Taking a Break

So this is my 186th post since May of 2008. I've posted pretty regularly since that time, but I'm taking a break indefinitely. Part of it has to do with the fact that no one comments on my posts, and I'm feeling sorry for myself. But more than that, I've been so busy this semester, and I need to cut the things that I can to free up some more time. Plus I've got a few new things that I'd like to devote time to, and this may enable that to some degree. I may be back in a while, but I feel like I need a break.

Yesterday was a great day

Yesterday, which is my longest day of the week, I felt like all three of my classes rocked. My first class, I had planned to show a video and then discuss, but at the last minute, I decided the video wasn't going to work. I switched to just discussing stuff, and the discussion was incredible. Really great students. The second class, which has moments where it seems to suck the life out of me, was really good also. The last class, which is my graduate class, had a lively discussion and really went well. Rather than feeling completely drained, I left after that marathon day feeling really charged. It was a great day.

I'm showing a video in at least one of my classes later this week called The Wave. Wow, what a great critical thinking exercise (though ethically questionable). If you haven't heard the story, click here to see the made-for-tv video on YouTube.

Opening Convocation

Today was our opening convocation. I love the ceremony to start the year--I'm a big fan of organizational rituals overall, and this one communicates several key values that are important to the university. This year was, perhaps a slight letdown. I was under the impression that the songs sung by the concert choir were chosen based on tradition, and this year's selection deviated from what I remember (and liked) from the previous three. Also, the university did not host the typically outstanding lunch for visitors, faculty, and staff that they have in the past--probably understandable in light of budget cuts, of course. Perhaps I had just built it up in my mind from last year.

I was talking to colleagues in other departments that began their time here the same year that I did. We talked about how the fourth year is really different from previous years. It's not just that we're not "new" anymore--that's been over for a while now. It's more than we've made it past the first milestone of any importance. It's a neat feeling. We fit in now. A very cool place to be.

Other People Controling My Schedule

I'm still not sure about other people having control of my schedule. It's easier than me having to do it myself, but it's never fun seeing an afternoon of meetings that I didn't schedule. But if I have to have these meetings, I guess this is a pretty efficient way of doing it.

Tomorrow, I'm meeting with graduate students to tell them to get going on their theses if they want to graduate. Kind of a kick in the pants type of thing. The two that I am directing specifically need to get going.

One week until the first deadline for international programs, which means I'll have a little bit of an idea about interest level in my summer program after next Monday. I have plans to do a big advertising push this week--standard stuff like posters at the top/bottom of stairs and in bathroom stalls (anywhere people have to look in a particular direction).

This week is going to be super busy (mostly because of meeting impinging on otherwise free time). Next week will be a catch-up week for all of the things in September that I wanted to get done, but haven't. Then, the big push toward NCA and toward the end of the semester starts.

A student came to my office wanting something but was dipping while talking to me. Granted, I surprised him in the hall and invited him in when I heard about his interest. That same student was cussing to his group during class today (not AT his group, but loud enough to be easily overheard). Impression management issues. What this student wanted is only barely within my control (depends on a committee of which I am only one voice), so the student didn't sink his chances or anything. But still, impression management.

Meeting Prospective Students

Kind of fun. I started meeting prospective students for our graduate program this week. I kind of pictured me selling our program to them, but really they seem to think they need to sell themselves to me. So it's interesting that during each meeting, we're almost competing with each other to impress.

It's a busy time, but I feel good about things. I'm getting into the part of the semester when I'll have to spend time grading, so my time may be even less controllable.

The Public Calendar

Last week started well, but fizzled in terms of productivity. I think Thursday was so intense that I just didn't have any motivation on Friday. Or Saturday. I am trying to readjust my expectations for those days as well as be more disciplined. We'll see how it goes.

Thursday was definitely intense. I definitely felt that one of my classes could have gone better. I like the material, but I have to find a way to convey that passion to students who have different interests. One awesome thing on Thursday--a couple of graduate students came to me for advice. It really made me feel like the graduate director, which was very cool.

This week begins the experiment with letting someone else post to my calendar. I have two meetings set up by this person (meetings with prospective students). I thought the week was mostly open until I saw those and another meeting that I'd committed to. But I'm still hoping that the week goes well in terms of productivity. Last fall, I felt like I had decent expectations and just couldn't get anything done. I'm worried that this past week is foreshadowing a similar semester.

Renewal and Preparation

The weekend was great for renewal. I didn't really even think about work until Tuesday morning, which was probably great for me mentally.

This morning, I had an early morning meeting about my trip overseas next summer. The meeting was basically about how to interview and evaluate applying students. I'm starting to get very excited, but it's also in my nature to be particularly nervous until I have recruited enough students for the trip to make.

Now, I'm about to cook dinner for our graduate students, kind of a graduate director tradition. Class with these students was really neat last night.

Oh, and I'm submitting a new article. Actually, it's one that was rejected in June and then pseudo-rejected last month (the editor said it didn't fit the journal). So here goes again.

Labor Day

No news today. I'm enjoying the day off.

Great Week

It was a great first week of school. Thursdays are a little bit nuts, and I'll have to have low expectations for what I can get done on those days, but I think my students are great. Now, ask me later, and I may have a different story. But I like them so far.

Great students and barking dogs

My dog barked for much of the night, and I'm a little bit delirious today. Not good on the first week with my hardest day of teach to come (tomorrow).

My students are great! I think the graduate class is going to be interesting because of how big the class is, but I have a great feeling about all of my classes.

This semester is probably going to be my busiest yet, but I have a good feeling about it.