--that's why I'm getting a pedicure on Thursday.

Bah--the Black Sheep

Back in my undergrad days, I often felt the brunt of being the "black sheep" of the English department. The lover of grammar hanging out with the literary critics--a match made in heaven? Admittedly, the "black sheep" label was more in jest than truth, but nonetheless I was often the lone person thoroughly enjoying the ecstasies of such courses as "Advanced English Grammar" and "History of the English Language."

And what? You're going into publishing? Don't you want to teach high school literature instead?

Fast forward several years later (I'll not confess how many), and I am once again well on my way to being the black sheep; this time of the UNT English graduate department. I am surrounded by lovers of grammar (hallelujah), literature, and philosophy. However, my association with publishing garnered a few glances.

Oh, you're in publishing . . . you're the "they" who've made writing and books a commodity--a world of editors, marketing committees, and money. Thanks for ruining everything we stand for.

Sure, I'm exaggerating, but not much. Perhaps, they can sway me; I can sway them. Agents will have to be our middle ground.

The Weight of Terrorism

It's 11:03 p.m. In case you're not familiar with my sleep schedule, this is now extremely late for me to be up. Living with the doc has gotten me to bed earlier, which sets well with me given my aptitude for sleep. What could be keeping me awake, you ask?

A job. Apparently, my old employer was in dire need of a last minute proofing. However, this last minute proofing has now turned into, "We'll get it to you in the morning." Isn't that how it goes?

Tonight, I successfully completed my first round of grad school classes at UNT. The first is an American Renaissance class. The old, heavy hitters--Emerson, Hawthorne, Melville, Thoreau, Jackson--nothing I haven't read before. However, my second class has me a bit . . . rattled. Besides the professor's apparent lack of sympathy (two novels and 6-8 critical essays due in two weeks), the topic is startling and uncomfortable. It's the American novel, mainly 21st century, on the topic of terrorism. In this class, I'm not discussing the themes and cultural movements of an era gone by, but dissecting the present. What is terrorism? How does America respond? What are the consequences of those responses? What is safety? How does politics play into the discussion? And all of this disguised by plot, character, and fiction. Where's the line to withdraw?

On the bright side, this should at least make for some interesting blogs, right?