"The worst thing in the world is to try to sleep and not to."

Quote from F. Scott Fitzgerald, an American author who is considered one of the greatest of the twentieth century. Most famous for The Great Gatsby. If you haven't read it, you should.



I am annoyed that I fell asleep on my couch ridiculously early and hauled myself to bed, only to wake up a few hours later and feel like it's morning, unable to go back to sleep. When's the last time I saw the hours of 1 and 2am for reasons that were not because I was out with friends? My plan to go to bed early and wake up early is now going to be seriously foiled because of my current insomnia. The positive is that I always have friends who are night-owls, mainly because in my younger days I used to be one. One of my old friends (we'll call him Jack) from my grad school days is still awake, as I figured, and is happily chatting to me online since neither one of us seem to be heading to bed soon. Jack's also really musically talented, and the benefit of this conversation is that I'm also going to get to hear some of stuff he's currently messing around with. A win on all parts.

Professional life has been busy with to-do lists. I have many going simultaneously, and it's fun to try and juggle between my worlds. Mostly I am working on completing things for closing and getting all the important documents squared away, but I also have those things I need to get done for my building and my staff, and my ever-growing personal to-do list (it's usually reminding me to change my shower curtain liner and I usually just ignore it). The end of the year is so near that I can taste it. How everything can be winding down already is beyond me, but it's happening whether I'm ready or not.

The end of the year is also bringing some major professional life changes. I'm watching a few more friends/colleagues than I initially thought leave our department in search of a better fit and/or better opportunities. It's hard to deal with, especially since I formed close friendships with a few people and excellent working relationships with other. Next year will definintely take some getting used to.

Meanwhile I press forward with summer plans.....and by that, I mean trying to come up with some. I'll definitely visit one of my close friends from grad school, spend some time back at home, hang out here and enjoy the peace. I made the decision awhile ago not to work this summer, and while my credit cards might wish that I was making some extra loot, my sanity is quite glad for the time off.

Random tidbit of the week.....I recently looked into a position that wasn't in higher ed that I think I would really love to do. I've thought about doing this type of thing before, but then settled on going to grad school and it was really only a fleeting thought. While I don't have intentions on applying now since I've committed to returning to my job next year, I will admit that the thought crossed my mind. And now I'm starting to wonder what else is out there beyond the higher ed realm that might interest me. That doesn't mean that I'm throwing in the towel with this profession.....it just means that I'm curious how else I can use this degree. We shall see.