I started a new job last week, and per the law of all new jobs, have been sitting in a bunch of training meetings. Not a whole lot has changed since my last spin in the corporate world, but what has changed is the insistence on cameras on.
Most of the trainings I’ve been in have asked, if not outright demanded, that I have my camera on. To which my response is: no. No I will not. I’m fine with cameras on for introductions, but the whole meeting? Especially when 1) I’m not leading the meeting and 2) they last for 5 hours? Absolutely not.
This isn’t idle stubbornness; this is an accessibility issue for me.1 Because of my EDS, I should not be in any position, sitting or standing, for extended periods of times. On the orders of my chiropractor, my rheumatologist, my geneticist, and literally every medical professional I’ve seen since EDS because a whiff of a possibility in my life. You know what’s more distracting than me having my camera off? Seeing me readjust my sitting position every few minutes. Or watching me get up and walk around and stretch. Or watch me move my sitting desk to a standing desk and vice versa. None of these things impact my ability to do my job, but you don’t need to see me do them. So, no. I will not turn my camera on.2 And don’t make your employees do that, or I will come haunt you till the end of your days. *bangs gavel*
Here’s what’s getting me through my first few weeks of re-entering the 9-5 world.
What I’m reading:
Clarity & Connection by Yung Pueblo. I will talk more about this next week, but the college children are responsible for me being so far behind in my reading goal, so I am now working on plowing through a whole bunch of short(er) books I have. Clarity & Connection is part poetry, part small vignettes about emotional connection in our lives. Yung Pueblo has a few other books like this, and it probably should best be enjoyed in small doses rather than all at once like I’m doing. Do what I say, not what I do.
Great for: people who like poetry-esque writings
Bad for: reading in one sitting
What I’m writing:
My novel, yay!! I had a meeting with an agent last weekend while I was up at a conference, and she had some lovely things to say. That, coupled with just being around many writers and creatives gave me so many ideas that I am now working on. But mostly my novel, promise.
Great for: me, myself and I
Bad for: my time management
What I’m listening to:
I know when new books come out, I do not know when new songs do. I was doing laundry Thursday, and Spotify suggested this new song as something I might like. And dammit, they were right. I have no idea who Nate Smith is, but I do enjoy Avril Lavigne and have been enjoying a nostalgic filled kick of listening to her. Score 1 for the robots, I guess.
Great for: folks who want a little bit of country with their rock
Bad for: people who have no interest in country
No New Books™️ Challenge:
Since my last splurge, I’ve been good. Promise. I did promise to share a photo of the special edition books when they came in, and here they are. (Except the Winternight Trilogy ones. Those don’t ship until June.)3
Aren’t they pretty?!?!?!? We’ve got:
Special Daphne Press editions of Sabriel and Lirael, the first two books in the Abhorsen Trilogy by Garth Nix.4
After the Forest, by Kell Woods. My understanding is that this is a retelling of Hansel and Gretl, and is inspired by German folklore. Count me in.
Strange the Dreamer and its sequel, Muse of Nightmares, both by Laini Taylor.
All of these books can be found at Illumicrate’s UK website. The links I put above are for the Bookshop website, but you can find the special editions here. I’ll of course give you a picture of the Winternight Trilogy in full once the 2nd and 3rd books arrive.
Streak to Beat: 50 days (January 1st - February 19th)
Last streak: 46 days (March 16th - April 30th)
Current streak: 17 days (May 1st - Present)
Mug Moment of the Week:
Remember how I broke my book streak a few weeks ago? Yeah I also bought a mug when I went on that buying spree. I once again regret nothing. Say hello to my newest Rhode Island themed mug, which not only is the size and shape I like, but also has a distinct history and association with the Ocean State.
So, why is Superman associated with Rhode Island? Well, we have a building, the Industry National Bank Building, (pictured on the mug) that is colloquial called the Superman building. Why? Because it’s a dead ringer for the Daily Planet, Superman’s employer.
Proof:
As far as I’m aware, it’s been mostly vacant for the past few years, but there’s been a few projects reportedly in the work to revitalize it.
So that’s the history behind the imagery on the mug, and it was too cute to resist. It’s also the same size as my favorite mugs,5 so I didn’t stand a chance. It’s been a frequent evening companion as I try to catch up on books.
Next week, I’ll have a semester recap for you. By that point, I’ll have decompressed enough to not cackle whenever I think of my students. Have a lovely weekend wherever you are!
Though you’re forgiven if you think that. I can be stubborn as all hell. Mea culpa.
The one person who directly called me out in a meeting about it got the ADA thrown at them. Gosh do me and my joints love that law.
How many times can I use promise in one newsletter? Guess my brain is still fried from grading.
Oh no, I’m going to have to buy the 3rd one now. So sad, too bad.
The big handcrafted ones I got from a Maine artisan.