So Much To Do

In December I had a tipping point where it started taking too long to figure out what to do next from my to-do list. I am grateful that I have a lighter teaching load this coming semester but it still feels overwhelming, wondering what crucial things are remaining undone. I wake up in the middle of night trying to solve the problem half-awake. Sub-optimal.

Been Busy

It's been almost two months since I posted last. I've had to perform triage on a daily basis, and to be blunt, I've put my responsibilities to loved ones, to students, to colleagues before myself.

I'm weary. I can see the end of the semester and feel gratified with what I have done but I am bone weary.

Public Speaking

I gave a very brief report this morning at a meeting of our Trustees. Most of the presentation was in writing, distributed ahead of time. That is tedious to compile but not particularly deep.

As is my wont I gave a two-minute summary of process and asked for questions.  I used to be terrified of that kind of public speaking, and I'm not complacent now, but I seem to do it well and the fear isn't there.

I've gotten much better at figuring out what listeners want.  I've also gotten good at constructing some kind of hook or comment at the beginning that is unexpected, to make sure and engage the listeners and grab their attention.

Meetings, meetings, more meetings

Our university's Planning Week has a large number of overlapping meetings.  Most of the planning has actually occurred before this week; it's more a matter of telling everyone what the plans are.

The meetings aren't bad, but they're not what I came here for. I'm looking forward to my first class next week.

Preparing for Another Academic Year

Now is the time in the summer when my adrenal glands start to work again. Or is the massive caffeine intakes?

All my problems with focus earlier in the summer seem to have faded and I'm turning out course materials and committee documents efficiently, reflecting my years of experience.

I'm going to miss the summer even as I exult in what I can do during the academic year.

Too Hot

We are having duct-work replaced in our house for a large amount of money. Without running the AC it is unpleasant.

I don't handle the heat very well, less so since I've put on weight but even when I was younger I greatly preferred the cooler weather.

Summer's Over After July 4

Each summer we travel to visit family on the July 4 holiday.  Afterward it always feels as if there are more tasks to perform then there are days left in the summer on which to do them. For me in a very real way July 4 marks the end of my summer.

I don't really have summer break as a faculty member; I have no classes to teach so my schedule is more flexible but I regularly set unreasonable goals for research and course preparation, especially when I don't have quite the adrenaline rush.