I am taking a Break,
But I Need a Vacation
For the first time in a very long time I am feeling stressed out. I am about to start teaching at two local schools, one a career college, the other the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee.For the past week or two I have been filling out forms, going to meetings that discuss stuff I don't understand (or much care about), gathering piles of texts, DVDs and papers and arranging syllabus material. The UWM gig (I am an alumni) requires I learn a new and somewhat complicated computer system for e mails, grades, postings, etc. The course I am teaching there is Fundamentals of Pathophysiology.
At the career college, there is paper work that I simply would never do. Thank goodness for Kathleen, my guardian angel there. I will be teaching Anatomy and Physiology, which I have taught there before. In addition, I will be teaching clinical lab skills, which I have not done before. Being a new course, I have spent hours in conversations with those who know and teach the course, and I have been trying to get a handle on pacing the material, class presentations, etc..
I love to teach. It is, in fact, my greatest passion; and I hate the crap that goes along with the job. A lot of time is spent with forms, in services, heady discussions, rubrics and a million other things besides time with the students. Tomorrow will be my first two classes at the college. Early Friday morning I fly to visit with my grandson. I do not return until late Monday and will have to be prepared to teach Tuesday morning (2 classes) at the college. A week later, I start at UWM as well. Because of the scheduling of the two schools, I will not be able to get away for a vacation to anyplace warm, unless it is a weekend jaunt (which sounds more stressful than relaxing).
I don't like the way I feel , and the sub zero weather isn't helping. I cannot go for a relaxing paddle and feel trapped in the house (other than when I run over to the gym). I need to take care of myself and will, therefor, be taking a hiatus from posting here. I hope to be back with you early next week. Mean while, be good to yourselves, and always
Paddle safe..
DS
10 comments:
Hey Silbs, relax take a deep breath and slow yourself down. Im sure things will work out well for you, you are a very competent person and theres no reason to worry so much. good luck in your new life. Steve
Thanks, Steve. Part of me knows that. I need to get into the classroom and into action. It's this prep work unrelated to the academics that got to me. I appreciate the comment.
Hey Silbs, have a great time and travel safe. always enjoy reading your blog/post. Bill H.
Thanks, Bill. I look forward to seeing you on the water.
Lucky Students...take care.
Stan
Just make sure that No Child Is Left Behind and you'll be fine. I'm off to the Big Easy over this long weekend. I would hope we both can find some time for relaxing during our absences.
well there has been open water on the bark and on the oconomowoc rivers... now faced with minus 21 in our very near future, i doubt they will be open. blah...
sounds like a good time to go back country with the dog and pack, hug the tree line and stay out of the wind.
woof woof
Sounds like you need to sit down with a couple of good friends and enjoy some fine Irish or Scotch Whisky--at least a good cuppa coffee!
Travel safe!
Thanks to all. JB, we will do coffee one morning next week.
Ok, break-time is up!
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