Spring Break - visit with Heidi, Biltmore, biting cold weather, hotel in Asheville, hotel bar, martinis, drunken mommy confessions, no hangover, Thomas Wolfe, Look Homeward, Angel, Carl Sandburg home, big disappointment, NPS failure, big hill to climb, Heidi a good sport.
School - lots and lots of work, Dr. M. doesn't like me then does like me, great students to teach, German translation fun, Dr. F. and Jessie Benton Fremont, presentation day fall and skinning of knee, all A's, seeing friends hooded with their M.A.s, so proud.
Sister History Geek Week, II - Tricia coming, apartment a mess, baking muffins, Tricia discovers Pigeon Forge (ha ha!!), Columbia, SC, state house Lost Cause fun, U.S.S. Yorktown, Fort Sumter, John C. Calhoun and Edward Rutledge, Magnolia Plantation, alligators, terrific fun, love the low country, off to Charlotte, Stewart-Haas heaven, money spent in the gift shop, Hendrick's, NASCAR Hall of Fame, terrible performance in simulator, Junior potato chips, back home to Knoxville, a meatloaf left in the fridge for future dinner.
That brings us up to date. Last week, I began my summer assistanceship at the Papers of Andrew Jackson. Thanks to the fantastic Dr. F., I will work 180 hours over May, June, and July at the Jackson Papers. When I got the news, I was so over-the-moon happy that no one could have wiped the smile from my face. This past Monday, I transcribed the most amazing letter from Cherokee chief John Ross, complaining about the state of Georgia and its grabbing up of Cherokee lands and seeking Jackson's intervention. Ross had fabulous handwriting and near perfect spelling; I couldn't believe that the first document I got to transcribe was one so obviously important and significant. Today, I transcribed a pretty harsh condolence letter from AJ to one of his extended family upon the death of a baby girl. The letter presumably was meant to comfort, but AJ took the opportunity to remind the baby's father that he and his wife may have "doated" upon the child too much and did not pay proper attention to God, at which point God took the baby to the "mansions of bliss." It was so cool! I also learned how to edit and create calendar entries for documents that don't make it into full transcription--also remarkably cool.
In addition to working at the Papers, I'm also busy starting on readings for my comprehensive exams, which I will take in November. This is the big test, which, if I pass, will move me into the category of A.B.D. (All But Dissertation). It's a huge challenge, and I'll be reading all summer and fall to get ready. I'll be working with Dr. F. as my advisor as well as Dr. B., who I loved during her Atlantic World class, and also with Dr. H., with whom I had a disastrous first semester and a successful third semester. It's going to be hella difficult, but, if I can pull it off, its a major milestone toward my Ph.D.
So, there's not much more to say right now. I'm looking forward to another day at the Papers tomorrow. But for now, Knighty Knight from Knoxville....
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