We took a trip this past weekend, out to Smith. I was to give a presentation at a physics alumnae weekend -- a duty I signed on for during my job application process. I wanted Hub and Elsie to join me for the adventure of it and so that I could introduce them to my wonderful professors.
Elsie did great. She had to miss most of her nap on Saturday, but she's in such a strong sleep schedule, that she was right back on track by bedtime. We had a lovey weekend. We brought the stroller, travel crib, lots of snacks, and a pack of disposables to make it a little easier. The weekend was spectacular. Spring has finally come to Massachusetts.
No pics of me doing my physics thing, unfortunately, but plenty of pics of Elsie being adorable! She enjoyed bouncing around on the pristine white sheets of the king-sized bed at the hotel as much as she seemed to enjoy her mountain-climbing (banks of Paradise Pond) and koi-watching (Lyman Plant House).
As for me, my presentation went great. I prepared a powerpoint, as requested. I loath powerpoint, not because I can't use it (I can), but because I think the format of a slide show separates the audience from the presenter. I think the technology gets in the way of the lecture.
Just my luck! The power was out. "Do you think you could give your talk on a blackboard?" they asked me. I was delighted to. And everyone was impressed! Worked out perfectly.
So good to see my old professors. Each one told me, in turn, that they were sorry it didn't work out with the job, but they thought my priorities were sound and they wished me well with further adventures in motherhood.
Smith is such a lovely place! The other alumnae were charming and wonderful. Some I knew, most I did not. Their updates and presentations were almost enough to cure me of my gradschool irritability and make me love science again. Almost. I don't think I'll really be able to love science again until my thesis is defended. Then, perhaps, I can get back in touch with these wonderful women and have them re-inspire me.
For all that was great about the event, my favorite moments were those stolen with my family, basking on the lawn, bouncing on the bed, and enjoying a beer OUT, which is a very rare occurrence these days. It was a wonderful, wonderful weekend. I am so happy that I went!
I know I've been doing mostly updates lately (they're easy), but I'm planning some more in-depth parenting posts in the near future. Stay tuned!
First things, first: unpacking. For Elsie, this means climbing into the suitcase.What's in here?
Ooooo! Toothpaste! What a treasure!
Sunday morning, she woke very cheerful after a very good night's sleep. She slept far better than her parents did. Hub and I actually hung out in the bathroom for a couple of hours so that we wouldn't keep Elsie up, I putting the finishing touches on my powerpoint presentation, and Hub reading about saving for college. We decided, next time, Elsie will sleep in the bathroom and we will hang in the bedroom. Then we made the most of it and had a bubble bath.
Koi! Hub reports that Elsie tried to climb into the reflecting pool several times in pursuit of the beautiful fish.
Intrepid climber, on the shores of Paradise Pond.
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