Transition

 Yesterday was the last day of classes for fall semester. This semester, that means that today is a wonderful invention called "Reading Day," a day when instructors ostensibly read and grade work and students allegedly study for final exams. I say "this semester" because Reading Day isn't always a given and, when we get such a day, I'm immensely grateful.

It feels strange not to have any classes to prep for or teach, an occurrence to which my mind has not yet adjusted. I know this because it's still whirring away, generating a constant school-related buzz. I was awake in the wee hours of the morning, for example, worrying about students who are in danger of failing, somehow managing to shoulder a blame that isn't mine to own. While it was easy to differentiate their responsibilities from my own in the light of day (and upon further examination of my grade book), logic worked less well at 4AM, as is often the case.

Today, I am intentionally seeking balance -- a little bit of school work (final projects to grade), a little bit of around-the-house stuff, and a little bit of Christmas. Gradually, the school work will recede and my time will be my own again for the most part, until classes begin again in January. 

Meanwhile, my goals are reasonable, beginning with the hope of a better night's sleep tonight, now that I have done all that I can do.