— And so ends my first week working at The New York Times. It’s been great so far, and super-interesting working in that building! To get to HR I had to walk through the main “news room.” I admit. I got goosebumps at the spectacular sight. But my job is good, I love the team I’m working with, and I love my New York Times badge. Very glad to have steady work (for a time, anyway, as long as this project lasts.)
— I’ve been trucking along with my Shakespeare Chronological Reading project. I’m up to Antony and Cleopatra. I enjoy it so much. This is my second time doing this, and it does take a long time, but it’s well worth it and I highly recommend it.
— I’m having surgery (sort of – let’s say a “procedure” to make it sound super-scary) on June 16. Bloomsday. This will be the first year I miss my Bloomsday celebration down on Wall Street and I’m upset about it. But I’ve been dealing with this health problem for so long, I just didn’t feel I could postpone the damn thing. So hopefully Molly Bloom’s positive ringing words that close out Ulysses will be with me on June 16. And that’s not even the end of it. After THAT, I will have to have the REAL procedure. It’s a drag. And I don’t have anyone to take care of me, so Mum is coming down to do that (very grateful). Ah, Bloomsday celebrants, I will miss thee.
— Speaking of the “ineluctable modality of the visible,” I got new glasses that make me look like a naughty-minx librarian (which is basically the essence of my personality) and I am very pleased with them. Also: I can SEE now. My eyes have also had all kinds of problems recently. Seriously, the health issues … they proliferate. I also have tendonitis and am now attending physical therapy in this wacko warehouse out in Jersey somewhere, where five Jersey-Boy goombahs (who are so kindly, so great) pound me, and work me, and pummel me, and throw me around, all as Judge Judy episodes play on the huge TV in the corner. I would like to go hang out there all day, forever, tendonitis or now. I am seeing some progress in my shoulder. Meaning: I can move my right arm now.
— I sound like an old biddy talking about my health issues. I can own that.
— Have been seeing a lot of good movies. Siberiade, for example. It’s in four parts (I’ve only seen the first two parts). I can’t believe I have missed this one. It’s gorgeous film-making, and tells the story of the 20th-century in Russia through the rising/falling fortunes of one small village in Siberia. Fantastic. Unforgettable images and characters.
So glad you’re enjoying the NYT gig! Do you get to keep that badge forever? If not, get a photo done wearing it, wearing the minxlicious librarian glasses, of course.
A big Molly Bloom yesyesyesyes to getting those health issues straightened out.
And wow, Konchalovsky has one crazy filmography.
Oh yes, I am TOTALLY keeping my badge. I don’t care what they say!! And on my prosaic walk to the Ladies Room on the floor I’m on, there are huge pictures on the wall of the covers of various NYT Sunday magazines. You know, it’s just really cool.
“Yes I said Yes” to health issues Vamoosing in the night! Thank you!
And in re: Siberiade: I know, right? So this opus was made in 1979 (or at least released in 79) – when everyone on the ground was exhausted by the Cold War – but the propaganda up above continued. The film starts in the year 1904-1905 – with some tensions between the peasants and the “rich” family in the village (although rich is really stretching it). Then 10 years later – suddenly – like a rumor – comes word that the Tsar is no more. (This taps into a fascination I’ve always had – with Russia’s sheer size, and how so many places are unreachable – like, getting the word out took months, and this concerted propaganda campaign). One of their native sons returns, now part of the regime and he explains that now – all the trees and animals they hunt belong to the State. (Which guarantees now that they will starve). One old guy asks the young Soviet whippersnapper: “Can we still pick berries?” And you want to weep. But it’s extremely blatant and extremely specific. Suddenly these small hovels all have a picture of Stalin inside.
And the photography out in Siberia .. just incredible.
and yes – Konchalovsky is still with us and still producing films. Will definitely seek out more of his stuff. I’m sorry I missed Nutcracker in 3D – because honestly that sounds awesome.
I googled “naughty librarian glasses” and found this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTuyoOyWh0c
You go, Sheila!
I cannot imagine what other results you got by Googling that phrase. I am not sure I want to know.
Hi, Sheila, will think of you on June 16. I’m also having surgery that morning. All this seems very circular, somehow. Anyway, have us both in pink bubbles, so we should be fine. So happy you are at the Times. Interviewed there thirty years ago (or more?) and didn’t get the job. Disappointing to the daughter and granddaughter of newspapermen. But I survived to smile again. So enjoy the new job and be well.
Sheila
“I’ve been trucking a long with my Shakespeare chronological reading project.”
I told my husband this. He just shook his head and said our favorite line, “well check out the big brain on Sheila.” This is just a little aside thing and her second time doing it. I said. I think he just went into the other room.
And yes, own the Old Biddy! I love the word old Battle-axe myself.
Really though, best of luck with the health issues and you pull through it all well and good!
// I think he just went into the other room. //
Laughing out loud. You guys are so funny.
Battle-Axe is much better than Old Biddy!