Despite earlier despair, being at the British Library actually seems to be working, at least a little bit. I must concentrate on not sinking back down into a morass. Also, perhaps I need to have more frequent infusions of caffeine and/or Lorazepam.
Some ideas for today: I should try to publish the paper I wrote about 18th c. uses of the word traffic in connection with human movement as well as movement of goods. Nick will help me revise it. And Thursday I have asked to look at some 16th c. Jasper Heywood books that almost no one has written on (because they are obscure-ish translations of Roman tragedies) and try to whip something into shape very quickly about them. I am no expert either on Heywood or on Roman tragedy, but perhaps my work can be acceptable regardless? I hope.
Today has entailed some messing around, but today and yesterday together mark the most progress I have made on academic work in months. I am also growing more resigned to the fact that all other academics seem to be 25-yr-old 100 lb. quirky-beautiful Joyce scholars. Also, they all wear scarves. I cannot be what I am not. And I've never successfully worn a scarf in absence of a coat.
Some ideas for today: I should try to publish the paper I wrote about 18th c. uses of the word traffic in connection with human movement as well as movement of goods. Nick will help me revise it. And Thursday I have asked to look at some 16th c. Jasper Heywood books that almost no one has written on (because they are obscure-ish translations of Roman tragedies) and try to whip something into shape very quickly about them. I am no expert either on Heywood or on Roman tragedy, but perhaps my work can be acceptable regardless? I hope.
Today has entailed some messing around, but today and yesterday together mark the most progress I have made on academic work in months. I am also growing more resigned to the fact that all other academics seem to be 25-yr-old 100 lb. quirky-beautiful Joyce scholars. Also, they all wear scarves. I cannot be what I am not. And I've never successfully worn a scarf in absence of a coat.
Ginny, I miss you! Post more! I know what you mean about the scarves. I used to try to wear them, but they always make me look matronly or like a stewardess. Keegan doesn't want to be married to a matron or a stewardess, so he always hated them. Who are these successful British scarf-wearers anyway? And how is your work coming?