Application in...

14 November 2021: Took a big step today, applying for a new position at Shepherd. I feel split right down the middle, equally very excited and not-at-all certain about it. I wonder about my motivations, which voices in my head (and otherwise) to listen to, and how I can keep my own happiness in sight--and just what that really is, not what think/want it to be. 

But all I've done so far is apply. And I can keep thinking and praying about it. So we'll see what happens next. 

Half and half?

13 November 2021: At the open house this morning, one of my colleagues asked me what my plans for the day were. I told her that I wasn't sure yet, but that I was trying to do one "work" day and one "non-work" day every weekend. She laughed and said that sounded good. But as she left, she sort of whispered to me, "You know, no work on both days would be okay, too..." 

After the open house, I came home and did some laundry and cleaning. Went to lunch and a movie with Amy. Came back home, took a walk, and then...got some work done (letters of recommendation, emails, etc.) with TV on in the background. Definitely not a work-free day, but not a completely failed attempt at Project Balance. And I do feel better with those letters off my mind. So maybe half and half? 

Vaccine taxi...

12 November 2021: Long day today (long days every day this week), but I got to end the public part of it by taking Carrie and Charlotte to a local church so Charlotte could get her vaccine. First, I love feeling useful. But more than that, it was surreal in the best way to sit in the car and wait for them, knowing that inside this child who I've known since she was a baby (Carrie actually interviewed for the position at Shepherd when she was pregnant) was getting this miracle of a vaccine and that everyone who loves her can breath a bit easier now. 

"A bit of everything" kind of day

11 November 2021: Had an early meeting, got some course prep done, did some Senate work, attended some conference presentations (MAPACA is online this year), had lunch with Hannah (an unexpected delight!), delivered my own paper (went well!), had dinner with my parents, and called Krista for her 9th birthday. Not a dull moment and lots of good ones.  

"Nobody’s ever trying to do their worst..."

10 November 2021: “Sometimes Dr. Tarrasch makes me repeat this thing. She makes me say, I’m doing the best I can. I thought it was corny, but I don’t know. It kind of works. Nobody’s ever trying to do their worst, I guess." --Lionel, in Brandy Colbert's Little and Lion

We are two classes into our discussion of this book in the YA course. So far, it's been great. I took some time at the beginning of today's class to focus on the bit above, using it as a way to make space for students to catch their breath and feel a bit encouraged during this stressful time of the semester. It worked really well. 

Catherine Clinton on campus

9 November 2021: Got to hear Catherine Clinton talk about her book, Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom tonight. (It's this year's Common Reading.) Still so grateful to have these events back in person and for the chance to hear an important historian talk about her work. I get to have dinner with her tomorrow night, too, something I am really looking forward to.

The Amber Ruffin Show

8 November 2021: Just catching up on last Friday's episode of The Amber Ruffin Show. It's just so good. It manages to be smart, funny, biting, and sweet. This bit killed me. 

Sex Education

7 November 2021: After Hannah recommended it to me, I finally started watching Sex Education on Netflix last night. It's so good! Funny, sweet, smart, moving. Just a blast. About to finish the first season, thanks mostly to a quiet Saturday evening and Sunday. (Booster reactions have been pretty mild--sore arm and maybe some fatigue.)

Boosted!

6 November 2021: Got my vaccine booster this morning. So far, so good. Arm's a bit sore and maybe feeling tired, but also feeling relieved and grateful. Amy and I saw SU volleyball win another great match this afternoon. Now settled back home for a quiet evening. I am thinking pizza, TV, blankets, and an early bedtime. Not bad!

Home again...

5 November 2021: Back from SSAWW (Baltimore is always so much closer than I remember!), unpacked, settled back in. Had dinner with Amy tonight and watched SU volleyball win (again). I know I keep saying this, but it really does feel like the downslope now. 

SSAWW

4 November 2021: Here are your clues: replying to  work emails that piled up during sessions, hotel artwork in the background, and a lanyard that I only just realized I forgot to remove. That's right: in-person conferences are back!

There's that feeling again...

3 November 2021: That feeling my post title refers to? That particular brand of low-level anxiety before a trip, in this case, a trip for a conference. Haven't felt this in two years! (I have done conferences since then, but they've been virtual.) Remarkable how similar the feelings are, including a whole lot of "I wish this were already over even though I know it will be fun" and "Can't wait to pull back into the driveway." 

Big old check mark...

2 November 2021: With a great group of colleagues, I checked a big item off my to-do list today. Feels pretty good and also kind of weird. But I am going to focus on the "pretty good" part right now.

Bump on the downslope...

1 November 2021: Monday has provided a good reminder that the metaphor in yesterday's post could use a bit of clarification. I got to campus before 7:00 a.m. and walked in the door here at home at 7:11 p.m. So much to do/take care of/manage. A bit of a bump on the downslope. But it's still a downslope (please?). Ha. 

Sunday on the downslope...

31 October 2021: Spent most of today at the office. Got a decent amount of work done: a ton of grading, senate prep, and practiced/revised my two conference papers. Even attended a Zoom training session for moderating a hybrid panel at SSAWW this week. Look: it's not an ideal way to spend a weekend day, but it wasn't awful and I got home by 5:00 and have been taking it pretty easy since then. Breathing more easily on the downslope of this semester...