Archive for the ‘me me me’ Category
Thinking About Charlotte Simmons
I’ve gone this far without mentioning what I’m currently reading, which is surprising since I’m usually working on at least two books at a time. What can I say? I bore easily so I need variety. In books. Don’t go reading into things please. Unless they are books. Sheesh.
I picked up I am Charlotte Simmons after reading that the main character is a small town girl who goes off to a prestigious university and is shocked by what she finds. At that point, I wondered if I had been Charlotte Simmons 10+ years ago.
I’ve also liked Tom Wolfe ever since a “Modern Southern Writers” seminar I had in college where we also tackled William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, and some works of our own humble professor. I have kind of a love-hate relationship with southern literature though. I have to admit that sometimes I feel (a lot) left out of southern fiction, but I mostly enjoy it. And Tom Wolfe is a master–so much so that he doesn’t even need the name of his book on its cover. That’s big people. So I gave this one a go.
Now I’ve read the first 100 pages or so of Charlotte, and I’m pretty sure that the answer is no, I am not nor ever was Charlotte Simmons. I do recognize some of her acquaintances, though, and Wolfe makes observations of prestigious university life that are worth examining. So I’ll continue. Well, plus I never abandon a book. Can someone help me with this disease?
Overall, I’m not sure if I love or hate this one yet, but I have another 500 pages to figure it out. For those who have read it, what do you think? And what did you think after 100 pages?
Eventually I’ll do up one of those Book List thingees, if for nothing else to keep track of what I’ve read, but for right now, I’m also looking for suggestions.
So hook me up. What are you reading?
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[tags]books, i am charlotte simmons, tom wolfe[/tags]
Getting a Job in Italy
So remember when I mentioned a sort of interview the other day? When I was suffering from the flu (I’m mostly recovered now, thanks)?
Turns out that it was to be a kind of oral exam in front of a six-member commission. There were two candidates, another girl and me.
And I didn’t get the job. But neither did the other girl. Actually neither of us ended up even getting interviewed.
Have I mentioned that I love Italy?
Let’s start back at the beginning, about nine months ago.
My local health clinic called me with news that someone in the larger, regional agency needed some English translations. They were applying for European Union funding for a pilot project to help improve immigrant access to health care–and the application materials had to be in English. I had never done any translating, but the people at the clinic figured I was American, I knew some Italian, and they were desperate. I stepped in.
So I did the translation, and quite a few emails and letters thereafter, all gratis, as we say, with the understanding that if they did indeed receive the funding, I’d probably end up working with them–not so gratis.
Fast forward to October of 2006, and they got the funding. It was time to hire a translator/interpreter for the project. Well, since it’s a government-related job, they had to advertise the opening and do the whole interview process.
The people in charge happened to tell me about this the day before the materials were due. So I put everything together in an evening and was ready to go hand deliver the application packet to the Director of the health agency, a 45 minute drive away.
I stopped in the local clinic first, though, just to make sure I had everything, and Teresa, the woman I had been working with, told me that I could just send the packet the Italian equivalent of certified mail–that the postmark stamp would be enough. So I did.
You see where this is going right?
About a week after I sent the packet, I got a letter in the mail telling me to come for the oral exam/interview on January 3. So, last Wednesday, after making the 45 minute drive and waiting another hour and a half for the Director to show up, I was called inside the conference room. As I’m taking my coat off, they tell me not to bother, and explain that they can’t consider my application because it arrived after the deadline.
Hah!
I explained why that happened, but they didn’t much care. After all, why should I be able to rely on another person in their agency for correct information? That’d be a lot like the right hand knowing what the left is doing, and well, we all know that doesn’t happen much around here.
I was a little annoyed at this point, as you might imagine. It wasn’t so much the loss of the potential job part as the I felt like hell and then waited most of the morning only to find out they weren’t even going to speak to me part.
Um, why, then did you send me a letter telling me to come here? If you weren’t going to look at any application materials before we actually showed up, why not just tell us to just come and bring our things?
On my way home, I got a call from Teresa, and she told me that the other girl didn’t have the qualifications they wanted, so they didn’t end up interviewing her either. So on her behalf, I again ask why on earth we both had to go there to find these things out?
Talk about a huge waste of time!
But all is not lost. Teresa tells me that now we’ll do the whole thing again. They’ll advertise the post, I’ll send the stuff on time, and hopefully I’ll actually be interviewed this time. I’ll let you know.
And on the really bright side, on the way to the interview, I saw snow for the first time this year–on top of the Sila Mountains overlooking Catanzaro. Didn’t have the camera though. No room in my bag between all the nasty used tissues and cough drops.
