Post-Commencement

I often feel very depressed at and shortly after Commencement.  While we all promise to stay in touch, we don't.  It's essentially goodbye to students we've known for years.  If we do see or hear from them later, they are different people in many ways.

This year I didn't feel so depressed, but not because I am any more stable emotionally.  Rather I felt detached---many students didn't stop by our department's faculty after Commencement, and eventually we left.

Pre-Commencement

Strange timing this year.  My Spring final exams occurred as early as possible, and my grades are done a week before Commencement.  I did have a student meeting this morning but the official course-work is done  earlier this term than any other Spring Term that I can recall.

I have things that I want to start working on, but not surprisingly, it's hard to focus.  I'm tired mentally and physically.  I'm trying to move forward on some stuff, no matter how slowly.

Waiting on the Electrician (or someone like him)

I left work early (and brought grading home with me) while electricians are working on some fault here at our house.  They've got the lights working again but something is still wrong; every time they start to close up their work the lights go back out again.

I feel very claustrophobic when I'm home waiting on house repairs.  It's not so bad during the summer so I guess it's related to work-stress.  Not much of that left before the end of the semester.

Trying to Slow Down

I tried to take the day off yesterday, and mostly did.  I slept in, went to see a matinee, and did no schoolwork.  I did cook dinner, a simple recipe.

I was tired and achy the whole day, and had trouble thinking straight.  It's hard without the adrenaline and caffeine---I guess that I am acclimated.  I wonder how I can help myself to heal, physically and mentally.