Why do I have this journal? Oh, because LJ automatically renews each year. I gotta change that or start using this service more often. I've been too busy (working full time at a library and still teaching) or too happy to hang around this space. I don't know why, but I associate this journal with sad memories. Maybe I need a new account name, a new design, a fresh start.

What's going on with me? I resigned from my library job because I accepted a tenure-track full time Basic Skills English Instructor position! In 4 years, I'll be tenured and you can call me professor. I've been a part time adjunct faculty member for nearly 5 years, but that's NOTHING compared to some of my colleagues who've been grinding for a decade or more. I'm very LUCKY, but I also know that I worked hard for it. According to the committee, my teaching demonstration set me apart from other candidates and the interim college president was impressed with my responses during our interview.

The most exciting part right now? I get my own office! I've been shopping like a fiend for furniture and fun decorations. Since I have a permanent place to grade and file papers, I can also draft and revise my short stories and novel manuscripts when I'm not working. My department chair stressed that this office is MY SPACE and to make it my home. *LOVE* This article on Inside Higher Ed pretty much sums up the awesomeness that is getting your own faculty office.

My next goal? Buying some property. I came close to buying an awesome 4 bedroom and 4 bathroom condo in Compton for $160k, but there was an issue with the title. The couple residing in the space is going through a horrible breakup and only 1 person has permission to sell. I fell in love with this condo, so it's going to be hard to look elsewhere. Luckily, I have an awesome realtor, so I'm going to leave it all up to fate for now.

What else...summer movies I love? Fruitvale Station and World War Z. (The Conjuring had its moments but was mostly disappointing.)

Well, I'm off to do more shopping. I want a chic and comfortable desk chair. Some of my friends have asked to see before and after photos of my office. I'll post pics when I'm done. For now, these are some of my mysterious goodies. ;)