Oh, did you ask us what have we been up for the past month?

So we got scolded by Evie Perry for not posting any new blogs in a while. It is good to know we are not boring you guys with the adventures of the International Rays. I actually have to do some work while I am here so I have been grinding on two Revise and Resubmit papers for Men & Masculinities and the International Journal of Sociology of the Family and two other papers which I submitted to the DuBois Review and Gender & Society. Now, I have to direct my attention to my MZES presentation for the Social Science Colloquium on May 20. And of course this is in the midst of our beloved visitors. Life is hectic and chaotic, but dog gone it, it is great!

While I have been grinding away in my office, Cynthia has been spending time with Silke Becker, who is a hebamme (midwife). Midwifery is very common in Germany and Silke is not just any midwife but one of the best! Her midwife practice just won the best newspaper advertisement of the year for all of Germany! Congrats Silke! So for all of you nurse and health care professionals, Cynthia has been working with one of the best. Cynthia has spent time at the University Klinikum (University Hospital) and Silke’s, and her colleague Barbara’s, Midwifery Surgery (Office) in Mannheim.

During this time, we have also welcomed Christi Smith, who is one of my colleagues from IU. Christi is a Visiting Scholar and Lecturer at the University of Mannheim as well. She is teaching Historical Research Methods. Not only is Christi a very clever and smart scholar, she also speaks seven languages (e.g. German)! Now, we are patiently awaiting the arrival of Brandon and Marquinta Harvey and Abigail Sewell. I call Brandon and Marquinta QB. Get it Queens Bridge…. well… anyway, this was my ode to Nas. Marquinta is my best childhood female friend since like the 7th or 8th grade. Brandon and I stayed together for a month while I was teaching at the University of Michigan and he was doing an internship on urban planning. Abigail Sewell is one of my colleagues from IU. Her brain is the envy of all who interact with her because she processes information like a PC.

Peace out!