Today was my last TA orientation. Exciting stuff. Ironically enough, I spent the first part of the afternoon on a panel as an experienced TA, then had to go to a department orientation. I would think I would know what I am doing at this point in my TA career, but you never know. I have done the panel thing before, but today's was awkward! First of all, the lady who was supposed to be moderating it didn't even introduce us, just started asking questions. Then, the other people on the panel were so boring it was almost painful to listen to them talk. One of them, an English major, said that the thing she was most nervous about was what to wear on the first day of class. Seriously? What is wrong with you, English major?! Maybe if you're an English major that is your biggest worry in life? Someone asked us to describe our first semester of grad school in one word. They all picked cliche things like "challenging" and "worthwhile". When they got to me, I told them I was going to be real and said "hellish". They laughed, but I really don't think half these people get it.
After the panel, I went to our department orientation, where I quickly realized that I am officially the creepy old person in the office. I'm really excited about this year, but I do feel like it is getting to be my time to leave.
In other news, I got in a fight with a cicada today. It was in the backseat of my car pretending to be dead. Then, it got stuck in my back windshield and kept making creepy noises. I was completely grossed out and unable to drive to school. Instead, I went to the do it yourself car wash and attempted to use the shop vac to suck it out of my car. After about 10 minutes, I finally got the stupid thing out. Success! I maintain my status as an independent woman of the 21st century.
