Inspirations

I'm proud to report that in spite of ridiculously cold temperatures, my ya-ya's remain unfrozen (though slushy - and what's a ya-ya anyway?). There isn't much to report about jobs or teaching today, which is great because there's much more important news: Brigindo gave me an award!

That's right, people of the Intertubes, Curmudgeon has arrived. What glory must follow!

Really, I'm touched, because there are days where I feel like I'm shouting into a tin can with a loose string (readers under 25, this is a reference to a toy kids used to make that has since been rendered culturally obsolete by the advent of wireless and cellular phones. It was, at best, only a slightly humorous reference. You may still applaud, however). Plus, Brigindo said I'm funny which is about as a good a reward as you can give me (baked goods, obviously, give this a run for the money).

As with all things rewards, there are obligations (though these are fairly pleasant, as you'll see shortly). In this case, I've been asked to do the following:
  • Please put the logo of the award (above) on your blog if you can make it work with your format.
  • Link to the person from whom you received the award.
  • Nominate 7 or more blogs.
  • Put the links of those blogs on your blog.
  • Leave a message on their blogs to tell them.
And it comes at a perfect time, as I've been spending a bit of time reflecting on things, including what it means that I've committed to this blog for almost as long as my longest relationship. There is much to be revealed by pondering this, but that's not my style of navel gazing. One thing that I've been thinking about has been a redesign of the blog, and part of that includes the potential cleaning up of the blog links list which has a number of folks who've vanished still listed plus "Rate Your Students" which I simply haven't been able to stomach in ages.

But remember the pleasant obligations I mentioned? It's nominating seven blogs. One of the things that I've been thinking about were the blogs that I've been missing. And so some of my recognition will be for blogs that I loved that have since vanished on me. In that category, I'd like to applaud and ask to come back are:
  1. Kermit over at Kermit's Log: Kermit's blog was eclectic and fun. I always had a sense of music there, even when it wasn't the topic.
  2. Feminist Ph.D.: Okay, I'm still in touch here, and that's great. But I loved the semi-daily doses, and your new blog home doesn't see enough of you.
  3. Maggie at Professional Confessions: Seriously, I go home; I deal with a racist uncle. I come back and try to catch up on blog reading, and Maggie's gone. I can only assume this has something to do with her new job (and if so, this is one more thing I will hold against administrators).
  4. Girl Writes Words: Okay, the posts were infrequent, but they mixed humor, smarts, and bitterness in a cocktail that I imagine would be what coffee tastes like if coffee actually tasted good to me.
  5. Vienna of Narratives: Vienna's posts were a bit like when you'd hang out in your best friend's room some late night in high school.
Wherever you are, you're missed. If you've jumped blogs, tell me. If you're lurking, say hi. If none of those, come back.

That said, onto the still around category, there are a few folks I'd like to give some props to
  1. Lumpenprofessoriat: Humor and critical thoughts. Marxism. Music. I love it.
  2. Professor Zero: Always thoughtful and poetic. I love travelogues and tales of people on the road. That's what this blog is, but the trip is an intellectual and cultural one.
  3. Scattered and Random: Belle's blog reminds of a lot of friends from grad school. If you've been reading awhile, you know what a compliment this is.
  4. The Bitter and the Sweet: I've already given some props here for the Brave Year Meme, and I think that moment really suggests the spirit and the tone of the blog.
So, thanks to you all for keeping me grounded and entertained.

I'll be updating the side list of blogs shortly; there are some that I've been reading that aren't there. If I've got your address wrong, please let me know.

Comments

11 Responses to “Inspirations”
Post a Comment | Post Comments (Atom)

Belle said...

Thank you! So many times it does feel like whining into the abyss, so it's nice to know one has appreciative readers. You're on my blog list, and will shortly - I hope I find the time/energy - on the blogroll.

BTW, you totally deserve the award.

January 15, 2009 at 9:51 AM
ash said...

I also thank you, my friend. And your prodding and praise have helped me make a decision I have been pondering for awhile--I will, indeed, return to my former blog home posthaste. Look to my coming, at first light, on the fifth day. At dawn, look to the East.

January 15, 2009 at 11:32 AM
ash said...

(oh wait, and i forgot to agree with belle. very well deserved!)

January 15, 2009 at 12:46 PM
Anonymous said...

Hey thanks! Not only is this all the usual things, it also helps me figure out my career ... it's not the first time someone suggests advanture travel writer to me, I should remember this.

January 15, 2009 at 3:14 PM
Anonymous said...

Oh man, I laughed so hard about the tin can phone that I almost didn't make it to the end of the post -- and then I wouldn't have seen the kind props you're throwing my way. Thanks so much Dr. C! I'm blushing! It's so nice to be acknowledged (hello? hello? is anyone out there?) and especially from someone I've come to admire and enjoy so much.

January 15, 2009 at 9:38 PM
kermitthefrog said...

Dr. C, thanks! In the past several months I've had long periods of lurking punctuated by periods of just being away from the computer. I don't really want to lose touch with everyone, and your comment about music is so sweet. I'll have to think about how best to communicate -- more comments? Actual blog entries once in a while?

January 16, 2009 at 10:17 AM
Dr. Curmudgeon said...

Hooray! Good to hear from so many of you. And glad to hear that some of you vanished folks might be turning back up.

January 17, 2009 at 8:22 PM
Anonymous said...

check my blog tonight - this post will come up and you will win the award back again (but it doesn't mean you have to post again on it) ...

http://profacero.wordpress.com/2009/01/20/feast-zerofeast-zero/

January 20, 2009 at 2:01 PM
gwoertendyke said...

hey there, dr. c. thanks for thinking of me, even in my absence. happy new year and happy new leadership day!

January 20, 2009 at 7:36 PM
Margaret said...

Thanks for the props, Dr C! And yeah, sorry about the abrupt disappearance... I've been contemplating shuttering the blog for awhile now, and moving into my new position seemed as good an excuse as any. As I said in my last post, I might start another kind of blog at some point; if I do, I keep you posted about that if you'd like.

In any event, I'm honored to be in such great company in this post. Thanks.

January 21, 2009 at 8:14 AM
Dr. Curmudgeon said...

Cero - Thanks! I should repost and and renominate some of the same folks. By the logic of some tv show I watched as a kid, eventually we'd crash the Interpipes.

AW - Welcome back, however briefly. You're missed.

Maggie - Yes, let me know by all means. Until then no administrator is safe from my wrath.

January 21, 2009 at 11:44 PM