Putting together an SBL proposal and the 150 max word proposal abstract is TOUGH.
(the cheeses in question are Humboldt Fog, a very tangy goat cheese and Fromage d'Affinois, a double cream that will ruin all other bries for you. I'm sure in the wide world of cheese they're not *that* fancy* but they're fancy enough that I only get them at 50% off when Ralphs' deli overstocks)
Which means I have just enough time to head home and whip up a little charcuterie board with my favorite fancy cheeses before picking up H from daycare.
It's been a rough few days out there. Take a minute and do something nice for yourself!
Today I did my taxes, replaced my key fob battery, prepped class notes for two weeks, wrote a quiz, cleared my email, and helped two lost transfer students find their class... all by 2:00!
Southwest was always quirky, but all the pieces worked together. Two free checked bags per a person was incredible—and as a result there was always tons of overhead bin space. Then private equity went and ruined everything.
Not only have they taken away everything distinctive about the airline, they’ve managed to roll out the changes in the worst possible way.
Southwest implementing its no free checked bags policy before implementing assigned seating has created an absolute hellscape of plane boarding.
what are the best staplers? the ones that never jam and aren't finicky, even if you're someone who has weak grip strength and likes to hold them sideways and staple in the air instead of using the table??
I would pay good money for the perfect stapler.
Sometimes I wonder if the overwhelming scale of #SBLAAR25 is worth it. But then I go to a panel on a topic tangential to my work but w/presenters who are just good thinkers & writers & question-askers, head back to my room, and bang out 750 words for a paper I'd been struggling with for weeks.
If you’re at #SBLAAR25 and looking for a hearty breakfast/brunch, let me recommend Thornton’s. Huge portions, reasonably priced for a place walking distance from the conference center, quick service, and generous with the coffee refills.
Last night’s Amazing Race episode had a Greek alphabet memorization challenge, obviously in honor of #SBLAAR25
I have nursed, pumped, and/or brought kids to 5 out of 8 SBLs and I am happy to chat more on DM about making that work!!
Also relevant for specific populations: there are lactation rooms at the conference center and on-site childcare (at additional cost, must be reserved ahead of time).
I will ooh and aah over your babies!
Check the weather forecast (highs in mid 40s + chance of rain). Wear comfy shoes! Feel free to change to a different session halfway through, it’s totally normal! Leave breaks and don’t over-schedule yourself! Drink lots of water!
Which books need to be on my shopping list for #SBLAAR?
(to my knowledge, I'm fine! I get regular early colonoscopies because of a very high rate of colon cancer in my family, because colon cancer is super treatable if caught early! get your colonoscopies!)
People grouse about colonoscopy prep, but honestly, the week before when you cut all the healthy fibrous veggies and whole grains and have a good excuse to eat nothing but meat, cheese, pasta, and dessert is pretty top tier.
I regret to inform you that 21 people have ignored my request.
Fall break means my university inbox is at zero, so no one is allowed to email me for the rest of the day.
This class is so much more eager to talk and discuss in class, and they seem to be doing better making social connections outside, too.
My 2yo is learning the Lord's Prayer and somehow got it into his head that the line is "deliver us from people," and you know what kid? fair enough.
Is there a pdf of the 2025 SBL/AAR program available?
I find the new online program book less convenient to navigate than a good, old-fashioned CTRL+F.
Looking forward to seeing how many of the 18 year olds who lapped me on the track this morning are in my classes today!
New achievement unlocked
(if I ever say I want to go back to school again, please give me a good shake)
Well, we somehow managed to win the academic lottery—my spouse will be moving into a tenure track role at Pepperdine this fall!
Feeling super proud and super lucky.
Using a tablet and e-pen to offer feedback on writing is such a game changer, and I can’t believe I’ve waited so long to get on board. All sorts of ways to annotate that reviewer mode in word just can’t replicate.
A high schooler just complimented the way I was wearing my shirt, so either she was making fun of me or move aside Gen Z, Gen Alpha is bringing back the French tuck.
They look snazzy on, too.
Mine has scarlet velvet for theology, his has philosophy blue. Other small differences are a small variation in shade of blue (both royal, but Herff Jones’ is slightly more purple) and piping on only one side of the front velvet (which I probably could have asked for had I thought to!)
The other Dr. Estes’s robes are here! Totally customized and look great, with/slight differences between his and mine noticeable only side by side
If you’re a PhD student looking for a more reasonable alternative but want your school’s colors instead of generic black, check out Cap and Gown Direct!
