Working from Home

Working from home doesn't work so well for me. If I had an office, I'd probably be okay. But my computer is in the same room as my t.v. and that, my friends, is a great temptation. I cut waaaay back on the t.v. watching last semester, but over this break I've been immersed in an ANTM (America's Next Top Model, for those of you with actual lives) mega-marathon. It's tough to break away from.

I did, though, finish my dissertation fellowship proposal . . . I think. I sent off a copy to two of my good friends and good readers, and I'll see what they say, but I'm feeling pretty good about it. It's hard to tell, though, if I have a shot at this fellowship. There was a massive debate in the school newspaper here a few years ago and feminists did not come off looking so good. One young woman with good intentions managed to reify the Rush Limbaugh version of feminism and, yet again, feminism becomes the other F word on campus. So I'm not sure how my feminist project will be received. That's not to say that if I don't get the fellowship it's because my project is feminist, but I don't think it works in my favor.

It would be one thing if it were a department fellowship. I think I've proved myself in this department and I think that people here trust that I'll do good work. But it's a university-wide award and there's a very good chance that no one on the selection committee will know me. And, of course, that's the way the job market works, so I should get used to it. I should be judged on the merit of my project, not on my past work, but still, my past work is more than just the 2 page c.v. that I'm allowed.

All of this is a long-winded way of saying that I want to get this fellowship and I'm anxious about it.