Day 98

So very many interesting things have come up in the past week including posters around campus that say "Quality Staff Deserve Quality Benefits," a headline investigation into unnecessary police force used on student protesters, a video released by Chancellor Birgeneau on the recent protests and budget issues, an agreement between the university and the union on the temporary layoff measures, and news of hearing that is being held today in Sacramento on the California Master Plan. However, last week I was working through lunch and staying late every day in preparation for our two week hiatus over the winter break furlough, so I barely had time to powder my nose, let alone ponder the daily trials of the California system of higher education or my colleagues' opinions on those issues. I certainly pondered, but only within my own mind rather than through my fingertips at the keyboard.

Speaking of my fingertips, I can barely feel them at the moment since Murphy's Law has taken over Berkeley campus, and on the coldest day of the year so far, half of campus is without heat and hot water. I am wearing a knee-length wool winter coat, winter boots, and a bulky scarf with a space heater at my feet that isn't even able to keep my ankles warm. My office mate went to a discount clothing store across the street and bought a pair of fingerless gloves to add to her arctic getup. Faculty are fleeing for their home-computers while the staff here in the office are blowing warm air into our fists like the pitchers at a frigid MLB playoff game in the northeast. At this moment, Bob Cratchit and I are kindred spirits.