Here comes February

A little less from me now that February looms large. Husband visiting (yay!), writing awards, thesis workshop, introducing a visiting author, fellowship applications, job applications, teaching, writing travel essays, writing novella. This semester is squeezing everything out of me. I've already had to turn down a visit from Tiggie and I missed applying for an award by a few days. Very frustrating, as I've become rather scatter-brained this term. I missed an important appointment and had to apologize profusely to the person, I failed to mark down certain dates on my calendar, and I forgot to change my contact lenses after a month.

I did remember to attend a session on applying for a specific job, only to leave more depressed as it's going to be very competitive, so much so that the weakling in me who fears competition just wants to give up. But I'll apply anyway. I'm so desperate for a job that I'll force myself to complete all the nitty-gritty for the application the way Elmer Fudd is driven to "kill the Wabbit" at any cost.

Had a nice conversation last week with a friend, T., an undergrad, who majors in saxophone, English/writing, and Italian. He also once studied piano under my friend P. We covered Piazzolla, the Argentinian tango, Moleskines (he's a fan too), Isak Dinesen, Italian films, Paris, the writing awards and other random topics. The lucky fellow is waiting to hear from the Fulbright people about a scholarship to Italy, and if he doesn't get it, he'll be off to France (Grenoble or Paris) to teach English.

I'm terribly envious. Spending a year after graduation in Europe is a wonderful opportunity. It's been a while since I was last there. I miss Istanbul, every square inch of Italy, Vienna... .