I begin year 3 as UGA Professor

The UGA term started excessively early, Monday, August 12. With campus bustling, cars roaring down our formerly quiet street, bewildered students popping out of every corner & the antics of returning students, you will understand  why, having donned my new UGA t-shirt, I've taken to my bed. 

Check back next week for more about my work as a professor. (Yawn) Au revoir for the duration til then, MM. 

My Grandmere's Special Insight

Maman et Papa thrust me into a crate on my very first night in my new home.

It was early November. I'd endured a 13 hour airplane flight (changed in Dallas), pick up at the freight gate at Hartsfield-Jackson, 1 1/2 hour drive from Atlanta to Athens. And believe me, none of it was first class.

Exhausted and terrified describes us all, me, Maman et Papa. I vividly recall that it was still light out when Maman et Papa drew the (flimsy) curtains, plopped me in my crate, stretched out on their comfortable futon and whispered together, waiting for me to fall asleep.

I overheard this exchange: Maman, "animals always go to sleep when it's dark and quiet." Papa, "should we drape a cloth over the crate?" Maman, "too like a bird cage, but be very very quiet and she'll think it's night." So humiliating for all concerned.

Eight years later, my crate has been transformed into a loft. I have a snuggly bed and I've been promised a TV of my very own. My food is served in a (NYC) Museum of Modern Art bowl and my water goblet is Mondrian patterned.

But they say the more things change, the more they stay the same (in my native tongue: plus ca change, plus ca meme chose; Sorry, no French language key board). Grandmere may not be my biggest fan, but she's a realist and we share a bond of common sense that seems to be otherwise lacking in the Lester Roushanzamir clan. Here's the evidence; she clipped this from the Wall Street Journal and mailed it to me:

[it reads: I'd have to say the biggest lie they tell themselves is 'Oh he likes the crate!'...unbelievable.]

How often have I heard that absurd phrase, "Oh, she likes her crate," and how often have I cringed at its rank absurdity. Still, I suppose Maman et Papa mean well.

And admittedly, they shake and serve a good stiff martini.  Please make it a double.

Mercury Makes Promises

Fans, you must be faithful indeed to return to my blog after months of my neglect. I will now offer my excuses:

1. Maman et Papa did not buy a new bed for my loft. Thus, I had to wander the house, searching for something that did not exist, taking solace where I could find it.

1a. BTW, I merely borrowed the chair you see in the photo; it belongs to Grandpere (although he rejected it)

2. Maman bought herself a new computer, a MacBook Air. Note I say "herself." She won't let me near it. I've had to sneak into the computer room in her absence and thus gain access to Mac (as she calls him.)

3. As I recall, I had promised to show you some of my iPhotography and the edited images. Again Maman. What's up with her? Perhaps she's gone mad?! Perhaps she's jealous?! Now that I've learned how to use the computer by myself (and while she's not around) I will fulfill my original promise, i.e. to create and maintain a timely and entertaining blog. I will proudly show you some of the fruits of my labor and the progress I've made in graphic/visual arts.

Please check back soon to see if I've lived up to my promises (and to see if I have mastered the MacBook Air.)

Au revoir for now, MM

BowHaus

I've had occasion to reflect on the amenities provided by Mama et Papa: my loft [see entry of July 28, 2006], my diet & dining sets [see entires, July 20 & 31, 2006; Jan. 30 & Feb. 15, 2007], and so on.

Tact has always suggested I avoid the subject of housecleaning all together. Suffice to say, Mama et Papa [probably] do their best.

And Yet. Contrast the beds pictured to your left.

Is it within the realm of belief that until last week I was "sleeping" in the [best be compared to an] old shoe on the right? And yet, so it was.

Finally Mama et Papa came to their senses and ordered a new one. Thankfully, I am able to report that centered in my loft is the impeccabley fresh & tidy bed upon which I now repose, my slumber undistrubed by housekeeping concerns.