my student life

I need a little help. I'm attempting to write my papers for the semester and I want them to be stupendous. But I'm a little rusty in the paper writing component to graduate work. In fact, that's the one part about school I never liked! Ask me to read 5 novels in a week and I will come through that dazed and unstable but having read every page. Ask me to read a book of criticism and I'll wander the streets looking for appropriate caloric accompaniments, ideal lighting, and perfect lounging cushions. 

I'm writing something like an extensive review of the intersections of trauma studies and postcolonial narrative studies for my theory class. I think this requires me to read some trauma theory but I can't get past the introductions! 

My goal is to finish the not-assessed essays by next Thursday, which is Thanksgiving for the homeland.  Perhaps I need to accept my calling, that of quirky, nerdy high school English teacher. 

As Thanksgiving hasn't made it over here yet, the German Christmas market is in Leeds city centre. They have strings of sausages and other meaty cylinders, hanging pretzels, and wooden children's toys. I must go back this weekend! In December a similar market will crowd the beautiful molding streets of York. 

I've decided to try the Friends' Church this Sunday. I've been keen on Quakers ever since I learned my high school freshmen English teacher was a lapsed Friend. Recalling how the guys nicknamed her Kermit, I'm afraid to think of what my students will dub me! 

I must go find a softer cushion, another cup of coffee, and some inspiration.