That's one of the only phrases I like from Shakespeare...

As per usual for me, I've been so busy the past couple weeks. What has been taking up most of that time was the Vagina Monologues. Even though I really didn't have the time to be in them, I decided to do the show anyway. I was Comfort Woman number 4. That monologue was added this year. It would seem that each year I get to do the new monologue. Well...each year until now. This was my last show. *tear* I'm going to miss it. The show is so empowering. Last year it was the event that made me feel welcome amongst other women. This year was no different.

The show did take up a lot of time though. I had rehearsal last week on Monday and Tuesday (though I missed the Monday one to speak in a class). Then we had three shows from Wednesday through Friday. Prior to last week we had a rehearsal the Tuesday before. We also had a retreat the week before that. So it was a large committment for anyone. I had to miss my volunteer work two weeks in a row due to it, but that's ok. Miss one volunteer opportunity to do another...I think it works out.

I do have some bad news from my TV station job. I'm one of two station managers. I do the administrative work while my cohort, Virge, does the Technical work. About two weeks ago, Virge shattered both of his legs. No, it wasn't due to drinking or drugs or anything. He has a phobia about things starting on fire and jumped off a 6 foot porch to retrieve a lighter before a fire started. He landed on locked knees. He's going to be out of school for the rest of the semester, which made the last weeks a bit more stressful for me. But I've just thought about his situation, and the stress doesn't bother me. He's in a lot of pain. I can handle a bit of stress. We're going to hire someone to take his place temporarily. Still, we all mis him. He's going to have trouble walking the rest of his life.

I have started my speaking routine for the year too. I spoke in several classes over the past couple weeks. On top of that, I was asked again by the University System to speak. So, I'm going to be busy with presentations again. There's no surprise. Last week was also group project week. I had to give several group presentations all in different classes. A couple Sundays ago I spent the entire day in the Library, which is probably more than I've ever spent there. Thankfully all that stress is over now.

Actually it's been an odd transition. Very abruptly all my stress ceased as of Monday. I found myself with nothing to do, which was amazing. I put on sweats and sat on my butt for an evening. I played video games, watched movie trailers, talked on the phone, answered e-mails that have been sitting around for a while, and got to bed early. I've even already got my homework done for the week. That's pretty crazy. And with Spring Break next week, I'm feeling amazing. I can't tell you how much I've needed this. Several of my friends had noticed that I was getting a bit irritable due to all my stress. I was snapping at friends. All of a sudden Monday night that changed. I was all happy and back to my usual self. Thanks to those of you that put up with me.

Happy news, I got a research grant for the summer. I'll be working with a close friend from the Women's Studies department on gender based research. I'll be reading, interviewing, and writing all about gender. Essentially this is going to be background research for my book. I'm already an expert in the field, but there's always more information out there. So I want to broaden my perceptions and perspectives. It'll make the book all the more useful and educational.

Next week I plan on taking a trip. I'm going to check out the place I'm thinking of moving to after summer. I'm also possibly seeing a video workshop and visiting some friends. I know I have to do my taxes, which will be nice to get out of the way. It'll be neat to see some money come in from that too. Last year I got close to $400 and this year should be similar. We'll see though. This year I have grants and stuff. Things may change.

OH, I also went to see a doctor last week. I didn't announce this, but I was a bit concerned. I felt a lump in my breast back in December when I was home for the holidays. I was a bit scared about what it might be. I know I am at higher risk for breast cancer than most since I'm on continual HRT. It nagged at me for a couple months, and I decided to just go and get it checked out. I had a feeling I knew what it was, but it's best to find out for sure. Turns out it was just the bottom of the breast implant / built up scar tissue. So, I'm ok. No need to worry. The trip did prove very useful in that I also talked with the Nurse about gender stuff. She then invited me to speak to the University health services staff. So that's coming up in April.

Well, I should get back to preparing for my classes later and working on my independent study for tomorrow. Nice catching up with you all. Talk soon.

Luv,
Jess