Full Moon Today

Day very busy--many telephone conversations with students, faculty members; in person conversations with custodial staff after discovery of alarming toilet plug in the mens room. Also have surprising chat with Chair, who makes rare appearance. At beginning of discussion, he asks, Do you like Virginia Woolfe? Reply briskly, Oh yes, love old Wolfie which does not come out as intended as all. (Though must admit can't say how intended to sound.) Good, says the chair. Begins seemingly unrelated story about professor who thought she could take her own air conditioner out of the window on her own--even though professor has neuralgia and is afraid of heights--the air conditioner slipped out of her hands and landed on her foot. Ask, What happened? Chair replies, Cut the big toe clean off. Clean off? Welll practically, it was hanging by a thread. Am horrified but very very curious. Ask breathlessly, right or left toe? See after asking question that answer not relevant. Chair then says, So she doesn't really feel up to stumping all over Manhattan. Am still marveling over use of verb when hear him say, How would you like to teach her class on British Modernists? Wolfie, etc. ha ha. Agree and thank the chair profusely. Know that money is not very good, but will end up with at least a few new items of clothing to replace rags which have been wearing. Also, like idea of students. It is only later that realize know nothing about british modernists. Think, but am not certain, that have completed To the Lighthouse once and have started many Woolfe essays with enthusiasm before losing steam and putting aside. Try to complain to Dave. He says, You'll be fine. Feel that though kindly meant, is unhelpful.