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[tags]italian bureaucracy, bureaucracy in italy, employment in italy[/tags]
Pigskins Aren’t Just for Frittole* Anymore!
Indulge me, non-sports fans, but I’m having a moment.
Right now I am watching the Eagles-Giants game LIVE and IN ENGLISH on Sky Sport. No, we don’t even have any “extra” sport channels; this is just what’s already included in our package. I had no idea! They’ll have on all the playoff games, in fact, according to my handy dandy Sky Guide.
And, as a special treat, at halftime there was a recap of the NFL season narrated by (I’m tearing up here) Harry Kalas. God I missed that voice. If only he had managed to work in “Outta here…homerun…Michael Jack Schmidt!”
Yeah, I know that would’ve been a lot weird (wrong sport, wrong decade and all), but a girl can dream. After all, just a few hours ago, I never would’ve imagined that I’d be cheering on Jeff Garcia (huh?) and the Birds in the NFC Wild Card Game.
Have I mentioned that I love my Sky TV?
*It’s in Italian, but I found a link where you can see a picture of frittole–boiled pig parts that didn’t otherwise make the cut. Yeah, um, don’t expect this to appear on What’s Cooking Wednesday. Ever.
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[tags] sky tv, frittole[/tags]
A Duke Alum’s Take on the Duke Lacrosse Scandal
Anyone who knows me or who has read my 100 things knows that I went to Duke University. And anyone who hasn’t lived under a rock in America for the past year has heard of the “Duke Lacrosse Rape Scandal” (cue ominous music).
I’ve been following this fiasco out of sheer curiosity, mostly because of the racial overtones of the situation. Racial relations have always intrigued me, and from my years at Duke, it’s clear that the university and surrounding Durham, North Carolina have never quite bridged the divide that must’ve started the day old Trinity College moved to Durham in the late 1800s. To say that even the student body is racially divided, or at least that it was when I was there between 1994 and 1998, is a gross understatement.
Back to the scandal, I’ve always thought the accuser’s story was a little off. But, then again, I was never what you’d call close with the Duke lacrosse team, so my heart didn’t exactly bleed for them either. I waited it out as the case developed.
As more facts and information have emerged, it seems highly unlikely that anything beyond racial slurs occurred that night–disgusting but not surprising to this former Dukie. Despite this, District Attorney Mike Nifong charged three players with rape, kidnapping, and sexual offense; now he has dropped the rape part, but is sticking with the other two charges. Right. Well those, too, should be gone soon enough, as should this guy’s law license. But that’s another issue.
To be clear, I’m not defending Duke’s actions either. The school promptly barred from the Gothic Wonderland two of the three accused players (the other graduated), but now President Richard Brodhead has invited them back. How sweet!
To paraphrase a fellow former Dukie friend of mine, I’d tell Duke to take a long walk off of a short Outer Banks’ pier. Then I’d go play lax at Chapel Hill. But that’s just me.
So what’s bugging me now? Today I read that a former lacrosse player, now graduated and never one of the accused, is suing the university, alleging that he unfairly received a failing grade because of his association with the team.
Well, to you, Kyle Dowd, I say, get over it. In a situation where it seems that no one was making well-informed, good, and rational decisions, it’s time for someone to start. Drop the suit.
And then count your lucky stars that you weren’t randomly picked out of the player pictures the accuser was given to choose her alleged attackers. Be thankful that you’re not biding your time as you await trial. And most of all, be grateful for the freaking Duke degree you’re holding in your hands. After all, you still graduated, right?
Appreciate all of the positive, unique experiences Duke has given you, not to mention the social, emotional, and employment connections that you’ve made that will help you throughout your life. Move on. And let the school move on. Take one for the team, if you will.
And, incidentally, if you’re really concerned about revamping the system so that athletes get the grades they deserve, maybe you should start looking at this from another angle.
Besides, we’ve got basketball season to worry about.
P.S. Happy happy birthday Ms. I’ve Never Seen It Spelled That Way. This post is dedicated to you!
Looking Back on 2006
I completed the following meme because:
(1) I saw it on some of the blogs I read and love, and I’m a copycat at heart;
(2) Since I only started blogging in December, this can fill you in on the rest of my year in just 39 (!) simple questions;
(3) I don’t have anything else remotely interesting to say today (not to insinuate that this is interesting, but at least it’s something).
Like to hear it? Here it goes.
