A good start

After a crazy fall semester and end to 2012, the New Year has definitely started on the right foot. In terms of teaching, I have 24 students in two classes, both of them ones that I have taught several times before, which compares to the 47 students I had last semester in three classes, one of which was a brand new preparation every week. What a difference this makes!

I find myself with actual unscripted time, which is precious and unfamiliar. I have time to read a biography of Olaudah Equiano that I have been meaning to read for years and never had the time, and to read Cloud Atlas as my bedtime reading, and to watch DVDs of series and films I missed last year, and to go see "Flight" and to go today to see "Life of Pi." Maybe I'll be able to watch most of the Oscar-nominated films, something I used to do back in college. I know it's the beginning of the year and we only just started but certainly last semester didn't feel in any way shape or form near this manageable, or enjoyable, at the get go. I actually don't remember when time felt this unclaimed.

Not having a new class prep or a looming scholarly project that needs daily attention definitely makes a huge difference, and it's something for me to remember. I like how this feels, and I will  continue to cultivate this feeling rather than being overwhelmed and spread too thinly. There is a culture in academia that promotes that feeling that there is always a lot more that you could be doing and a lot more that's not getting done or done well. The irony may be in that one has to work hard to avoid that feeling. In doing so, the goal is not to work less or be satisfied with lesser standards. It's all about balance. About knowing when to say "enough." About being grateful and appreciative, rather than disgruntled and discontented. To have that option is a privilege that should not go unappreciated.

At home, after a little over a year of being back in our old house in the tiny city, we have settled into nice routines and I am continually thankful that I have this distance from work, even with the commute. I love my walks with Lizzy in the morning, even the freezing ones, and I love watching our furry children as they wile away their days in warmth and comfort. It is good to remember and to be thankful that we are so blessed, indeed.