M is for Misnomer

So, someone was kind enough to bring the following link to my attention (thanks, Ms Judice), and I am kind of offended upon reading it:

http://jezebel.com/5409376/m-is-for-michelle-an-elegant-mystery

I have always been fond of my name, always thought of it as appropriate for the clumsy, genuine me. But according to Jezebel, I am as follows: "...Michelle is stylish and classy — she's tall and cool and well-dressed and she wears really nice earrings. Her hair's usually in some kind of updo, and she knows how to pull off nude lipstick."

Now, those of you who know me recognize that I am none of those things, unless a ponytail can be considered a "kind of updo." That description seems positive, seems like a description of which I would be proud. But the article goes on to call us Michelles unapproachable, void of personality, and unknowable--all things that I fervently hope I am not. Elegant? I'd rather be everyday. Admired from afar? I'd rather be abused to my face.

The article insinuates that Michelles are neither warm nor homey, and, at least in my opinion of myself, I am both. Being unapproachable and unknownable is not something that I think I convey, and in that regard I am glad that I usually don't buy into these types of assessments. Nevertheless, I remain slightly offended by this.

Maybe I am colder than I think.

Public Privacy

Here is hopefully the first in a series I would like to call "Public Privacy: Found Literature in Public Places." The following gem was taken from a large pile of rejected documents next to LibCat 1, one of the public printers at TCNJ. Stuffed between New Jersey Core Content Curriculum Standards and an article on black pride was:

Hey,
I know it's been too long since we talked, but I just had a few things to say. Mainly, I want to apologize for the way things ended up. I know in hindsight it was largely my fault. When I realized things weren't working, I should have talked about it but I went back to my old ways of bottling it up and avoiding the issue. When we did finally talk, I approached it immaturely and irrationally. It's been weighing on me since, and I think about you every day.

You were the best and worst thing that's ever happened to me. You were the only person who had not only accepted me for who I am but also brought out the better in me. It was truly the happiest time of my life, and I want to thank you for giving it to me. I still don't think I've ever recovered from losing you and I don't know if I ever will -- letting you go was the worst decision of my life. I want nothing more than to talk to you again, even if it's just to talk things out. I understand if you don't feel the same. Either way, I want you to know that every time I told you I loved you I meant it with all my heart and I will care for you and wish you the best until my last breath.

With love,
Bob (name has been protected)

I have few qualms about posting this, as it was harshly discarded in the library. Let's hear your thoughts on Bob's admission/apology and the practice of taking private documents after they have become public.

This is my blog

In an attempt to gather myself for the calling of teaching, I am going to start (periodically/sporadically) blogging. Expect articles and posts on teaching and food, as these are the only things to be in my life until next June.

Are you excited yet? I know I am.