1. What did you do in 2006 that you’d never done before? Started a blog, got my first translating gig, made Thanksgiving dinner all by myself, jarred hot peppers stuffed with anchovies and capers, became an Italian citizen, watched Italy win the World Cup, improved my Italian immensely, and learned to follow along a conversation in Calabrian dialect.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I’ve never done resolutions, but maybe I will this year. Maybe I’ll make a resolution to do resolutions. Probably not though.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? In February, my favorite Wisconsinite (baby girl Dorothea) and, in June, P’s sister-in-law in Perugia (baby boy Matteo). Auguri!
4. Did anyone close to you die? Thank goodness, no. But holy crap, I’m really going to miss Peter Boyle, and not just because we shared a birthday. He reminded me so much of my own grandfather. Brilliant.
5. What countries did you visit? Only the one I’m in.
6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006? More assignments.
7. What dates from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? Wow, this is kinda sad but July 9, the day of the World Cup win and Headbutt Heard ‘Round the World. Nothing else comes to mind.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Losing the weight I gained in law school.
9. What was your biggest failure? Not sending out my niece and nephew’s Christmas gift on time. We’re going to do a combination Christmas/Valentine’s Day package, I think.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Nothing serious this year, no. Now that you mention, though, I do feel a sore throat coming on. Thanks meme.
11. What was the best thing you bought? My new laptop. I heart her. Hard.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? My doggie Luna. She has taken extremely well to being kept on a leash except for our long runs. And she only barks and snaps at shady-looking men now, a trait of which I’m exceedingly proud.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Tie between most, if not all, members of the Bush administration. So tough to pick just one. And recently Donald Trump. What’s up the Comb Over’s bum anyway?
14. Where did most of your money go? Internet and phone bills (but so worth it).
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? My digital camera.
16. What song will always remind you of 2006? Sei nell’Anima by Gianna Nannini or Shakira’s Hips Don’t Lie–everyone (except me and P) had this as their ring tone this summer.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c) richer or poorer? Well I’m thinner, but I’d say just about as happy and as economically challenged.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Walking with Luna.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Worrying about the small stuff.
20. How will you be spending Christmas? P and I spent it together eating and watching inappropriate Christmas films.
21. Did you fall in love in 2006? With P and Luna over and over (blech), but definitely with I Filippi.
22. How many one-night stands? Of what?
23. What was your favorite TV program? Lost, Prison Break, Veronica Mars, and RIS: Delitti Imperfetti, like the Italian CSI.
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? I don’t hate anyone, just strongly disagree with many.
25. What was the best book you read? Nice Work by David Lodge.
26. What was your greatest musical discovery? Gianna Nannini. She’s like the Italian, oh, Stevie Nicks or Carly Simon or something. The woman’s got pipes and touching lyrics to boot.
27. What did you want and get? See number 15.
28. What did you want and not get? I’m still waiting for Sky TV (that’s a whole lotta channels in English for those who don’t know), but that just may happen later today. Fingers crossed.
29. What was your favorite film of this year? I didn’t see anything brand spanking new (the cinema is not a normal activity here), but, as I’ve mentioned, I really liked The Italian Job, which I only saw recently.
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? P brought me breakfast in bed (cappuccino and cornetto) and then made me dinner (not immediately thereafter). And I turned, ahem, 30.
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? If someone in my family or close circle of friends would have visited or if I would’ve been able to go home.
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006? Fully American, i.e., function over fashion (as opposed to the spike heel boots, skinny jeans, and cropped faux-fur collared jackets that many Italians around me wear). Although I do manage to keep the baseball cap wearing to a minimum.
33. What kept you sane? The Internet, fellow expats, blogs, emails, and frequent phone calls.
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Oh geez, I think it was this guy from RIS, Lorenzo Flaherty. Purrrr.
35. What political issue stirred you the most? Iraq. Don’t get me started.
36. Who did you miss? My family, and in particular yard-saling on Saturday mornings with my mom, sister-in-law, niece, and nephew.
37. Who was the best new person you met? It’s a tie between two lovely ladies that made their ways to Calabria—Susanna (and her lovely family) and Lisa. Online I’ve “met” many interesting people, especially those at Expats in Italy.
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006. No matter where you go, there you are.
39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. Two choices. First, trusty Gianna as mentioned above (my loose translation):
Sei nell’anima
E lì ti lascio per sempre
Sei in ogni parte di me
Ti sento scendere
Fra respiro e battito
You’re in my soul
And there I’ll leave you forever
You’re in every part of me
I feel you go down inside of me
Between breath and heartbeat.
The second is more a forward-looking answer than a looking back, but it fits nonetheless: I’d like to think the best of me is still hiding up my sleeve.
And how was your year?
Michelle Kaminsky is an American attorney-turned-freelance writer who lived in her family's ancestral village in Calabria, Italy for 15 years. This blog is now archived.
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