I like truffula’s bada$$ sparkles, as well as her attitude. Why assume that the glitter will define you, when you have the power to redefine glitter?

(LUSH has lots of skin products with glitter in them, FWIW, if you don’t already know about them.)

Oh, and toasted bread butts are the best delivery system for huge heaps of scrambled eggs, because they don’t fall apart under the weight. Crumpets have the right heft, too, but being chewier they are harder to cut, and amusing accidents can ensue, involving eggs flying across the kitchen after a knife-slip.

Who says academics don’t make important observations?

I had a great conversation with two undergraduate women recently about not letting social pressures define us. The conversation–during a reasearch group meeting–was inspired by the glitter I was wearing at the time. I got interested in the subversive power of sparkles thanks to a charming young man I know who wears glitter. I like to imagine that there is some good in being my flowery, sparkly bada$$ self.

I don’t worry about kids or meals, but I do worry about what happens to junior faculty if I make service decisions that serve my needs. That’s my “X” right now…

(Don’t buy suits, though. They’re not in, and moreover, they might send the wrong message in your field esp., in which I imagine that male proffies probably show up in jeans or cargo pants and polarfleece most days.)

I don’t know what to do about X other than try to ignore it, or to think like a man. Don’t worry about what’s for dinner until dinner time. Don’t think about doing anyone else’s work but your work. Don’t think about who’s going to pick up the children until they need to be picked up. Assume someone else will solve these problems for you.

What’s the worst that could happen?

I am about to move to a new university, where I will be the first woman ever hired to the academic faculty of my new unit (a young woman hired to a contingent position, also a first, will start at the same time). I have been pondering dialing down my attire, which tends toward the colorful. This is a leadership role and I don’t want to be too easy to stereotype. But then, there were butterflies in my hair when I was offered the job. I don’t think anybody who knows me would say I avoid difficult situations, capitulate, etc. even though I prefer working in a concensus style that certainly does value the sensitivities of others.

(And per Dr. Crazy’s suggestion, I no longer eat the heels of the bread, but instead save them for crumbs!)