Spring Break

Spring Break (at least at my university) feels very different from Fall Break.  The whole university community seems more winded as we sprint toward the end of the school year.  It makes sense to take a whole week to catch our breath.

As with all my vacations I focus on the things that I don't accomplish to self-flagellate and not on the things that I do accomplish.  I'm keenly aware this week as well of how much my body hurts from the damage I've done to it with too many late night grading-sessions and carrying to many heavy bags around on my shoulder.

Who knows?  Perhaps I'll learn to savor my accomplishments and to be a better steward of my health.  It could happen.

Back from Conference

I've been dismayed at how miserable I have felt physically at my last several conferences.  Back pain, sleep loss, bleary eyes---all have made it difficult to feel energetic about networking, etc.

On the flip side the relief from my normal responsibilities and stressors is significant.  I look forward to my next conference.  I just wish that I felt better.

Back Pain

I've lived with back pain off and on as an adult.  There was a really bad incident before the kids were born where I was unable to get off the floor without crying.  I've just had a moderately bad episode, a week before going to a conference.

I stretch each day, but I also carry much more than I should.  That seems to be the primary cause, as opposed to over-doing it at the gym or my perpetual sleep loss.  I may need to start using my luggage carrier prophylactically.

Sleepless

I've been pulling too many late nights on schoolwork, and aside from the pain it's causing my body it's been very difficult to keep my thoughts together.  I'm still reacting very well in a structured environment but without structure my mind is all over the place.  I remain grateful for the good habits and reflexes that I have developed over the years to keep me functional at times like this.

Two Weeks Done

Now we're in the thick of the semester;  work is coming in to be graded, and I've assigned a project.

So far so good with the freshmen classes;  the students seem eager to maintain my respect.  The upperclassmen are a bit fussier, demanding more.

Tired;  how do I ever maintain this pace, semester after semester?

Feeling Ahead

I seem to be making good steady progress on both my class preparation and some writing.  I suspect the main reason is not being chair anymore;  the last six January's were full of annual evaluations, looking for adjuncts, changing schedules, etc.  It's not just the time committed to these tasks---it was the attention that they took away from my individual work.

I may want to be chair again someday but I really do need to experience a lack of responsibility for others for a while.

Major Conference

Well, I've made it to San Diego for five days.  A major conference---a mix of talks but enough of them to provide a bunch of good talks.  A chance to give my own talk.

Also a chance to be on my own and not responsible for others.  Such a nice change.